By Owen Proctor
While sitting in front of a screen or behind your desk, it’s easy to forget that the UK has thousands of islands, hundreds of hills and rivers, and a coastline measuring nearly 20,000 miles. Although the UK is becoming increasingly urban and populated, there are still large areas of wilderness where you can really disconnect from it all. For you to get out there and enjoy some much needed outdoor activities in the UK, below are some of the best natural places.
- Walking at Devon’s Dartmoor
Devon’s Dartmoor offers wonderful walking opportunities among its woodlands, rivers, and rock formations. The Teign, Bovey and Plym rivers are among Dartmoor’s most beautiful and diverse rivers, so a gentle walk along their banks is a nice change. From Cadover Bridge in the upper Plym area, the walk across this natural landscape is slightly more challenging in the open moorland.
- Connecting With Nature At Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk
Blakeney Point is a National Nature Reserve located near the villages of Blakeney, Morston and Cley next to the Sea on the north coast of Norfolk, England. It offers wide open spaces and stunning views of the coastline. Being the perfect habitat for a variety of birds both resident and migratory, the area is also home to the largest colony of seals in England.
- Magical Views At Carding Mill Valley And The Long Mynd, Shropshire
Views of the surrounding Shropshire Hills can be enjoyed from this wildlife-rich heathland. The Milky Way can also be seen from here if you like the night sky and don’t mind some solitude. In every season, there’s plenty to see and do, whether you take a stroll through Carding Mill Valley or climb up the hill for a more rugged experience.
- Explorable Trails Of The Isle Of Wight
Newton, the Isle of Wight offers over 20 trails that can be the perfect opportunity to explore dramatic views and natural open spaces. Stunning stretches of coastline, once the site of shipwrecks and smuggling are paved with chalky paths. Experience ancient holloways on foot or stroll along huge stretches of downland and heath with 360-degree views! The island is also home to the sole National Nature Reserve – a misty, magical landscape teeming with swans, herons, and eagles.
- Experience Nature’s Beauty At Hadrian’s Wall And Housesteads Fort, Northumberland
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the few places combining history and natural beauty. There are 80 miles of coastline stretching from Cumbria’s Solway Coast to Wallsend, near Newcastle upon Tyne. This is a place where people can get away from it all, feel rejuvenated amongst nature, and enjoy it. Marvel at the rugged landscapes, take in the views and gather your thoughts.
- Immerse Yourself In Nature At Dunwich Heath And Beach, Suffolk
Dunwich Heath sits quietly on the Suffolk coast, offering peace and a feeling of being at one with nature. Abundant with wildlife, there are many special species living in coastal lowland heath, known for its remoteness and beauty. Among them are the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and more.
- Wildlife Exploration At Exmoor, Devon
There are also some of Britain’s largest mammals and most beautiful insects in the Exmoor area, along with its remote and romantic landscapes. Exmoor is home to several herds of wild Exmoor ponies roaming freely in the area, as well as large herds of red deer. With its dramatic coastline, open moorland, ancient woods, mountain valleys, clear rivers, and tumbling streams, the National Park covers 267 square miles. Wild landscapes and stone circles and ruins of ancient inhabitants offer excellent hiking opportunities.
- Serene Ambience At Kinder, Edale And The Dark Peak, Derbyshire
Kinder, Edale and the Dark Peak, Derbyshire – It’s the perfect isolated spot to appreciate big open skies, dramatic sunsets and far-reaching horizons of this rich moorland habitat, a place where misty valleys and sunlit hilltops combine for a breathtaking experience. Experience an exhilarating and challenging walk high on the Kinder Plateau, one of the great uplands of the gritstone Dark Peak. The area is also home to a wide array of wildlife and mysterious rock formations.
- Nature Exploration At Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
1967 marked the founding of Ireland’s first nature reserve, a fragile, 6000-year-old dune system. Walking and bird watching are excellent in this scenic setting at the edge of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay. At Murlough, you will find one of Ireland’s best examples of dune heath. More than 600 butterfly and moth species have been identified, including the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
This list of the best natural places in the UK is bound to keep your adrenaline pumping, your heart full of adventure and your camera roll packed with gorgeous views. Whether you are interested in kayaking down a river or hiking up a mountain, immersing yourself in the wild spaces of the UK is the perfect way to escape your daily grind.
