GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Country Parks England

Country Parks are perfect for a safe cycle or walk. Most have well maintained cycling and walking paths. 
Other popular features include lakes, resident deer and nature reserves.

Please use the links below to view full route information including descriptions, elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads.

You can also view an overview map of all the routes in the using the Country Parks England Map

Route NameDistanceDescription
Albury Park2 miles (4 km)Explore the Albury Estate on this pleasant walk in Surrey. There's 150 acres of parkland with lots of walking trails to try. Features include peaceful woodland, pretty lakes and the River Tillingbourne. There is also the Grade II listed Albury country house and the Saxon Old St Peter and St Paul's Church to see.
The walk starts from the Grade I listed church and follows footpaths through woodland and parkland to the nearby village of Shere. Here you will find a Norman church, old village houses and a tea room for refreshments. The walk then follows the Fox Way and other footpaths to return you to Albury.
If you'd like to extend your walk then you could continue along the Fox Way to the nearby Blackheath Common. The tranquil Silent Pool is also nearby. View Full Details>>
Aldenham Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Enjoy 100 acres of woodland and parkland adjacent to a 60 acre lake at this splendid park near Elstree/Borehamwood. The park also has a rare breeds farm, pony rides and nature walks. The lakeside trail also makes for a lovely, peaceful cycle ride. View Full Details>>
Alderley Edge4 miles (7 km)This lovely circular walk explores the beautiful National Trust owned area of Alderley Edge. Starting at Alderley Edge train station you climb to a sandstone escarpment, where there are fabulous over the Cheshire Plain to the Peak District. You return through a delightful wooded area, passing a waterfall, before arriving back at Alderley Edge train station.
The National Trust have also devised a number of other walking trails which you can pick up from the Wizard Tea-Room. These include the Miners Ramble which explores the age-old mining history of the Edge. The Wizard Trail also starts from the edge and will take you to the the Wizard's well, the 15th century Alderley mill and National Trust owned Hare Hill. You can follow a permissive path south to Hare Hill to extend the walk. View Full Details>>
Alexandra Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy a walk or cycle through this popular park in North London. The park covers nearly 200 acres and surrounds the historic entertainment venue of Alexandra Palace. It includes a pretty boating lake where you can enjoy a boat ride or a lakeside snack at the cafe. There is a also a large garden centre with a Victorian style greenhouse, a deer enclosure with a small herd of fallow deer and a 10 hole pitch and putt golf course. You can also climb the park's tree-lined sloping hill where you can enjoy super views over London.
Alexandra Park is located between Wood Green and Muswell Hill. Alexandra Palace railway station (Muswell Hill branch) is located right next to the eastern end of the park. View Full Details>>
Allensford Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy riverside woodland walks and magnificent views of the Derwent Valley in this country park near Consett. The River Derwent runs right through the park, with riverside footpaths to follow. The park has picnic tables, a shop and a nature trail in Deneburn Wood. View Full Details>>
Allestree Park2 miles (3 km)This large park in Derby covers 320 acres and includes miles of good footpaths for walkers to try. In the park you will find a lovely large lake and peaceful woodland with nature trails. The park is also a nature reserve with lots of interesting flora and fauna to look out for on your walk. Keep your eyes peeled for White letter hairstreak butterflies, Brown Hare and a variety of woodland birds.
The park also includes the Grade II listed Allestree Hall. The 19th-century former country house has an interesting history and some pretty gardens to explore. There's also an 18 hole golf course with a cafe where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk.
To continue your walking in the Derby area you can head to the nearby Elvaston Castle Country Park. There's hundreds of acres of cycling and walking trails surrounding the 17th century Elvaston Castle.
Also nearby is Kedleston Hall. This much larger park features grassy meadows, serpentine lakes, pleasure grounds, woodland and contoured hills.
The long distance Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk also runs through the area so you could pick up the trail to further explore the Derbyshire countryside. View Full Details>>
Alver Valley Country Park3 miles (5 km)This lovely open space is located near Gosport and has 3 walking and cycling routes that show off the best areas of the 500 acre park. Enjoy woodland, lakes, ponds and views of the River Alver which runs through the park. View Full Details>>
Anglers Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle around this pretty country park in Wakefield. The park consists of a large lake and pretty pond with several bird hides for you to observe the wildfowl visitors. These includes herons, coots, mallard, pied wagtail, osprey, widgeon and yellow wagtail. The lakeside path is perfect for a nice, easy stroll or ride.
If you'd like to continue your activity then the nearby Barnsley Canal leading into Wakefield is a good option. Just south of the park you will find a nice walking trail along Wintersett Reservoir. Nostell Priory with its delightful gardens and 300 acres of parkland is also only a couple of miles away. View Full Details>>
Apedale Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore 450 acres of community country park in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. There are a number of well maintained footpaths taking you to open meadows, secluded woodland glades and silent pools. Look out for Skylark, lapwing, grey partridge, water vole and Great Crested Newt in Apedale's wetland and ancient woodland. In the spring months the park is particularly lovely with carpets of bluebells in the woodland area. For cyclists there are also some good mountain bike trails to try.
The park is located on a former mining area so there's a small museum with an interesting collection of mining related items. There's also a working narrow gauge railway to enjoy.
The Newcastle Way walk also passes through the park so you could continue your walk. The adjacent Silverdale Country Park is also a good option if you would like to continue your outing. View Full Details>>
Arrow Valley Country Park4 miles (6 km)Enjoy waterside cycling and walking in this splendid country park in Redditch. The park includes the large Arrow Valley Lake and the River Arrow with walking and cycling trails running alongside both. View Full Details>>
Arrowe Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore 250 acres of open parkland and deciduous woodland in this country park in Birkenhead. The park also contains wildflower meadows, ponds, a lake and a brook attracting a variety of wildlife. The park is located in the centre of the Wirral Peninsula, west of Birkenhead.
To extend your walking in the area head west and visit the nearby Royden Park. Also nearby is the climb to Bidston Hill where you can enjoy fine views over the Wirral. There's a series of nice surfaced footpaths to be found in the noteworthy Birkenhead Park too. View Full Details>>
Ascott House2 miles (2.5 km)This National Trust owned estate is the countryside residence of the Rothschild family. The 16th century manor house is surrounded by over 200 acres of parkland and 30 acres of beautiful formal gardens. View Full Details>>
Ashton Court Park3 miles (5 km)A short circular walk around one of England's most popular country parks in Long Ashton, Somerset. The Ashton Court Estate is located near Bristol and is comprised of 850 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens. Highlights include Ashton Court Meadow nature reserve which contains a wide range of flowering plants. There is also a deer park and Clarken Combe - a woodland area with a range of plant species.
The park is also good for cycling with National Cycle Route 33, known as the Festival Way running through the park. View Full Details>>
Astbury Mere Country Park1 miles (1.6 km)Enjoy a waterside walk around the peaceful Astbury Mere in Congleton, Cheshire. There are wildflower meadows and views across the mere towards Congleton Edge and Mow Cop. View Full Details>>
Attingham Park5 miles (8 km)A circular walk around this lovely deer park in Shrewsbury. View Full Details>>
Avon Heath Country Park2 miles (4 km)This is a short, easy walk around the delightful Avon Heath Country Park near Ringwood. You will follow a series of peaceful woodland paths on this circuit of the park. The park is dominated by lowland and wet heath, acid grassland and heather, and woodland. There is also an abundance of widlife to look out for including Sand Lizards, Smooth Snakes and Dartford Warblers. The park is ideal for families with a Nature Nursery for children which includes den building, pond dipping, mini beast hunting, campfires and outdoor cooking. View Full Details>>
Baggeridge Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy 150 acres of woodland and countryside in this country park near Wolverhampton. The park has four walking trails of varying levels of distance and difficulty. You will visit a number of peaceful water pools and viewpoints with terrific views of the surrounding countryside. There is also a two-mile figure of 8 mountain bike trail suitable for families with older children and beginners. Other attractions include a sensory garden, miniature railway and tea room. The park is located in Sedgley, just a few miles south of Wolverhampton city centre. View Full Details>>
Barbury Castle Country Park4 miles (7 km)Barbury Castle Country Park is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Local Nature Reserve in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Part of the iron-age hillfort situated in the park has remained undisturbed since ancient times and is one of the best examples of its type. This circular walk takes you on a tour of the park which commands a splendid view across the Cotswolds and the River Severn. The walk can be started from the on site car park which can be found at postcode SN4 0QH for your sat navs.
To continue your walking in the area you could enjoy a climb to the nearby Liddington Hill and enjoy fine views over the countryside of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. View Full Details>>
Barnwell Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy lovely waterside walking trails in this country park in Oundle, Northamptonshire. At Barnwell you will find several pretty lakes and meadows while the River Nene also runs through the park. Follow the nature trail and look out for Coot, Mallard, Mute Swan and Great Crested Grebe on the water. In the meadow you will find a variety of plantlife including Yorkshire Fog and Crested Dogs Tail and flowers such as Ox-Eye Daisy, Cowslip, Tufted Vetch, Knapweeds and Greater Burnet. The park has a visitor centre, cafe and play area. View Full Details>>
Barrington Park4 miles (7 km)This circular walk takes you around the delightful Barrington deer park in the Great Barrington area of the Cotswolds. The walk starts in the village of Barrington Parkand follows footpaths around the deer park before a waterside section along the River Windrush returns you to the village. There are splendid views of the Cotswolds hills to enjoy also.
The village is located just a short distance east of the National Trust's Sherborne Park. If you head west you could visit the pretty Windrush Mill and then continue on to the park. There's nice footpaths here with pleasure grounds, wildlife sculptures, woodland trails and waterside paths along the Sherborne Brook. Near here you will also find Lodge Park where there are more good National Trust footpaths. The Cotswold Way and Monarch's Way long distance trails can also be picked up to the west of the village. View Full Details>>
Barton's Point Coastal Park5 miles (8.5 km)Enjoy a leisurely stroll or ride along the Queenborough Lines canal and the Isle of Sheppey Coast on this circular route in Bartons Point Coastal Park. The route begins on the coast near Sheerness train station and follows the canal path before returning to the start point through Minster Park. View Full Details>>
Barton Farm Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This delightful country park is conveniently situated near Bradford On Avon town centre. The park is located next to the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal so is perfect for leisurely waterside walking. There are also historic buildings, craft shops and tea rooms while the farmhouse, granary and tithe barn of the original Barton Farm date back to the 14th century.
To extend your walking in the area you could try the Bradford Upon Avon to Bath canal walk. It will take you all the way into Bath from the country park, visiting the impressive Avoncliff Aqueduct on the way.
There's also our circular Bradford on Avon Canal and River Walk which takes you along the canal and the river, visiting some of the highlights of the town. View Full Details>>
Basildon Park3 miles (5 km)A walk around the beautiful Basildon Park near Reading. There are 4 different waymarked trails through the 400 acres of parkland and woodland that surround the 18th century mansion house. The walk also takes you through the beautiful garden with its maze, wildflower meadows and rose garden.
The route also passes very close to Beale Park Wildlife Park and Gardens which are well worth a look. Here you'll find collections of small exotic animals, farm animals and birds, landscaped gardens and woodlands, and children's play areas. You will also pass very close to the River Thames so the walk can be continued along the river too.
Heading east will take you towards the pretty village of Pangbourne where you can visit the delightful water meadows and enjoy a stroll along the River Pang. View Full Details>>
Bathpool Park2 miles (3.4 km)Enjoy a pleasant cycle or walk around Bathpool Park in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire. Follow the tracks/paths around the main lake, the peaceful woodland and several ponds. View Full Details>>
Battlefield Shrewsbury Walk2 miles (2.5 km)This walk explores the Battlefield Heritage Park, just north of the Shropshire town of Shrewsbury.  It is located on the site of the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury fought between King Henry IV and English rebel nobleman Henry Percy. There is an accessible circular walking trail to follow around the site which also visits the Battlefield Church. Also known as St Mary Magdalene it was built in the fifteenth century to commemorate the battle. The area considered to be the site of the battle remains almost completely undeveloped, although in use as agricultural land and enclosed by hedges.
You can start the walk from the car park, just off the A5124, just to the north of Shrewsbury. Other facilities include a series of information panels, a café and farm shop. View Full Details>>
Bawsey Pits2 miles (3 km)This country park near King's Lynn has nice trails to follow around around birch covered hills and a Scandinavian style lake. It's a delightful spot with the lakes surrounded by attractive woodland and small cliffs. There's also little beaches and picnic areas.
You can park at the car park at the north eastern end of the lake, off Gayton Road. From here you can pick up the trails to take you around the site.
N.B Please do not swim in the waters of the lake. It may look tempting but several people have got into difficulty.
To continue your walk you can head north and visit Roydon Common. The pretty nature reserve includes a large area of heathland and woodland with Dartmoor Ponies to look out for. View Full Details>>
Bayhurst Wood Country Park and Ruislip Woods5 miles (8 km)Bayhurst Wood Country Park and Ruislip Woods are located in the London Borough of Hillingdon and contain numerous walking and cycling trails. Ruislip Woods covers 726 acres and became the first National Nature Reserve in an urban area of England in 1997. The site includes grassland, ponds, streams, marshland and the delightful Ruislip Lido.
The site is popular with Mountain bikers as there are a number of challenging off road trails. However there are also family cycle routes such as the David Brough cycle trail which is located in Bayhurst Wood and is suitable for all abilities of rider. View Full Details>>
Beacon Fell Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland in the Forest of Bowland AONB. Beacon Fell is situated 266 metres (873 feet) above sea level giving fabulous views of Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, Barrow, Pendle Hill, Longridge Fell, the Lake District Fells and the Isle of Man (on a clear day). At the hill summit there is a handy toposcope which shows all the different landmarks you can see.
There are also several miles of lovely woodland walking trails, wooden sculptures, and a pretty tarn with a seating area at the eastern end. The excellent visitor centre includes with a wealth of information on the flora and fauna you can see on the fell. This includes bluebells in the spring and lovely heather in the autumn months.
Beacon Fell is situated a few miles north of Preston and not far from Lytham and Blackpool.
If you'd like to extend your walk you could head to the nearby Parlick and Fair Snape Fell where there is a wonderful footpath with fantastic views over the Forest of Bowland. View Full Details>>
Beacon Hill Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Explore 335 acres of mixed woodland, grassland, wildflower meadows and farmland on this country park walk or cycle near Loughborough. At 248m (814 feet), Beacon Hill is the second highest point in Leicestershire and the site of a Bronze Age hill fort. As such there are fabulous views of the Leicestershire countryside. There's a handy toposcope at the hill summit where you can see all the landmarks visible from the viewpoint.
The park also has a wooden boardwalk sculpture trail, a maze and a 4.8km cycle track circling the park so you can bring your bike too.
Beacon Hill is located a few miles south of Loughborough town centre and very close to the Leicestershire Round walking route. You could pick up the trail and head to Bradgate Country Park if you wished to extend your walk. View Full Details>>
Beacon Wood Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)This country park has a number of peaceful woodland walks to enjoy. It is located near Gravesend in Kent. In the park you will find a pond/wetland area with a viewing platform, information point, and views out over the countryside. The woods are particularly lovely in the autumn where there are lots of mushrooms and fungi to look out for. The route below begins at the car park in Beacon Wood and follows woodland trails around the site. You can extend your walk by following public footpaths into the nearby Lords Wood, Ladies Wood and on into the nearby Darenth Country Park. It's located about a mile to the west and consists of nice wide lawns, picnic areas, meadows and pockets of woodland.
In Darenth you can also pick up the Darent Valley Path and enjoy a riverside walk along the River Darent. View Full Details>>
Bedfont Lakes Country Park2 miles (3 km)This water-focused nature reserve, has 180 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands and lakes. Over 300 plants and 140 bird species have been recorded in the park. The park offers a wide range of activities including, walking, picnics, a trim trail, orienteering and fishing. Bedfont Lakes is located near Ashford train station. View Full Details>>
Bedlington Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy nice woodland trails along the River Blyth in this country park in Bedlington, Northumberland.
The walk starts from the main car park at Bedlington Bridge. From here you can follow a nice riverside footpath heading south to Humford Mill. There's attractive woodland and stepping stones over the Blyth to enjoy. The area is a designated nature reserve so look out for a variety of woodland birds and interesting flora.
You can also follow trails north east from the car park and head along the river through Bebside Wood to Furnace Bridge.
The park runs into the adjacent Plessey Woods Country Park. If you continue south west through Humford Woods you will soon come to the site. View Full Details>>
Belhus Woods Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy the pretty lakes and peaceful woodland trails in this country park near Ockendon and Dagenham. View Full Details>>
Belton House3 miles (5 km)Explore the stunning grounds of this 17th century mansion in Lincolnshire on this easy circular walk. View Full Details>>
Berry Head Country Park2 miles (3 km)Berry Head Country park is an internationally acclaimed heritage site and National Nature Reserve. It is home to an abundance of coastal wildlife and includes recently restored Napoleonic War fortifications. Look out for lots of interesting flora and fauna including White Rock-Rose, Honewort, Small Hare's Ear, Restharrow and Goldilock's Aste. There is also a large Guillemot colony on the cliffs.
This walk takes you to Berry Head and Shoalstone Point on the coast, before crossing Berry Head Common.
The park is located in Brixham and is a short walk from the harbour or there are parking facilities at Berry Head.
To extend your walk head south along the South West Coast Path to the lovely Sharkham Point Nature Reserve. Here you can enjoy great views of St Mary's Bay and look out for dolphins in the water below.
You could also try the popular Paignton to Brixham Walk which visits a series of pretty beaches and secluded coves. View Full Details>>
Bestwood Country Park4 miles (7 km)Bestwood Country Park is located on the outskirts of the city of Nottingham and consists of 650 acres of open green space. The park includes Mill Lakes, where you can follow the waterside trail and look out for the wide variety of water birds that visit the park. There are also wildflower meadows and peaceful forest trails through ancient oak woodland to enjoy.
