Search a hike or location

search
Best wildlife hiking trails in England
Share:

Best wildlife hiking trails in England

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich trails give you the chance to spot some of the forest’s cutest (or wildest) inhabitants while keeping a respectful distance, of course.

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Southwold

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

2

Easy

Harewood Circular Walk

Leeds, England · star 5.0 (7) · 7.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 48 min

3

Easy

Dollis Valley Greenwalk

London, England · star 5.0 (1) · 16.5 km · Est. 3 hrs 32 min

4

Easy

Portsea Island Circular Walk - Porsmouth

Portsmouth, England · star 5.0 (11) · 22.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 39 min

5

Easy

Snettisham Beach RSPB reserve from Shepherd's Port

Norfolk, England · star 0.0 (0) · 6.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 22 min

6

Difficult

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Westmorland and Furness, England · star 5.0 (21) · 12.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 5 min

7

Easy

Oswestry Loop

Shropshire, England · star 5.0 (1) · 5.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 7 min

8

Easy

Ashridge - Wildlife Walk

Hertfordshire, England · star 5.0 (3) · 11.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 36 min

9

Medium

Cheddar Waterfall and Cheddar Gorge and Caves Loop

Somerset, England · star 4.0 (8) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 46 min

10

Easy

Devon Cliffs - Exmouth Walk

Devon, England · star 5.0 (2) · 4.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 4 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for wildlife hiking trails in England

No reviews available for Southwold.

Sophie Parkinson avatar

Harewood Circular Walk

Sophielou199 · reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

Really lovely circular walk, pretty in spring with all the bluebells and spotted deer and got up close with highland cows! If you want less incline go the opposite direction (main road start).

avatar

Dollis Valley Greenwalk

MountainBushstrider46 · reviewed 12 days ago

star star star star star

David Hawken avatar

Portsea Island Circular Walk - Porsmouth

Davidhawken · reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Snettisham Beach RSPB reserve from Shepherd's Port.

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.

More trails in England

by difficulty

by type

by activity