More people are expected to holiday at home this summer. From incredible landscapes, jaw-dropping historical sites, and dramatic coastline—England has it all. There are many incredible English walking destinations that the intrepid traveller can uncover, and here we round up the very best!
1. The Peak District
Located in Derbyshire, The Peak District National Park in Derbyshire is one of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes. Walkers have so much to explore in the region, from hiking across mountains, moors and gorges. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way is one of Peak District’s most iconic walks. Beginning in Ladybower Reservoir in the north and progressing to Shardlow in the south, it brings walkers through the Derbyshire Dales, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site, and on to Derwent Mouth, where the Derwent River flows into the River Trent. The route is 55 miles long, but can be broken up into more bite-size pieces if you prefer. If you’re looking for something a bit less challenging, the 1 1/2 mile walk from Ilam to Dovedale, is short and sweet, but offers great views across the Manifold Valley.
The Peak District National Park.
2. The Lake District
The Lake District is home to some of the best walking territory in the world, and if you’re British, it’s right on your doorstep. From rolling hills, river dales and stunning rock displays, every corner of The Lake District is a feast for the eyes. The Helvellyn Ridge is probably the best ridge walk in the region. This 10 kilometre, 6.5 hour route, provides hikers with jaw-dropping views across the whole of The Lake District. Helvellyn is arguably the most iconic mountain in region. And proudly stands as the third highest mountain in all of England. Walkers are never disappointed by its distinctive charm; the unique corries and sharp ridges of the mountain were carved by glaciers during the ice age.
English Lake District, Cumbria, England. UK.
3. The Cotswolds
If you’re holidaying in England there is nothing more lovely than a charming English village, and these are synonymous with The Cotswolds, an Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty located in in south-western and west-central England. The Cotswolds span the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, while also reaching into parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The region’s rolling hills, picture-perfect villages and incredible historical sites make The Cotswolds one of the most treasured, celebrated and visited destinations in the British Isles. There are many wondrous walks on offer across the Cotswold countryside. And the region is only 1 hour 45 minutes by car from London.
The pretty Cotswold church at Snowshill, Gloucestershire, England.
4. The Yorkshire Dales
First established in 1954, The Yorkshire Dales National Park contains 2,628 kilometres of footpaths and 618 kilometres of bridleways. Truly England’s ‘green and pleasant land’, The Dales are brimming with breathtaking valley views, quaint villages, and incredible walking opportunities. The Malham Cove walk is certainly one not to miss. This circular walk takes you from the town, along the river to the bottom of the cove, before climbing steeply up and allowing hikers to teeter on the edge of the precipice in a very dramatic fashion. Who says holidays in England aren’t exciting?
Sunset view across moorland to the Pennines in the Yorkshire Dales. The distinctive, plateaued peak of Ingleborough, one of the famous three peaks, can be seen on the horizon.
5. The Jurassic Coast
Another top walking destination in England is The Jurassic Coast. This World Heritage Site is found on the English Channel coast of southern England. The site is a 95 mile stretch from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset. The coastline is home to 185 million years of geological history; coastal erosion having exposed a rock formation covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. There are many interesting Jurassic Coast walks, where hikers can explore natural arches, limestone stacks and towering cliffs. The hike from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is the perhaps the most iconic in the region.
The Lulworth Cove Coastal Path.
England is certainly home to some of the best walking in the world. So what are you waiting for? Put the passport away and explore your very own backyard.
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