National Cycle Route 6 runs along Mill lakes and the Robin Hood Way walking trail also runs right through the park. You could follow the trail to the nearby Burntstump Country Park for more pleasant woodland walking trails.
Following the trail west would take you to the lovely Collier's Wood Nature Reserve and Moorgreen Reservoir. View Full Details>>
Betteshanger (Fowlmead) Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)Betteshanger (previously Fowlmead) country park is a 200 acre site with a number of walking and cycling trails located in Deal on the Kent coast. View Full Details>>
Bewl Water12 miles (20 km)This is a walking and cycling route around the beautiful Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst. The route runs alongside the reservoir for most of the way though there is an inland section on quiet country lanes around Tolhurst. It runs for about 12.5 miles with great views of the High Weald AONB.
Bike hire is available during the summer months from the Boat House Bistro.
The area is also great for wildlife watching with Goldcrests, Long Tailed Tits, Wagtails, Skylarks and Lapwings in the woodland. Also look out for Kingfishers, Herons and the Great Crested Grebe on the water.
Please note the route is not always open for cyclists during the winter months - please check the Bewl Water website before setting off. View Full Details>>
Biddulph Grange Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)This circular walk runs for a distance of about 2 miles on a series of well laid out footpaths in this lovely country park in Biddulph. The 73 acre park includes woodland trails, open meadows and a lake. After your walk head to the visitor centre where you can enjoy refreshments in the cafe.
There's also beautiful National Trust gardens which take you on a global journey from Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China and a re-creation of a Himalayan glen.
The Staffordshire Moorlands Walks long distance trail runs through the park so there is scope for extending your walk. You could follow the waymarked footpath south to Greenway Bank and Knypersley Reservoir. The park has some nice footpaths taking you to quiet woodland, a lovely waterfall and the Serpentine Pool.
There's also the Biddulph Valley Way to try. View Full Details>>
Bidston Hill2 miles (3 km)This walk in Birkenhead explores 100 of acres heathland and woodland with historic buildings and ancient rock carvings. The park includes the 16th century windmill, the grade II listed Bidston Observatory and Bidston Lighthouse. The hill rises to 231 feet so there are fantastic views of the Wirral from the summit.
The hill is located a short distance west from Birkenhead Park. View Full Details>>
Bill Quay Farm1 miles (1 km)Bill Quay Community Farm has a collection of rare livestock including Tamworth pigs, Large Black pigs, three breeds of sheep (Jacob, Hebridean and Castlemilk Moorit), endangered Bagot goats, Pilgrim Geese and Scots Grey hens. There is also a small mammal area with chinchillas, degus, Chinese hamsters, rabbits, Guinea pigs, mice and ferrets. There are 25 acres of farmland to explore with an excellent cafe and farm shop selling local produce. The farm is located on the River Tyne at Gateshead. View Full Details>>
Bingley St Ives2 miles (3.5 km)Explore 500 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens in this splendid country park near Bradford. You can start your walk from the car park off Harden Road just west of Bingley town centre and train station. Then pick up the trails heading west through Cuckoo Nest Wood before climbing to Lady Blantyre's Rock and descending to Coppice Pond. The pond has a bird hide where you can look out for the variety of birdlife. Other wildlife in the park includes kestrels and lots of butterflies in the summer months.
Also be sure to visit the lovely Herb Garden with a range of flowers including Pinks, Sweet Williams, Honeysuckles, Foxgloves, Lavenders, Fuschias and a beautiful Wisteria which will climb beautifully over the 350 year old garden walls.
The park also has good facilities with a visitor centre, play area and cafe.
Bingley is a great place for walkers with a number of good options for extending your walk. You can pick up the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath and visit the splendid Bingley 5 rise locks. Head east along the water and you will soon come to the fascinating Victorian village of Saltaire.
The River Aire also runs through the town so you can enjoy riverside walks too. If you cross the waterways then you could visit the delightful Shipley Glen with its woodland trails along a pretty beck. View Full Details>>
Biss Meadows Country Park4 miles (7 km)Enjoy a peaceful riverside walk or cycle along the River Biss in this lovely country park in Trowbridge. The park has a series of nicely laid out paths so makes for a nice traffic free cycle or walk. Biss Meadows is located very near Trowbridge town centre so is easily accessible. There's also a variety of wildlife with herons and Kingfishers visitors to the park.
To continue your walking in the town you could try our Trowbridge Park and River Walk and visit the lovely sensory garden just to the north of Biss Meadows.
Just to the west is Southwick Country Park which has some good trails to take you around the 100 acre site. View Full Details>>
Black Park Country Park4 miles (7 km)With over 10 miles of well signed cycling and walking tracks, Black Park is the ideal place for a great day out in the country. Set in 535 acres of woodland and heathland, you will find lakes, picnic areas, cafes and a Go Ape Tree top adventure course. The park is located in Wexham, just a few miles east of Slough.
The route below begins at the car park next to the lake and takes you to the famous Pinewood studios where many blockbuster films have been produced. You continue through the park to Upton Wood where you will circle the lake before returning to the finish point back at the car park.
The route is suitable for both cyclists and walkers but for cyclists there is also the Beeches cycleway. This 12 mile, signposted route joins Black Park, Stoke Common, Burnham Beeches and Dorney Lake allowing you to extend your ride if you wish. For walkers you may also like to try the Beeches way walk which passes through Black Park. Also of interest is the nearby Langley Park Country Park which lies just to the south of Black Park. View Full Details>>
Blackleach Country Park1 miles (2 km)This country park in Walkden has nice footpaths to follow around the lake and through woodland. It's a nice peaceful place to visit with lots of birdlife to look out for on the lake. These include Herons, Tufted Ducks, Goosander, Water Rail, Coots and Moorhen. There's a car park and visitor centre where you can pick up the lakeside trail. You can also come by public transport as Walkden train station is only about a mile away.
This route is designed for walkers but a cycle route runs through the northern end of the park. National Cycle Network Route 55 also runs close to the park. You could follow it from the centre of Manchester, through Salford and Roe Green to Walkden.
If you feel like extending your walking in the area then you could head to the nearby Moses Gate Country Park. It's only a couple of miles to the north and covers 750 acres with a number of nice cycling and walking trails. View Full Details>>
Blackwater Rail Trail6 miles (10 km)This is a nice, easy cycle or walk along a disused railway line between Witham and Maldon in Essex. The route passes through the pretty village of Langford and includes views of the River Blackwater and a riverside section along the River Chelmer into Maldon. Here you can enjoy fine views of the Blackwater Estuary at the Marine Lake in Promenade Park. You can also pick up the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal and enjoy easy waterside walking or cycling along the towpath. View Full Details>>
Blaise Castle2 miles (4 km)Explore the delightful Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol, on this circular walk through the 650 acre country park. You will follow a series of peaceful wooded paths around the landscaped grounds and visit the sham castle where there are fabulous views of Avonmouth, the Avon Gorge and South Wales. Other highlights include two pools - the Giant's Soapdish and Penny Well, and two caves - the Robber's Cave and the Butcher's Cave. View Full Details>>
Blenheim Park5 miles (8 km)This circular walk starts at the magnificent Blenheim palace and takes you on a tour of the beautiful gardens. View Full Details>>
Blickling Hall3 miles (5 km)The Blickling Hall estate in Aylsham has five thousand acres of parkland, farmland and woodland to explore on foot or by bike. View Full Details>>
Bolam Lake Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy peaceful lakeside walking and cycling in this delightful country park in Northumberland. Bolam lake is located less than 10 miles from Morpeth in the heart of the Northumberland countryside. There are woodland paths, grassland and a super visitor centre with cafe, shop and information area. Cyclists please keep to the marked bridleway and give way to walkers.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could head a few miles north to Hartburn Glebe where there are peaceful woodland trails, a pretty river and a variety of wildlife to look out for. Another good option is to climb to the nearby Shaftoe Crags. The crags are located just a mile west of the park and include interesting rock formations and wonderful views over the Northumberland countryside. A short distance to the north west of the crags you will find the National Trust's Wallington Hall where there's lakes, woodland, parkland and a beautiful walled garden. View Full Details>>
Bosworth Battlefield Country Park4 miles (6 km)Walk the Battlefield Trail with panoramic views over the Leicestershire countryside in this country park in Market Bosworth. You can also visit the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre which tells the dramatic story of the Battle of Bosworth on 22nd August 1485, which marked a major turning point in English history. It was the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses, fought between the rival Houses of Lancaster and York in the latter half of the 15th century. The Lancastrian leader Henry Tudor, secured the throne to become the first English monarch of the Tudor dynasty. His opponent, Richard III, the last king of the House of York, was killed in the battle.
The walk starts at the car park at the visitor centre on Ambion Hill. The Hill was long considered to be the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field and is where the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is situated. It is now accepted that the core of the battlefield lies either side of Fenn Lanes, about two miles south-west of the visitor centre and that Ambion Hill was Richard III's camp on the night before the battle. The battlefield heritage centre now has a viewing point with the Fenn Lane Farm site and other notable points marked. Near here you will also find King Richard's Well which dates to 1813. It is reputed to be the place where Richard III drank before the Battle of Bosworth.
The route heads through the attractive woodland of Ambion Wood before picking up a nice section of the Ashby Canal, following it towards the nearby village of Dadlington. You'll pass the lovely Sutton Wharf where you can enjoy a boat trip along the canal. The route then follows more pleasant woodland trails through Ambion Wood before returning to the start point at the car park. View Full Details>>
Box Hill Country Park2 miles (4 km)This park is run by the National Trust and has a number of splendid walking trails to enjoy. There are panoramic views of the western Weald and a riverside stroll along the River Mole. There are also excellent facilities with the Box Tree cafe and shop which sells local produce. Box Hill is located just north of Dorking in Surrey.
This circular walk visits some of the highlights of the park including the popular Stepping Stones, Broadwood's Tower and lovely woodland of the Happy Valley.
The walk starts from the visitor centre near to Box Hill Fort. This scheduled ancient monument is a relic from the 1890s, when a chain of such sites were built to defend London in case of invasion by France or Russia. Follow the waymarked trails south and then west past the Swiss Cottage, the former home of John Logie Baird, the inventor of television. One of his earliest transmissions was from the top of Box Hill.
After passing the cottage you pick up a riverside trail along the River Mole. This will pass the stepping stones which are a popular beauty spot in the park.
The walk then heads east to explore the Happy Valley area of the park. Here you'll find a series of nice woodland trails with some moderate climbs to Flint Hill. There's lovely views of the Surrey Hills from the high points which climb to a height of over 500ft. This includes the Salomons memorial viewpoint which is probably the most well known spot in the park, attracting almost 1 million visitors each year. It's named after Leopold Salomons, who gave 230 acres of Box Hill land to the National Trust in 1914. The views over the lush green fields, rolling hills and expansive woodland below are simply wonderful. Atfer taking in the views the walk descends back to the car park and visitor centre where you can enjoy refreshments at the cafe. View Full Details>>
Bradgate Country Park5 miles (8.3 km)Bradgate is a very large, 830 acre park located just outside the city of Leicester. It is hugely popular, with almost a million visitors each year. At Bradgate you will find a deer park with herds of red and fallow deer, a waterside path along the pretty Cropston Reservoir and a multitude of peaceful woodland walking trails. Also of interest is the climb to Old John Tower, the highest hill in Bradgate Park. The hill stands at 212 metres (696 ft) high, and is a prominent landmark across Leicester and Leicestershire.
The route below is designed for walkers but cycling is allowed along the tarmac Carriageway within Bradgate Park and along bridleways in the nearby Swithland Woods.
Bradgate is also historically significant as the birthplace and early home of Lady Jane Grey - Queen of England for 9 days in the 16th century. In the park you can visit the ruins of Bradgate House, built some time around 1520. View Full Details>>
Brandon Country Park7 miles (11 km)A lovely cycle or walk around Brandon Country Park and the surrounding Thetford Forest in Suffolk. There are three waymarked, woodland walks while the Poacher Trail cycle route also starts out at Brandon Country Park. This is an intermediate ride waymarked with blue posts.
The park has beautiful lakeside lawns, a delightful walled garden and an excellent visitor centre. You will then head into Thetford Forest along peaceful woodland trails before returning to Brandon Country Park. The park is located near to the small town of Brandon on the River Ouse. If you have time you could continue your walk along the nearby Little Ouse Path for a delightful waterside walk. View Full Details>>
Branston Water Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy woodland, wetland and meadow in this lovely park in Burton Upon Trent. The park is located a couple of miles from Burton-Upon-Trent town centre. You can follow the Trent and Mersey Canal all the way to the park from the town. The park is a great place for wildlife with lots of birds to look out for on the lakes.
To extend your walk follow the canal south to the village of Barton under Needwood where there's a pretty marina. View Full Details>>
Brereton Heath Country Park1 miles (2 km)Explore 50 acres of silver birch and oak woodland in this country park and nature reserve in Davenport. The park also includes a 15 acre lake, heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas. Look out for woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreepers, kingfisher, heron, great crested grebe and goldfinch as you make your way through the park. View Full Details>>
Bretton Country Park3 miles (5 km)This country park includes 500 acres of lakes and parkland, housing various sculptures as well as being the home of several endangered species. The fascinating Yorkshire Sculpture Park also sits within the park and is well worth exploring. The only one of its kind, the park is an international centre for modern and contemporary art, which receives thousands of visitors each year. Also of interest is the Grade II listed Bretton Hall built around 1720.
The Barnsley Boundary Walk and Dearne Way run through the park so you could continue your walk along the River Dearne towards Barnsley.
Just to the north of the park you will find Coxley Woods. View Full Details>>
Brierley Forest Park2 miles (4 km)This circular walk takes you around the pretty Brierley Forest Park near Mansfield. At the park you will find Wildflower meadows, a sculpture trail and a visitor centre. Look out for foxes, owls, deer, meadow pipits and lapwings as you make your way through the park. View Full Details>>
Brimham Rocks3 miles (4.5 km)Brimham Rocks is a National Trust owned site with a collection of fascinating rock formations. You can explore the labyrinth of paths while enjoying fabulous views over Nidderdale.
This circular walk starts from the on site car park where you can pick up trails heading around Brimham Moor where there's pretty heather to see. The trails will take you around the ancient rocks which are hundreds of millions of years old. It's also great for wildlife with a number of bird boxes attracting Blue Tits and Redstarts to nest in the area.
The site is located near Pateley Bridge and on the Nidderdale Way walking route so there is scope for continuing your walk through the Nidderdale AONB. View Full Details>>
Brixworth Country Park11 miles (18 km)A circular cycle or walk around the expansive Brixworth Country Park in Northamptonshire. Pitsford Reservoir is the main feature of the park. It is the 34th largest body of water in England and Wales and has a fabulous cycle and walking path running around the perimeter and a Nature Reserve at the northern end. There is also a sensory garden and a sculpture trail.
The route below visits the pretty villages surrounding the reservoir including Brixworth, Walgrave and Scaldwell. Cycle hire is available at the western end of the park and there is also a cafe for refreshments. View Full Details>>
Broadland Country Park2 miles (2.8 km)This country park is located near Horsford and Felthorpe in the Norwich area of Norfolk. View Full Details>>
Broadway Tower Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)Enjoy fabulous views of the Cotswolds AONB in this beautiful park in Broadway, Worcestershire. This 5 mile circular walk takes you up to the focal point of the park at the 65ft high Broadway Tower. The tower was the brainchild of Capability Brown and designed by James Wyatt in 1794 in the form of a Saxon castle. It is the second highest point in the Cotswolds so there are wonderful views as far as the Welsh Mountains in one direction and Buckinghamshire in the other. From the top of the tower, on a clear day, as many as 16 English counties can be identified. The park is also home to a herd of Red Deer and includes several peaceful woodland trails.
The circular trail starts from the Fish Hill car park, just to the north east of the tower, at a postcode of WR12 7LD for your sat navs. From here you can pick up the Cotswolds Way National Trail to take you south up to the tower before exploring the woodland and country trail around the wider park.
The Cotswold Way provides and opportunity for continuing your walking in the area. The nearby Chipping Campden is a good option or you could visit the delightful Snowshill village and manor house. Our 10 mile Cotswold Way Circular Walk from Chipping Campden uses a lovely section of the national trail to visit the tower and nearby Dover's Hill. View Full Details>>
Brockhill Country Park4 miles (7 km)Brockhill Park has a number of waymarked woodland trails, a lake, open grassland and meadows. The park is rich in wildlife, with marbled white butterflies, green woodpeckers and carpets of snowdrops. There are also excellent facilities with picnic areas and a cafe. View Full Details>>
Brocks Hill Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy woodland, meadows, ponds and a community orchard in this 67 acre country park in Leicester. There are a number of well laid out footpaths to follow and a visitor centre with a cafe. The park is located between Oadby and Wigston. View Full Details>>
Broxtowe Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)This country park in Nottingham has some nice cycling and walking trails to try. The park covers 46 hectares and includes nice surfaced trails, open grassland and woodland areas with bluebells in the spring. There's also lots of pretty wildflowers and woodland birds to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for Green woodpeckers and Ramsons (wild garlic).
The park is also home to a great BMX track with tracks and jumps to cater for all ages and abilities.
To continue your exercise you could head to West Bridgford and visit Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Colwick Country Park for more nice cycling and walking paths. View Full Details>>
Buchan Country Park4 miles (7 km)Explore 170 acres of woodland, heath, ponds and meadow in this delightful park on the outskirts of Crawley. There are numerous peaceful trails to follow and a variety of wildlife to look out for such as dragonflies, nightjars, great-crested grebes, adders and grass snakes. View Full Details>>
Burbage Common4 miles (6.5 km)Explore 200 acres of semi-natural woodland, wildflower meadows and unspoilt grassland in this country park in Hinckley. There are a number of well maintained walking paths and a bridleway suitable for cyclists. There is also a visitor centre with displays explaining the management of the common and woods.
