These 20 walks are among my favourites to do in spring. They show off the countryside at its best, when nature is pushing back against the dead hand of winter. Among the rambles here you’ll find carpets of primroses and their rare cousin the oxlip in Bradfield Woods, Suffolk, and spatters of violets and windflowers among the grass banks of the Marble Line on the Isle of Skye.
Skylarks are singing over the Dorset downs, redshank nesting in the nature reserves at Stodmarsh and Marshside in Kent, curlew and lapwing on the moors near Blanchland where Durham runs alongside Northumberland. The cornfields of the Leicestershire and Lincolnshire Wolds lie fresh and green, and if it’s spectacular hilltop views you’re after, look no further than Divis Mountain beside Belfast, Catbells in the Lake District, and Foel Offrwm in west Wales. What a wonderful time of year to get outside for a leg stretch or two.
1. Catbells and Derwentwater lakeshore, Lake District
How hard is it? 3½ miles; moderate, short steep section with some minor scrambling
Catbells is such an attractive lure for walkers who don’t have the time and/or energy to tackle a big Lakeland fell but want some rugged stuff underfoot and a great view from the top. Derwentwater, Skiddaw, Blencathra, Robinson, Hindscarth — there are fabulous views of all these. Steeply down to the lakeshore, and a return path among daffodils.
Map OS Explorer OL4
Start Gutherscale car park, CA12 5UE approx (NY 247212) — NB: popular car park so get there early
Getting there Ferry from Keswick to Hawes End (£12 return; keswick-launch.co.uk). Road: A66 from Keswick (“Workington, Cockermouth”), left into Portinscale; follow road to Gutherscale/Catbells car park
Walk Climb steeply over Skelgill Bank (with a rocky scramble or two) to Catbells summit (244198); down to Hause Gate path crossing (244192); left down stepped path; in 600m, left on bridleway to road at Brackenburn (249192). Left; in 100m, right on path to Brandelhow Bay landing stage (252197). Left on shore path to Hawes End (249213); left to car park.
Lunch Picnic or the Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley (01768 778253; theswinsideinnandrooms.co.uk)
More information Visit Keswick (keswick.org)
2. Grassington and Hebden, North Yorkshire
How hard is it? 6½ miles; moderate; rough going just below Scar Side House
Up and away from the visiting crowds along field and fell paths spattered with purple and yellow mountain pansies. Teeter across the Hebden Beck stepping stones and climb to High Top, then down though bracken to Hebden and the homeward path beside the River Wharfe.
Map OS Explorer OL2
Start Grassington National Park Visitor Centre car park, BD23 5LB (OS ref SE 003637)
Getting there Bus 72 (Skipton-Buckden). Road: on B6265
Walk Left into village; right (Hebden Road); in 200m right (Low Lane, High Lane). In 250m, left (006640, gate, yellow arrow/YA). Field path (stiles, YAs) to Edge Lane (013641). Right; in 550m, at gate, left (017638, “Hebden Gill”). Just before High Garnshaw, right (020643, gate), down fields to drive (022642), down to Hole Bottom (024641). Right along drive. In 200m, left (024639, fingerpost/FP “Edge Top”) to cross Hebden Beck by stepping stones (NB: if beck swollen, return to drive, left to Hebden). Right along opposite bank; in 250m track rises to gate (025637). Don’t go through; left up wall to wicket gate at top (026639). Path up through rocks to Scar Top House (28639). FPs point right past house, down fields (stiles, FPs) to pass Scar Side House (028637). Down through bracken (pick your own path!) to stile/gate at bottom (027635). Gates, FPs down to Hebden (026632). Cross B6265; in 150m, left (027630); follow “Suspension Bridge” through fields to road (027624). Right; in 150m left on Dales Way to Grassington.
Lunch The Devonshire, Grassington BD23 5AD (01756 752535; thedevonshiregrassington.co.uk)
More information Grassington National Park Visitor Centre (01756 751690; yorkshire.com)
3. Wootton Wawen, Stratford Canal and Austy Wood, Warwickshire
How hard is it? 6 miles; easy; canal towpaths, field and woodland paths
This stroll through a classic slice of Midlands countryside follows the winding towpath of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal with its red-nebbed moorhen chicks, before setting back across cattle pastures and finishing among the bluebells of Austy Wood.
