The UK’s largest (and arguably wildest) park, the Cairngorms is
situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and is home to four of the
five highest mountains in the UK. Between the alpine peaks, large
lochs and dense forests, don’t be surprised if you spot a wildcat
or mountain hare.

Walk: Ballater to Cambus

Distance: 8km

For a lesser-trodden trail, head to the charming village of
Ballater and follow the first part of the Deeside Way. With wide
paths, this 8km ramble takes you alongside the River Dee and offers
breathtaking vistas of Balmoral Castle. For a quick sugar fix, stop
by at Dee Valley Confectioners – its cappuccino fudge is pretty
spectacular.

With 954sq km to explore, this Devonshire moorland is best known for its ancient myths
and local legends. Peppered with rugged valleys, rippling rivers
and granite tors, Dartmoor is not only southwest England’s answer
to a Narnia, but also a geology nerd’s paradise. Stomp around the
prehistoric rock formations or, if you’re more of a thrill-seeker,
bike around the scraggy landscape.

Walk: Wistman’s Wood Walk

Distance: 8km

Owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, this woodland is famous for its
twisted oak trees and granite boulders painted with moss, ferns and
holly. To see this majestic wonder, you’ll want to base yourself at
Two Bridges Hotel – parking for guests is free and only a small
price for visitors (refundable with the purchase of any food or
drink). When first setting off, head through the small car park
gate and cross the main road.

Straddling the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy, Snowdonia has some 14 peaks to discover, with
Snowdon topping the popularity chart. There are plenty of gorges
and cliffs, which in some instances would require ropes and
crampons, but there are also more scenic options – set your sat nav
for hidden hamlets and shallow shores.

Walk: Llyn Ogwen Circular

Distance: 4.6km

Escape the crowds and take the less strenuous hike around lake
Llyn Ogwen. This walk is the perfect way to experience all the
mountainous scenes, minus the gruelling climb. You’ll want to start
at Ogwen Cottage and Ranger Base. Although the route is marked, be
aware that the beginning of the trek is quite challenging; you’ll
need to scale the large boulders in order to get onto the wide flat
path.

Fringed with charming castles, abbeys and a surprising amount of
stone walls, this place is recognised for being the official home
of Wensleydale cheese. With three peaks, Pen-y-ghent,
Ingleborough and Whernside, there is a landscape for every explorer
to discover. Astrology lover? The Dales are not yet swamped by
electric lights, so switch off your head torch and gaze
skyward.

Walk: Malham Tarn Walk

Distance: 5.8km

Malham Tarn is nestled over 377m above sea level, making it the
highest marl lake in Britain. Besides its pretty impressive
credentials, its expansive surrounds are scattered with craggy
buffs and wildlife. To pick up the trail, park at Water Sinks Gate
Park and head towards the water’s edge.

This National Park extends across 1,620sq km, covering the
Itchen Valley of Hampshire all the way to the chalky cliffs of
the Seven Sisters in Eastbourne – the perfect place for chugging
ocean air. Plan ahead for pub pit-stops.

Walk: Seven Sisters & Friston Forest
Circular

Distance: 13km

Okay, so the Seven Sisters might be a tad more on the touristy
side, but it’s a walk you’ve got to experience. This hike will take
you through the Birling Gap, Seven Sisters and Friston Forest. With
a wide availability of parking options, the choices of where to set
off are endless. Shove a pair of binoculars (and snacks) in your
bag to make the most of the spectacular scenery.

Located in north west England, the Lake District is home to England’s 10 highest
mountains, 16 lakes and 197 tarns – there’s little surprise it’s
ranked as England’s largest and most beautiful National Park. This
place is a photographer’s dream. Beyond all its visual splendour,
the geological character of this park is suggested to have taken
500 million years to create, making its trails feel all the more
awesome.

Walk: Black Combe, from Whicham

Distance: 14km

Avoid the crowds and take this hike the park’s southwest coast.
Expect to see 17th-century churches, sea views and moody lakes.
Park up on the A595 layby (it’s free) and head towards Black Combe,
there you’ll be rewarded with views across to the Isle of Man.

Recognised as the only national park in the UK to consist
entirely of wild and maritime landscape, this park joins more than
50 wide, sandy beaches. You’ll want to charge your camera; there
are endless photo opportunities here. If you fancy a challenge,
hike the entire distance of the park – this would take
approximately 15 days (weather and stamina depending).

Walk: Strumble Head

Distance: 9km

This walk isn’t for the faint-hearted, the narrow coastal path
leading to the rocky headland requires a certain degree of
endurance – but it’s worth it for the rewarding sights of
bottlenose dolphins and seals. A pair of binoculars would be well
put to use here. Start at the memorial stone and follow the path
for St Gwyndaf Church, Llanwnda.

Originally a hunting ground for William the Conqueror, the New
Forest remains virtually unspoiled. With woodland, heathland and
river valleys, it’s home to an array of wild animals. Expect to
cross paths with deer, horses and cattle. Grab your walking boots
(and preferably a raincoat) – plenty of tea rooms and pubs provide
shelter and sustenance.

Walk: Solent Way Walk

Distance: 96km

Hankering for an off-grid adventure? Look no further. This 96km
route stretches from Milford-on-Sea all the way to Emsworth Harbour
in Chichester. Enjoy the tranquility of this trail; you’ll stroll
among fishing villages, marinas and sweeping shores.

Spanning 1,436sq km, the North York Moors is recognised for its
coniferous forests and heather moorland. With the highest point in
the park (Urra Moor) clocking in at 454m, it doesn’t take a genius
to imagine just how wonderful the views are – or how achy your
calves will be the following day.

Walk: Rievaulx Abbey to Helmsley Circular

Distance: 11km

Set off from the market town of Helmsley and hike to one of the
UK’s most ancient monastic centres. If you’re a lover of
architectural design, you won’t be disappointed.