The park is located about a mile east of Hinckley town centre. The Leicestershire Round walking route runs through the park so you could extend your walk if you wish. View Full Details>>
Burntstump Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore open grassland, woodland and glade in this country park in Nottingham. In the park you will find peaceful woodland walking trails, an ornamental pond and the Burntstump Inn where you can enjoy refreshments. The pub overlooks the cricket field so it's a nice place to relax on match days. View Full Details>>
Burrough Hill Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This circular walk climbs to the 210m (690 ft) high Burrough Hill. Here you'll find a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort and fabulous views of the Leicestershire countryside. Plantlife in the park includes wild thyme, harebell, lady's bedstraw, salad burnet and musk thistle. Also look out for skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers, willow warblers, woodpeckers, and kestrels.
Burrough Hill is located a few miles south of Melton Mowbray near the villages of Burrough on the Hill and Somerby. View Full Details>>
Burrs Country Park2 miles (3 km)This walk takes you around the pretty Burrs Country Park, situated on the River Irwell just north of Bury. Habitats in the park include woodland, open space, wetland, ponds and waterways. You can follow a circular walking trail along the river before heading through Walmersley on the other side of the park. It's about a 2 mile walk so should take under an hour.
There's good facilites too with a car park, a visitor centre and a cafe. View Full Details>>
Burton Constable3 miles (5 km)Explore the extensive parks and gardens of this Elizabethan country house near Hull. View Full Details>>
Burton Dassett Hills Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This super country park is comprised of a group of ironstone hills which rise to 203m (667 ft). As such there are splendid views over the surrounding Warwickshire countryside from Burton Dassett. There are 100 acres to explore with sites of historical interest such as the beacon, quarry remains and the nearby 12th Century All Saints Church.
The Centenary Way walking route also passes through the park so you could continue your walk if you have time. View Full Details>>
Bushy Park5 miles (8 km)Bushy Park is a beautiful deer park in Hampton Wick, London. This walk takes you on a tour of the park, starting and finishing very close to Hampton Wick train station. You will pass a series of tranquil ponds before strolling along Cheshunt Avenue to the Diana Fountain. You head through the park towards the Teddington end before returning to the start point along Cobbler's walk. There are plenty of excellent photo opportunities with the many resident deer as they will often let you come quite close.
The walk is also very close to the river Thames and adjacent to the fabulous Hampton Court Park and Gardens if you would like to continue your walk around this lovely area. The Richmond to Kingston River Walk is a also a great option as it starts/finishes on the opposite side of Kingston Bridge. You can visit the pretty Teddington Lock and Canbury Gardens on this route. View Full Details>>
California Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)This country park is located near Wokingham in Berkshire and has two lovely short walks. The Longmoor Lake walk is about a mile while The Woodland Walk is about two miles. The paths are well laid out while there are also boardwalks passing above the bogland. View Full Details>>
Calke Park3 miles (5 km)This walk takes you around the magnificent Calke country estate located in Ticknall, Derby. The walk begins at the car park and takes you along the beautiful Staunton Harold Reservoir before exploring the woodland, ponds and meadows of Calke Park. There is also a deer park with Calke's herd of fallow and red deer, while the wetlands area is also home to more wildlife with dragonflies and damselflies to see. The site has an interesting history having been an Augustinian priory from the 12th century until its dissolution by Henry VIII.
If you head a mile north you can visit the visitor centre and enjoy a well surfaced walk along the water to their wildflower meadow. View Full Details>>
Camer Park4 miles (6.5 km)This is a short walk through Camer Country Park and into the surrounding countryside and woodland. The park is located close to Meopham train station and parking is also available at the western end of the park. In the park you will find 40 acres of ancient parkland, grassland and woods. There's also good facilities such as a cafe and refreshment kiosk.
This walk starts at the car park and takes you through the park to the adjacent Henley Wood and then through some lovely countryside to the pretty village of Luddesdown.
The walk makes use of the Wealdway long distance footpath, so you could continue along this trail to extend your walk. Also just to the north is Shorne Woods Country Park where you'll find 288 acres of rolling woodlands, wetlands and meadows. The park is located close to Rochester and Chatham. View Full Details>>
Campsall Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a short walk around the pretty grounds of Campsall Hall. The estate consists of open grassland, meadow, ponds and woodland. The landscaped pleasure gardens also contain ornamental specimen trees.
The park is located just a few miles north of Doncaster. View Full Details>>
Cannock Chase Country Park6 miles (10 km)This huge country park has 3000 acres of cycling and walking trails to explore. The route starts at the park cycle hire centre and takes you to Brindley Heath on woodland trails before returning to the start point. Cannock Chase is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a large variety of wildlife including 800 fallow deer. The park is located just a few miles from Stafford.
Several long distance, waymarked trails run through the area including the Two Saints Way, Heart of England Way and the Sabrina Way. These trails are a great way to extend your walking in the area. If you head a short distance east from the park you can visit Milford Common where there's some nice trails through grassland and woodland to try. View Full Details>>
Cannon Hall Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore the beautiful lansdscaped gardens of Cannon Hall in Cawthorne, Yorkshire. The park includes sweeping grasslands, woodlands, a stream and a lake with a waterfall nearby. The hall itself is also worth a visit, housing collections of fine furniture, paintings, ceramics and glassware.
The park is located on the Barnsley Boundary Walk and Penistone Boundary Walk so there is scope for continuing your walk along these walking paths. You could also head north west and try the woodland trails through Deffer Wood where there's lots of bluebells in the spring. At the northern edge of the wood you can pick up our Denby Dale Circular Walk which visits the River Dearne. View Full Details>>
Canonteign Falls2 miles (2.5 km)This country park in Dartmoor consists of woodland trails, beautiful lakes and the stunning Canonteign Falls. View Full Details>>
Capstone Farm Country Park6 miles (9 km)Enjoy several cycling and walking trails in this delightful country park near Gillingham. The park is located in the beautiful North Downs with ancient woodlands, old orchards, a freshwater lake and wildflower meadows to explore. There's excellent facilities with a Visitor Centre, cafe and picnic areas. View Full Details>>
Carnfunnock Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy waymarked trails, pretty gardens and lovely views of the Antrim Coast in this country park near Larne in County Antrim. There's 191 hectares to explore with woodland trails, a maze, a beautiful sculptured walled garden and a wonderful coastline. View Full Details>>
Castle Ward2 miles (4 km)The Castle Ward estate covers 332 hectares (820 acres) with an 18th-century mansion, landscaped gardens and miles of great cycling and walking trails. The estate overlooks the beautiful Strangford Lough and includes the brilliant Lough Trail walking and cycle route. The National Trust have devised six great trails which expose you to the wonderful scenery around the estate. Features include the woodland trails in Castle Ward Forest, a waterside path along Temple Water and the lovely Walled Garden.
You can virtually explore the Castle Ward estate using the google street view link below!
To extend your cycling you can pick up the Strangford Lough circuit which takes you around the magnificent body of water. View Full Details>>
Castlewellan Forest Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a walk around Castlewellan Lake and Arboretum in County Down. The park contains the national Arboretum of Northern Ireland with a variety of interesting specimens from all over the world. There is also a peace maze and the the Scottish baronial Castlewellan castle. It's a lovely place, with views towards the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside to enjoy. The park is also great for mountain biking with green, blue and red grade trails to try.
To extend your exercise, just head to the south and visit the lovely Tollymore Forest Park. The expansive 1600 acre park contains an arboretum, the Shimna River and two forested hills known as the Drinns. You can also pick up the popular Trassey Track which will take you to a spectacular mountain pass.
Also nearby is the splendid Murlough Bay National Nature Reserve where there is a beautiful sand dune system, woodland trails and a wonderful beach. View Full Details>>
Cave Hill Country Park3 miles (5 km)Visit this wonderful country park and enjoy fabulous views over Northern Ireland on this circular walk in Belfast. On a clear day you can see as far as the Isle of Man and Scotland from the high points.
This walk starts at the Belfast Castle car park. The fine 19th century Scottish baronial castle sits in an elevated position at 400 feet (120 m) above sea level with fine views over the city below. The grounds of the castle are very attractive with wide lawns and pretty gardens to enjoy before the climb. After heading through the castle estate you start the challenging climb up to the 370 metres (1200 ft) high hill. On the way you will pass the three large man made caves and interesting geological formations including 'Napoleon's Nose'; a basaltic outcrop which resembles the profile of the famous emperor Napoleon. At the summit you will find McArt's Fort and stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, Scrabo Tower and Slieve Croob.  You can descend the same way or follow more footpaths across the hill to turn it into a longer circular walk. At the end of your descent you can enjoy refreshments at the Belfast Castle restaurant and learn about the history of the area in the visitor centre.
On the other side of Belfast Harbour you can visit Redburn Country Park for more nice walking trails and another great viewpoint.
You can virtually explore the park's trails using the google street view link below! View Full Details>>
Chadkirk Country Estate2 miles (3 km)This pretty country park is located on the River Goyt near Marple. The estate includes a 60 acre farm, an old orchard, a walled garden, peaceful woodland and a 16th century chapel with an audio visual presentation on the history of the site. The Etherow Goyt Valley Way runs through the park so you can continue your walk through the beautiful Goyt Valley on this trail. View Full Details>>
Chasewater Country Park4 miles (6 km)Enjoy a lovely waterside walk or cycle around Chasewater in Burntwood, near Lichfield. The park is nearly 900 acres in size with over 200 acres of water. A cycling and walking path runs right around the perimeter of the large lake. There is also a steam railway, bird hides and a visitor centre.
For those wishing to continue their exercise the Beacon Way links to the park. View Full Details>>
Chatsworth Park6 miles (9 km)This circular walk takes you around the splendid Chatsworth Park in the Derbyshire Peak District. There's 1000 acres of parkland to explore with views of the River Derwent, woodland trails and fallow deer.
The park is in a great location for walking with some great options for extending your exercise. You could pick up the Derwent Valley Heritage Way long distance footpath which runs past the estate. You can follow it north to Baslow or south to Calton Lees. About a mile north east of Chatsworth you can enjoy a climb to Birchen Edge. The gritstone edge provides stunning views over the Derwent Valley from the high points.
The park is not far from the lovely town of Bakewell. You could reach it by following the Bakewell Circular Walk from the town. This visits the nearby village of Edensor and the medieval Haddon Hall which is also well worth a visit. View Full Details>>
Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Explore 200 acres of woodland, lake, grassland and parkland in this splendid country park in the Roach Valley. It's great for walkers with miles of footpaths and bridleways to try. It's a lovely setting with wildflowers, woodland trails and great views of the rolling Essex countryside.
There's nice footpaths to follow along the river and past the lake. The Roach Valley Way also passes through the park, taking you through the surrounding woodland and countryside. There's lots of wildlife to look out for including Skylark, Grey Partridge and Fieldfare.
To extend your walk you could follow the Roach Valley Way to the nearby Hockley Woods. The woods are only about a mile away and contain Oak and sweet chestnut trees, streams, bluebells and wildflowers. View Full Details>>
Clare Castle Country Park2 miles (3 km)This pretty country park is situated on the River Stour in the Suffolk town of Clare. In the park you will find the remains of the 13th Century stone castle keep and the old Clare railway station. There is a riverside walk where you can see a variety of wildlife and a railway walk with details of the park's history. View Full Details>>
Cleethorpes Country Park1 miles (2 km)This 160 acre park has a 7 acre lake with footpaths and a cycle path running through it. View Full Details>>
Clent Hills Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This country park in Clent has miles of footpaths and bridleways with breathtaking panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders. The park is run by the National Trust who have devised several excellent walking trails through the park. There are also cycling trails that are best suited to mountain bikers.
The park is located 10 miles south-west of Birmingham city centre, not far from Stourbridge. The North Worcestershire Path walking route runs through the park if you would like to continue your walk. Hagley Park and hall are also adjacent to the park - here you will find some great footpaths through landscaped parkland.
Just a mile to the east you'll find Uffmoor Wood where there are waymarked walking trails in shady bluebell woods. View Full Details>>
Clifton Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This country park and nature reserve is located between Bolton and Manchester in Salford. Situated on the River Irwell it contains a pretty lake, woodland, meadows and an arboretum. The Irwell Sculpture Trail walking route runs through the park where you will find two of the sculptures from the trail. A cycle trail also runs through the park so you can bring your bike. The park is good for wildlife too so look out for the horses near the car park and various water loving birds on the lake.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could head to Blackleach Country Park. Here you'll find a nice walking trail along a pretty lake with lots of birdlife to look out for.
Also nearby is Moses Gate Country Park. The park covers 750 acres with a number of nice cycling and walking trails to try. The site is located on the outskirts of Bolton and includes three lakes while the Rivers Croal and Irwell also run through the park.
Additionally, the Outwood Trail runs past the park along a disused railway line. View Full Details>>
Clumber Country Park5 miles (8 km)Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle around the fabulous Clumber Park in Worksop. Clumber Park contains over 3,800 acres of woodland, open heath and rolling farmland. There is also a beautiful serpentine lake and a picturesque avenue of lime trees that runs for 2 miles. Also of interest is the picture postcard Hardwick Village, the Gothic Clumber Chapel and the Walled Kitchen Garden.
The route below is devised for walkers but the park is excellent for cycling, particularly around the lake area. You can hire bikes and pick up route guides from within the park - please click here for more information. The routes are nice and safe so ideal for families. National Cycle Route 6 also passes through the park linking it to Sherwood Forest - see the Nottingham to Worksop cycle route for more information. You can also visit the park from nearby Mansfield using the signed route. Our Mansfield Cycle Route starts just east of the town at the lovely Vicar Water Country Park. It's a nice way to visit both parks on your bike in a day.
To extend your walking in the area you could follow the Robin Hood Way north west from the park and visit the nearby Welbeck Estate. Here you'll find two pretty lakes and a large deer park with resident white deer. View Full Details>>
Coate Water Country Park3 miles (5 km)This is a short circular walk around the delightful Coate Water Country Park in Swindon. The walk begins at the car park and takes you around the 70-acre lake and through the wildflower meadows. The park is a great place to bird watch with Herons, Shags and Grebes among the visitors to the lake. Also look out for deer and foxes in the wildflower meadows. The park also has a Ranger Centre and Information Point and a pitch and putt.
Although the route below is devised for walkers the park also has a cycle path running along the lake. For more details visit the Information Point at the car park.
To extend your outing you could pick up the Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path from the village of Chiseldon. The climb to Liddington Hill also starts from Chiseldon. It's a nice climb which includes a visit to Liddington Castle Hill fort which dates from 7th century BC. View Full Details>>
Cockington Country Park3 miles (5 km)This is a circular walk around the historic Cockington Country Park and Cockington Village in Torquay, Devon. Cockington has 460 acres of beautiful country park to explore including ornamental lakes, woodlands and formal gardens. The 17th century Cockington Court has a number of studios open to the public with a variety of arts and crafts at the Court's Craft Centre. Also of interest is the Agatha Christie Literary Trail and the Murder Mystery Trail.
The walk also passes close to the delightful Cockington Village with its thatched roofed cottages, cider orchards and quaint shops and tearooms.
To extend your walking in the area you could try the Torquay to Babbacombe Walk along a lovely section of the South West Coast Path. View Full Details>>
Colemere Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy a peaceful circular walk around the pretty Cole Mere in Shropshire. The mere is surrounded by mature woodland with two very attractive hay meadows where you can see wildflowers and orchids during the warmer months. The park attracts a variety of wildfowl including snipe, curlew and pochard. The Llangollen Canal also runs through Colmere and there are several other nearby meres including Blake Mere, White Mere and Newton Mere. As such, there is plenty of scope for continuing your walk if you have time.
You can start your walk from the Colemere Car Park at the south eastern end of the lake. It's located at postcode SY12 0QW for your sat navs.
The park is located a couple of miles east of Ellesmere. If you'd like to continue your walk you could head to the nearby Ellesmere Lake where there are lakeside and woodland footpaths to enjoy. View Full Details>>
Colwick Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy several miles of lovely, waterside walking and cycling in this country park in Nottingham. The park contains two large lakes, a marina, woodland and meadows. The River Trent also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the Trent Valley Way walking route. There is also an excellent visitor centre with cycle hire available.
To extend your exercise you could visit the nearby Holme Pierrepont Country Park where there are more good cycling and walking trails. You could also head to Broxtowe Country Park where there's some nice woodland trails and a BMX track to try.
The park is located to the south of Nottingham city centre near to Nottingham Midland Railway station. View Full Details>>
Combe Sydenham Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)This country park consists of 500 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens surrounding a Grade I listed 15th century manor house. The house has an interesting history being previously owned by Elizabeth Sydenham who married Sir Francis Drake. It is alleged that Sir Francis Drake fired a cannonball into the grounds of the manor to warn Elizabeth not to marry another man.
The expansive estate is a great place for walking with miles of waymarked trails to follow. There's lots to see with a deer park, herb garden, rose garden and peacock house. You can also stroll along a series of pretty pools with a lovely cascading stream, waterfalls and lots of wildlife to look out for. There is also a hill to climb with a viewpoint proffering great views over the of the Quantock hills and across the Seven Estuary to Wales.
If you'd like to continue your walking in the area then you could head further into the Brendon Hills and climb to the high point of Lype Hill for more great views. The Coleridge Way also passes the park so you could pick up this long distance walk and head towards the Brendon Hills or the Quantocks.
The little village of Monksilver is a good place to go for a bite to eat after your walk. View Full Details>>
Compton Littleton and Loseley Park3 miles (5.5 km)A lovely circular walk taking you to the villages of Compton and Littleton before visiting the delightful Loseley Park, near Guildford in Surrey.
The walk starts near Compton and makes use of a section of the North Downs Way to take you through the peaceful woodland of East Warren and West Warren, to the north of Loseley Park. You then turn south to Littleton before following public footpaths which skirt the edge of Loseley Park. For a fee you can gain full access to the grounds which include a series of stunning gardens. This walk follows publicly accessible paths to Polsted Manor before returning to the start point. View Full Details>>
Coombe Country Park4 miles (6 km)Explore 500 acres of beautiful gardens, sculptures, woodland and lakes in this country park near Coventry. The park has a number of walking trails taking you through the Wildflower Meadow, the Formal Victorian Gardens and Arboretum, the Capability Brown landscaped deer park and peaceful woodland. There is also a lovely lakeside path with splendid views of Coombe Abbey. The park has very good facilities with a Visitor Centre and Discovery Centre with interactive exhibits.
