Spring 2017 has officially sprung! With the clocks going forward, the evenings getting lighter and temperatures starting to rise, now is the perfect time to dust off the walking boots and head outside!
As the UK offers up a wealth of options for exploring the countryside, from wild untamed moorlands and mountains to manicured country estates and bewitching, bluebell-filled woodlands, here at STIHL, we decided now would be the perfect time to share some of our favourite walks from around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Rhossili Bay, Swansea:
Boasting some of the largest and most pristine beaches in the UK, you’re spoiled for choice around the Gower. One of the most famous walks is from the village of Rhossili, overlooking the three-mile-long Rhossili bay, out to the distinct headland known as Worm’s Head. For a further challenge, follow the path from Rhossili village out across the down, past the WWII radar station before dropping down onto the beach. Watch out for the many surfers and kite surfers that frequent the area!
For more information, visit the National Trust website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/rhossili-down-hillend-and-beach-walk
Virginia Water, Berkshire:
The centrepiece of the 5000 acre Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water is an artificial lake surrounded by some of the finest landscaping in the UK, as you would expect for the Queen’s back garden, and is a perfect family walk. The paved park around the lake takes you past various gifts received by the royal family, including the ruins of an ancient Roman town and a 100ft totem pole. Go further into the park to find soft, beautifully maintained woodland pathways, a large local deer population and one of the finest ornamental gardens in the country, Saville Garden.
For more information, visit the Great Park website: http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/virginia-water
The Glenfinnan Viaduct, Aberdeenshire:
One of the most famous tourist shots of Scotland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct backs onto the picturesque Loch Shiel and surrounding craggy peaks. The viaduct will be familiar to many, as it is supposedly close to Hogwarts school, and was regularly used by the Hogwarts Express. The bridge is often crossed by steam trains, adding to the drama of the landscape. Climb up the hill away from the viaduct, to enjoy stunning views over the water, before dropping through the woods down onto the Loch, to see the Jacobite rebellion monument.
For more information, try the Visit Scotland website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/glenfinnan-p236571
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire:
With 15,000 trees on display, the National Arboretum is a perfect family day out. Take the children on the famous Gruffalo walk, where they can track and spot the Gruffalo and his friends with the help of woodland markers and a mobile phone app to bring the characters to life. If that isn’t enough, head to the STIHL treetop walkway, which offers beautiful views across the park!
Marble Arches Cave Geopark, Ulster:
Mountains and la
kes abound in this globally recognised and protected Geopark. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones,
be sure to take in the beautiful Pollnagollum cave and waterfall, which was used as Beric’s hideout during the show. Getting to the cave is a picturesque journey, taking you through ‘picture-postcard’ woodland filled with bluebells and other wild flowers.
For more information, visit http://www.marblearchcavesgeopark.c
om/activity/hiking/
Yelverton, Devon:
Situated in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Yelverton offers varied, yet approachable terrain with stunning backdrops and is famously the location of Spielberg film War Horse. A short circular route in the area allows you to enjoy the rocky outcrops of Middleworth, Combshead and Down Tor, as well as open brushland, reservoirs and small streams that weave through the ancient woodland. Just remember to watch the skies; the weather can change notoriously fast on Dartmoor.
For more information on the War Horse walk, visit http://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/war-horse-walk-p1905173