Map OS Explorer 220
Start The View car park, Hill Farm Marina, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, Warwicks B95 6DE (OS ref SP 160622)
Getting there Bus X20, X50 (Stratford-upon-Avon to Henley-in-Arden) to Hill Farm Marina. Road: The View is signed from A3400 (Stratford-Henley)
Walk From kissing gate in top corner of car park, follow mown path across two fields to cross Stratford Canal at Bridge 54 (156627). Right (Monarch’s Way/MW) along towpath for 1¾ miles. At Bridge 49, right across canal (172647); right over stile (yellow arrow/YA); half left across field to bottom left corner (173645). Ahead on field path to road (181643). Right past Cherry Pool Farm and Kington Grange. Opposite 2 Kington Cottage, right (182641) along lane. In nearly 1 mile, right at Cutler’s Farm (179628, MW, blue arrow). In 600m through gate into Austy Wood (MW); in 40m, left on woodland path (174629, YA). In 500m leave wood (171626); on along field path for ⅔ mile to A3400 (162622). Cross (take care); right to bus stop; left to car park.
Lunch The View (01564 627280; theview-eat.co.uk)
More information Henley-in-Arden Heritage Centre (01564 795919; heritagehenley.org.uk)
4. Chobham Common, Surrey
How hard is it? 6½ miles; easy; heath tracks
Walk a mile or so into the centre of the common where the path descends and you’ll feel enclosed in a brooding landscape as the M3 motorway noise dies away. Silver birches are flushing green, gorse and broom are starred with yellow flowers and skylarks pour out silvery song over this lowland heath, a remarkable survival of wild country in the overbuilt and overcrowded southeast of England.
Map OS Explorer 160
Start Longcross car park, Chobham, Surrey KT16 0ED (OS ref SU 979651)
Getting there Off B386 (Chertsey-Bagshot) beside M3 at Longcross
Walk Path south. In 50m fork right. In ¾ mile pass post (blue arrow/BA); in 100m, dogleg right/left (975638) across track. On under power lines. In ⅓ mile (973632, house on left) dogleg right/left (BA) to Gorse Lane (972631). Continue to Four Horseshoes PH (972628). Return up Gorse Lane. At right bend, ahead into wood (972631). Just past electricity substation, dogleg right/left (973632, BAs). In 200m, left (974633, BA). In 100m, right (BA on tree) with field on right. In 300m cross trackway (973637). At road, left; cross Staple Hill Road (970639, BA, fingerpost). Ahead for ⅔ mile via Chickabiddy Hill (968644), to cross M3 through subway (970647), then B386 (970650 – take care). Ahead for ½ mile to memorial cross on Ship Hill (965655). Return to cross track (967656); ahead on track. In ½ mile round right bend; in ⅓ mile ahead at junction (974658, bench on left). At next junction, right (974655) for ½ mile to T-junction (969651). Left through underpass; left to cross Staple Hill Road (973646); left for 800m to car park.
Lunch Four Horseshoes, Burrowhill Green GU24 8QP (01276 856257; fourhorseshoeschobham.co.uk)
More information Surrey Wildlife Trust (surreywildlifetrust.org)
5. Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve and Grove Ferry, Kent
How hard is it? 4¾ miles; easy; flat walking, can be muddy
The watery landscape of Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve was formed partly through subsidence of old mine workings below ground, a reminder of the now-vanished Kent coalfield. The result is a network of pools, lakelets and watercourses along the Kentish Stour. Look out for pale pink and white cuckoo flowers and brilliant yellow marsh marigolds in the damp soil, and make time to linger in the bird hides to spot the long dark wings of a marsh harrier flapping over the reedbeds, and maybe a glimpse of the courting dance of a pair of great crested grebes.
