More of our favourite hikes

North Cornwall’s coastline is known for its mining history, so you find yourself walking through ruins and marvelling at the engineering and muscle it took to work on the slopes. This walking route between Perranporth and St Agnes is one of our favourites walks in Cornwall, which is saying a lot. It's full of the remnants of industry, all set against the backdrop of an especially beautiful stretch of Cornwall cliffs and beaches. You'll see the contrast of bands of colour in the cliffs and the squat grey shapes of the old engine houses as you weave along. At just under five miles, we’d recommend dedicating a whole day to walk to St Agnes and back, or walking one way and hopping on a bus home. The route won't challenge your navigation skills - start at Perranporth beach and head south towards to Droskyn Point along the coastal path. You'll actually arrive on the path in Trevaunance Cove, with St Agnes just up the hill, and between the two you have a great selection of pubs and cafes to refuel for the return leg or have a couple of pints while you wait for cab home.

This is a perfect spring walk, passing through a Site of Special Scientific Interest, that'll be covered in colourful wildflowers for the next couple of months. The intoxicating smell of wild garlic follows you all along the path through ancient beech woodland and out onto grassy plains before a climb to the hill’s summit, where you’ll be get spectacular views of the Weald, the Jack and Jill windmills, the Downs and the distant sea. Start from the Jack & Jill Inn and walk along the main road for a bit before reaching a public bridleway. It can be muddy here so come prepared. Later in the route, you’ll walk between two fallen beech trees and a fallen yew growing into a hedge, before passing Danny House, one of the biggest houses in Sussex. A chalky climb takes you up a hill to a Bronze Age enclosure, before you reach the top and get the amazing views you came for.

Photo courtesy of @sussex.seen

Another great spring option, this gentle route loops round an East Devon reserve brimming with birds, butterflies, lily pads and wildflowers. The six-mile circular takes around three hours, starting at the reserve car park and heading to East Budleigh village before ending up at Sir Walter Raleigh’s birthplace. First you’ll pass the gentle Bystock Pools which attract over 20 species of dragonfly in its lilyponds, and as you continue through the reserve you’ll see just how much wildlife calls it home. There are stunning views across to Pebblebed Heaths – a special area for conservation – as you continue to walk through the countryside to Budleigh. This seaside town is part of the epic Jurassic Coast; so once you arrive, take some time to sit back and enjoy the backdrop of fiery red cliffs.

Peddars Way is a 130-mile trail running from Holme Next the Sea through the Norfolk Coast AONB, the thick forest of the Brecks and all the way into Suffolk. You're welcome to take it all on if you've brought enough snacks, but we’ve picked out a section running from Holme Next the Sea to Burnham Overy Staithe. It's just over 16 miles long so you’ll still need to be feeling up for it, but you’ll be richly rewarded with an incredible variety of scenery and wildlife that make it ones of the best walk in Norfolk, showcasing the county's sands, marshlands, harbours, flint villages and shell fishermen. Remember to look up too. Stop off and explore villages en route if you're making good time, and finish the walk looking out over the Wash, with views of the Lincolnshire coast on a clear day.

A moderately challenging seven-mile walk with a few climbs and heaps of wonderful scenery, perfect if you’re up for an adventure. You’ll set off from the seafront in Lyme Regis and join the South West Coast Path, heading west past the famous Cobb. Make the climb up to the Ware Cliffs via Chimney Rock, and take a moment to admire the dense vegetation and dramatic old cliffs. You’ll eventually pass Pinhay Bay – another good point to stop and drink in the views, this time of beautiful blue seas. Towards the end of the route, there are some fantastic birdwatching opportunities in the Axe Estuary Nature Reserve, home to numerous different types of wildfowl and wading birds. Once you reach Seaton, there are plenty of places to rest, including a microbrewery for a lovely cold pint.