The best walks and hikes in England

A nation of national parks

England has ten of the UK’s 15 national parks and they still barely scratch the surface of the landscape available to explore. In addition, there are 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country and more under consideration. In short, walks in England are almost always going to be somewhere deemed exceptionally lovely. 

National parks hold some of the best hiking trails in England and vary hugely. Walking is flat and blissful in the New Forest’s oak woodlands and the Broads’ exquisite fens. Tramp from tor to tor across exposed Dartmoor and scale the high heathlands of the Peak District. Walk for days through the romantic Lake District and trace Roman history on your hikes in Northumberland. 

The national parks span almost every type of landscape in the country and are criss-crossed with trails ranging from, quite literally, a walk in the park, all the way to expert mountaineering routes. 

Hiking through the seasons

The weather across the country can be as varied as the landscape. Each season showcases a new aspect of nature, making hikes in England wonderfully varied all year round. 

In spring, the countryside is at its loudest in every sense of the word. Songbirds are abundant in hedgerows, woodlands and gardens while the nation’s forests are back in full swing with green leaves and colourful blossom. 

Summer is known for its long evenings, making hiking a truly all day affair. The school holidays bring crowds to the national parks and other well-known regions but that’s not to say you can’t always find a quieter trail off-the-beaten track. 

Early autumn is often a magnificent time to go walking anywhere in England, especially in the many forests. With heaps of golden leaves, deer darting through colourful parkland and the purple evening skies, autumn hiking is peaceful and invigorating. 

There are few things better than a crisp, sunny winter walk with frosty spider webs across sleeping blackberry bushes. No matter where and when you go though, walking England’s trails is a beautiful and rewarding experience.