Map OS Explorer 150
Start Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve car park, near Canterbury CT3 4BP (OS ref TR 222609)
Getting there Reserve is signed from A257 (Canterbury to Littlebourne)
Walk From bottom right corner of car park pass info board; follow track for ¼ mile to cross bridge to T-junction (223610). Left; follow Reedbed hide signs to hide (222612). Return to pass bridge (don’t cross); follow path (yellow arrows) past Undertrees Farm. In ¾ mile pass Marsh hide (226618); in ½ mile dogleg right/left across track (233623, red arrow); follow signs to Grove Ferry car park for ⅔ mile to road (236630). Left (Grove Ferry Inn is opposite); in 40m, left (Stour Valley Walk). Follow riverbank path. In 1½ miles path veers inland (221620); follow it past Tower Hide (222617), then follow signs to car park.
Lunch Grove Ferry Inn, Upstreet, Canterbury CT3 4BP (01227 860302; groveferryinn.co.uk)
More information Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (0845 600 3078; explorekent.org)
6. Precipice Walk and Foel Offrwm summit, Eryri/Snowdonia
How hard is it? 5½ miles; rocky paths and a strenuous hill climb
The Precipice Walk runs high above the glacier-scoured valley where the Afon Mawddach widens towards Barmouth Bay. To the south, Cadair Idris sprawls in full majesty of ridges, cliffs, corries and peaks. The prospect from the summit of Foel Offrwm is equally stunning: lumpy Rhinogs to the west, Arans and Arennig to the east, and away to the north the roof of Eryri/Snowdonia. The Precipice Walk section is 3½ miles of rocky paths, followed by a two-mile up and down strenuous climb at Foel Offrwm.
Map OS Explorer OL23
Start Precipice Walk car park, near Dolgellau, LL40 2NG (OS ref SH 745211)
Getting there Bus 33 (Dolgellau-Llanfachreth). Road: on Llanfachreth road, signed off A494 between Dolgellau and Rhydymain
Walk Turn right along marked path at top of car park. In ½ mile through gate marked “Danger; Deep Drops” (741212); in 100m uphill along wall. Follow it to right, then follow the obvious “Precipice Walk” circuit. Back at car park, cross road and follow lower track parallel with road. In 250m, before gate, fork right (748212, “Foel Offrwm” on marker stone) up side path, through gate and on. In 250m fork right up path (“Copa Foel Offrwm”). In 100m bend right with the path, and keep climbing in same direction. At bench, fork back left (750213 approx) on path to summit cairn (750209). Return same way.
Lunch Picnic
More information Eryri (eryri.gov.wales); Visit Wales (visitwales.com)
7. Bodinnick, Polruan & Fowey, Cornwall
How hard is it? 4 miles; rural footpaths, narrow and steep in places
This is the perfect stroll for a balmy spring afternoon — a ferry ride to Bodinnick for lunch in the Old Ferry Inn, a superb view over Fowey from the granite monument to Cornish-born Arthur Quiller-Couch, and then a circuit of the tree-lined banks of Pont Pill’s inlet among primroses, bluebells and the white starbursts of stitchwort. Another ferry carries you back to Fowey, “the little grey sea town that clings along one steep side of the harbour”, as the Sea Rat so seductively describes it in The Wind in the Willows. “There through dark doorways you look down flights of stone steps, overhung by great pink tufts of valerian and ending in a patch of sparkling blue water.”
Map OS Explorer 107
Start Caffa Mill car park, Bodinnick ferry slip, Fowey PL23 1DF (OS ref SX 126522) £5 for 3-4 hrs, £6.30 all day
Getting there Bus 25, St Austell-Fowey; A3082 from Par
Walk Ferry across to Bodinnick (£2.50; every 10-15 min, crossing takes 5 min); bear right, seaward along River Fowey, then north side of Pont Pill inlet. Cross footbridge; back along south side of Pont Pill to Polruan. Ferry to Fowey (£3); right along waterfront to Caffa Mill.