To extend your walking in the area you could visit the nearby Brandon Marsh. View Full Details>>
Cotgrave Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)This lovely country park near Nottingham is the perfect place for a peaceful cycle or walk. The park includes woodland, wetland, lakes and informal grassland while the Grantham canal also runs through the park. You could continue your exercise along the Grantham Canal and visit the nearby village of Hickling where there's a nice canalside pub. If you head a couple of miles north where you'll find the Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Colwick Country Park. View Full Details>>
Cotswold Country Park6 miles (9 km)This country park is located in the Cotswolds Water Park at Ashton Keynes on the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border. The Park includes the largest inland beach in the UK, boat hire, crazy golf, a cafe and two lakes. It's a nice place for an easy inland beachside walk. There's also some woodland trails on the eastern side and lots of water loving birds to see on the water. View Full Details>>
Cotswold Water Park10 miles (16.5 km)This fabulous attraction has numerous waterside cycling and walking paths taking you around the park's 150 lakes. There are 40 square miles to explore within the water park but with the Thames Path National Trail and National Cycle Route 45 running through the park there is great scope for continuing your exercise along these trails (bike hire is available in the park). There is a wide variety of wildlife to see too - look out for otters, water voles and beavers.
The western section of the park shown in the map is located between Swindon and Cirencester. There is also an eastern section located near Fairford and Lechlade. Our Fairford Walk starts from the town and explores that section of the park before heading to Lechlade for a stroll along the Thames. View Full Details>>
Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park3 miles (5 km)This country park in Billingham is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon stroll. The park consists of grassland, a lake, a series of ponds and a beck flows which around the boundary of the park. The lake is fantastic for birdwatching - look out for coot, pochard, swans, grebes, herons and the tufted duck. For cyclists National Cycle Route 14 runs through the park. View Full Details>>
Cragside Country Park5 miles (8 km)This is a circular walk around the gardens of the beautiful Cragside Estate in Rothbury, Northumberland. View Full Details>>
Crawfordsburn Country Park1 miles (1 km)Follow the waymarked walking trails through this large country park in County Down. The park is located near Bangor on the coast with beautiful beaches, views across Belfast Lough, meadows, streams, wooded glens and a stunning waterfall. Look out for wildlife including seals, herons, shags and guillemots. View Full Details>>
Crickley Hill Country Park3 miles (5.3 km) A short circular walk around Crickley Hill country park near Birdlip in Gloucestershire. The park is set in 143 acres of countryside within the Cotswolds AONB and includes Limestone Grassland, Beech Woodlands and panoramic views of this beautiful area. The park also overlooks the Severn Vale, with fabulous views of the Cotswolds Hills, the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains beyond.
The walk begins at the Crickley Hill car park and follows footpaths to Shurdington Hill, passing the site of an ancient Roman Villa, before returning to the car park via Dryhill farm. View Full Details>>
Crown Lakes Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)Enjoy a stroll around the pretty lakes in this country park in Peterborough. There's 85 acres to explore with a series of footpaths taking you around the meadows, woodland and lakes. Look out for butterflies such as the black hairstreak and grizzled skipper. You may also see muntjac deer, badger and fox. The park is located just to the south of Peterborough town centre. If you'd like to extend your walk then you could head to the nearby Ferry Meadows Country Park for more waterside footpaths. View Full Details>>
Croxteth Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This 500 acre country park in Liverpool has a number of fine cycling and walking paths. The park includes a 16th century hall, wildflower meadow, walled garden and nature reserve.
The Liverpool Loop Line and the Trans Pennine Trail pass the western side of the park. View Full Details>>
Cudmore Grove Country Park4 miles (6 km)Located at the eastern end of Mersea Island this super country park is perfect for an easy coastal walk. View Full Details>>
Cuerden Valley Park10 miles (16 km)This lovely short ride or walk takes you through the Cuerden Valley Country Park in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire. View Full Details>>
Cusworth Hall Park1 miles (2 km)Explore acres of historic parkland in this country park in Doncaster. The estate surrounds the Grade I listed Cusworth Hall and includes lakes, plantations and pleasure ground with dramatic views across the town. In the park there is an Italianate Chapel with beautiful ceiling paintings and an excellent museum with a collection of 36000 objects including accessories, toys and games and kitchen equipment. Look out for watervoles, kingfishers and green flowered heleborine orchids at the delightful lake.
The Trans Pennine Trail runs just past the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the River Don to Conisbrough. View Full Details>>
Daisy Nook Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy waterways, a lake, a canal, woodlands and wildflower meadows in this lovely country park in the Medlock Valley. The park is great for wildlife with great-spotted woodpeckers, owls, foxes and squirrels to look out for. The main highlights in the park are Crime Lake and the Hollinwood Branch Canal which was opened in the 1920s. 
There's also good facilities with a nice cafe and car park The park is very popular during the summer, with up to 30,000 visitors a month visiting the park, which stretches 18 miles from Bishops Park in Oldham to Paradise Wharf in Manchester.
The Medlock Valley Way long distance path runs through the park so it's easy to extend your outing. If you head west along the path you will soon come to Clayton Vale. Here you can enjoy a walk along the River Medlock or try one of the great mountain bike trails devised by the National Cycling Centre. View Full Details>>
Dalemain Estate2 miles (4 km)Explore 5 acres of celebrated gardens and acres of historic parkland in the estate of this splendid Georgian house. Dalemain is located in the Lake District National Park very close to the beautiful Ullswater Lake and Pooley Bridge. The park includes a herd of red deer, lovely gardens and the River Eamont. View Full Details>>
Danbury Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)This country park in Essex has a number of good walking trails to enjoy. There's a lakeside walk taking you around the two pretty lakes where you can look out for ducks, swans and carp.
The Garden Walk takes you around the lovely ornamental gardens and through the wildflower meadow. Here you can see rhododendrons in the garden and various butterflies and insects in the meadows.
Finally there is a woodlands trail through the park's ancient oaks, hornbeams and sweet chestnuts.
The park is located just a few miles east of Chelmsford.
Danbury is an excellent area for walking. You can easily extend your walk by heading north to Lingwood Common and Blake's Wood where you will find orchids and carpets of bluebells in the spring. You can also head a mile to the east to Danbury Common where there are miles of National Trust managed footpaths.
The lovely Hylands Park is also nearby. It's a fantastic place for a walk with 574 acres of parkland with ancient woodland, grassland, ponds, lakes and formal gardens. In Chelmsford itself you can enjoy riverside walks along the River Can and River Chelmer. View Full Details>>
Darenth Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)This country park in Dartford has some nice cycling and walking trails to try. The park has a decent sized car park just off Gore Road, near Darent Valley Hospital. From here you can pick up the 1 mile circuit around the park. The park has nice wide lawns, picnic areas, meadows and pockets of woodland. The area is popular with dog walkers and joggers.
You can extend your walk by heading east and exploring Darenth Wood. Eventually you will come to Bean and the pretty Beacon Wood Country Park. There's more nice woodland trails here.
About 1 mile to the west of the park you can pick up the Darent Valley Path. This splendid long distance trail will take you along the River Darent to Farningham where you will find the pretty Farningham Woods Nature Reserve. View Full Details>>
Daventry Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy woodland, meadows and the lovely Daventry Reservoir on this waterside route in Northamptonshire. The southern part of the reservoir is a designated nature reserve with bird hides. There is also a delightful nature trail through the sensory garden to the pond, with useful information boards along the way.
The park has a Visitor Centre, fitness equipment and a cafe. It is located just north of Daventry town centre. View Full Details>>
Dearne Valley Park2 miles (3.3 km)Enjoy a short walk or cycle around the pretty Dearne Valley Park in Barnsley. You can follow the path alongside the River Dearne, around the pond and through the peaceful woodland. The park is located just a mile from Barnsley town centre.
If you would like to continue your walk/ride then you could follow either the Dearne Way or the Trans Pennine Trail as these run just past the park. View Full Details>>
Decoy Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This is a short walk around the delightful Decoy Country Park in Newton Abbot, Devon. You will pass around the lake and then onto a series of peaceful woodland trails before returning to the start point at the car park. The park includes a Wildlife Discovery Centre, Nature Reserve and a watersports centre. It's located just to the south of the town centre and not far from the train station. View Full Details>>
Deep Hayes Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 143 acres of woods, meadows, canals and pools in this pretty country park in Cheddleton, Staffordshire. There are a number of waymarked walking trails and a visitor centre where you can find more details. View Full Details>>
Denham Country Park4 miles (7 km)Enjoy waterside walking in this delightful park in Uxbridge. The rivers Colne and Misbourne and the Grand Union Canal pass through the park. There is a variety of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers and dragonflies. View Full Details>>
Derwent Walk Country Park2 miles (4 km)The Derwent Walk is a former railway path running from Swalwell, near Gateshead, to Consett alongside the River Derwent and is suitable for walkers and cyclists. View Full Details>>
Dinton Pastures Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy 7 lakes, 2 rivers, 3 bird hides and several meadows in this terrific 335 acre park in Hurst. There are excellent facilities with a Rangers Office, cafe, picnic area and the Dinton Activity Centre where kayaking, canoeing, sailing, powerboating and climbing activities are available. The Museum of Berkshire Aviation and the headquarters of the British Entomological and Natural History Society are also located in the park.   View Full Details>>
Ditchling Common Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore 188 acres of lovely parkland near Burgess Hill in East Sussex. The park trails pass oak trees, grassland, a lake and a stream. Many different birds visit the park including stonechats, linnets, woodpeckers, chiffchaffs, and blackcaps. In the spring months the area is a draw for walkers as it's covered in carpets of bluebells. Cycling is permitted through the park along the bridleways but all of the paths are open to walkers.
There is a car park on Folders Lane at the southern end of the site. From here you can pick up the trails heading north across the common. Burgess Hill train station is about a mile to the west if you prefer to visit by public transport. View Full Details>>
Draycote Water5 miles (8.5 km)Enjoy a circular waterside cycle or walk around the delightful Draycote Water Country Park near Rugby. There is a flat 5 mile path surrounding the park's reservoir which ideal for cycling and walking (a section of the path is part of National Cycle Route 41). You can also climb Hensborough Hill for fabulous views of the surrounding area. The park has a visitor centre and a restaurant.
The park is popular with bird watchers and includes a hide and feeding station. Look out for birds including the great northern diver during the winter months, along with kittiwake and small numbers of Mediterranean and little gulls.
To continue your walking in the area you can head east to pick up our Circular Walk Around Rugby. This will take you along the Great Central Walk Nature Reserve and the Oxford Canal. View Full Details>>
Druridge Bay Country Park3 miles (5 km)This beautiful country park on the Northumberland coast consists of three miles of beach and sand dunes, a large freshwater lake, peaceful woodland and meadows. The coastline is simply stunning with a lovely cycling and walking path running alongside the beach. You could continue your outing by following the coast north towards Amble with views of Coquet Island, or head south to Newbiggin-By-The-Sea. There are several nature reserves in the area so there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching too. View Full Details>>
Dunham Massey3 miles (5 km)This is a splendid circular walk around the impressive grounds of Dunham Massey Hall, in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. View Full Details>>
Dunstable Downs Country Park4 miles (6.5 km)Climb Dunstable Downs and enjoy breathtaking views over the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on this circular walk in Whipsnade. There are miles of footpaths crossing the chalk grasslands of the Downs visiting a number of interesting sites including:
The Five Knolls - a Bronze Age cemetery constructed over 4000 years ago.
Whipsnade Heath - a mosaic of grassland, scrub and woodland, with a fantastic variety of wildlife.
A peak of 797 ft (243 m) - this is the highest point in Bedfordshire and provides fine views over the county
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral - an extraordinary 10 acre park in planted in the form of a cathedral.
The area also includes the Chilterns Gateway Visitor Centre which has a wealth of information about the area, a cafe and fabulous views in a sheltered environment. Look out for gliders, kite fliers, hang gliders and paragliders on the downs too. You will often see them gliding past the hills on a summer day.
If you'd like to continue your walk you could follow the Icknield Way Path which runs through the park. This will take you north east into Dunstable or south west to another major highlight of the area at Ivinghoe Beacon. The iconic hill is located just a few miles to the west of the park and is a great way to extend your walking in the area. It commands fine views over the Chiltern Hills and the Vale of Aylesbury. View Full Details>>
Durlston Country Park3 miles (5 km)This circular walk takes you around the beautiful Durlston Country Park, near Swanage, Dorset. The walk begins at the car park and takes you past Durlston Castle to the coast at Durlston Head. Here you join the South West Coast Path for a coastal section to Anvil Point Lighthouse via Tilly Whim Caves. You'll also pass the Great Globe - one of the largest stone spheres in the world.
From the lighthouse you head inland to the Townsend Nature Reserve where you will find a variety of wildlife including 33 species of breeding butterfly, over 250 species of bird recorded, 500 wildflowers, 500 moths. The walk then returns to the car park and the finish point.
With 280 acres of countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and a fantastic and informative visitor centre, Durlston is well worth exploring. View Full Details>>
Dyrham Park2 miles (3.5 km)A circular walk through this lovely 270 acre deer park near Bath. View Full Details>>
East Carlton Park1 miles (2 km)This popular country park near Corby has a number of nature trails taking you through the mature woodland and grasslands surrounding the 19th century East Carlton Hall. The park is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Welland Valley and is also a great place for bird watching. There are also good facilties with extensive parking, a play park and a delightful tea shop with a wide range of refreshments.
Cyclists can reach the park on a regional cycle route running from the centre of Corby.
If you'd like to extend your walk then you could pick up the Jurassic Way which runs past the northern end of the park. You could follow it through the countryside to the nearby Rockingham Castle where you will find beautiful gardens and woodland to walk through. View Full Details>>
East Cliff and Warren Country Park4 miles (6 km)Enjoy the spectacular East Cliffs of Folkestone, the sandy beaches of East Wear Bay and the Warren nature reserve on this circular walk.
The attractive park is formed of the East Cliffs of Folkestone, the sandy beaches of East Wear Bay and the land-slipped nature reserve land between the cliffs and the sea. In the park there's some wonderful coastal views, interesting flora and fauna and three old Martello Towers to see. These were built on the east cliffs in the early 19th century to protect against the French invasion of Napoleon. View Full Details>>
Eastbrookend Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)This country park is a peaceful area located between Hornchurch and Dagenham. It has four pretty lakes and an environmentally friendly visitor centre. The park can be easily accessed from Dagenham East Station on the District Line. View Full Details>>
Eastham Country Park1 miles (2 km)This park is located on the Wirral bank of the River Mersey, profferring fantastic views across the estuary. Eastham consists of 100 acres of broadleaf woodland with surfaced walking paths and a cycle track. The park has a visitor centre, tea garden and two riverside pubs.
The Wirral Circular Trail, passes the park. You could pick this up and head north to visit the wonderful model village of Port Sunlight with its Grade I listed buildings and lovely riverside park. View Full Details>>
Ellesmere Lake2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a short walk along Ellesmere Lake in this Shropshire based country park. The park boasts a lake, woodland walks and historic parkland on the edge of the medieval market town of Ellesmere. There is also an excellent Boathouse Visitor Centre and the lovely Victorian Cremorne Gardens on the shore of the Mere. These gardens additionally include the excellent Ellesmere Sculpture Trail. The stone and wood based pieces are created by international contemporary artists, commissioned by the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative (ESi), and are made specifically in response to the location. The lake is a good place for birdwatching too with many wintering birds visiting the island in the centre. Keep your eyes peeled for the nesting herons as you may your way along the surfaced footpath.
If you'd like to continue you walk you could follow the Llangollen Canal to the nearby Colemere Country Park. It's only about a mile south east of the lake and includes another circular waterside trail. Just pick up the canal towpath to the south of the car park. View Full Details>>
Elvaston Castle Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and formal gardens on this cycle or walk near Derby. In the park you will find the 17th century Elvaston Castle surrounded by delightful gardens with stables, kennels, a walled garden, a home farm, several cottages, gatelodges, an ice house and a boathouse.
In the country park there are a number of footpaths and bridleways to follow while National Cycle Route 6 also runs through the park. There is also a Nature Reserve where you can follow a number of footpaths to reed bed areas, wildflower meadows, wet woodlands, a lake and islands.
The River Derwent runs very close to the park so you can follow the riverside path into Derby to extend your walk or cycle.
Also nearby is Kedleston Hall. This much larger park features grassy meadows, serpentine lakes, pleasure grounds, woodland and contoured hills.
Allestree Park is also well worth a visit for walkers. Covering 320 acres the park is the largest Local Nature Reserve in Derby.
The long distance Bonnie Prince Charlie Walk also runs through the area. Follow it into Derby and it will take you close to the historic Darley Abbey Park. View Full Details>>
Emberton Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy 200 acres of parkland and lakes in Milton Keynes on this short circular walk. Emberton contains over 5km of paths and trails winding their way around 5 lakes, through wooded glades and meadows. The route below begins at the village of Emberton and takes you around Grebe Lake and Heron Water in the park.
The park contains a visitor information centre, picnic areas and a number of bird hides where you can spot the wide variety of water loving birdlife that vists the park. View Full Details>>
Etherow Country Park4 miles (6 km)Enjoy a stroll along the River Etherow and around the large reservoir in this pretty country park near Marple and Stockport. The park also includes a mill pond, a picturesque waterfall, bluebells in Ernocroft Wood and the 32 acre Compstall Nature Reserve. The lake is a good spot for birdwatching with several species of wildfowl regular visitors to the area.
