For those of us in England, who can now soak up the great outdoors more than once a day, we wanted to share some of our favourite walks to enjoy beautiful scenery. As the weather improves take the opportunity to get outside, explore and boost your health and wellbeing.
- Spectacular Coastline
Head to Britain’s most southerly point, the Lizard Peninsula, a scenic stretch of land dotted with picturesque coves and tiny, unspoiled fishing villages. Take your start from Kyance Cove famous for turquoise sea and white sands; you won’t believe you’re in Cornwall, reaching dramatic cliffs and more azure coloured sea at Lizard Point.
If you don’t intend on venturing that far south then stop in Falmouth, based around a thriving harbour, the town is the gateway to the beautiful Fal River Estuary which runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering beautiful walks amidst stunning coastal scenery. For a more relaxed pace, stroll along the award-winning Gyllyngvase Beach, a pristine example of the renowned Cornish beaches.
- The Picturesque Cotswold
Take in the Cotswold Way National Trail, just over 100 miles (161km) from Chipping Campden in the north, to Bath in the south. The route can take over a week to complete so we suggest taking it on smaller portions as there won’t be many places open to stop along the way, there are a various number of routes you can take.
Discover idyllic country lanes, hike up green rolling hills and meander through charmed forests and beautiful meadows – the Cotswold Way exemplifies traditional English countryside. The route is speckled with history, taking you through some of England’s prettiest villages and historic sites.
A must-see in summer is the spectacular Lavender fields (Check opening times before visiting). There are different routes for everyone, so take some time picking the best walk for you.
- Take on Somerset
Did you know Somerset also has a National Park in Exmoor and no fewer than three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Blackdown, Mendip and Quantock Hills?
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath offers beautiful architecture and infamous Bath stone buildings as you stroll through the city. Wander through hidden valleys and tranquil beech woodlands along the Bath Skyline Walk with remarkable elevated views you will see the city from a whole new perspective.
So many walking adventures to be had from coast to countryside, find your perfect Somerset walk here.
- Walks in Wiltshire
Wiltshire is home to some fantastic scenic countryside walks. Visit Blackmoor Copse in Salisbury, the location of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve which they have looked after since 1962. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and one of the most important woods in Wiltshire for wildlife, a gently sloping walk, the circular route makes it perfect for lazy summer days. Criss-crossed by woodland paths sprinkled with wildflowers such as violets, primroses, bluebells and common spotted orchids and butterflies.
The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust understands the importance of these outside spaces, take part in their annual nature challenge, 30 Days Wild! Perfect for all the family.
- The Thames path
Stretching an impressive 184 miles along the Thames Path, we don’t suggest you do it all at once! There are few different routes; we highly recommend the South Bank route that takes you in the direction to see all of the iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Additionally, the Putney to Tower Bridge section which is around 16.5km offers two walking routes that end at the iconic bridge, the bridge is currently closed, however, you can still marvel at its design.
Take the path out of central London, from Putney to Richmond, the walk parallels the route of the famous Oxford v Cambridge boat race. Travel through to Beverley Brook where the tarmac path evolves into tree-lined foot walkways for a more rural feel. The route will lead past Queen Elizabeth Walk taking you to the London Wetland Centre, an urban oasis for wildlife with lakes, ponds and gardens. (Check opening times before visiting). To the final stretch of the 9 mile walk, past the pretty Richmond Lock before coming to the end of the route at Richmond Bridge.
We hope you enjoy spending more time outside, but please remember to keep to the current social distancing guidelines. Find more information on accessing open spaces safely here.
For more walking routes:
Find an abundance of walks through the National Trust.
Looking for more in London? Take a look at some of the best nature walks in the city.
If you are thinking of moving home and want to have the coastline or countryside on your doorstep then check out our Rural and Coastal collections.
