National Walking Week

We've put together some of the best walks around our parks for you to enjoy

Our parks are surrounded by a great number of spectacular walking routes, and there’s no better way to explore than by grabbing your hiking boots and heading out into the great outdoors. From rugged scenery to breathtaking coastal views, there is something for everyone! We guarantee to make even non-hikers enjoy a walk.

We’ve handpicked some of the best walking routes to explore:

Cornwall

The South West offers a great variety of landscapes and places to enjoy and explore all year round. Get out in the fresh air for an adventure with the family in Cornwall!

Crackington Haven circular walk – This romantic picturesque walk takes you through riverside meadows, dappled woods and age-old farmsteads. The route emerges onto the coastal path above Strangles with its sweeping beach then continues past the natural arch known as Northern Door and the dramatic headland of Cambeak with its fascinating unique geology.
Bude Canal – As an alternative to a coastal path, Bude Canal offers a peaceful landscape with plenty of wildlife. The walk is predominately flat, with a low hill between the canal and coast path, ideal for children or wheelchair users.
Hawker’s Hut Walk – This is a gentle walk on the cliffs of North Cornwall which encompass an array of breathtaking views. Walkers will come across historical landmarks, such as a beautiful church which is believed to date back to Saxon times, as well as Hawker’s Hut, the refuge of poet Reverend Robert Hawker. There is plenty of local wildlife and on a clearer day visitors can see Lundy Island.
Porth to Watergate Bay – This walk is perfect for showing you what the Atlantic truly offers, so brace yourself for caves, rock pools and ragged by majestic cliffs shaped by centuries of unforgiving surf.
Newquay Harbour – Starting from the harbour and on to pass the aquarium, it’s a steep hike up to the Huer’s Hut – once again more marvellous views await you.
Lost Church and Perranporth Dunes – A circular walk on the highest dune system in Britain, to the chapel dating from Celtic times.
Perranporth to St Agnes – A one-way coastal walk, made circular via an initial bus journey. After an initial bus journey from St Agnes to Perranporth, the route follows the coast path from Perranporth beach around Droskyn Point and past the blowholes of Shag Rock.
St Ives to Carbis Bay – A circular walk from St Ives through the Steeple Woods nature reserve to the monument overlooking St Ives Bay, returning along the coast via the white sandy beaches of Carbis Bay and Porthminster.

North Wales

Explore the refreshing coastal walks or soaring mountains in North Wales. Give your body a revitalising stretch during a sunrise walk with the birds or wind down with a loved one on a sunset stroll.

Barmouth Panorama Walk – The Panorama Walk is one of the most popular walks in the neighbourhood up to the viewpoint. The view from the summit is one of the most spectacular in Wales – the whole length of the Mawddach Estuary with the Cader range of mountains beyond to the south and Sylfaen Farm and Diphwys towards the north.
Llanberis Path, Snowdon – Conquer Mount Snowdon with your best friend by your side! Llanberis Path, is considered as one of the easier routes to the peak of Snowdon, running parallel to the railway.
Cefndeuddwr Trail, Coed y Brenin Forest Park – Try this beautiful route for all the family to the Cefndeuddwr viewpoint and picnic area. From there, take in the panoramic views to Y Garn and the Rhinogydd mountains.
Rhyl Sands – Check out this out-and-back trail near Rhyl, Denbighshire. Generally considered an easy route, this trail is great for fishing, running, and walking.
Abergele Circular Walk – Get to know this 10.5-km loop trail near Abergele, Conwy. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete.

Lincolnshire

Aside from our stunning walks on park, Lincolnshire offers an abundance of stunning and picturesque walking routes to embark on. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll amongst the hills or a challenging hike to get your adrenaline pumping, Lincolnshire has a suitable route for all.