The Etherow Goyt Valley Way and the Goyt Way walking routes run through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk on these trails. View Full Details>>
Evesham Country Park2 miles (2.8 km)Enjoy an easy circular walk around this pretty country park located just to the north of Evesham. There's nice footpaths taking you to wide lawns, orchards, a lake and along the River Avon which runs through the eastern side of the park. You can also enjoy fine views of the surrounding countryside of Evesham Vale.
The park is attached to the Valley Shopping area where you'll find a garden centre with a farm shop, clothing stores and eateries, plus a miniature railway. View Full Details>>
Fairlop Waters Country Park2 miles (3 km)This large park in Ilford includes sailing and angling lakes, an 18-hole golf course, a boulder park, an outdoor activity centre and a number of newly developed footpaths. View Full Details>>
Farley Mount Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Farley Mount Country Park is located a few miles west of Winchester. It is a large area of open country and woods and a Local Nature Reserve. At the highest point there is a pyramid shaped folly that gives the park its name. From here there are fabulous views over the South Downs and the surrounding area. The route below is devised for walkers but cyclists can follow the marked bridleway that dissects the park and links to further routes in the surrounding countryside. View Full Details>>
Felbrigg Hall Park5 miles (8.5 km)Explore Fellbrigg's 520 acres of rolling landscape park, woods and waymarked trails on this circular walk in Cromer, Norfolk. There's also the historic St Margaret's church to visit, just to the east of the hall. The church dates back to the 15th century and includes a noteworthy 14th century font.
The hall is located very close to the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path and Weavers' Way long distance trails. You can pick up these footpaths to extend your walking through the countryside surrounding the hall. View Full Details>>
Fell Foot Country Park4 miles (6.5 km)This beautiful lakeside country park is situated in the Lake District National Park at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. You can stroll along the wide lawns and along the lakeshore or hire a row boat. The walk below takes you around the park and up to the nearby Simpson Reservoir before returning to the lakeshore.
If you'd like to extend your walk then you could climb the nearby Gummers How. This hill is situated a short walk from Fell Foot and offers great views over Lake Windermere. Just to the east you can visit the interesting hamlet of Cartmel Fell where you will find a Grade I listed church dating from 1504. View Full Details>>
Fermyn Woods2 miles (2.5 km)This country park and forest has a number of walking trails and two bridleways for cyclists. Formerly known as Brigstock Country Park, it is located a few miles north east of Kettering.
For walkers there are three waymarked trails to enjoy:
The Skylark Nature trail is an all abilities trail on good surfaced paths. It takes you around the ponds and woods located next to the car park.
The Woodland walk is about a mile long and takes you a little further into the woods on good footpaths.
The Fermyn Forest Walk is just over two miles taking you deep into the woodland on a mixture of hard and soft tracks.
In the park you will find semi-natural oak and ash woodland, ponds, a visitor centre and cafe. It's a splendid area for wildlife watching - look out for Red kites, bullfinch, hawfinch, nightingales, skylark and green woodpeckers. You may also see badgers, fallow deer and Purple emperor butterflies. View Full Details>>
Ferry Meadows Country Park5 miles (8 km)This super country park in Peterborough has several pretty lakes with cycling and walking trails running alongside the water's edge. View Full Details>>
Filey Brigg Country Park2 miles (3 km)This super country park is located on the coast at Filey in North Yorkshire. It is also known as North Cliff Country Park. The elevated position of the park provides splendid views over Filey Bay and the town below. The walk also takes you along Filey Brigg - a long narrow peninsula with steep cliffs and lovely coastal views.
The Cleveland Way and the Centenary Way walking routes run past the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the coast to the nearby town of Scarborough. The Scarborough to Filey Walk gives more details on this stretch of coast which is one of the finest in the country. View Full Details>>
Fitzwilliam Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy a short circular walk or cycle along the network of way-marked paths in this pretty country park in the Wakefield area of Yorkshire. The park features open grassland, woodland and ponds. Look out for wildlife including Water vole, Skylarks and Buzzards.
The park is located right next to Fitzwilliam rail station about 7 miles south east of Wakefield.
To extend your outing you could head about a mile south and visit the delightful Hemsworth Water Park. Here you can enjoy a short stroll around the two large lakes which are surrounded by parkland and woodland. Just to the north is the wonderful Nostell Priory with 300 acres of parkland and gardens to explore. View Full Details>>
Flatts Lane Country Park2 miles (4 km)This 100 acre country park in Normanby has super views of the Eston Hills and the North York Moors. There are also a number of peaceful woodland trails and an excellent visitor centre. The Tees Link and Guisborough Forest and Walkway country park are nearby so there is scope for continuing your walk.
The climb to Eston Nab also starts from Flatts Lane Country Park. It's a nice climb with splendid views over Middlesbrough, Roseberry Topping, Urra Moor and the Yorkshire coast. View Full Details>>
Forest Way11 miles (17 km)This cycling and walking route runs from East Grinstead to Groombridge following National Cycle Route 21 along a flat tree lined path. The path is also a designated country park.
The trail follows a disused railway line route and has splendid views of the rolling hills of the downs and local farmland.
Please click here for more information on this route.
Weir Wood Reservoir is just to the west of the route so you could visit this lovely nature reserve if you have time. View Full Details>>
Foxton Locks5 miles (7.5 km)This impressive staircase of locks in Foxton are a popular tourist attraction. The flight of ten locks are located on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal. The locks are also designated as a country park with lovely walks along the canal and into the surrounding countrsyide. This 4.5 mile circular walk includes long canalside stretches, a woodland trail, lovely rural views and a visit to the village of Foxton.
The walk starts right next to the locks at the Foxton Locks car park and heads west along the canal to Gumley Wood. A public footpath skirts the eastern edge of the peaceful wood. You follow it north past Debdale Grange before returning to the canal. Follow the towpath east to Debdale Wharf before turning south to return to the locks. You can then turn east and enjoy a short stroll into Foxton village. Here you can seek out the 13th century St Andrew's Church which sits at the highest and southernmost point of the parish. Also of interest is Manor House, situated south of the Grand Union Canal and north of Swingbridge Street. The 18th-century farmhouse sits on the site of an old Norman Manor.
At the end of your walk you can enjoy refreshments at the waterside Foxton Locks Inn. View Full Details>>
Frensham Ponds5 miles (8.5 km)This park is run by the National Trust and contains the lovely Frensham Ponds which attract a variety of rare birds such as the reed bunting, sedge warbler, great crested grebe, nightjars and woodlarks. View Full Details>>
Fritton Lake Country Park6 miles (9.5 km)This super country park is situated just a few miles from Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. There are lovely cycling and walking paths around the large lake which is 2.5 miles long. The lake is surrounded by peaceful woods where there are nice shady trails to try.
You can follow footpaths along the Angles Way public footpath on the western side of the lake. Please stick to this section as the central and eastern parts are private property.
The Angles Way long distance path runs past the site so you could pick this up and head north to visit the impressive Roman Fort at Burgh Castle.
If you follow the trail south you can visit Somerleyton. The delightful model village includes thatched red-brick estate cottages and the splendid Somerleyton Hall. View Full Details>>
Fryent Country Park1 miles (1 km)Explore 103 hectares (254 acres) of rolling fields, hills and woodland in this country park and nature reserve in the London Borough of Brent. The walk starts in the car park at the eastern end of the park and follows footpaths to the top of Barn Hill. At the top of the hill there is a pond and great views towards Wembley Stadium and London. There are also two other hills with viewpoints, several other ponds and grazing ponies to see in this fine open space.
Parking is available for about 50 cars but if you're coming on public transport you can catch the underground to Kingsbury Station on the Jubilee line.
If you'd like to continue your walk you can follow the Capital Ring to the nearby Brent Reservoir for waterside trails. View Full Details>>
Gedling Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a series of well laid out cycling and walking trails in this 240 acre country park in Nottingham. There are four colour coded routes of varying lengths and difficulty. Features in the park include a large lake, woodland and great views over the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside. It's also great for birdwatching - look out for short eared owls, skylarks and lapwings. The park also has food facilities with two car parks and picnic tables. View Full Details>>
Gold Valley Lakeside Nature Reserve1 miles (2 km)A short walk around the peaceful Lakeside Nature Reserve in Aldershot. The reserve is a complex of wet habitats including river, ponds, lakes, reed beds, orchid meadow and wet woodland. The site includes the Basingstoke Canal Walk and Gold Valley Lakes. View Full Details>>
Golden Acre Park3 miles (5 km)This delightful country park in Leeds has beautiful gardens, a lakeside walk, streams, ponds and peaceful woodland. It is also right next to two nature reserves - Breary Marsh and Adel Dam. There are very good facilities with a cafe (with indoor and outdoor seating), a bird feeding shelter and picnic benches.
The park is on the Leeds Country Way so you could continue your walk east towards the lovely Eccup Reservoir which is about a mile away from the park.
The Meanwood Valley Trail also starts from the park. View Full Details>>
Goodwood Country Park7 miles (12 km)Explore the Goodwood estate in Chichester, West Sussex on this circular walk. There's miles of nice woodland trails and some moderate hill climbs with splendid views over the South Downs, Chichester, the Isle of Wight and the famous Goodwood Racecourse.
You can extend your walk by following the Monarch's Way to the nearby Eartham Woods and Slindon Estate where there are miles of cyling and walking trails to try. You can also climb to The Trundle Iron Age Hillfort for great views over the racecourse. Our West Dean to East Dean Walk takes you between the two villages, via the fort. View Full Details>>
Gosford Forest Park4 miles (6 km)Follow the waymarked trails through this large park near the village of Markethill in County Armagh. It's a great place for walking with miles of woodland trails, streams, waterfalls, ponds, grassland and a lovely arboretum to visit.
Features of the park include an area of open parkland with deer and rare breeds. There is also a lovely Arboretum with attractive conifer and broadleaf trees with a pretty walled garden.
There are several colour coded walking trails to try and also a cycling trail. These are of varying lengths and difficulty and take you to the impressive 19th century Gosford Castle, the Drumlack River and Draper's Hill. See the maps below for details of the trails. View Full Details>>
Grand Western Canal24 miles (38 km)This splendid waterside walk takes you from Tiverton in Devon to Taunton in Somerset.
The first section of the walk takes you from Tiverton to Greenham along the towpath through the Grand Western Canal Country Park. At Greenham you join the West Deane Way and the walk changes as you start following the dry bed of the canal. View Full Details>>
Granville Country Park3 miles (4.2 km)This pretty nature reserve in Telford includes copses, heaths, grasslands, pools, scrub, wet woodlands and oak capped mounds. The park is located a couple of miles north of Telford town centre in Donnington Wood. It's perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll with a variety of plantlife to see including Orchids, ox-eye daisy and cowslips. There are also splendid views of the surrounding countryside and a series of historic old mine buildings to see. The Hutchison Way walk passes through the park so there is the option of continuing your walk along this trail. View Full Details>>
Grassmoor Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy meadows and lagoons in this pretty country park near Chesterfield. The park is a haven for wildlife - look out for water voles, grass snakes and butterflies. Grassmoor is the start of the Five Pits Trail so there is scope for continuing your walk or cycle. View Full Details>>
Great Notley Country Park3 miles (5 km)A short walk or cycle around the 100 acre Great Notley Country Park in Braintree, Essex. View Full Details>>
Greenway Bank Country Park2 miles (3.2 km)Enjoy a short waterside walk around Knypersley Reservoir in this country park near Biddulph. View Full Details>>
Guisborough Forest and Walkway6 miles (10 km)This super country park has cycle trails, walking routes, bridleways, a trim trail and an easier sculpture trail. The park includes the Guisborough Walkway which runs along the former trackbed of the Middlesbrough to Whitby railway line. This includes a wetland area with boardwalks, woodlands and grasslands. You can also climb Highcliff Nab for fabulous views of Teeside and the coast. Additionally there's three colour code waymarked trails of varying lengths to try.
The park is also very popular with mountain bikers with a number of super trails to explore. There is an excellent visitor centre with full details of all the trails in the park. You can find the visitor centre at 8 Old Station Cottages, Pinchinthorpe with a postcode of TS14 8HD for your sat navs.
The Cleveland Street Walk and the Cleveland Way walking routes run through or near the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along these trails. View Full Details>>
Hadleigh Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This lovely park is located on the Thames Estuary near Southend on Sea. The park is nearly 400 acres in size and includes a mix of woodland, pasture, hay meadow and marsh. There are a number of great trails suitable for cyclists and walkers. There is also the 13th century Hadleigh castle ruins where there are fabulous views of the surrounding Essex countryside and the River Thames.
The Saffron Trail passes through the park so you can pick this up to extend your walk. The long distance trail takes you from the coast at Southend-on-Sea to Saffron Walden through some lovely Essex countryside.
Just to the east of the park you will find the Two Tree Island nature reserve. The expansive site has some nice footpaths taking you around grassland, scrub, reedbed and lagoons.
If you head south from the park you can cross Benfleet Creek and pick up the coastal path around Canvey Island. View Full Details>>
Haigh Hall Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy a pleasant walk around this large country park near Wigan in Greater Manchester. View Full Details>>
Hainault Forest Country Park4 miles (7 km)This country park contains open space parklands, numerous public footpaths, a large lake, the Hainault Forest Golf Club and Fox Burrow Farm. There are 336 acres to explore with several paths suitable for cyclists so you can bring your bike and enjoy miles of traffic free cycling.
The park is located between Chigwell and Romford with Hainault underground station a good access point.
If you'd like to extend your outing you could follow the London Loop to the nearby Havering Country Park. View Full Details>>
Ham Hill Country Park5 miles (8 km)Explore the 390 acres of parkland located at this delightful country par near Yeovil in Somerset. The Mendip Hills, Blackdown Hills, River Kennet Valley, Quantock Hills and Dorset Downs can alll be viewed from Ham Hill on a clear day. The park is centred on an Iron Age hill fort while there is also war memorial to the dead of the nearby village of Stoke-sub-Hamdon killed during the two World Wars. This circular walk starts from the car park at the western side of the park. It's located a short distance to the south east of the little village of Stoke Sub Hamdon which makes and alternative start point.
The park is very popular with walkers and cyclists with many routes passing through the park. Mountain bikes are advised for the cycle routes because of the challenging nature of some of the trail sections.
The Leland Trail runs past the park while the 16th century Montacute House is less than a mile east of Ham Hill. There's also Yeovil Country Park which has some nice woodland trails, lakes and waterfalls to see. These are all good options if you would like to continue your walking around the hill. View Full Details>>
Hanbury Hall Park4 miles (6 km)A walk around the delightful Hanbury Hall Park in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire. The 18th century hall is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. There's also an orangery and a walled orchard containing a wide range of traditional English fruit varieties. The park is run by the National Trust so for a fee you can gain access to more walks around the hall.
This route takes you through the delightful gardens and then into the countryside park where you will cross the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. View Full Details>>
Hardwick Hall Country Park2 miles (3 km)This large ornamental park surrounds a fine 18th century hall and is located in Sedgefield in County Durham. Hardwick includes a 17-acre lake and a number of ornamental features, including temples, grottoes and follies. There are woodland trails and a lovely waterside path around the lake to enjoy. There is also a visitor centre, gift shop and cafe. View Full Details>>
Hardwick Hall Derbyshire2 miles (3 km)This wonderful National Trust owned estate has miles of splendid walking trails to follow. Not to be confused with Hardwick Hall Country Park in Country Durham, Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire is a fine place to stretch your legs if you are in the Mansfield or Chesterfield area. There's 2,500 acres of parkland, woodland, wetland and farmland to explore so you can easily spend a few hours walking the trails.
Features in the park include the lovely Lady Spencer's Walk which takes you through bluebell woodland to the surrounding fields and open countryside at the park's eastern end. At the western end of the park there are series of nice footpaths taking you around and between a series of pretty ponds. There's also a rose garden, herb garden and orchards to enjoy.
You can also explore the fine 16th century house with its wonderful architecture, golden stonework, expanses of glass and ornate furnishings.
To continue your walking in the area head west to Clay Cross and try our Clay Cross and Holmgate Circular Walk. View Full Details>>
Harmondsworth Moor2 miles (4 km)This country park in Hillingdon has some nice footpaths taking you to grassland and two pretty lakes. It is the largest public park to be built in the London area in the last 100 years, having been opened in 2000.
The site includes riverside paths along the Wraysbury River and the River Colne. There's also some moderate hill climbs with extensive views towards London and Windsor Castle.
The park is located near to Heathrow Airport so there's good views of the planes taking off. It's a good place to visit if you've got a bit of time to kill before heading to the airport.
There's parking available at the southern end of the park off Tramac Lane and Accommodation Lane. The park is also just a short walk from Harmondsworth village. Cycle Routes run from Windsor and Eton to the park as well.
Just to the west of the park you can pick up the Colne Valley Way and visit Wraysbury Reservoir and the lovely Staines Moor. This large area of grassland attracts grazing horses and cattle with a variety of birdlife around several streams and reservoirs. It's a great place to extend your walking in the area. View Full Details>>
Harrold Odell Country Park3 miles (5 km)This park has two pretty lakes set in 144 acres of country park. It is located between Bedford and Northampton on the River Great Ouse near the villages of Harrold and Odell in Bedfordshire. You will find river meadows, a nature reserve, two picturesque lakes and a range of managed habitats. There is also free parking and refreshments in the Tea-Zels Cafe.
There are a number of well maintained walking paths around the lakes and through the nature reserve while cycling is permitted along the lakeside bridleway. The North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk if you have time. View Full Details>>
Hartlebury Common2 miles (3 km)Hartlebury Common and Hillditch Coppice cover 229 acres of lowland heath in Stourport-on-Severn. The area is criss crossed with a number of lovely waymarked walking paths where you can see many varieties of wild plants and insects, especially butterflies and moths. There are a number of habitats to enjoy including woodlands, heather covered hills, an acid bog, a pool and brook. 