Lunch Old Ferry Inn, Bodinnick (theoldferryinn.co.uk; 01726 870237)
More information Fowey Hall Walk (nationaltrust.org.uk); Fowey Tourist Information Centre (01726 833616)
8. May Hill & Newent Woods, Gloucestershire
How hard is it? 3½ miles; easy; muddy in woods
The stunning prospect from the summit plantation on May Hill encompasses the Cotswolds, Malverns, Forest of Dean and Welsh Border hills. Come at dawn on May Day to watch the morris men dance the sun up. Newent Woods are full of bluebells and clumps of wild daffodils.
Map OS Explorer OL14; map downloadable from NT (see below)
Start May Hill car park, Clifford’s Mesne, Newent GL18 1JS (OS ref SO 690219). Small car park and a popular walk, so get there early
Getting there May Hill is signed off A40 (Gloucester to Ross-on-Wye) at Dursley Cross
Walk Through metal gate; follow main track up May Hill to tree clump at summit (696213), and on down south slope. Follow blue-and-white National Trust May Hill Walk/MHW signs and arrows, bearing left just past houses at foot of hill (702206), then in 200m left again (704208) into Newent Woods. Follow main forest track north. In three quarters of a mile, just after timber stacking area, left (701218, MHW); in 250m, fork left (699219, MHW). In 300m through gate on to common (696220, MHW); follow path along edge of common to road (690220); left to car park.
Lunch Take a picnic or Glasshouse Inn, Longhope GL17 0NN (01452 830529; quality-inns.co.uk; open Thu-Sat, 12pm-10.30pm)
More information National Trust (nationaltrust.org.uk)
9. Rannoch Moor and the Old Military Road, Argyll and Bute
How hard is it? 6½ miles; easy gradient; moorland path, then cobbled track
A wild and lonely walk, following the half-forgotten line of an old military road across the wide empty spaces of Rannoch Moor among white stars of heath bedstraw and tuffets of brilliant green mosses. Your boots will be peat-spattered by the time you turn homeward along the stony drove road of the West Highland Way. This is an adventurous walk in a wild place, so not recommended in mist. Faintly marked in places; use a good GPS or map/compass. Look for occasional, prominent marker stones on the skyline.
Map OS Explorer 377
Start Victoria Bridge car park, Inveroran Hotel, near Bridge of Orchy PA36 4AU approx (OS ref NN 271418)
Getting there Signed off A82 at Bridge of Orchy station
Walk Left along road; cross bridge. Just before Forest Lodge, left along drive (272421; “Loch Etive by Glen Kinglass”). At end of trees, right along forest edge. In 250m, Old Military Road/OMR veers left away from trees (271424), aiming for right-hand slope of Stob a’Choire Odhair. In 600m, when almost level with top of forestry on left, OMR swings right (271430). In ¾ mile, after crossing burn bridge, OMR bends right (276442). In 1 mile OMR reaches forestry on right (282456). Follow fence; in 500m it bends right (281461). Follow it across several streams to West Highland Way (283462); right for 3 miles to car park.
Lunch Inveroran Hotel, Bridge of Orchy PA36 4AQ (01838 400250; inveroran.com)
More information Visit Scotland (visitscotland.com)
10. Marble Line, Broadford, Isle of Skye
How hard is it? 6 miles there and back; easy; old railway path
When the Cuillin mountains of Skye arose in volcanic splendour 65 million years ago, the heat of the upheaval turned the limestone in the hills near Broadford to marble. The quarries where this beautiful white stone was dug are long since closed, but you can walk the grassy track of the old quarry railway above the lovely Strath Suardal to the lower delving, then on to the higher one. There are sensational views from here to the Cuillins, and also near Loch Lonachan at the top of the hill where a cornucopia of spring flowers stars the heather — anemone, primrose, early purple orchids, violets, windflowers, mountain avens, celandine and milkwort. NB: please do not hammer the quarry rocks.
Map OS Explorer 412
Start Car park space on B8083 Elgol Road, Broadford IV49 9AB approx (OS ref NG 636227)
Getting there Bus 612 (Broadford-Elgol). Road: From Skye Bridge, A87 towards Portree. At Broadford, left at Broadford Hotel on B8083 (“Elgol”). Parking place is ½ mile on right
Walk Cross road; right along Marble Line for 2½ miles to upper quarry (621196). Continue for another ½ mile to viewpoint over Loch Lonachan (622188). Return same way.