Humberston Fitties Beach – A stretch of golden sand separated by groynes at the south end of Cleethorpes. The beach is located between the Saltmarsh and Marine Embankment beach area and the Humber Mouth Yacht Club.
Cleethorpes Beach – Cleethorpes beach is a long stretch of picturesque coastline. You can sit in the sun, or paddle in the waters off the coast, visit the arcades or do something more active and go stand up paddle-boarding or kite surfing.
Tattershall Bridge to Dogdyke Walk – Tattershall Bridge to Dogdyke Walk is an out and back trail features a lake and is good for all skill levels.
Sleaford Riverside – Sleaford Riverside walk is a circular walk from the market town of Sleaford in Lincolnshire. The route leads you alongside the River Slea, passing a watermill, nature reserve, windmill and several artwork installations within Sleaford. Leaving the town behind, the route heads out into countryside towards South Rauceby, enjoying beautiful areas of woodland and long stretches of peaceful farm tracks.
The Spa Trail – An out and back walk along the mid section of the old Horncastle to Woodhall Junction railway line in Lincolnshire, known as the Spa Trail. The trail, part of the Viking Way long distance path, passes through a mix of woodland and open countryside. Along the way you will discover impressive sculptures made from wood, stone and metal, all reflecting local wildlife and links with the past.

Hampshire

From coastal walks around The Hayling Isle to woodland walks in and around The New Forest, there’s something for all the family in Hampshire!

Hayling Island Circular Walk – Enjoy a coastal walk around the southern part of Hayling Island on this circular route. The walk visits Sinah Common, Ferry Point, South Hayling, Eaststoke Beach and the Sandy Point Nature Reserve. There’s lovely views over Hayling Bay, sand dunes and a series of nice beaches to enjoy.
Hayling Billy Trail – Enjoy fabulous views of Langstone Harbour which is an internationally important site for its wildfowl and wading birds. Also watch out for brent geese, oyster catchers and dunlin in winter.
English Heritage Sites & The National Trust – Many of Hampshire’s English Heritage Sites are dog friendly, including some of the county’s castles. Hurst Castle in the New Forest, Portchester Castle near Portsmouth, Wolvesey Castle in Winchester and the ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace and Netley Abbey all welcome dogs on leads.
The National Trust’s Mottisfont and The Vyne are popular spots for people to walk their dogs, although they are not allowed inside the properties. Both locations are good places to take a picnic and explore the beautiful grounds surrounding the houses.
The Sandy Balls – A wonderful walk through the park, through woodland down to the River Avon and a chance to see the views from both ‘the Balls’, Good Friday Hill and Giants Grave.
Pitts Wood Inclosure – A circular, hilly walk through beautiful New Forest heathland, this area was taken over by the Air Ministry during the 2nd World War as a bombing and firing range.
Fritham Circular – This circular walk through mixed woodland from the village of Fritham cuts through two inclosures and the open expanse of Fritham Plain.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a true walker’s haven! Known for being one of the UK’s most beautiful places to enjoy the outdoors, thousands of walkers visit each year to explore the stunning coastal paths and woodland trails.

The Chequers Circular – Great walk around the Chequers Inn where you can stop for refreshment after the effort.
The Chillerton Challenge – Take in the river Medina and head up and over Ramsdown to Chillerton village.
Yarborough Monument – Experience some of the avamzing views along this route, starting from the Nab Lawn on park.
Bembridge and Culver Down Circular Walk – Take a short but exhilarating cliff top walk over Bembridge and Culver Downs which offers spectacular views over Sandown and Whitecliff Bays.
Bembridge and Culver Downs Marshes Trail – An invigorating walk over the downs and RSPB Brading Marshes reserve, with splendid views of the coast and countryside and the opportunity to visit the Island’s only surviving windmill.
Headon Warren Walk – Head on up Headon Down – a breathtaking walk with splendid views of the mainland, and a Bronze Age burial mound.
Fine Fortifications Trail – Follow this easy and fairly flat walk along the top of the downs to gain a fascinating insight into the Isle of Wight’s role in wartime defence and intelligence.
A coastal walk at St Helens Duver – This coastal walk, exploring St Helens Duver, will take you along a sandy area rich in wildlife and history. From busy Bembridge harbour you’ll pass along the rocky seashore before climbing up inland and returning via picturesque St Helens village.

Essex

There’s nothing like being on an island, walking along the coastline and looking out to sea. You can stroll along the lovely sandy coast line or why not soak up the woodland views Mersea has to offer?