Hartlebury Castle is located right next to the common so you could easily visit this interesting Grade I listed building on your walk.  It was originally built in the mid-13th century as a fortified manor house. It now houses the Worcestershire County Museum where you can find out about the history of the area. Inside there are period room displays including a schoolroom, a nursery and a scullery, while outside in the grounds there is a cider mill and transport display with a fire engine, hansom cab, bicycles, carts and Gypsy caravans. View Full Details>>
Hartshill Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy 137 acres of woodland and open hilltop with magnificent views across the Anker Valley. It's particularly lovely in the springtime when there are carpets of bluebells to enjoy. It's also good for wildlife with plenty of woodland birds to look out for on the walk. For cyclists there are also some good mountain bike (mtb) trails to try. There's good facilities with a car park and a visitor centre with information on the trails in the park.
The Coventry Canal runs just past the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along this splendid waterway. View Full Details>>
Hartsholme Country Park3 miles (5 km)A circular walk through the beautiful Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve in Lincoln. Here you'll find over 200 acres of parkland including Victorian landscaped gardens, lakes, woodlands and grasslands. There is also an excellent Visitor Centre with exhibitions and interactive features on the wildlife and history of Hartsholme Country Park and neighbouring Swanholme Lakes Local Nature Reserve. The park is located a few miles south west of Lincoln city centre.
To extend your walking in the area you could visit the nearby Whisby Nature Park. View Full Details>>
Hastings Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy over 600 acres of beautiful parkland and coast on this circular route in Hastings. The park is located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, most of the park has been designated a Special Area of Conservation and a Local Nature Reserve. Peregrines, black redstarts and fulmars can be seen on the coastal cliffs, while Dartford warblers, stonechats and yellowhammers can be seen on the gorse covered hills.
The route below is most suitable for walkers but National Cycle Network route 2 also runs through the park and is a short cycle from Hastings. See the Eastbourne to Rye Cycle Route for more details. View Full Details>>
Hatfield Forest4 miles (7 km)Enjoy a cycle or walk around this ancient royal hunting forest in Bishop's Stortford, Essex. There are over 1000 acres to explore on a multitude of peaceful woodland paths. These include two waymarked walking routes and the Flitch Way cycle route which runs along a decomissioned railway line in the northern part of the forest. Cycle hire is available at reasonable rates.
Park highlights include the many resident deer, the large lake where you can hire row boats and the waterside Georgian Shell House where you can get a bite to eat.
The Harcamlow Way, Forest Way and the Three Forests Way walking trails run through the forest. View Full Details>>
Hatfield Park6 miles (9 km)This Hertfordshire based town is a fine place for walkers with river trails along the River Lea, the woodland and parkland of Hatfield House and miles of easily accessible countryside trails to try. View Full Details>>
Havering Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Follow footpaths through the woodland and grassland of this country park in the London Borough of Havering. The centrepiece of the park is an impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods. There's over 100 acres to explore with nice wide trails to follow.
If you would like to continue your walk you could pick up the London Loop and follow it to the nearby Hainault Forest Country Park. View Full Details>>
Hawkstone Park6 miles (10 km)This spectacular park in Shropshire covers 100 acres and includes intricate pathways, ravines, arches, bridges, towering cliffs and follies. There are magnificent views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside from the clifftops, a series of atmospheric caves to explore, the remains of the ruined Red Castle and the delightful Hawk Lake. The video below shows the fabulous scenery you can expect to see on your walk.
The park is located about 8 miles north of Shrewsbury. View Full Details>>
Haysden Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Haysden country park is located near Tonbridge in Kent and consists of a number of delightful walking trails. In the park you will find Barden Lake and Haysden Lake while the River Medway also runs through the park. The lakes and river offer great opportunities for wildlife watching with a variety of wildfowl visitors all year round.
The Eden Valley Walk long distance footpaths runs through the park. You can pick this up and head west to visit the lovely Penshurst Place. There's nice trails to follow around the estate's parkland and woodland with the option of visiting the fine house and gardens. The Tonbridge to Penshurst Cycle Route runs through the park on Regional Route 12. View Full Details>>
Heaton Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoying cycling and walking in this huge park in Prestwich, Manchester. View Full Details>>
Heights of Abraham3 miles (4.5 km)Ride a cable car to the Hilltop Park and enjoy magnificent views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District at this major attraction in Matlock. The park also includes caverns and mine tours where you can experience a day in the life of a 17th Century lead mining family.
The cable car was opened in 1984 and is the first ever alpine cable car in Britain. It will take you to the top of Masson Hill where you can enjoy woodland walking trails and wonderful views over Matlock. There is also a riverside section along the River Derwent to enjoy.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could head to the nearby Lumsdale Valley for a wonderful waterfall walk. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the River Derwent if you have time.
If you cross the river to the eastern side you can enjoy a climb to High Tor. The impressive limestone crag commands fine views over the town from the exciting narrow walkway of Giddy Edge. View Full Details>>
Herrington Country Park2 miles (4 km)This super, large park in Sunderland has a number of cycling and walking trails and interesting environmental sculptures. There is also a boating lake, a nature pond and a sculpture trail. The park is ideal for an easy family cycle ride.
The Great North Forest Heritage Trail runs through the park so you could continue your cycle/walk along this route. Also of interest is the Penshaw Monument just to the north of the park. View Full Details>>
Hetton Lyons Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy a walk or cycle around this attractive country park in Hetton-Le-Hole. The park was developed on a former colliery site and now contains a large picturesque lake with wildlife. There's good facilities too with a car park, kids play area, cafe and a bmx track.
The Great North Forest Heritage Trail also runs through the park so you could continue your cycle/walk along this route. View Full Details>>
High Elms Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy the woodlands, nature centre, ice well, formal gardens and wildflower meadows in this 250 acre country park in Orpington. You'll also find the Clock House, Grade II listed building and the attractive Yew avenue (created 1896) in this varied and interesting park.
Chelsfield rail station is about a mile from the park but there are also car parks at the park.
The Cudham Circular Walk passes through the park so you can pick up this trail to extend your walking in the area. The circular walk takes you through the woodland and farmland surrounding Cudham and Downe in Bromley.
You could also pick up the long distance London Loop which takes you on a tour of the city's best parks, gardens and historic sites. If you head a short distance to west it will take you to Hayes Common and Keston Common where there's some nice woodland trails and good dog walking opportunites. View Full Details>>
High Woods Country Park2 miles (4 km)This country park in Colchester includes woodland, open spaces, ponds, a lake and wildflower meadows. The park contains a number of well maintained, waymarked trails suitable for cycling and walking. View Full Details>>
Highfield Country Park2 miles (3 km)This 70 acre park is also a local nature reserve with a number of country walks and a cycle track. It is located in Levenshulme in Manchester - a short walk from the train station. View Full Details>>
Highgate Common3 miles (4.5 km)This walk follows the numerous trails on Highate Common - a designated country park and local nature reserve near Wolverhampton. Here you will find 320 acres of lowland heath covered with heather, broom and gorse. There are also areas of woodland, with silver birch, pendunculate oak and coniferous plantation. Also look out for a variety of wildlife including lizards, Slow Worms, Grass Snakes, Rabbits, Bush-crickets, moths, beetles, flies, and Dragonflies.
If you would like to continue your walk then the Staffordshire Way is a good option as it runs right through the park. The park is located a few miles south west of the city of Wolverhampton. View Full Details>>
Hinchingbrooke Country Park3 miles (5 km)Explore 170 acres of open grasslands, meadows, woodlands and lakes in this fine country park in Huntingdon. There are a number of pleasant woodland and lakeside paths to enjoy. There is also a bridleway/cycle path running through the park while National Cycle Route 51 runs past the perimeter. For mountain bikers there is a specially designed course with mounds of various sizes.
The park has excellent facilities with a visitor centre and cafe. View Full Details>>
Hollingworth Lake2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a lovely circular walk around this 130 acre reservoir in Littleborough. There is some beautiful scenery surrounding the lake and a nature reserve with a bird hide. You can also try kayaking and windsurfing on the lake with equipment available for hire. View Full Details>>
Holly Hill Woodland Park3 miles (5 km)This short circular walk takes you through the peaceful Holly Hill Woodland Park and along the estuary of the River Hamble. The park has two distinctive areas - Winnards Copse with a more formal landscape, lakes and ornamental exotic species and Cawtes Copse with its mix of native woodland species. There are two way marked trails of varying length following the footpath network around the site. The park is located in Sarisbury near Southampton and Fareham. View Full Details>>
Holme Pierrepont Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy a waterside walk or cycle in this splendid 270 acre country park in Nottingham. The park includes several large lakes and the delightful Skylark Nature Reserve. You can hire a bike or just go for a stroll along the lovely, lakeside paths. The River Trent also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the Trent Valley Way walking route. Adjacent to Holme Pierrpont is Colwick Country Park which is another option for extending your outing. You could also head to Broxtowe Country Park where there's some nice woodland trails and a BMX track to try.
The park is the home of the National Watersports Centre so you could have a go at kayaking or windsurfing. Holme Pierrepont is located just to the south of Nottingham city centre. View Full Details>>
Holt Country Park6 miles (9 km)Explore nearly 100 acres of peaceful woodland in this country park in Norfolk. The park is situated around the River Glaven and contains several delightful trails through the woods including Scots Pine, Oak and Silver Birch. The park includes a Visitors Centre, a waymarked arts trail and a cycle route.
The area is great for wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for grazing ponies, various woodland birds and butterflies fluttering around the park's wildflowers. View Full Details>>
Hornchurch Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a walk or cycle through this large country park in Havering in the Ingrebourne Valley. Features in the park include the River Ingrebourne, grassland, a fishing lake and woodland paths. The park is also a Local Nature Reserve with marshes containing the largest freshwater reed bed in London. As such it is a great area for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
The park is also the site of the former RAF Hornchurch base which was used in the First and Second World Wars. As such there are some historical features including an aircraft dispersal bay, pillboxes, and Tett turrets. 
The Ingrebourne Valley walking and cycle route runs through the park so you could pick this up and head towards Rainham or Upminster to continue your outing. View Full Details>>
Horton Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This country park and nature reserve is located near Epsom in Surrey. Here you will find a rural landscape of fields, hedgerows, woods and ponds of great wildlife and historical value.  There are 400 acres of attractive parkland to explore on a series of well laid out trails. The park is open to cycles with lovely flat paths like the one in the video below to enjoy.
If you would like to continue your exercise you could head to the nearby Epsom Common or Ashtead Common National Nature Reserve which have more cycling and walking paths. The Three Downs Link and the London Loop trails also run past the park. View Full Details>>
Humber Bridge Country Park1 miles (2 km)This Country Park and Local Nature Reserve consists of woods, meadows, ponds and cliffs. View Full Details>>
Ickworth Park5 miles (8 km)A circular walk around the parks and gardens at Ickworth in Bury St Edmunds. There are 1,800 acres of parkland to explore with lakes, woodland and arable fields to enjoy. The walk also takes you through the beautiful Italianate garden which is the oldest of its kind in England. Here you'll also find the 18th century Italian Rotunda, built by the 4th Earl of Bristol to house his collection of Italian art and sculpture.
The route below is devised for walkers but much of the park is also great for cycling, with bike hire available from the Ickworth hotel. Please click here for more information. Also of interest is the Newmarket to Bury St Edmunds cycle route which runs along National Cycle Route 51 and passes close to Ickworth Park. View Full Details>>
Ilam Park1 miles (2 km)Ilam Country Park is a delightful open space owned by the National Trust. It is situated on the River Manifold about five miles north west of Ashbourne in the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District. Highlights in the park include Ilam Hall and gardens, Bunster Hill, Hinkley Wood, a Visitor Centre, tea-room and shop. The park is perfect for a short riverside stroll in one of the prettiest areas in England.
It's easy to extend your walk in this beautiful area by heading to the nearby Dovedale. You can follow a footpath east for about 1 mile to reach the River Dove and the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.
You could also try our Ilam Circular Walk which starts from the park. It explores the valleys of the River Manifold and the River Hamps to the west of Ilam Park. View Full Details>>
Irchester Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy numerous walking and cycling trails in this splendid country park in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The park has peaceuful woodland paths, open meadows and the interesting Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. There is also plenty of wildlife with Muntjac Deer, hedgehogs, stoats and squirrels.
The Nene Way walking trail also runs through the park so you can continue your walk to the River Nene if you have time. Follow it east and you can visit the lovely Rushden Lakes and Stanwick Lakes where there's huge variety of wildlife to look out for on the water. View Full Details>>
Itchen Valley Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 440 acres of parkland in this attractive country park in Southampton. There are numerous walking trails and an off road cycle trail running through the park. The park contains a 250 acre water meadow nature reserve, 90 acres of ancient woodland and 60 acres of grazing land. The River Itchen also runs through the park.
The park has excellent facilities with a Visitor Centre built in the style of a 17th Century Hampshire Aisle Barn. The centre houses a gift shop and various interactive displays. View Full Details>>
James Steel Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy riverside walking and cycling in this country park situated on the River Wear in Washington, Sunderland. The park includes a fishing lake and cycling and walking trails. It is located less than a mile north of the Penshaw Monument on the Weardale Way and Great North Forest Heritage Trail walking routes. View Full Details>>
Jumbles Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a short stroll around Jumbles Reservoir in this pretty country park in Bolton. The park is set within the beautiful West Pennine Moors with a lovely waterside footpath around the reservoir. There are also good facilities with a visitor centre and cafe.
The park is located just a couple of miles north east of Bolton city centre, near to the Lancashire village of Chapeltown. If you have time you could continue your walk along the Witton Weavers Way to the nearby Wayoh Reservoir and Nature Reserve. View Full Details>>
Killerton Park3 miles (5 km)The Killerton Estate is 6,400 acres of parkland and countryside containing over 60 miles of footpaths and cycle tracks. It is located near Broadclyst in the Exeter region of Devon.
The estate also contains a beautiful landscaped garden with rhododendrons, magnolias and rare trees surrounded by rolling Devon countryside. The walk also passes Killerton House - an 18th-century house with a marvellous collection of 18th- to 20th-century costumes.
The route below is devised for walkers but there is also cycle track at Killerton. It is great for families and follows a safe circular route around the beautiful parkland at Killerton, starting and finishing at Killerton's stable-block. Please click here to download the gpx file for the Kilerton Park cycle route (it follows a similar path to the walk).
If you'd like to continue your exercise then you could head a couple of miles east to Ashclyst Forest where there are more cycling and walking tracks to try. View Full Details>>
Kingfisher Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy walking and cycling along the River Cole in this pretty country park in South Birmingham. The area includes a number of nature reserves, Babbs Mill Lake and Shard End Lake. In the park you'll find grassland, wetland and woodland. The main attraction is the nice waterside cycling and walking path along the river. There's also lots of wildlife to look out for including herons, kingfishers, skylarks, water voles and mink.
The Solihull Way passes along the eastern end of the park so you could pick this up to continue your walk. You can follow it to Chelmsley Wood and Alcott Wood along the Kingshurst Brook. View Full Details>>
Kingsbury Water Park3 miles (4.3 km)Explore 15 lakes in over 600 acres of country park on this super cycle or walk in Warwickshire. There are many miles of surfaced paths around the lakes, with a bridleway around the southern perimeter of the Park. These are suitable for cyclists and bike hire is available in the park. Please note that no cycling is allowed through the Woodland Walk, around the Nature Reserve at the Broomey Croft side of the Park, or in the Visitor Centre courtyard.
The park is excellent for birdwatching with a number of hides situated around the lake. There is also a miniature railway and an excellent visitor centre.
The Heart of England Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way walking routes run through the park so there is the option of continuing your walk. The park is located on the River Tame about 8 miles from Birmingham.
On the western side of the park you can pick up the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and enjoy a waterside cycle or walk towards Birmingham or Fazeley. If you head north along the canal you will soon come to the lovely Middleton Lakes RSPB nature reserve. The reserve has several well laid out walking trails taking you to meadows, woodland and lakes. View Full Details>>
Kingsford Country Park4 miles (7 km)Explore 200 acres of woodland and heathland in this Worcestershire based forest park. Terrain in the park consists of hills and cliffs, with sandy paths crossing the area. The park has 4 waymarked trails of varying lenghts to explore. The route below also visits the National Trust owned Kinver Edge. This woodland sandstone ridge offers dramatic views across surrounding counties and miles of heathland walking.
Kingsford park is located about four miles west of Stourbridge, and four miles north of Kidderminster. There are three great options for continuing your walk through this lovely part of England. The Staffordshire Way, the North Worcestershire Path, and the Worcestershire Way all run past the park. View Full Details>>
Kit Hill1 miles (2 km)This country park in Cornwall covers 400 acres with miles of good footpaths to try. The park was given to the people of Cornwall in 1985 by Prince Charles to mark the birth of his son Prince William. You can climb to the 334 m (1,096 ft) Kit Hill summit and enjoy wonderful views over the Tamar Valley AONB, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. At the top of the hill you'll find an artificial fort and a folly built built in the style of a low-walled Saxon castle. There's also a number of viewing tables which highlight features of the surrounding countryside you can see from the summit.
The area is great for wildlife with buzzards, sparrowhawks, deer and various butterflies to look out for. Attractive vegetation includes heathers, gorses, grasses and bilberry. There's also an interesting mining history with the 19th century Summit Stack a well known landmark.
The park is located just to the north of Callington and has a car park on the eastern side near Monkscross.
To continue your walking in the area you could try the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail and enjoy a waterside walk along the River Tamar. If you head a couple of miles east to Chilsworthy you can pick up the trail there. Also nearby is the splendid Cotehele House. The Tudor house has nice footpaths taking you around the extensive grounds. View Full Details>>
Knebworth Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)A walk through the delightful country park surrounding Knebworth House in Stevenage. The park consists of 250 acres of rolling hills with ancient chestnut and lime avenues. There are also herds of Red and Sika deer to look out for. View Full Details>>
Knettishall Heath Country Park4 miles (6 km)This delightful open space near Thetford is the start point for three of Britain's best long distance walks:- the Icknield Way Path, the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, and the Angles Way. View Full Details>>
Knightshayes3 miles (5 km)Explore the beautiful country estate of this Gothic Revival Mansion in Tiverton, Devon. The walk takes you through the delightful formal gardens with over 10,000 different species of plant. View Full Details>>
Knole Park6 miles (9 km)A circular walk around the delightful deer park at Knole in Sevenoaks. The walk begins near the bus station in Sevenoaks and heads past Knole House, along the Broad Walk and Chestnut Walk to Fawke Common. You continue through Rambles Wood, Godden Wood and then through Knole Park Golf Course before returning to the start point. The grounds of the park are delightful with about 500 resident deer, ancient woodland, dry heathland, acid grassland and wood pasture. Knole house contains a world class collection of furniture and textiles from royal palaces and is also well worth exploring.
