Starting from Kynance Cove, the Lizard coastal trail takes you
on a ramble to the most southerly tip of mainland Britain. Passing
wildflower meadows, dramatic rock formations and secluded bays,
this route might seem like a somewhat leisurely one, but don’t be
fooled: there are plenty of challenging climbs throughout. For that
reason, we strongly suggest attempting it with an experienced mate
– and by that we mean someone who’s ventured further than their
local common. Enjoy a picnic pit stop at Polpeor Cove, or opt for a
seafood lunch or snack break at the water-facing Wavecrest
Café, whose Cornish cream teas and delightful sponge cakes make
every step worthwhile.

Swerve the Lycra-clad crowds of Snowdonia by taking an hour’s
drive east from its shrubby foothills to North Wales’ quieter,
heather-blanketed paths. A relatively easy route, thanks to its
mostly flat terrain, this is the sort of stomp to savour on a
slower-paced Sunday afternoon. Lace up your hiking boots at Morfa
Nefyn, set off in the direction of Trefor, and you will soon arrive
in the sleepy fishing village of Porthdinllaen. Don’t miss the
legendary landmark that is Ty Coch Inn. An old-school watering hole
renowned among locals for serving the best craft beers around, make
it your choice for sweeping coastal views. Feeling brave? Pack a
cossie and dive into the Irish Sea for a postprandial dip.

Those who have followed the gripping BBC crime drama Shetland
will no doubt be familiar with this rural and rugged landscape.
Located on Shetland’s Mainland, the Eshaness Circular Walk covers
the west coast of Northmavine. Setting off at the very point where
the remnants of the Eshaness volcano can be found, stride out north
along the weather-beaten clifftops to the Grind o’ da Navir – the
gateway in the cliff where the powerful action of storm waves
forces out huge rocks and deposits them in large heaps on the beach
below. Continue around the headland to the bay of The Burr, where
you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views of Ronas Hill, Shetland’s
highest summit, and the remote islet of Muckle Ossa. Follow signs
towards the Loch of Houlland, passing collapsed sea caves,
subterranean passages and the occasional herd of sheep. While this
walk doesn’t require expertise, it pays to check the weather
forecast before attempting it.

Walking along the whole of the 160km South Downs Way from
Winchester to Eastbourne would be a week-long undertaking, but a
couple of days spent meandering through the surrounding national
park makes for a restorative weekend away. This route takes you up
and over (and up and over, again and again) the chalky white cliffs
of the Seven Sisters to the seaside town of Eastbourne. Wander
through Cuckmere Haven flood plains, hunt for fossils at the
Birling Gap and stop for a photo op of the candy-striped lighthouse
at Beachy Head. For a longer, all-day trek, try the route in
reverse and continue along the coast to Brighton.

Few places in England are as green and pleasant as the Lake
District. Soaring mountains such as the 978m Scafell Pike –
England’s highest – are mirrored in glassy lakes. Fells are scored
by valleys decorated with dense woodland. We’re swinging by
Morecambe Bay, the largest area of intertidal mudflats and sands in
the UK, just south of the Lake District National Park, to try the
Humphrey Head Circular trail. The stroll begins in the dinky
village of Allithwaite, skipping through mudflats and pockets of
white-sand beaches, before ending at Kents Bank railway station.
Extend your go-slow getaway with a restorative retreat at Another
Place. Having recently welcomed six new fully furnished
shepherd huts, it’s our favourite spot at which to defrost by the
fire with an extra-large mug of hot chocolate.

There’s an almost post-apocalyptic feel to Britain’s only
desert. Threaded by boardwalks, Dungeness’s vast expanse of shingle
is decorated with more than 600 rare plant species, the rusting
ribcages of old boats strung with fishing nets, and railway
carriages repurposed as homes. All overlooked by two lighthouses
and a nuclear power station, it makes for a bleakly beautiful
landscape. You can pick up the trail at any point, but we’re
starting at Dungeness Light Railway Station car park. From there,
it’s a pebble’s throw to Denge Beach – the rest is, quite
literally, straightforward. Make The Gallivant
boutique hotel your base for its nautical-style rooms,
complimentary yoga classes and brilliant farm-to-fork
restaurant.

We’ve got a major soft spot for Northumberland. Taking you from Bamburgh Castle
to the beautiful Budle Bay, this sprawling stretch of unspoilt
coastline is dotted with sandstone bluffs, rolling sand dunes and
all sorts of sea animals and birdlife. Break up your hike with a
trip across to the ancient Holy Island of Lindisfarne – only
reachable by traversing the causeway or via boat – whose
new-fangled 793 Spirits distillery makes for a top-notch afternoon
tipple. Think small-batch gins and wildflower honey vodka. Insider
tip: you don’t need us to tell you how fast swirls and currents can
form, so make sure to take tide times into account when planning
your walk.