Britain’s Best Summer Walks

As we experience a warmer climate in the country, albeit very fleetingly, people are looking to our trails and hikes to discover unforgettable Great British walks this summer. Our wonderful corner of the world offers a myriad of landscapes – snow-topped Welsh mountains, glistening Scottish lochs, and flat English fenland, so you are sure to find a walk that suits your needs and abilities, whether that be wheelchair and pushchair accessible pathways, dog-friendly beaches, or more precarious climbs for professional ramblers.

We researched the best areas for walking and hiking, and luckily for you, we have a Guild Member located nearby to be able to find you a property so you can enjoy a stroll directly from your front door whenever you please. Take a look below at the places we consider to encompass some of the best summer walks in the country:

1. The Lake District, Cumbria, England

The Lake District as a whole is one of the most picturesque and undulating parts of England. Keswick, a pretty market town  close to Skiddaw, has many outdoor activity companies, guides and instructors to help you organise your walking tour, or simply to point you in the right direction of the best route to take in the beautiful scenery. Here you can enjoy a gentle stroll around the town, or a more brisk hike across the fells, surrounded by the many lakes and fields along the way.

Average property value in the Lake District: £277,004

(Source: Zoopla)

2. Conwy, Snowdonia National Park, Wales

The town of Conwy is positioned on the Estuary of the River Conwy and is filled with small shops and interesting architecture. Whilst much of Snowdonia is hilly and built for people with a real passion for hiking, this area offers a slower pace for anyone looking for a more gentle walk, discovering ancient castle walls and watching boats moor at the harbour. The views of the area from one of the castles many towers are breath-taking, the best reward after a day of walking.

Average property value in Conwy: £310,629

(Source: Zoopla)

3. The Norfolk Coast, Norfolk, England

The Norfolk coastal path stretches an impressive 87 miles with a majority of the trail running through the dramatic landscape of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, steeped in history, you can even follow the footsteps of the Romans along Peddars Way. You might even be lucky enough to spot the seals basking in the sunshine on the sandbanks at Hunstanton. 

Average property value in Norfolk: £285,323

(Source: Zoopla)

4. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland

If you are looking for a walking experience that encompasses city views with steep inclines and a parkland setting, then the rocky summit of Arthur's Seat's is for you. Towering over the city of Edinburgh, with fabulous views in all directions, it is the highest of a group of hills, formed from the remains of a volcano, that make up Holyrood Park. The summit is 251 metres high and surprisingly rocky and wild for a hill in the centre of a major city. 

Average property value in Edinburgh: £322,309

(Source: Zoopla)

5. Hatchet Pond, New Forest, England

Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest, located just outside the quaint village of Beaulieu, it is a beautiful stetch of water and has a variety of trails to follow on its banks. The New Forest in Hampshire offers many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the National Park – of which Hatchet Pond is part of. The Park includes many different sceneries and landscapes including heathland and coastline and many small hamlets within its borders.

Average property value in New Forest: £463,268

(Source: Zoopla)

6. Bakewell, Peak District, England

Best known for its unique and delicious pudding, Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District, and boasts some beautiful walking trails, with spectacular photography opportunities. If Downton Abbey was your sort of period drama then this area is a must-visit for you, with the famous Chatsworth House sitting proudly on the banks of the river Wye. 

Average property value in Bakewell: £434,511

(Source: Zoopla)

7. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland, England

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile signposted footpath stretching from coast-to-coast across England from Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. The path takes in some of Britain’s iconic countryside scenery, including moorland and coastal views. The area is steeped in Roman history and is sure to educate and inspire families and couples alike – take the path at your own pace and start at one of the many towns and villages along the trail.

Average property value in Northumberland: £203,891

(Source: Zoopla)

8. Hay-on-Wye, Brecon Beacons, South Wales

This pretty village in South Wales offers ever changing views, with walks taking you both through quaint narrow streets, through beautiful woodland and along the River Wye. This is also an old railway line to follow and meadows perfect for unpacking sandwiches and  enjoying the flora and fauna surrounding you.

Average property value in Hay-on-Wye: £293,170

(Source: Zoopla)

9. Lantivet Bay, Cornwall, England

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lantivet Bay combines streams, coast, cliffs and fields all in one glorious walking trail. Take in beautiful views as you stroll past the 1835 Watch House, and make a stop and one of the beaches along the way, dipping your toes in he undeniably Cornish azure waters.

Average property value in Cornwall: £312,148

(Source: Zoopla)

10. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, England

The Malvern Hills divide the beautiful English countryside of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and are a great destination for walkers of all abilities. Take advantage of glorious countryside views from one of the many peaks, and enjoy gentle strolls through tree-lined paths. Dramatic vistas make way for an historic Iron-Age hill fort and unspoilt valleys.

Average property value in Malvern: £334,721

(Source: Zoopla)

Contact us 

If you are considering a change of scenery this summer, click here to find your local Guild agent.