If you'd like to continue your walk you could follow the Greensand Way east towards the lovely Ightham Mote with its woodland, gardens and parkland surrounding a medieval moated manor house.
Just to the south you will find the delightful Riverhill Himalayan Gardens which has nice footpaths taking you to a walled garden with Himalayan-inspired grass-sculpted terraces and a large pond with fountains.
Just north of the park you can visit Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and follow the waymarked trails around the five pretty lakes while looking out for a variety of wildfowl. View Full Details>>
Ladderedge Country Park1 miles (1 km)Explore 70 acres of wetland, meadows and woodlands on this short circular walk in Leek. The park has good footpaths with views of the River Churnet Valley and the Peak District. View Full Details>>
Lake Farm Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)This pleasant park in Hillingdon has some nice footpaths, a trim trail and a BMX track to try. You can also enjoy a walk along the Grand Union Canal which runs along the southern end of the park. The park includes over 60 acres of meadows and open grassland with a variety of flora and fauna to look out for.
To extend your walk you can head east and visit Minet Country Park. View Full Details>>
Lakeside Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy 60 acres of lakes, wet meadow and woodland located between Eastleigh and Southampton. The park has a range of birds, insects and small mammals as well as the occasional fox and deer. There is also a miniature railway and a cafe. View Full Details>>
Langdon Hills Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)This splendid country park in Basildon includes 400 acres of meadows, farmland and woodlands with an abundance of wildlife from Green Winged Orchids to the Great Crested Newt. There are miles of walking and cycling paths taking you through the parkland, the local farmland and on to the Plotlands Nature Reserve. The site includes several different nature reserves with the bluebell woods in April particularly popular.
Just to the east you will find Wat Tyler Country Park where there are lovely trails around the Essex Marshes to enjoy. View Full Details>>
Langley Park Country Park2 miles (4 km)Langley Park has a variety of beautiful trails suitable for cycling and walking. The park contains 154 acres of free access parkland, 360 acres of farmland, delightful Edwardian rhododendron gardens (with views to Windsor Castle) and an Arboretum with a fine collection of specimen trees and a beautiful ornamental pond. There are also excellent facilities with a tea room overlooking the Edwardian gardens and designated picnic areas. Cycling is permitted, except in the Temple Gardens and the Arboretum. Cycle racks are located next to the tea room.
For cyclists there is also the Beeches Way Cycleway. This 12 mile, signposted route joins Black Park, Stoke Common, Burnham Beeches and Dorney Lake allowing you to extend your ride if you wish. For walkers you may also like to try the Beeches Way Walk which passes through Black Park Country Park. View Full Details>>
Langold Lake Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy woodland, wildlife meadows and two pretty lakes in this 300 acre country park near Worksop. The walk starts at the car park and takes you along Langold Lake and through Dyscarr Woods before returning to the start point. There's also plenty of wildlife to see with the park designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
The park is great for children with a play area and water park for them to splash about in. View Full Details>>
Lea Valley Walk53 miles (85 km)A super walk with a series of delightful waterside sections along the River Lea. The walk runs from Leagrave, the source of the River Lea near Luton, to the Thames at Limehouse Basin, east London. You follow a riverside path for much of the way through, Luton, Hatfield, Hertford, Ware and Cheshunt with a swan emblem clearly waymarking the walk. The walk passes Nature Reserves, pretty riverside villages and includes a section through the fantastic Lee Valley Park - London's largest open space. You'll also pass the Olympic Park in Stratford which is well worth exploring. The final section of the walk runs along the Limehouse Cut Canal which is also suitable for cyclists.
In the Lee Valley park you can also pick up the Stort Navigation and follow the towpath to Bishop's Stortford. The river also runs parallel to the New River Path around Hertford and Ware so it's possible to create a circular walk using both the footpaths in this area. View Full Details>>
Lepe Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Lepe is a coastal Country Park located near Southampton, in the New Forest National Park. There is a large beach and stunning cliffs where there are fabulous views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The park has excellent facilities with Barbeque areas, picnic areas and a cafe.
The route below is designed for walkers but there is a Lepe cycle route running through the park and the surrounding area - please click here for details. View Full Details>>
Leybourne Lakes Country Park4 miles (6 km)Enjoy peaceful, waterside walking and cycling at Leybourne Lakes Country Park, near Maidstone in Kent. In the park you will find 230 acres of lakes and woodland providing a peaceful location for wildlife and birdwatching.
The expansive park includes several lakes with the River Medway running along the eastern section of the park. View Full Details>>
Leysdown Coastal Park6 miles (9 km)Enjoy fabulous views of the Thames Estuary on this circular walk through Leysdon Coastal park and Leysdon Marshes on the Isle of Sheppey. For cyclists please see the Isle of Harty Trail which also runs through the park. View Full Details>>
Lickey Hills Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Explore 524 acres of country park at Lickey Hills near Birmingham. There are a number of woodland trails to follow and a climb up Beacon Hill with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. Also look out for deer, badgers and a variety of birdlife as you go. The park has an excellent visitor centre with an exhibition, leaflets and information on nature trails and guided walks. The park is very popular, particularly in springtime when the woodland is covered in an impressive display of bluebells.
If you would like to continue your walk you could follow the North Worcestershire Path towards the nearby Waseley Hills Country Park or the Bittell Reservoirs in the other direction. The Barnt Green Circular Walk visits the park and the reservoirs and can be started from the visitor centre.
At the Lower Bittell reservoir you can also pick up the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and enjoy a waterside walk to the splendid Tardebigge Locks.
If you were to head a few miles to the south west you could visit the lovely Chaddesley Wood National Nature Reserve. The reserve has some nice woodland trails with a wide variety of flora and fauna to look out for.
Lickey Hills is located on the south west tip of Birmingham near to Bromsgrove. View Full Details>>
Lightwater Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This park is located in Camberley, Surrey, and comprises 145 acres of heathland habitat, woodland, shrubs and lowland bog. These habitats offer the opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife, birds, mammals, plants and insects. There are a number of fine walking trails in the park, an on site car park and an excellent visitor centre with a wealth of information. View Full Details>>
Lindisfarne Castle and Holy Island4 miles (6 km)This is an atmospheric circular walk around the fascinating Holy Island in Northumberland. View Full Details>>
Little Budworth Country Park4 miles (6 km)Explore woodland, lowland heath, ponds and boggy mires in this country park near Winsford. View Full Details>>
Lodmoor Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy a peaceful walk around this country park and nature reserve in Weymouth. View Full Details>>
Longshaw Estate4 miles (6 km)The Longshaw Estate is a National Trust owned country park in Upper Padley in the Peak District. The estate is perfect for walking with fabulous views of the Peak District, ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. In the park there are pretty ponds, a waterside path along Barbrage Brook and the lovely Big Moor where you should look out for red deer. There are also excellent facilities with a tea room, shop and the Moorland Discovery Centre.
From easter 2014 there will be two new bridleways suitable for cyclists. The routes will be waymarked so you can explore the estate on two wheels or on foot.
The Derwent Valley Heritage Way runs near the estate so you could continue your walk along the River Derwent. You could also continue south and climb up to Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge where there are spectacular views of the Peak District. The wonderful Padley Gorge Trail with its babbling brook and pretty waterfalls is another good option.
You're also close to Stanage Edge where you can enjoy fabulous views and interesting rock formations.
The park is located just a few miles from Sheffield. View Full Details>>
Lord Stones3 miles (4.9 km)Visit this ancient stone and enjoy fabulous views from Cringle Moor on this exhilirating circular walk on the North York Moors. The area is steeped in ancient history with the Three Lords' Stone marked with prehistoric carvings. It forms part of a Bronze Age burial mound with a number of large kerbstones, situated in a captivating area.
The route runs for about 3 miles, using good paths with some steep steps up to the high point on Cringle Moor. There's fabulous views, fascinating history and lovely heather moorland to enjoy.
You can start the walk from the Lord Stones Cafe car park on the western side of the country park. From here you can pick up the Cleveland Way and follow it east across Cringle Moor, the third highest hill in the North York Moors. After a short distance a path heads off to the left, climbing towards Busby Moor and Dromonby Bank.
The path then descends to Kirby Bank where you turn west to climb to the Cringle Moor viewpoint. Here you will find a viewfinder detailing a number of landmarks you can see from the hill. Highlights include the Penshaw Monument, Roseberry Topping, Captain Cook's Monument, Ingleborough Mountain and Whernside.
After taking in the views the walk then descends back to the cafe where you can enjoy refreshments in the outdoor seating area. View Full Details>>
Lotherton Hall Estate1 miles (2.2 km)Explore the beautiful grounds of this Edwardian house once home to the Gascoigne family. The estate includes a deer park and a bird garden with 200 magnificent species including flamingos and snowy owls. There are also lovely formal gardens with gravel paths and yew hedges, a rock garden and a walled garden. View Full Details>>
Lower Leas Coastal Park2 miles (4 km)This coastal country park is located in Folkestone and has fabulous views over the Kent coastline. National Cycle Route 2 also runs through the park.
The park is divided into three zones. These include a formal zone with lovely gardens and pine avenues. The fun zone includes a free adventure play area and an amphitheatre. Finally, there's the wild zone with lots of interesting flora and fauna to look out for.
It's a delightful place with imposing cliffs, interesting rock formations, wildflower meadows and lots in intersting plants and flowers. View Full Details>>
Lullingstone Country Park3 miles (5 km)Explore 460 acres of parkland in this large open space in the Darenth Valley of Kent. Located between Eynsford and Shoreham, Lullingstone contains several waymarked walking trails of varying lengths.
The park is well known for its large collection of ancient trees including oaks, beeches, hornbeams, ash and sweet chestnut, some of which are around 500 years old. Also of interest is the 15th Century Lullingstone Castle, Tom Hart Dyke's World of Garden Plants and Lullingstone Roman Villa with its spectacular mosaics and Roman wall paintings. View Full Details>>
Lulworth Castle3 miles (5 km)Explore the beautiful grounds of this 17th Century castle on this circular walk in Dorset. You will pass the exquisite 18th century Chapel of St Mary's, the fascinating Lulworth Castle House and the recently restored Lulworth Castle. View Full Details>>
Lydiard Park2 miles (3.5 km)Located on the edge of Swindon is this splendid park with 260 acres of lawns, woodlands and pasture for visitors to walk or cycle through. Here you will find the beautifully-restored State Rooms of Lydiard House, with its original furnishings and portrait gallery. There is also an ornamental fruit and flower Walled Garden and a children's play area.
To continue your walking in the area you could head to the nearby Mouldon Hill Country Park. Here you'll find a pretty lake, the River Ray, a section of the North Wilts Canal and nice views from the park's high points.
About a mile to the north east you'll find Shaw Forest Park. View Full Details>>
Lyme Park5 miles (8.5 km)This is a circular walk through the splendid Lyme Park in Disley, Cheshire. Here you can explore the 1,300 acre estate with its resident deer and enjoy fabulous views of the Peak District. There are also tranquil lakes, peaceful woodland walks and an Edwardian rose garden to enjoy. The park may look familiar as it was used for the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
The walk begins at the park gate near Disley train station, before exploring the most attractive areas of the park and returning to the start point.
The Gritstone Trail long distance path passes through the park so you could pick this up to extend your walk. Heading south will take you towards Bollington via Sponds Hill.
Additionally the North Cheshire Way passes through Lyme Park, so you could pick this up and head west towards the village of Adlington, passing the Macclesfield Canal on the way. View Full Details>>
Lyth Hill Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy wonderful views over the Shropshire Hills in this country park near Shrewsbury. The walk starts at the car park at the eastern end of the park. You then follow the Shropshire Way and other trails to the viewpoints. From here there are splendid views of The Wrekin, Wenlock Edge and Stiperstones. You also pass through areas of woodland, scrub, and open grassland with a variety of wildlife to look out for. Lyth Hill can also be reached by following the Shropshire Way from Shrewsbury. View Full Details>>
Malham Tarn Estate4 miles (7 km)This beautiful spot in the Yorkshire Dales is perfect for a safe cycle or walk. It is run by the National Trust and consists of a beautiful glacial lake, limestone pavements, upland hill farms and flower-rich hay meadows. There are also delightful waterside paths along the tarn and a National Nature Reserve with a bird hide and rare plants.
For cyclists there is a nice, easy family cycle trail and more challenging routes for mountain bikers. There are different routes for walkers with a stroll along the shores of Malham Tarn, through the National Nature Reserve and across the fields a favourite.
The Settle Loop circular trail passes close to the estate so you could follow the route from the town to the estate. Alternatively there is a good sized car park just south of the tarn.
The Pennine Way passes through the estate so you could pick up the trail to extend your walking in the area. If you head south you can visit the nearby Malham Cove.  The site includes a hugely impressive curved cliff formation of limestone rock.
Climbing north along the Pennine Way will take you to Fountains Fell and Fountains Fell Tarn with magnificent views over the area. View Full Details>>
Manor Farm and Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This park has a number of delightful walking and cycling trails and is located just outside Southampton. The farm is 600 years old with historic buildings, barns and the 13th century St Bartholomew's church. You can feed the chickens and get up close to rabbits, chicks and ducklings. View Full Details>>
Manor Park Country Park2 miles (4 km)Located near Maidstone in Kent, this 52 acre country park has fields, wildflower meadows and a lake with swans, herons, moorhens and dabchicks. The park has a number of footpaths making it an ideal place for an afternoon stroll. There's also good on site facilities with a play area, cafe and picnic area. View Full Details>>
Mapledurham House4 miles (7 km)The Mapledurham estate is a wonderful place for a relaxing afternoon walk. The house is located on the River Thames with the picturesque Old Watermill right beside it. The mill is still operational and dates from the 15th century. The route below is circular, starting at the house and taking you on a tour of the woodland and countryside in the estate. The park is located near Caversham in Oxfordshire.
The estate is located on the Thames Path so you could continue your walk along the river. For example if you head east you will soon come to the delightful Caversham Court Gardens. Heading west will take you to the pretty village of Pangbourne where you can visit the delightful water meadows and enjoy a stroll along the River Pang. View Full Details>>
Marbury Country Park2 miles (3 km)This splendid country park is in a beautiful location in Northwich, Cheshire. The park contains magnificent Lime avenues, an Arboretum and the delightful Budworth Mere. The Trent and Mersey Canal also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk or cycle here. Marbury is also very close to Dairy House Meadows Park, Anderton Nature Park and the splendid Anderton Boat Lift. This remarkable feat of engineering is located on the canal and is one of the highlights of the area.
The park is located just to the north of Northwich town centre and forms part of the wider Northwich Community Woodlands, an area of countryside with 11km (7 miles) of cycling and walking paths. View Full Details>>
Market Bosworth Country Park6 miles (10.4 km)This 85 acre country park in Leicestershire contains a lake, a planted arboretum with exotic species, a wildflower meadow and a community woodland. The route takes you through the park to Sutton Cheney and then on to Bosworth Battlefield. This field is the site of the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses, the civil war that took place in the 15th century.
The Leicestershire Round walking route runs through the park so you can use this path to visit the nearby Bosworth Battlefield Country Park. View Full Details>>
Marsh Farm Country Park4 miles (6 km)This country park in South Woodham Ferrers has miles of splendid waterside walking trails to enjoy. The River Crouch and the Clementsgreen and Fenn Creeks all run through the park so you can follow well laid out footpaths right along the water. There's 300 acres of grazing marsh to explore with a wide variety of water loving birds to spot. Look out for dark bellied brent geese and many other species of waders and ducks. Sedge warblers, cuckoos and sky larks can also be seen in the area. 
This route is designed for walkers but cycling is also permitted in the park but please keep to the designated routes.
The park has a large car park and a lovely tea room for refreshments. View Full Details>>
Melton Country Park1 miles (2 km)Explore 137 acres of open space in Melton Mowbray. The park has nice footpaths and lots of water features with ponds, lakes and weirs to enjoy. There's also a peaceful woodland walk and some stepping stones between the small top lake and the large middle lake.
Dotted around the park are plenty of picnic tables where you can relax next to the water. There's other good facilites with a visitor centre, play areas and a cafe for refreshments after your exercise. View Full Details>>
Mercers Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy a nice lakeside trail around Mercers Lake on this short walk in Redhill. There's a nice surfaced trail running round the water for just over a mile. Just to the west of the lake there's also two smaller lakes at Holmethorpe Lagoons, part of the Nutfield Marsh Nature Reserve. The reserve is a great place for wildlife watching with tufted duck, gadwall, little grebes, coot, moorhens and greylag geese to look out for on the water. There's also lots of pretty wildflowers such as meadows cowslip and trefoil, oxeye daisy and yarrow. You should see several varieties of butterfly fluttering around the flowers in the summer months.
The walk starts from the Mercers Country Park car park off Nutfield Marsh Road. You then head west along the lake to Holmethorpe Lagoons, passing the Watercolour Estate. The route continues along the northern side of Mercers Lake to Spynes Mere Nature Reserve. There's three more lakes here with nice footpaths to follow around the wetland habitat.
The route then returns to the car park and finish point of the walk.