Cudmore Grove Country Park – Located right next to our park, this country park is perfect for an easy coastal walk. You can stroll along the lovely sandy beach and enjoy views towards Brightlingsea.
Brightlinsea: Coast, creeks and country – This circular Essex walk offers varied and attractive country- estuary, creeks, pasture and arable farmland, woodland, sand quarries (both working and abandoned), extensive views, and the historic Cinque port of Brightlingsea.
Brightlingsea Church and Alresford Creek circular – This walk offers varied and attractive country-estuary, a creek, pasture and arable farmland, woodland, a sand quarry (both working and abandoned) and extensive views.
Mersea Island Circular Walk – Starting from the park, you can walk the entire outskirts of the island. Will take approximately four and a half hours.

Yorkshire

Get out in the fresh air for an adventure with the family this season in Yorkshire. The North offers a huge variety of landscapes and places to enjoy and explore, from glorious coastlines to exploring the stunning local town, Filey.

Filey Town Walk – Start from Filey Country Park car park and take the circular route along the seafront and through the town with plenty of lunch or coffee stops on the way to keep you fueled!
Scarborough Town Walk – North Bay – This walk takes in the England Coast Path from Scalby Mills to Scarborough Harbour as well as some of the North Bay attractions making this a full day walk if you wish to visit some of these attractions.
Flamborough Head – Flamborough Head in the East Riding of Yorkshire is one the great coastal features of the British Isles. In late spring the area is also well known for its abundant birdlife.
Scarborough Town Walk – South Bay – This town walk connects the harbour, beach and town centre.

Scotland

Discover Scotland one step at a time! Experience mighty mountains, plenty of forest paths and coastal walks to meander along, charming villages and so much more.

Moffat Riverside Trail – Circular route stats and ends at The Coachman Bar. Follow the banks of the scenic River Annan.
White Comb Ridge – Discover this 12.7-km loop trail in the Moffat Hills including the iconic Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall and White Coomb along the way. Generally considered a challenging route.
Grey Mare’s Tail – This trail takes in the short but rewarding path up to the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall viewpoint where you can take in the great views of the falls and the valley.
White Comb and Loch Skeen – Check out this 7.6-km loop. There is a steep climb at the beginning, which is worth it for the stunning views when you reach Loch Skeen.

Dorset

Discover the wonderful countryside and coastlines on the best and most popular walking routes in the area. Walk these easy to moderate walks in a beautiful rural setting, taking time to appreciate and explore the unique character of this stunning part of England.

Chesil Beach – 15 miles long and born from landslides that eroded after the last ice age, 20,000 years ago – protects the special habitat of the Fleet Lagoon. The crashing, open sea is safely distant, a faint accompaniment to the calls of birds that find refuge in the tranquil waters.
Abbotsbury to Ferrybridge – SW Coast Path – The South West Coast Path climbs inland slightly from the historic village of Abbotsbury, passing woodland and open, rolling fields until dropping to follow the West Dorset Heritage Coast along the shores of the Fleet Lagoon to Ferry Bridge.
Durdle Door – This walk to the iconic limestone arch, synonymous with Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, encompasses beautiful cliff walks and shingle beaches. Located at Lulworth Cove and home to the oldest oak trees in England, this is an unforgettable experience that traces the coastline from east to west and back again.
Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve – This circular walk takes you around the beautiful Durlston Country Park. The walk begins at the car park and takes you past Durlston Castle to the coast at Durlston Head. Here you join the South West Coast Path for a coastal section to Anvil Point Lighthouse via Tilly Whim Caves. You’ll also pass the Great Globe – one of the largest stone spheres in the world. A walkers paradise!

Nottinghamshire

With an abundance of fresh countryside, friendly wildlife and stunning scenery, your camera will thank you as you create wonderful memories designed and pioneered by mother nature herself!

Sherwood Pines, Blue Route – This stunning circular woodland trail is enjoyed by bikers, hikers, as well as four-legged friends! There are many adjoining paths to explore if you wish to shorten or lengthen your route, the choice is yours!
Little Stone Loop – This stunning route features beautiful wild flowers and is perfect for spotting wildlife! Head through the rocky routes with green paths, railings and bridges.
Sherwood Forest – A circular trail that runs through the heart of Sherwood Forest, the legendary home of Robin Hood. In amongst the stunning scenery you’ll have a chance to see the Major Oak, the forest’s most famous landmark, as well as many of the other ancient oak trees. An explorers haven!
Whitwell Wood Circular Walk – A loop trail with views of stunning local scenery and wildlife.

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