Our favourite summer walks in the UK

Charity and Sponsorship, Seasonal, Walking

Posted by Clare Willcocks on 24th May 2022

Summer walks in the UKPhoto credits: Christine Charlesworth (top), @rozzle_123 (left), Lornna Dickson (right)

Warm sunshine, the smell of freshly cut grass, bees bumbling between the flowers – what’s not to love about summer? That uplifting feeling that only summer can bring has us raring to get out and enjoy the balmy air and lush landscapes of the UK.

We are very lucky to have miles of beautiful coastline and acres of glorious national park countryside to explore here; we’d even go as far as to say that the UK has some of the best walking routes in the world! Whether you’re looking for a lazy stroll through bucolic scenery or a challenging clifftop hike, the options are plentiful here in our little corner of the globe.

Here are some of our favourite summer walks in the UK, illustrated with photos sent in for our Summer Holiday Watch campaign in partnership with the RSPB. We were dazzled by the beautiful views on these summer trails, and hope you will be too!

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The best coastal walks in summer

Walking in Crantock, Cornwall

Crantock

Cornwall, England

In the summer, the coast around Crantock in Cornwall looks like an exuberant artist has been let loose with their most saturated colours. The clifftops are awash with vibrant red poppies while the sea takes on an unbelievable tropical hue, set off by the pristine white sand and dramatic cliffs of Crantock Beach.

Head off for a circular walk from Crantock along the Gannel, and you’ll not only be treated to breathtaking views, but you’re also likely to spot wading birds and other wildlife at the edge of the estuary at low tide. There are also two pubs en route for those all-important summer refreshments.

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Photos by: @rozzle_123 and Helen Mellor

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Walking near John O'Groats, Caithness, Scotland

John O’Groats

Caithness, Scotland

Wild, rugged, and a top choice for a romantic coastal ramble in Scotland, John O’Groats lies close to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Great Britain. The views here are spectacular, and best appreciated by putting your best foot forward and heading out on the 2-mile walk from the harbour to the awe-inspiring stacks of Duncansby.

It’s one of the best summer walks in Scotland if you’re looking for a short route that packs in the scenery. Starting at John O’Groats harbour, it skirts past Roberts Haven and Sannick Bay before rising up to Duncansby Head Lighthouse atop the cliff, and onwards to the stacks. Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds!

Photo by: Lornna Dickson

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Beer, Devon

Beer

Devon, England

Cute as a button, the gorgeous little Devon village of Beer in Devon drops steeply down to a picture-perfect beach dotted with boats and flanked by white chalk cliffs. If you can tear yourself away from the beach and the cafes though, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning coastal walk to the neighbouring village of Branscombe.

Drink in the spectacular views which reach as far as Torquay in one direction, and Portland Bill in the other. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the geology in this area is fascinating and you can see some fine examples en route, including the Hooken Landslip.

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Photos by: Chloe Leanne and @hannahmarytoo

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Broadhaven, Wales

Broad Haven

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Discover the secret beaches and unspoilt coast around the beautiful beach of Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire. If you’re looking for summer trails in Wales for a day’s walking, head north or south from Broad Haven and you’ll be in for a treat.

Hike 10 miles north to Newgale, and take in secret coves, old coal mine chimneys and fascinating geology along the way. Alternatively, strike out to the south along flat cliffs topped with gorse and heather, and enjoy the views of St David's Head and Ramsey Island.

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Photo by: Rachel Wadley

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Sandilands, Lincolnshire

Sandilands

Lincolnshire, England

Sprawling along the Lincolnshire coast, Sandilands is a beautiful, golden, dog-friendly beach with sand dunes, colourful beach huts and a peaceful nature reserve. There’s a lovely, circular walk which takes in the beach and countryside, including a stretch along an old railway line. A surfaced path from Huttoft Car Terrace to Sutton is an accessible option for wheelchair users, pushchairs and bikes.

One of the National Trust’s most recent acquisitions is here at Sandilands: a former golf course which will be transformed into a nature reserve – the Trust’s first land on the Midlands’ coast. It’s a wonderful spot for summer walks in the fresh sea air.

Photo by: @gillkennettphotography

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The best countryside walks in summer

Canal boat on Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

The joyfully painted canal boats gliding peacefully along the tranquil waterways of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Wales are an attractive sight in summer. Passing various points of interest, the canal traces a route along the Usk Valley through the spectacular scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

If you’re looking for summer walks in the UK for families, pick a section of this picturesque route, and take in attractions such as the Brecon Basin, Llangynidr locks or Goytre Wharf. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, join the long-distance Taff Trail at the northern end of the canal, and ramble 55 miles all the way to Cardiff!

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Photo by: Mark Wood

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Derwentwater, Cumbria

Derwentwater

Cumbria, England

The glistening lake of Derwentwater in the Lake District is magical at any time of year, but the sunshine, still water and reflections in summer make it an enchanting destination for an unforgettable walk. If you’re feeling energetic, you can circumnavigate the lake on a 10-mile waymarked trail, from which you can admire the majestic body of water from every angle.

A cooling dip is a tonic on a hot summer’s day, and there are lots of spots where you can get your feet wet and enjoy the delights of wild swimming. Pack a picnic and the sun cream, and spend a whole day here in this Lake District walking spot.

Photo by: @anniehornerglis

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Grassington, Yorkshire Dales

Grassington

Yorkshire Dales, England

The lush valleys and rugged, exposed fells of the Yorkshire Dales offer no end of scenic terrain to explore, and the welcoming town of Grassington makes a great jumping-off point for summer walks.

There are lots of walking routes to choose from here, from sedate strolls along the river to hikes up the nearby fells of Cracoe and Sharp Haw.

Photo by: @wellhellosally

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Bosherton Lakes, Pembrokeshire

Bosherston Lakes

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Summer is the best time to visit the National Trust’s Bosherston Lakes in Pembrokeshire, when the ponds are awash with dazzling white lilies blossoming on their broad lily pads. The manmade lakes were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by the Cawdors, and are fed by underground springs.

There is an easy 1-mile walk around the lakes, a top choice for a somnolent summer’s day when you don’t have too much energy to muster! The lakes are packed with wildlife, with otters, dragonflies, birds and fish among some of the creatures who live there.

Photo by: Annabel Gunn

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Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Huddersfield Narrow Canal

West Yorkshire/Greater Manchester, England

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal rises up the Pennines and holds the accolade of being the highest canal in the UK. It passes through an astounding array of landscapes, from leafy woodland to open hills, gliding past heritage buildings and through the amazing Standedge Tunnel.

It takes around 3 hours for boats to emerge from the other side of the tunnel, while ramblers can enjoy the more scenic route that the horses would have once taken over Marsden Moor Estate. This picturesque photo was snapped at Slaithwaite while walking alongside the canal.

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Photo by: Christine Charlesworth

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Discover the UK this summer

The long, lazy days of summer lie ahead, with evenings promising BBQs aplenty and fun in the sun with friends. Enjoy exploring the country’s beautiful walking routes, and see the UK in its full summer splendour. Book a stay in one of our homely holiday cottages in picturesque locations and enjoy a memorable break this summer.

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.