Lovely Walks Across The UK
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2 weeks ago
Make the most of the great outdoors
The UK is filled with spectacular landscapes – so much so that it’s been voted one of the best countries in Europe for national parks. So dust off your walking boots and get some fresh air by embarking on one of the finest walking trails in the country. Here are the best walks in the UK.
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The Best Walks & Hiking Routes in the UK
Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, Scottish Highlands
Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct played host to the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, and a walk along the Viaduct Trail is a great way to see this magnificent piece of architecture for yourself. You’ll also be treated to views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding hills.
Goring Gap & The Thames Path, Oxfordshire
If you’re looking for a hiking trail not too far from London, hop on a train to the charming Oxfordshire town of Goring and you can amble along a particularly scenic stretch of the Thames Path. Head through the breathtaking Goring Gap – the narrowest part of the Thames Valley – and you’ll find yourself at one of Brunel’s last remaining red brick railway bridges.
Mam Tor, Peak District
While there are plenty of tough trails in the Peak District, a trek to the top of Mam Tor takes only two hours (and yields some truly spectacular views). Finish the three-mile climb and you’ll have reached the perfect spot from which to see the Edale Valley, the Derwent Moors and the heather-covered hills of Kinder Scout.
The Wye Valley, Wales
If you don’t feel like tackling all 218 kilometres of the Wye Valley Walk, why not begin at Tintern Abbey, strolling through the ancient Wyndcliff Wood and pausing to gaze at the River Wye from the famous Eagle’s Nest viewpoint. This route covers roughly ten kilometres, leading you through the Grade I-listed landscape of Piercefield Park until you reach Chepstow Castle.
Ightham Mote, Kent
Fancy exploring the Kentish countryside? With the 14th-century manor house of Ightham Mote as your starting point (a handsome National Trust property), you can meander along Greensand Way to Knole Park, another fine country estate, before ending up back in the tranquil Ightham Mote gardens.
The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Beginning at Kynance Cove in Mount’s Bay, this three-hour trail will take you through patches of wildflowers, outcrops of green-veined serpentine stone, and coves dotted with basking seals. Stop for a breather at the majestic Lizard Lighthouse or tuck into a picnic at Pen Olver before looping back towards Mount’s Bay.
Tarn Hows, Lake District
Once owned by Beatrix Potter – and subsequently sold to the National Trust – Tarn Hows is a picture-perfect corner of the Lake District National Park. A circular walk around the verdant landscape will only take an hour, but you’ll want to stop regularly to enjoy the glorious views.
Dinefwr Park, Wales
The historic Dinefwr estate encompasses a 12th-century fortress, a 17th-century manor house and 800 acres of rolling parkland, which you can explore via a special trail designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown after he visited in 1775. Spanning just over two kilometres, the path offers wonderful views, as well as the chance to spot some fallow deer. It’s certainly one of the most majestic walks in the UK.
Raad ny Foillan Coastal Path, Isle of Man
A great way to explore the beautiful Isle of Man is via a walk along the Raad ny Foillan Coastal Path. At 100 miles in length, walking the whole thing is no mean feat – but it can be split up into shorter stretches too. The route from Derbyhaven to the Sound is particularly scenic and filled with marine life, while the climb to Niarbyl from Port St Mary offers the highest point on the trail. Whichever part you choose, you’ll pass a range of different landscapes – from cliff footpaths and farmland to quite sandy beaches and wooded glens.
Brownsea Island, Dorset
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‘Going to Brownsea is just like setting off on holiday,’ says Phil Dyke, the National Trust’s coast and marine adviser, ‘You have to get there on a boat, it’s a proper journey. It feels like another world.’ Found in middle of Poole Harbour in Dorset, Brownsea Island is a true gem. A five-mile walk route takes you round the island, with plenty of wildlife to see along the way including red squirrels, dragonflies, deer and lizards all in residence. Explore a variety of landscapes and habitats including freshwater lakes, a sheltered lagoon, beaches, an abandoned village, grasslands and seashores.
Valley of Rocks, Exmoor National Park
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Located within Devon’s Exmoor National Park, the Valley of Rocks is a glorious sight – particularly when the weather’s on your side. Found at the mouths of the wooded gorges of the East and West Lyn rivers, it’s reached by an easy walk from the village of Lynmouth along the coast road. Once here, you can climb to the cliff tops for unparalleled views of the seascape.
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
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Explore the rolling woodlands of the National Trust’s Blickling Estate, a Jacobean mansion with magnificent gardens in Norfolk. The route takes you across a mixture of gentle slopes, woods, and open fields, and you’ll visit a number of historic points along the way including a pyramid mausoleum and an 18th century tower built for watching steeplechases once held in the park.
South Foreland Lighthouse Walk
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A landmark of the White Cliffs of Dover, the Victorian lighthouse was built to warn mariners of shifting sands. The views from the top are quite something, and – good news – it’s only a one-mile walk there from the town. Start at St Margaret’s Bay before following a section of the South West Coast Path up to South Foreland. You’ll pass the beautiful Pines Garden along the way, which has a waterfall and adjoining lake, grass labyrinth and organic kitchen garden, so it’s well worth stopping there for a quick explore.
Seven Sisters, South Downs
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With its chalk sea cliffs, meandering rivers and sheltered valleys, the eastern South Downs have some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery. Head to the Seven Sisters Country Park to see for yourself: there are a variety of routes for walkers, from short strolls to tougher nine-milers. If you’re up for the latter, head south along the River Cuckmere until you reach the mouth, where you can stop for a quick dip at the shingle beach. Next, head steeply eastwards along the clifftop to reach Birling Gap – it’s really important to steer clear of the eroding cliff edge here. From Birling Gap, there are plenty of westward trails to get you back to where you started.
Hadrian’s Wall
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The wall built to protect the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 84 miles from Tyneside to Cumbria. If 84 miles is a little further than you had in mind, feat not: there are many shorter walks, with undulating tracks weaving through picture-perfect countryside. Feel like a challenge? Getting to the top of Steel Rigg requires a bit of effort, but the views from the top are worth the climb.
