Britain's Favourite Path
East England, The Pegsdon Hills
Right on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire are the Pegsdon Hills. These small chalk downs offer beautiful views over the surrounding area and are a haven of wildlife. Walking there lifts my spirits, every single time I visit. Managed by a local wildlife trust, the area is full of wildflowers, birds, butterflies, unusual sheep and with the glorious addition recently of highland cows. This specific bit of path crosses the top of the hills, making a good circular walk. Friends and I walk there in all weathers and seasons, but wild flower season is my absolute favourite.
Midlands, Pennine Way
The Pennine Way between Kinder and Bleaklow. This path embodies the timeline of walking in recent history, starting with the mass trespass nearby which enabled all to enjoy the freedom and beauty of the moors, to the recent flagstones rewilding the land so future generations can enjoy this place and allow the moorland to be more accessible. The path connects past and future and weaves together the history of our common pasture land. It speaks of a distinct and clear beauty that has been fought and cared for. It speaks of hope.
North West England, Loughrigg Fell to Todd Crag
The path from Loughrigg Fell to Todd Crag holds a special place in my heart, not just for its breath-taking views but for the deep connection I’ve built with this landscape over the years. This trail offers an unparalleled vantage point overlooking Windermere, and catching the sunrise here is like witnessing a secret of the Earth unfold. On the morning I captured this photo, a stunning cloud inversion hovered above the lake, transforming the familiar scene into something almost mystical.
Scotland, The Clyde Walkway
This stunning path is called the Clyde Walkway. It meanders some 40 miles through rural, industrial and urban Lanarkshire, through towns and countryside, passing churches, farms and spectacular views of Lanarkshire, including the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. Birds like the kingfisher and heron are common sights as are the sounds of birds and bees, should you choose to take a summer stroll. In winter it's breathtaking taking on many levels. I love this walk and have done so for 30 years.
South East England, Thursley Common
It's the boardwalks in the conservation wetlands area of Thursley Common, Elstead, Surrey. I grew up in Elstead so have walked this area all my life and when I was young the wetlands didn't exist, they have evolved overtime, with the help of conservation, bringing a vast range of wildlife & the beauty of nature to the common. It is also a special area for sunrise and sunset. Sadly a few years ago the common was severely on fire, burning the entire boardwalks, and the wardens & locals worked hard with dedication to repair the area, which we are now able to enjoy again.
South West England, South West Coast Path
I started walking the South West Coast Path a couple of years ago while waiting for cancer treatment to start. I promised myself that when I was through treatment, I would complete a walk to Lands End from my home in Hampshire. Last year I got to Lands End. I fell in love with the contrasts between rugged isolation and busy holiday-maker resorts along the path. So this summer I walked from Lands End to Minehead with my tent on my back to finish the path. But of course the coast path continues...
Wales, Hafren Forest
This path is the boardwalk in Hafren Forest. Last year, I struggled a lot with my depression and worked so hard to find myself again. This path means a lot to me because it was the first time I'd ventured anywhere outside of where I lived on my own for a walk. Hafren Forest is a beautiful place and made me fall back in love with nature. And for that, it holds a special place in my heart.