Lunch The Broadford Hotel IV49 9AB (01471 822204; broadfordhotel.co.uk)
More information Skye For All (skyeforall.co.uk); Visit Scotland (visitscotland.com)
11. Hoby, Gaddesby and Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire
How hard is it? 8½ miles; easy; well-marked field paths
The little-known Midshires Way crosses the rolling wolds of Leicestershire, with far views from each succeeding crest over a landscape of fresh spring wheat and barley. The handsome church towers of Hoby, Rotherby, Brooksby, Gaddesby and the mellifluously named Frisby-on-the-Wreake punctuate this delightful route, with lark song censing the upper air.
Map OS Explorer 246
Start Blue Bell Inn, Hoby, Melton Mowbray LE14 3DT (OS ref SK 670175)
Getting there DRT (Demand Responsive Transport) from Syston (Mon, Wed, Fri) or Melton Mowbray (Tue, Thurs, Sat) — book a ride/get timetable on 07976 245198, or check leicestershire.gov.uk. Road: Hoby is signed off A607, Melton Mowbray-Leicester
Walk From Blue Bell, left along village street. In 200m, right (“Brooksby”); in 50m, left (kissing gate, “Rotherby”). Path between cottages and river; cross river (671169); cross railway to road at All Saints church (675165). Right to Brooksby; left at road (672161). Cross A607 (671359) and on, following Midshires Way (yellow arrows/YAs and yellow topped posts/YTPs). In 1½ miles, approaching Carlton Lodge Farm, right (686141, stile, YTP) across fields to road (689135). Cross into Pasture Lane. In 300m, just beyond Rose Cottage driveway, left through hedge (692135, “Frisby on the Wreake”, YTP). Follow Leicestershire Round/LR for 2¾ miles to road in Frisby on the Wreake (694175). Right; fork left to corner of Main Street and Water Lane (694177). Right; follow LR for nearly 1 mile to corner of Rotherby Lane (682171). Fork right off LR, on path aiming for Hoby cemetary. Cross railway (677133), then river; follow LR into Hoby.
Lunch Blue Bell Inn, Hoby (01664 434247; sites.google.com/site/bluebellhoby)
More information Melton Mowbray TIC (01664 480992)
12. Byrness, Cottonshope and Raven’s Knowe, Northumberland
How hard is it? 7½ miles; moderate/strenuous; forest and moorland tracks on well-marked Pennine Way
A wonderfully remote walk in the foothills of the Cheviots, up the farm road to lonely Cottonshope, before climbing through rough pastures to the cairn on Raven’s Knowe. Take in the fantastic views over hills and forests to the Scottish border and the rounded bulk of the Cheviots, before descending the Pennine Way to Byrness with Catcleugh Reservoir gleaming below.
Map OS Explorer OL16
Start Forest View Walkers Inn, Otterburn Green, Byrness NE19 1TS (OS ref NT 764027)
Getting there Bus X74 (Newcastle-Jedburgh). Road: Byrness is on A68 Between Otterburn and Jedburgh
Walk From Forest View, right along Otterburn Green; past village hall and on. At A68, by church, left along cycleway (771023, “Pennine Way”/PW). In 50m cross A68 (take care!); left up path. In 100m, go through hedge (PW); on through gate into trees (769026); continue up PW. In ⅓ mile, at third major crossing track, right off PW (773030). In ¾ mile, left along Cottonshope Road in valley bottom (773030). In 1½ miles, just past farm sheds, left up track beside range flagpole and notice (789049). Follow clearly seen route for 1¼ miles over moorland to cairn on Raven’s Knowe (781061). Left along Pennine Way for 2¾ miles back to A68; retrace steps to Byrness.
