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Best nature hiking trails in England
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Best nature hiking trails in England

Get back to nature with these scenic trips, designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without too much hassle.

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Sheffield Country Walk - Burbage Moor and Redmires

Sheffield, England · star 5.0 (3) · 16.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 56 min

2

Medium

The Box Hill Hike

Surrey, England · star 5.0 (17) · 11.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 8 min

3

Easy

The Roaches Walk and Lud's Church

Staffordshire, England · star 5.0 (25) · 12.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 2 min

4

Medium

High Tor, Giddy Edge and Lovers Walk - Matlock to Matlock Bath

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (4) · 4.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 5 min

5

Easy

Torpel Way

City of Peterborough, England · star 4.0 (9) · 19.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 9 min

6

Easy

River Wear Trail

Tyne and Wear, England · star 0.0 (0) · 17.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 53 min

7

Easy

Ivybridge to Sequers Bridge via Erme Pymm Trail

Devon, England · star 0.0 (0) · 12.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 51 min

8

Easy

Southwold

Suffolk, England · star 0.0 (0) · 6.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 21 min

9

Easy

Tolkien Trail

Lancashire, England · star 5.0 (8) · 10.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 20 min

10

Easy

Rivington Pike Walk

Lancashire, England · star 5.0 (5) · 13.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 9 min

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Reviews for nature hiking trails in England

kieron hilton avatar

Sheffield Country Walk - Burbage Moor and Redmires

samuari · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Ricardo avatar

The Box Hill Hike

RicardoHikes · reviewed 4 months ago

star star star star star

Great hike in Box Hill!

Michael springthorpe avatar

The Roaches Walk and Lud's Church

Airlessmean · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

was a great walk, was quite windy!

Karl Richardson avatar

High Tor, Giddy Edge and Lovers Walk - Matlock to Matlock Bath

Karl · reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

Camille Morrell avatar

Torpel Way

SummitSeekingCamille · reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

Absolutely loved it. We was fortunate to have such wonderful weather,🌞Scenery and wildlife was a plus! Some of the terrain was a little uneasy for some of the group but all in all a great trail. We only attempted part of the route which ended in Stamford so we did not do the full circular trail. Well deserved Fish and chips and a cold Alcoholic beverage at the end. 🍻

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in England

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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The Roaches and Lud’s Church Loop picture
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The Roaches and Lud’s Church Loop

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