If you’re looking to embrace your adventurous spirit then walking, hiking and rambling is a sure-fire way to get started. Not only is it a great form of exercise but getting out in the open and reconnecting with nature is a proven way to boost your mental health. Here’s a short list of some of our favourite jaw-dropping walking spots to visit around the UK.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is home to some first-class walking trails and first up on our list is Mourne Mountain, a tough but rewarding route that includes a 5.6mile long climb up one of the highest peaks in the country. On a clear day it’s said you can see views as far as Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man.
Scotland
One of our favourite walking routes in Scotland is Stac Pollaidh. One of the smaller and more manageable mountains in Scotland, it stands at 513m high in the Northwest Highlands and features plenty of pinnacles, gullies and a sandstone crest. The views of stripped back wilderness, and an almost Martian-esque landscape are a real treat.
North East
If you’re located in the Northeast then the obvious place to visit for some rambling, coupled with a history lesson, is Hadrian’s Wall. Built by the Roman’s in AD 122 a hike through this area can give you a great insight into Roman life. For an extra special sight, get yourself to Sycamore Gap, an area featured in iconic scenes from the 90’s smash-hit movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves featuring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
North West
Home to the Lake District, the North West of England has a plethora of varied walks to enjoy. One unique walk you can enjoy is the Tolkien Trail in Lancashire. Starting in the Ribble Valley nearby to the village of Hurst Green, this 5.5-mile walk conjures up scenes not unlike that of The Shire in Middle Earth from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series.
Midlands
There are many Areas of Natural Beauty (AONB) around the UK but one of the smallest and most interesting is that of Cannock Chase. A former royal hunting forest that is teeming with everything from lizards and adders to deer and all manner of birds. This abundance of wildlife and biological diversity has led to Cannock Chase being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and given a certain level of protection from development. Walkers however can make the most of roaming rights to enjoy this special and surprisingly remote area.
Wales
When it comes to choosing a Welsh walking trail you are truly spoiled for choice. We couldn’t narrow it down to just one alone, so here are a selection. First up, you can visit the Taf Estuary which leads to Laugharne – once home to writer Dylan Thomas. You could take a trip to the gravity-defying canal boat route which follows the River Dee and can be found near the UNESCO heritage site by Llangollen. For isolation you can stroll the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, wonder at the ancient spiritual site of the Preseli Bluestones, or of-course make a visit to the woods, waterfalls and gorges of the Brecon Beacons. Or finally you could traverse peaks atop mountains at Holyhead or Mount Snowden.
South West
The South West of England is one of the most popular destinations for staycationers – and rightly so. The region has sun-soaked coastlines, rolling hills and beautiful countryside that make it a great place to visit on holiday. Cheddar Gorge is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to take a walk and attracts droves of visitors to its weathered crags, steep pinnacles and array of plants and wildlife. If you’re looking for some sea air and a coastal walk, then try the South West Coast Path in Cornwall, a 630 mile stretch of world-class walking tracks.
South East
In ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks TV programme a great many of the 100 routes they featured on their show were located in the South East of England. Some of the popular routes included chalk cliffs via Margate to Broadstairs, medieval towns and shoreline from Sandwich to Dover, forest tracks and sleepy hamlets via Leith Hill and steep-sided adventure seeking at the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
We hope this article gave you some inspiration for your next outdoors adventure. Have you found these tips useful? Where are your favourite places to ramble? Let us know by connecting with on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