Lunch Picnic; or William de Percy, Jedburgh Gardens, Otterburn, Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 1NR (01830 576040; williamdepercy.com)
More information Otterburn Ranges access (01830 520569; gov.uk/government/publications/otterburn-firing-times)
13. Marshside Nature Reserve, Merseyside
How hard is it? 6 miles: easy reserve and seawall paths
Walk The RSPB’s coastal reserve at Marshside is ideally placed for birds with its sheltered and food-laden mixture of freshwater marshes, mud-banks, pools, islets and saltmarsh. Spring is the perfect time for walking with binoculars here as crowds of geese, ducks, waders and songbirds move through, using Marshside as a pitstop on their incredible journeys north to nesting grounds in Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland and Greenland.
Map OS Explorer 285 (reserve map available from visitor centre)
Start Marshside Nature Reserve car park, Marine Drive, Southport, Merseyside PR9 9PB (OS ref SD 352205)
Getting there Bus 44 (Southport-Crossens) to Elswick Road junction. Road: From Southport Pier follow Marine Drive north; car park is on left in 2 miles
Walk Cross Marine Drive; left on path to visitor centre in Sandgrounders hide (354207). Return to Marine Drive, and walk clockwise round the two halves of the reserve, Sutton’s Marsh and Rimmer’s Marsh; then from car park out along Redshank Road to tideline and back. NB: can be very windy. Bring binoculars. When walking Redshank Road, keep an eye on the tide — times posted at visitor centre.
Lunch Picnic
More information RSPB Marshside (01704 226190; rspb.org.uk/marshside); Southport TIC (01704 533333)
14. Blanchland and Sikehead Chimneys, Durham/Northumberland
How hard is it? 6½ miles, moderate; rough moorland
From the beautiful estate village of Blanchland across rough moorland, where nesting curlew and golden plover give their haunting calls, to a pair of tall old industrial chimneys: striking remnants of the lead mining industry that once dominated these uplands.
Map OS Explorer 307
Start Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, DH8 9SP (OS ref NY 967503)
Getting there Bus 773 from Consett. Road: Blanchland signed off A68 at Carterway Heads
Walk Left up B6306, over bridge, uphill. Right by “Blanchland” sign (967502), up road. At right bend (968496), ahead through gate; uphill with wall/fence on left for 1 mile. At top of rise with gate on left, right (970481) on track to road (964475). Left; in 70m, right on track (fingerpost). At T-junction (960473), left towards nearer chimney. At end of dam wall, right toward further chimney. At fence by chimney, right (955464, yellow arrow/YA) on grass track, soon curving left down to wall angle (953468). Right through gate (YA); keep wall on left for ½ mile, then left downhill (958475, YA) to gate into forestry (957476, YA). Follow YAs through trees, down fenced path, through more trees to road (955479). Right for 500m; left (958482, “Pennine Journey”/PJ) down path. In 150m, right (PJ) for 1 mile to road (958497). Left downhill; just before bridge, right (958499, PJ) through trees to Blanchland.
Lunch Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland (01434 677100; lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk)
More information Visit Northumberland (visitnorthumberland.com)
15. Divis Mountain, Co Antrim
How hard is it? 6 miles; easy; well-found paths and duckboard trails
A chance for a breath of sharp springtime air on the crest of the hills that overlook Belfast. Divis Mountain is studded with wildflowers and loud with lark song. From Black Mountain there is a stunning view over Belfast Lough, the sprawl of the city with its giant twin cranes, Samson and Goliath, and the cones of the Mourne Mountains as a splendid backdrop in the south.
Map OSNI Discoverer 15
Start Divis and the Black Mountain National Trust Visitor Centre, Divis Lodge, near Hannahstown, BT17 0NG (OS ref J273744)
Getting there M1 south from Belfast, Jct 2. A55 past Andersonstown; in 1½ miles, left on B38 (“Upper Springfield Road”). Just past Hannahstown, right (“Divis & Black Mountain”); in ½ mile, right opposite Long Barn car park to NT car park (free)
Walk Follow “Summit Trail” to Divis summit trig pillar (281755). Follow access road down to another road; turn left. Before masts, right (“Ridge Trail”) to Black Mountain summit trig pillar (294748) and on for 2½ miles to NT centre.
