Best Walks in England
The weather is decidedly changeable and the landscape often derided – but there are some truly beautiful corners of England that compare to anything on the planet.
Certainly the British countryside compares favourably to any overseas destination, and many of the best walks in England are concentrated on ‘green and pleasant land’.
National Parks like the Lake District and Peak District attract thousands of visitors each year and offer some of the best walks in England – but there are hidden gems too, areas less familiar to tourists but just as satisfying to the keen rambler.
Here we profile five of England’s finest walking regions, most well-known but others less so. Why travel abroad when you have some of the World’s best walks in England..?
The Roaches, Staffordshire
Loved locally, the craggy rocks of the Roaches are only now starting to get the recognition they deserve.
Offering stunning scenery in the distance and intriguing rock formations up close, this area of natural beauty also provides a rare opportunity to spot a wallaby in the wild. It is thought only one remains of a large group released into the area many years ago.
Look out too for Hen Cloud – an outcrop said to resemble a roosting hen!
Scafell Pike, Lake District
Scafell Pike is the English leg of the Three Peaks challenge – and for competitive ramblers that makes it one of the best walks in England.
But it’s not just the sheer size of Scafell that makes it such a popular conquest; the views from the top are breath-taking. On a clear day, you’ll see into Scotland, Wales and even across the water to Ireland.
Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Unquestionably one of the most picturesque regions of the UK, Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula offers beautiful coastal walks full of character. Old-time fishing villages nestle amongst the coves and rugged cliffs, providing the perfect stop-off for refreshment.
Despite the sea breeze, you’ll enjoy one of the warmest climates in Britain – a climate that has led to fifteen rare, sub-tropical plant species flourishing in the area.
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
For Sunday walkers, there can few better strolls in England than the Malvern Hills. Of course, the ridge offers more serious walks, but it’s a beautiful spot perhaps best enjoyed at leisurely pace.
The wider Great Malvern area is bustling with wonderful real-ale pubs and stop-offs, but you can sample the famous Malvern Water for free if you find one of the region’s 70 natural freshwater springs.
Hadrian’s Wall
Less a walk and more a holiday, the whole length of Hadrian’s Wall would take the best part of a week to cover.
The wonderful sense of history that surrounds the wall and its story makes it an inspiring place to be though, and the 84 mile stretch takes in some of Northern England’s most beautiful spots.
It’s a common misconception that the wall itself marks the border between England and Scotland. Whichever side of the wall you’re on, we can comfortably say this is one of England’s best walks – not Scotland’s!
