Seven of Britain’s best spring walks
The temperature is on the up, the daffodils are blooming and the countryside is bursting into life. Time to crack your hiking boots out…
1. The Daffodil Way, Gloucestershire
The clue is in the name: in early spring the meadows and woodlands near Kempley come alive with wild daffodils. The Daffodil Way, a 10 mile circular walk through farmland, orchards and ancient woodlands, takes in the very best of it, including the 500 hectare Dymock Woods.
2. Micheldever Wood, Hampshire
Spring light illuminates Micheldever’s bonny bluebells|Visit Britain
Head to this mature beech wood near Winchester in late April/early May. The shady beech trees create ideal bluebell conditions, and, come late spring, the forest floor is transformed into a carpet of violet-blue. On a sunny day, it’s truly spectacular.
3. Fowey Hall Walk, Cornwall
This National Trust route combines beaches, cliffs, forests and farmland to make one perfect spring walk. Totalling four miles, it takes in view of Fowey Harbour and the green waters of quiet Pont Pill. In spring you can expect to see gorse in bloom, and keep an eye out for wheaters, sand martins and black-headed gulls.
4. Hunstanton, Norfolk
Hunstanton beach glowing in the spring sunlight | VisitBritain / Rod Edwards
Clear away the winter cobwebs with a brisk walk around the tranquil North Norfolk coast. This nine mile walk also passes through Ringstead Downs, one of the counties few chalk grassland areas and home to sweet-smelling flora such as dwarf thistles and wild thyme.
5. Gwydyr Forest, Conwy
Sat on a plateau in Snowdonia National Park with views over the Glyderau, Carneddau and Snowdon mountain ranges, this forest is filled with long-forgotten miners paths and hidden mountain lakes. And in spring, things get even better when the bluebells start to appear on the forest floor. This 6.5 mile walk takes in the best of it.
6. Berwickshire Coastal Path, Berwickshire
St Abbs Head, a popular bird watching spot | Fotolia.com
Hike a section of the 48km Berwickshire Coastal Path from Berwick upon Tweed to Cockburnspath. St Abbs Head is a highlight: A National Nature Reserve renowned for its birdlife, and often playing host to a large number of migrants in the spring. Come May, seabirds like the Kittiwake also make it their home.
7. Daffodil Walk, North Yorkshire
This area is so rich in wild daffodils that its earned the nickname ‘Daffodil Dale’. It’s an easy-access two hour walk which follows the bubbling River Dove along its banks for around 1.5 miles. You can either return the same way, or follow an equally stunning route back across tranquil farmland that overlooks the valley.
