The UK is a treasure trove of stunning countryside and scenic walking trails, with one county standing out as the ultimate destination for walkers.
As spring approaches, you might be considering weekend escapes to immerse yourself in the UK’s natural beauty, whether that’s a leisurely walk through a nature reserve or embarking on an extensive wildlife trail.
The folks at GO Outdoors have crowned Devon as the premier county for walking in the UK, awarding it a perfect 10/10 nature walk hotspot score.
Boasting 600 wildlife trails and ten nature reserves, Devon offers nature lovers an abundance of exploration opportunities.
Walks in Devon range from breathtaking coastal paths to verdant woodlands, and the county even boasts an impressive 81.6% tree cover in urban areas.
The experts at Go Outdoors note: “Devon’s combination of rich biodiversity, accessibility, and green spaces makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.”
They add: “Dartmoor National Park in Devon provides rolling hills and historic tours for a peaceful yet picturesque setting.”
Hampshire, home to the New Forest with its beautiful woodland trails and plentiful wildlife, came in second place. It also has 792 wildlife trails and nine nature reserves.
Surrey took third place, with nearly three in ten (27.9%) of the county’s residents living within ten minutes of a green space.
Surrey, with its 626 wildlife trails and a mere three nature reserves, compensates with breathtaking attractions such as Box Hill. Renowned for its panoramic views and ancient woodlands teeming with wildlife, it’s an ideal spot for leisurely strolls.
Top UK counties for walks:
- Devon
- Hampshire
- Surrey
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- West Sussex
- East Sussex
- Suffolk
- Somerset
- Monmouthshire