The UK is a stunning place filled with hidden natural gems waiting to be discovered. Often, we become so absorbed in the hectic busyness of major cities that it’s easy to forget just how incredible our environment is.
At Allens Caravans, we spend a lot of time searching for these beautiful natural sights near our residential and holiday parks, helping us inform visitors and residents of the best places to visit in the area. Using this time spent scouring the British Isles for great places to enjoy the scenery, we have put together this definitive list covering some of the best country walks across the UK.
These routes for UK country walks cater to seasoned hikers and families alike, so whatever you’re looking for, our list will have something that works.
Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this scenic circular walk takes you past an ancient waterfall in Malham Cove and the deep ravine of Gordale Scar. Unique in terrain and geological features, the journey is further improved by the beautiful riverside views and quaint pub-filled destination of Malham Village. Complete with hints of ancient history and both rough and smooth terrain, this is a popular destination for climbers, birdwatchers, and strollers alike. It is definitely one of the most unique country walks to enjoy, and at only 7.6 miles in length, it can easily be completed in a day.
Offering over 7 miles of wheelchair-accessible footpaths and walking routes, Stanwick Lakes is a brilliantly quaint, family-friendly walking spot. The lakes are located at the very centre of Northamptonshire’s exceptional Nene Valley, an area cloaked in history that is featured throughout the region’s walks. Dotted in and around the lakes are a host of attractions for all ages, ranging from an Iron Age roundhouse to an outdoor theatre and adventure playground. Whatever your tastes, you should find something curious to enjoy alongside the beautiful views.
Stanwick Lakes is only a 20-minute car journey, or hour-long bike ride, from our Overstone Lakes holiday park, too, making it easy to access the area’s culture and natural beauty.
Stretching 84 miles from Bowness-on-Solway, a quaint nestling on the east coast, all the way over to the bustling streets of Newcastle and Wallsend, the Hadrian’s Wall Path offers walkers a host of different experiences. As a World Heritage Site dating back to the Romans, the path is dotted with incredible views, cosy break spots and bags of history, too. Whatever type of walker you are, Hadrian’s Wall will likely be able to cater to you in one way or another, especially as it offers both long and short routes, depending on your preferences. Learn more about the options for Hadrian’s Wall walks here.
This region of the UK does exactly what it says on the tin, being one of 46 designated areas of outstanding natural beauty. With iconic English rolling hills and a chequered history featuring everything from castles and forts to ancient woodlands and meadows, Malvern Hills is a scenic and truly unique British walking destination. There are multiple suggested walks throughout the area, varying in length and difficulty, but all equal in impressiveness and beauty. This is a particularly good destination for seasoned walkers looking for a balance of challenge and natural wonder.
The luxury Bredon View Holiday Park Estate is a 40-minute car journey, or two-hour cycle ride, from this must-see walking destination – perfect for those who want wildlife on their doorstep both at home and out during their walks.
An iconic staple of the Scottish walking scene, the West Highland Way is an absolute necessity if you are looking to explore the exceptional countryside that Scotland has to offer. Spanning 96 miles in its entirety, the route stretches from the outskirts of Glasgow all the way to Fort William. The recommended direction for taking this journey is starting in the South, as it offers an easy start that builds into the more challenging end, but that doesn’t mean you are forced to take on the challenge in its entirety. The popularity of the route has meant that plenty of break spots are available throughout, offering the option of shortening your walk and turning back early if you choose.
With spectacular views and well-established infrastructure, this is most definitely a challenging walk but equally one of the most impressive – perfect for hikers looking to push themselves.
Short, easy, and beautiful, this 10km walk takes you right along the stunning Welsh coast, past an impressive Clarach Bay and, if you’re lucky, the remnants of a sunken forest from over 5000 years ago. One of the best aspects of this walk, aside from its natural beauty, is the amenities and facilities at either end. Both Borth and Aberystwyth are fully equipped with their own sights, attractions, and facilities that make this walk easy and low-stress, making it perfect for a family day trip.
Our Aber Bay Holiday Park is brilliantly situated for adventurers looking to explore this area of Wales. Nestled on the coast near Aberystwyth, Aber Bay is just a short stroll away from this country walking route, offering a perfect base of operations for your time in the area.
The Causeway Coast Way is home to one of the world’s most recognisable natural wonders in the Giant’s Causeway, perfectly complemented by beautiful Northern Irish coastal views and plenty of history. 33 miles in length with beautiful views at every step, the Causeway Coast Way takes you past an incredible coastline, the ruins of Dunluce Castle and, if you choose, the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. The region is well travelled and quite popular, so you’re likely to meet others during your time walking here, particularly towards the Giant’s Causeway end. Equally, this popularity has meant that the route features plenty of rest stops and boasts a moderately established infrastructure, though you can still expect a few dirt trails during your expedition.
If you’re looking for a beautiful setting that comes packaged with iconic natural wonders and plenty of history, this is one of the best country walks the UK has to offer.
The Lake District’s Coniston Round is a beautifully scenic 8.5-mile walk around the windy but stunning Coniston Fells. Hilly and high, this isn’t an easy walk, but it’s far from the most difficult on this list and, on a clear day, offers truly incredible views of the ancient green hills and small lakes that the district is named after. In every sense, this is a walk that makes you feel liberated in the English country air and makes for the perfect location for any walker who enjoys broad sweeping vistas of the local landscape – just remember to bring a windbreaker.
Another Lake District location, Helvellyn is England’s third highest peak and was recently voted the most popular walk on ITV’s Britain’s 100 Favourite Walks. The route itself is challenging but still accessible for anyone of moderate fitness and offers incredible views at the summit. Though there are a variety of routes available for different abilities, it’s widely agreed upon that the best route to take is via ‘Striding Edge,’ an uneven and challenging ridge that offers unrivalled views of the local area and some amazing photo opportunities. The British public voted this as their favourite, so it’s most definitely worth giving a try.
The Cotswolds has always been an area of natural beauty, and the Cotswolds Way is one of the finest ways to experience this prestigious region in all its glory. With over 100 miles of scenic rolling hills and picturesque meadows, this area of outstanding natural beauty hosts some of England’s prime countryside and runs from Chipping Campden to Bath. This is a brilliant, family-friendly location with all manner of walking lengths and difficulties, catering to a variety of abilities and preferences.
Our Abbot’s Salford Holiday Park is nestled around 25 minutes from the Chipping Campden start line by car or an hour by bike. Bredon View is half an hour by car so that you can get a taste of this incredible region without the need for long travel time.
Whilst some of these country walks are well-known, others in the list are a little more unusual despite undoubtedly being incredible places to visit and explore. If you are looking for a staycation or hiking trip, be sure to take a look at our available caravan holiday parks before you leave. Each of our destinations is selected based on its proximity to nature and local attractions, meaning that you’ll always be near some beautiful British countryside.
Take a look at our holiday park locations across the UK today, or get in touch if you have any queries.
Allens Caravans Estates Ltd is registered in England and Wales - Reg No. 525635
