Walking from point to point might seem like the simplest thing in the world, but it’s universally understood that a journey is more than it seems, and what’s gained is much more than distance. From these spaces you can take a few steps and set off on some of the country's finest hiking, biking and trail running. If your feel good means feeling your blood pump, then start here, get your gear on and don't look back.
This is just one of ten types of experience in The Feel Good 100, a series of ways to boost your wellbeing with the outdoors. You can see the other types here, or sign up to our newsletter, and have them sent straight to your inbox over the next few weeks.
A mile or so up the road from Crummock Water, Hinterlandes Cabin is so well appointed that you’ll struggle to go anywhere at all. But with The Lake District right on your doorstep, you can’t pass up the opportunity to hike down to Buttermere to see the mountainside push up from rippling blue water.
Right on the edge of The Yorkshire Dales National Park, and a hop skip and a jump from The Forest of Bowland National Landscape, finding a good walk is as easy as wandering out the front door. Take on waterfall walks, tarns, peaks and valleys – and be home in time for a dip in dynamite corner.
Edale is the starting point for some of the best open access walks in England, and the official start of the Pennine Way. Not only is it great to start the walk from your place, but it’s even better to finish it there too – with a steaming roll top bath.
Going north from here, you could take on Offa’s Dyke from Knighton, head south, and it could be The Black Mountains. If you don’t fancy going far, you’re still in miles of open countryside, where patchwork field walks are at every turn. Whether you’re up for an adventure or an amble, it’s on hand.
When you arrive, toss the car keys somewhere safe, you won’t need them again until you leave. Not only does the South West Coast Path run right by, with Porthtowan in one direction and Perranporth in the other, but a climb behind the cabin takes you up to the Beacon, from which you can see all the way down to Godrevy Lighthouse.
The Wye Valley to your right, and Bannau Brycheiniog to your left, it doesn’t get much better than this. Spend days following trails that track winding rivers, or ascend mountains with views that stretch all the way to England. Wind down with a swim in the private lake, and rest those weary legs.
Once built for artist residencies, The Bothy at Inshriach is now open to all for inspiration. When you’re not reading by the wood burner in a leather wingback, you’ll be out enjoying the Highlands around you, taking walks out to Abernathy National Reserve, or down to the Cairngorms National Park.
Sat right in the heart of Wales, you’re just a 20-minute drive to the sea if you’re in the mood for windswept coastal walks, but hike five miles to the east, and you’ll end up at the banks of Nant-y-Moch Reservoir – where open water, and interwoven hillside are all you can see for miles.
From its lofty position in the Lake District Fells, not only are there incredible mountain views in every direction but walks in abundance too. Whether it’s as hard going as taking on a several thousand foot peak, or as easy as the two mile walk to the local pub – well that’s up to you.
The Isle of Man is an amazing place to visit, with the vast majority of the island taken up by wild, natural spaces. Ballig Views is the perfect spot to explore from, with walks over to Spooyt Vane Waterfall, Glion Gill Plantation and Colden Peak or all the way down to Glen Helen Forest.
As part of The Feel Good 100, we’ll be giving away a great prize every week for the next ten weeks. We’re talking wild spa weekends, treehouse adventures and even a stay for six at a Beach House in Dorset.
All our glorious national parks have, at the very least, one thing in common. They’re wonderfully wild spaces, but this doesn’t actually mean they’re hard to get to. The common assumption is, they’re out of reach without a car, and without one, being able to immerse yourself in all the magical spots in nature is impossible. Well, we’re here to tell you otherwise. We’ve rounded up 15 amazing places you can head to within our national parks, that are accessible via public transport.
For keen runners, a glamping holiday doesn’t just mean relaxing in nature, it means running in nature. If you’re used to the monotony of pounding urban pavements while navigating pedestrians, there’s nothing like the endorphin high of a trail run. Build up a sweat along coastal paths and woodland tracks, dig deep as you ascend rugged hills and reward yourself with a (brief) pause at the top to admire the views and catch your breath. Then head back to your peaceful pad for a long soak in the hot tub and a well-earned BBQ on the deck. Take a look at our glamping places near incredible trail runs just waiting to be conquered.
Lace up your boots and pack your day bags for another selection of the best hikes in the UK to add to your glamping getaway. We've got some wild and wonderful routes through stunning landscapes and rich history, this time with a focus on England.
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We're committing to raise £50,000 by 2027 to help protect nature in our national parks.
