Take the bus from Borrowdale, Lake District
We love visiting the Northern Lake District. You can enjoy the buzz of friendly Keswick, full of great cafes, independent shops, beautiful parks and stunning views in every direction. Travel by open-top coach from Keswick to Seatoller and experience the beauty of Derwentwater and Borrowdale, passing “the loveliest square mile in Lakeland” according to Alfred Wainwright. Explore the northern moors for true peace and quiet: walk from Mungrisdale to Bannerdale Crags and Blencathra and marvel at those brave enough to tackle the Sharp Edge. Afterwards, sit by the stream and enjoy a coffee in the beautiful village of Caldbeck.
katharine
The gift of solitude in Northumberland
Northumberland national park is a gift to those seeking solitude. Here pipits, peewits (lapwings) and sandpipers are your faithful companions. History lies beneath your feet as you stand at the top of Yeavering Bell overlooking Ad Gefrin, the medieval kings’ palace that is now home to wild goats. Step outside the park boundaries and immerse yourself in history at the fantastic Saxon museum and whiskey distillery that bears the park’s name. Explore Rothbury, a small market town on the banks of the River Coquet, or head upriver to share the folklore of Drake Stone. Every step here is a treasure. Just don’t forget your wellies.
Laura B.
Climbing a quieter mountain in Eryri
Eryri national park (Snowdonia) has a special place in my heart. Rain, sun, snow, there is beauty everywhere. Yes, there is Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the big mountain everyone wants to conquer, but there are other mountains that are less visited; among them is Tryfan. You won’t find any cafes, signs or trains on this 917-meter peak; just follow a “path” of your choosing. There is an incredible view at the top and a jump between the two rocks of Adam and Eve (Sion a Siân) if you are brave.
From
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Tackle the Cairngorms on two wheels
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Cairngorms national park. You can find all types of bicycles here. There are family-friendly routes, spectacular rides on quiet roads, spectacular mountain bike trails and some of Scotland’s best mountain bike resorts. One of these is Bike Glenlivet on the Glenlivet Estate, which has flowing single-track trails for all ages and abilities, amidst spectacular scenery. The trails are free to use and trail bikes as well as e-bikes can be rented. There is also a very nice cafe.
Peter Diender
A quiet corner of the New Forest
Ignore the hotspots of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst and head to a quiet corner of the New Forest. Take one of the numerous trails among the ponies on Rockford Common, just outside Ringwood. Within minutes of leaving the car park you’ll be on your own and able to wander around for hours while enjoying the scent of gorse and the wide open views of the common area. Each season brings different pleasures: watching the forest come to life in May, lazy picnics in the sun, glorious autumn colors or playing in a secret winter wonderland.
Tracy Jordan
Yorkshire Valleys and their lovely neighbors
The Yorkshire Dales national park is beautiful enough on its own, but it is enhanced by being surrounded by the natural landscapes of Bowland Forest, Nidderdale and the North Pennine. You’ll find many more acres and wildflowers per person, and perhaps the locals will make more time for you. If you’re careful, you can come. You can start from the Dales villages of Clapham or Austwick near the big top, head to Ingleborough and Gaping Gill cave, then cross the A65 into Bowland Forest and visit largely unknown locations.
Martin Charlesworth
Pembrokeshire evening perfection
When visiting Pembrokeshire national park, don’t forget to visit Stackpole with its beautiful coast, wooded valleys, lily ponds and walking trails. Then set off towards the stunning beach at Barafundle Bay. We love visiting the beach here with a picnic on a warm summer evening.
Fireplace
Rabbits of Butser Hill on Hampshire’s South Downs
As a child, just after the book Watership Down was published, I was taken to Butser Hill, the 270m highest point on the limestone ridge of the South Downs national park. It was near sunset and we sat whispering and eating our sandwiches as we waited for the hill to gradually become covered with rabbits in a fairly short time. Here I stand, a little over half a century later, reeling from one of the most magical and fondly remembered evenings of my life.
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Wildlife drifting on the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads has amazing wildlife among its marshes and reed beds, but it’s also a great place for visitors of all ages to have fun on the water. Toddlers can row at Wroxham Broad, while parents can enjoy watching sailing races and teenagers can take part in rowing and sea scout activities at Oulton Broad. Then there is the option of sitting on the boat all day and having a picnic. It’s a place where you can rent a boat every lunchtime and take a break at a fun bar after enjoying the bird life and fluttering of swallowtail butterflies. I love doing all these things.
David Innes-Wilkin
Winning tip: A legendary chasm at the top
My favorite walk in the Peak District national park has two great places: Lud Church and Roaches. The route offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The Church of Lud is a deep, moss-covered cliff, steeped in legends and a peaceful escape into nature. Nearby the Roaches are dramatic sandstone ridge landscapes with spectacular panoramic views. Hikers and climbers are attracted to challenging terrain. The area’s unique geological features and lush greenery make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
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Please use the comments to suggest your favorite activities and walks in UK national parks