Lunch Divis Café Barn, NT Visitor Centre (02890 825434; nationaltrust.org.uk)
More information National Trust (nationaltrust.org.uk)
16. Maiden Newton and Sydling St Nicholas, Dorset
How hard is it? 8½ miles; easy; downland tracks
One of Dorset’s most beautiful walks, featuring the lovely and lively village of Cattistock. Primroses on the verges, skylarks over the downland and hedges powdered white with blackthorn flowers.
Map OS Explorer 117
Start Maiden Newton railway station, Dorchester DT2 0AE (SY 598979)
Getting there Rail to Maiden Newton; Bus 212 (Dorchester-Yeovil). Road: Maiden Newton is on A356 (Crewkerne-Dorchester)
Walk Down Station Road; left at junction. In 100m, right past church; left (597979, Wessex Ridgeway/WR, Frome Valley Trail fish arrow waymark). In ¾ mile, right at road (590988); in 650m under railway; left at junction (592993). In 100m, left (Macmillan Way); fork left in Cattistock churchyard; ahead up street. Just beyond Post Office, right by Rose Cottage (591998, Staggs Cross); follow bridleway to pass Manor Farm. On up Lankham Bottom; in 700m by metal gate on right, half left (ST604000) past post, up slope to gate (606002). On to gate on to road (612005); right to cross A37 (613004). Follow old road; left at junction (620002); in 600m, right (626001, gate with shackle) across 2 fields; left along farm track (SY628998). In 200m, right (630998, stile) to junction (630994); keep ahead; in 100m, right (kissing gate, Breakheart Hill). Left down east end of church; cross stile; right on track for 550m to meet Wessex Ridgeway (627993). Left; follow WR for 2 miles back to Maiden Newton.
Lunch Fox & Hounds, Cattistock DT2 0JH (01300 320444, foxandhoundsinn.com)
More information Dorchester TIC (01305 267992)
17. Stanton Drew Stone Circle and Knowle Hill, Somerset
How hard is it? 6 miles; easy underfoot; field paths
Stanton Drew’s neolithic circle of ruggedly shaped stones is the second largest in Britain. Hedges are budding up now and mallard are raising ducklings along the River Chew. There’s a wonderful view from Knowle Hill across the beautiful, wide Chew Valley.
Map OS Explorer 155
Start Stanton Drew Stone Circles car park, BS39 4EW (OS ref ST599631)
Getting there Stanton Drew is signed off B3130 between Chew Magna and Belluton (A37)
Walk Enter Stones field; right to kissing gate/KG. Left on road; follow 2 Rivers Way (2RW) for 1 mile to Byemills Farm (612637). Right (bridleway); right at road (613633); in 50m ahead (gate, yellow arrow/YA). Field path south of Upper Stanton Drew; cross road north of Elm Farm (604625). Field paths onwards, passing to right of Twinway Farm. At road (599621), left; fork right (Chelwood). Cross road (598618); uphill to KG (597617) among trees. Ahead; cross road (596616); past Curl’s Farm for ½ mile to cross road (590611). Right up steps; left along hedge; in 100m, right on path across Knowle Hill. Descend to 3 Peaks Walk/3PW (583614). Right to lane (587615); left; in 200m right (586617), following 3PW to lane opposite Moorledge Barn (589621). YA points left, but go right; in 100m left up steps; path curves left behind house, then skirts woodland through 4 fields; right on 2RW (587626) for ¾ mile to Stanton Drew.
Lunch Druid’s Arms, Stanton Drew (01275 332230; thedruidsarms.co.uk)
More information English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
18. Severn Way/Mercian Way, Bridgnorth to Jackfield, Shropshire
How hard is it? 8½ miles; easy; riverside and railway path
Follow the path by the broad, copper-brown River Severn northwards all the way from Bridgnorth, its church tower and houses of black beams and red brick piled high over the river, to Jackfield on the edge of the Ironbridge Gorge. Tender new green leaves sprout on weeping willows, and bushes of comfrey along the bank are hung with white and pink flower bells.
Map OS Explorer 218, 242
Start Riverside car park, Bridgnorth WV16 4BH (OS ref SO 719931). Limited parking; other all-day car parks available in Bridgnorth
Getting there Bus 8 (Telford–Bridgnorth). Road: Bridgnorth is on A442 from Telford (M54 Jct 4)
Walk Follow road upstream beside river, then Severn Way to Jackfield. Alternative: in 3 miles, where Severn Way and old railway run close together (721974), left over stile onto Mercian Way multi-user path and turn right. In 1¼ miles, just past Linley station (705983), pass notice forbidding traffic and cycles, and continue. In another 2¾ miles at Coalport station (702019), sharp right along road; opposite Woodbridge Inn, left along Severn Valley Way to Jackfield. Return to Bridgnorth by Bus 8, Telford-Bridgnorth.
Lunch Woodbridge Inn, Coalport TF8 7JF (01952 882054; brunningandprice.co.uk)
More information Visit Shropshire (visitshropshire.co.uk), Ironbridge (ironbridge.org.uk)
19. Bradfield Woods, Suffolk
How hard is it? Up to 5 miles; easy; level walking on woodland trails
Bradfield Woods is one of the finest woods in Britain, coppiced since medieval times and now beautifully looked after by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Wood anemones and bluebells carpet the patches of sandy soil, primroses and early purple orchids thrive on the clay areas. One of the rarities of Bradfield Woods is the beautiful pale yellow oxlip, like a cross between a primrose and a cowslip, which grows by the dozen in newly coppiced areas in spring. Nesting birds in full voice include various warblers and, if you’re lucky early in the morning, the low, throbbing song of the nightingale.
Map OS Explorer 211
Start Bradfield Woods car park, Felsham Road, Bradfield St George, Bury St Edmunds IP30 0AQ (OS ref TL 935581)
Getting there From Great Whelnetham (A134, Long Melford-Bury St Edmunds), follow “Bradfield St George”, then “Bradfield Woods” brown signs
Walk Choose from four trails: green (1 mile), black (1½ miles), blue (2 miles) or red (2½ miles). Suggested route: clockwise round blue trail to Fish Pond Fell; join red trail clockwise to Butterfly Glade; left on blue trail to Pole Barn; right on combined blue/red trails to car park.
Lunch Picnic
More information Trail maps available to download from Suffold Wildlife Trust (01449 737996; suffolkwildlifetrust.org)
20. Folkingham & Sempringham Priory, Lincolnshire
How hard is it? 6½ miles; easy; clear field paths
Folkingham’s mellow old houses border a very wide and gently sloping market place, with the tower of St Andrew’s Church peeping between their shoulders. The nearby castle mound is occupied by a lofty stone gateway, its pediment inscribed “House of Correction, AD 1825”. Field paths lead through cornfields with flowery ditches and hedges to reach the site of Sempringham Priory with its beautiful old church and quietly bubbling Holy Well of St Gilbert.
Map OS Explorer 248
Start Folkingham market place, near Sleaford NG34 0TG (OS ref TF 072337)
Getting there Folkingham is on A15 (Sleaford-Bourne)
Walk Down hill; in 150m left on fenced path between Orchard Cottage and Bradley House. Cross path (stile); ahead to stile on to Billingborough Rd (075334). Left; in 50m, right (fingerpost/FP); left on field edge path (occasional yellow arrows) for ¾ mile to path junction (082331, 3-finger post). Left (Restricted Byway); in 150m right (3-finger post). In 400m, left by reservoir (085326) along Beacon Lane. In ½ mile cross road (093329); on across big fields. In trees at far side, right (103326). In 100m left (FP); in 200m fork left on fenced path to church (107329). (Holy Well in SE corner of churchyard.) From NE corner, north along field edge path (3-finger post) to cross road (103337). Down right side of field; in 100m, left on path (unsigned) west across fields. In ⅔ mile cross road (094336); on (FP) to rejoin outward route.
Lunch New Inn, West St, Folkingham NG34 0SW (01529 497211)
More information Visit Lincolnshire (visitlincolnshire.com); Folkingham House of Correction (landmarktrust.org.uk)
See Christopher Somerville in conversation with Julia Somerville at Stanfords, Covent Garden, London WC2 on April 15, discussing the new edition of his book The Times Britain’s Best Walks (HarperCollins £30). To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk. Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