The site also includes a watersports centre and a cafe for refreshments after your exercise. View Full Details>>
Midland Railway Centre3 miles (5 km)This heritage railway in Derbyshire's Butterley has a delightful 35 acre country park with a wide range of wildlife areas and great views of the passing steam trains. The walk takes you around Butterley Reservoir, through Butterley park and on to Codnor Park Reservoir before finishing at Riddings station where you could catch the train back to the start point at Butterley. View Full Details>>
Milton Country Park1 miles (2.3 km)This lovely park in Cambridge boasts nearly 100 acres of lakes and gardens interlaced with footpaths and cycle trails. The Park includes a Visitor Centre with cafe, play-areas, viewing platforms and a sensory garden.
The park can be reached by following the River Cam and the Fen Rivers Way from the centre of Cambridge. This section also makes for a lovely traffic free cycle ride.
To extend your walkin in the area you can try our circular Cambridge Backs Walk which takes you on a tour of the famous university colleges. View Full Details>>
Milton Creek Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)A short circular cycle or walk around Milton Creek Country Park in Sittingbourne in Kent. The park is set in 128 acres and contains Milton Creek, fishing lakes and a network of well laid out paths. The heritage Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway also runs though the Park. The nearby Kemsley railway station makes for a good access point for the route. View Full Details>>
Minet Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)This country park in Hillingdon includes ponds, grassland and a variety of wild plants and flowers. There's some nice footpaths to follow around the site which includes picnic areas, meadows and hedgerows. It's also home to the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. The purpose-built road cycling circuit is about 1 mile long and a great place for a leisurely ride. The video below shows the nice wide surfaced path with views over the park.
The Grand Union Canal passes the south side of the park so it's easy to extend your outing by picking up the towpath. If you head west you can visit Lake Farm Country Park where you will find meadows, grassland, a trim trail and a BMX track.
The long distance Hillingdon Trail also passes through the park. You can follow it north and then west to visit the pretty Yeading Brook. View Full Details>>
Moors Valley Country Park3 miles (5 km)Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, is situated in Ashley Heath, on the Dorset/Hampshire border. The park has a number of peaceful woodland paths so is a great place for a safe and easy cycle or walk. There are a number of well waymarked cycle and walking routes through the park, while there is also cycle hire available throughout the year.
The park contains the Moors River and two Lakes where you can see Grey Herons, Great Crested Grebes, Mallards and Mute Swans. There is also a steam railway and a 'Go Ape' adventure park.
Moors Valley is situated right next to Ringwood Forest so there is scope for continuing your ride for several miles through more peaceful woodland. View Full Details>>
Moses Gate Country Park3 miles (5 km)This large country park in Bolton covers 750 acres and includes a number of splendid cycling and walking trails. The River Croal and River Irwell run through the park and there are 3 pretty lakes, so there is some lovely waterside walking and cycling to enjoy. The park is excellent for bird watching with a bird hide next to one of the lakes.
Facilities in the park include a visitor centre and some excellent play areas for children. The park is located just a few miles south of Bolton next to Moses Gate train station.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could head a couple of miles south and visit Blackleach Country Park. Here you'll find a nice walking trail along a pretty lake with lots of birdlife to look out for.
Also nearby is Clifton Country Park. Located alongside the River Irwell the park contains walking and cycling trails with features including a pretty lake, woodland, meadows and an arboretum. View Full Details>>
Mote Park1 miles (2 km)This 450 acre park in Maidstone has a lovely lakeside cycling and walking track running through it, using National Cycle Network number 177. View Full Details>>
Mouldon Hill Country Park2 miles (3 km)This pretty country park near Swindon has some nice footpaths to follow through the site. In the park you'll find a pretty lake, the River Ray, a section of the North Wilts Canal and nice views from the high points.
You can cycle to the park from Swindon along National Cycle Route 45. To continue your exercise you could visit the nearby Lydiard Country Park. Here you'll find 260 acres of lawns, woodlands and pasture to walk or cycle through.
If you head south from the park you will soon come to Shaw Forest Park where footpaths will take you through ash/willow woodlands and scrub land containing juniper and alder. Our circular Swindon Cycle Route visits all these parks using signed cycle routes which run through the town. View Full Details>>
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)With 865 acres of parkland, beautiful landscaped Cornish gardens and stunning coastline, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is a fantastic place to visit.
This circular walk begins at the parking lot, near the Cremyll Ferry which you can catch from Plymouth to the park. The path then joins the coastal path to Raveness Point, passing the beautiful Barn Pool (see video) and the Raven's Cliffs. You continue to Picklecombe Point before returning to the start point through the delightful deer park, passing the magnificent Mount Edgcumbe House on the way. View Full Details>>
Nesscliffe Hill Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy woodland trails, heather covered hills and wonderful views over the Shropshire countryside and Welsh hills in this country park near Shrewsbury. View Full Details>>
New Hall Valley Country Park2 miles (3 km)This pretty country park in Sutton Coldfield has good cycling and walking trails to try. National Cycle Network route 534 runs through the park and there are other surfaced paths for walkers. There are waterside paths along the Plants Brook, wildflower meadows and woodland trails. It's great for wildlife with lots of different bird species and butterflies. Look out for Kingfishers, Grey Heron, Dippers and Reed Bunting around the brook. You may also see birds of prey such as Buzzards, Kestrel and Sparrow Hawks.
Other interesting features include the 18th century water mill and the 16th century Vesey Cottage.
If you would like to continue your exercise then you could head a mile south to Pype Hayes park. National Cycle Network route 534 runs from New Hall Valley to Pype Hayes along the brook. At Pype Hayes Park you will find more cycling and walking trails. Also nearby is Sutton Park with 200 acres of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and lakes. View Full Details>>
Newark Park3 miles (5 km)Explore the 700 acre estate of this Grade I listed building in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. In the park you will pass lakes, a walled garden and a woodland area. Also look out for the many resident deer and peacocks.
The park is located on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment so there are fantastic views of the Cotswold AONB. It is extensive and there are many well signed footpaths to enjoy.
The house dates from the 16th century and includes unique stained glass windows and a beautiful dining room with William Morris wallpaper.
To extend your walking in the area you could pick up the circular walk around Wotton-under-Edge which uses part of the Cotswold Way. View Full Details>>
Newbold Comyn3 miles (5 km)This super park in Leamington Spa, lies on the River Leam and covers 300 acres. The park is perfect for a relaxing riverside stroll or cycle with National Cycle Route 41 passing through the park. View Full Details>>
Newmillerdam Country Park3 miles (4.25 km)Enjoy cycling and walking paths in this popular country park in Wakefield. The park includes a central lake surrounded by a surfaced path and woodland with way-marked cycling trails and carpets of bluebells in the spring months.
You can start your outing from the car park at the northern end of the park. Then pick up the trails heading south through Kings Wood and Bushcliff Wood.
If you would like to continue your outing you could follow the Chevet branch line old railway into the countryside and onto the nearby Barnsley Canal. Here you can join with the Trans Pennine Trail and head towards Wakefield or Barnsley. Just to the north of the park you'll find Pugneys Country Park where there's another nice lake and a nature reserve with interesting flora and fauna.
In Wakefield you can pick up the Wakefield Canal and follow it to Castleford. View Full Details>>
Normanby Hall Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore the three hundred acres of parkland and woodland surrounding the 19th century Normanby Hall. You can visit the deer park where you can see herds of red and fallow deer then on to the ice house, Victorian laundry, coach house, stables and the splendid Victorian Walled Garden. There is also a lovely woodland section with mature beeches, oaks and sweet chestnuts.
The park is located a few miles north of Scunthorpe near the village of Burton-upon-Stather. View Full Details>>
North Wirral Coastal Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy a cycle or walk around this super coastal country park in the Wirral. The park covers 400 acres making it the largest park in the Wirral. There is a super waterside cycling and walking path running along the lovely Wirral Peninsula - you could even continue along it to Wallasey and beyond if you have time. View Full Details>>
Northam Burrows Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)Explore over 600 acres of grassy coastal plain, salt marsh, sand dunes and grasslands in this coastal country park in Devon. The park overlooks the beautiful Taw Torridge Estuary within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
At the northern end of Westward Ho! beach is the Northam Burrows Centre. The centre has a wealth of information about the park and also runs family activities during the summer months.
The South West Coast Path runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the beautiful Devon coast in either direction. The park is located just north of Bideford between Westward Ho and Appledore. You can reach the park easily from the village along the coast path. See the circular Appledore Walk for more details.
Our Bideford Circular Walk also runs close to the park and is a good way of reaching the park from Bideford or for extending your exercise. View Full Details>>
Northaw Great Wood2 miles (4 km)Explore 300 acres of woodland and parkland in this popular country park near Hatfield. There's miles of good walking traills to follow around the 121 hectare (300 acre) site. The park consists mainly of ancient hornbeam woodland, with other trees including oak and silver birch. It's a pretty area with glades, streams, springs and lots of interesting plants and flowers. These include Honeysuckle, Bluebell and Foxglove.
There is a car park at the southern edge of the wood, just of The Ridgeway. From here you can pick up trails to take you to Rowbourne Hill, Justice Hill and over Grimes Brook. The walk is generally fairly flat but there are some moderate climbs.
The Hertfordshire Way runs through nearby Cuffley so this is a good option if you would like to extend your walk. You could also follow the Hertfordshire Chain Walk to the nearby Broxbourne Woods. These extensive woods have miles of cycling and walking trails and a delightful 1km sculpture trail with several beautifully carved wooden pieces. If you follow the trail south east towards Enfield you can visit Whitewebbs Park which has woodland trails, ponds and the Cuffley Brook. View Full Details>>
Nowton Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 200 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside landscaped in a beautiful Victorian style in this country park in Bury St Edmunds. There are well maintained footpaths taking you around the park with good facilities including a visitor centre and cafe. The park is located just over a mile to the south of Bury St Edmunds town centre so can be easily reached on foot. The Bury to Clare Walk runs just past the park so there is scope for continuing your walk if you have time. View Full Details>>
Nymans Gardens2 miles (4 km)Explore the gardens and woodland walk of this delightful estate on this short route in Handcross, near Haywards Heath. View Full Details>>
Oakwell Country Park1 miles (2.2 km)Explore over 100 acres of parkland on this short walk in Bradford. The park includes a car park, visitor centre, gift shop and countryside centre. There's also a nice nature trail running for about 2 miles through parkland, gardens and woodland. On the trail you can look out for a wide variety of interesting plants and wildflowers. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies and birds too.
The park surrounds the historic Oakwell Hall which was built by John Batt in 1583 and is now contains an interesting museum. Visitors to the hall include Charlotte Bronte who featured it as 'Fieldhead' in her classic novel Shirley.
The Spen Way Heritage Trail and Bronte Way, Leeds Country Way and Kirklees Way walking routes run through or just past the park so you could continue your exercise on one of these long distance trails. View Full Details>>
Ogden Water2 miles (4 km)Enjoy fabulous views of the Pennine hills at this country park near Halifax. There is a super waterside path around the 34 acre reservoir while there are other paths leading into the surrounding moors. It's a very picturesque place with nice views across the water to the surrounding woodland and moors.
To extend your walking you can pick up a bridleway from the reservoir and head west to Warley Moor Reservoir. It's another very peaceful spot with nice views and sailboats on the water. Our Halifax Walk follows a section of the Hebble Brook which starts from reservoir and travels through Halifax before emptying into the River Calder at Salterhebble. View Full Details>>
Old Down Country Park1 miles (2 km)This country park in Bristol has a number of good walking trails through 66 acres of lanscaped gardens and woodland. There are also wildflower meadows, a victorian walled garden and wonderful views across the River Severn and into Wales. Other features in the park include farm animals, a lake, an adventure playground and a cafe. The park is located near Alveston and Tockington. View Full Details>>
Orwell Country Park4 miles (6.5 km)Enjoy fabulous views of the River Orwell in this delightful country park in Ipswich. There are woodland walks and riverside footpaths to enjoy in over 200 acres of parkland. There's good facilities with a good sized car park where you can directly pick up the trails. View Full Details>>
Osterley Park3 miles (5 km)A walk around the 350 acres of parkland at Osterley House in Hounslow West London. The country estate is one of the largest open spaces in west London and has miles of nice footpaths to try. In the park you'll find farmland, cattle, lakes and gardens with herbaceous borders, roses and ornamental vegetables beds. The site also includes family cycle trails so it's a great place for outdoor exercise and just a short hop from central London.
The Grand Union Canal passes the park on the eastern and northern sides. You can pick up the towpath to extend your exercise. Heading south will take you towards Brentford and Syon Park where there are more good walking trails. View Full Details>>
Otley Chevin Country Park5 miles (8 km)Enjoy cycling and walking trails in this super country park near Leeds. For walkers there are several self guided walking trails while cyclists can enjoy the many bridleways that run through the park. Otley Chevin rises to a height of 280m above sea level, offering fabulous views of the Wharfe Valley and town of Otley below. The park consists of woodland, heathland, meadowland and rocky outcrops. There is also an excellent visitor centre and cafe.
This circular walk takes you through the woodland of Chevin Forest Park before climbing to the popular Suprise View. It's a wonderful spot with fine views to Lower Wharfedale, Almscliffe Crag and the Kilburn White Horse. View Full Details>>
Park Hall Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a cycle or walk in this large country park in Stoke-on-Trent. The park is popular with dog walkers with its nice woodland areas and two ponds. From the high points in the park there are good views over the city. You can extend your exercise by visiting the nearby Hanley Forest Park where there are more cycling and walking paths to try. View Full Details>>
Park Lime Pits1 miles (2 km)Enjoy a short walk around this country park and nature reserve in Walsall. In the park you will find tranquil pools, mature woodland, streams and over 300 species of plants. It's also a nature reserve so look out for a variety of birds including lapwings and yellowhammers. The park is located on the Beacon Way so there is the option of continuing your walk along the Rushall canal which runs past the park. Just to the south you will find the lovely Walsall Arboretum where there are nice surfaced paths to follow around the 80 acre park. View Full Details>>
Peatlands Park3 miles (5.5 km)Follow the walking trails around this large park in County Armagh. The park is located near Lough Neagh and Dungannon. There's a number of good waymarked, colour coded walks taking you around the 680 acre site. The park consists of peatlands, orchards, woodland, boardwalks and two nature reserves. You can park at the car park and then follow the trails east through woodland to the pretty Derryadd Lake. There's lots of wildlife to look out for with butterflies, damselflies and birds such as meadow pipits and cuckoos.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could visit the nearby Oxford Island Nature Reserve. View Full Details>>
Peene Quarry Country Park2 miles (4 km)A short circular walk around Peene Quarry in the North Downs. The main attraction here is the spectacular views over Folkestone and the south coast down to Dungeness. View Full Details>>
Pegwell Bay Country Park2 miles (4 km)This park is located near Ramsgate and has splendid views over Pegwell Bay and Sandwich Bay. In the bay is a large nature reserve, known for its migrating waders and wildfowl. A local cycle route runs right through the park so you can take your bike. View Full Details>>
Penistone Hill Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore 179 acres of undulating grass and heather moorland in this lovely country park in Haworth. This circular walk takes you around the park and past Lower Laithe Reservoir. There are splendid views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. In Haworth you can visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum - the former home of the Bronte sisters. You could also continue your walk along the Bronte Way or Haworth-Hebden Bridge Walk.
If you follow the Bronte Way south west from the car park you will soon come to the Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens. View Full Details>>
Pennington Flash Country Park4 miles (6 km)This 490 acre park is located in Leigh, Greater Manchester. The main feature is the 170 acre lake which is now a nature reserve with a number of bird hides. Over 200 bird species have been spotted at the park such as Black-faced Bunting, Nightingale, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill and Leach's Storm-petre. The park has a number of well maintained paths suitable for cyclists or walkers.
Facilities include an information centre, mobile cafe and nine hole golf course. The Bridgwater Canal also passes through the park so you can continue your walk/cycle along the towpath if you have time. View Full Details>>
Petworth Park3 miles (5 km)A walk around the beautiful Petworth Park in Sussex. View Full Details>>
Pleasley Pit Country Park1 miles (2 km)This former colliery site in Mansfield has been converted into a lovely country park and local nature reserve. There are a series of nice walking trails taking you to ponds, reed beds, grassland and woodland. It's great for flora and fauna with orchids, butterflies and dragonflies. There's also a bird hide where you can look out for Sand Martins and the various other species that visit the park.
The park also includes a cycle path so you can bring your bike. Parking is available at the south eastern end of the park.
You can also learn about the history of the site by touring the engines and south shaft pit top on open days. The remaining pit buildings are an impressive sight and are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). View Full Details>>
Plessey Woods Country Park3 miles (5 km)This pretty country park is situated on the River Blyth at Hartford Bridge, 5 miles south of Morpeth and north of Cramlington. There are 100 acres of woodland and meadow to explore and a lovely long waterside stretch along the River Blyth. There's also an abundance of wildlife with woodpecker, nuthatch, tree creeper, kingsfisher, red squirrel, roe deer and fox. There are a number of self guided walking trails and a bridleway for cyclists. The park has an excellent visitor centre with maps, guides and a cafe.
If you have time you could head half a mile east to Bedlington Country Park where there are more riverside trails to try through Humford Woods. View Full Details>>
Polesden Lacey4 miles (6 km)A walk around the beautiful grounds of this Edwardian house at Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey. There are over 1400 acres of parkland and gardens to explore with magnificent views of the North Downs hills throughout. View Full Details>>
Poole's Cavern and Buxton Country Park2 miles (4 km)A walk around Buxton Country Park and a visit to Poole's Cavern - a natural limestone cave used as a lair by an outlaw in the fifteenth century. The walk starts underground in limestone caverns with crystal stalactites illuminated with paved walkways and handrails. You then come outside to explore the beautiful country park and woodlands. The route also climbs to the Solomon's Temple viewpoint with superb views of the Peak District. The eye catching Victorian folly is located on the south eastern edge of the park.
The park is located a short walk from Buxton town centre. If you would like to continue your walk then the Dane Valley Way also runs through the park. You could also head to the nearby Pavilion Gardens.
You can also pick up other long distance trails near the park. The Midshires Way runs through the town and will take you to the lovely Wye Dale on the River Wye. The Pennine Bridleway also runs past Buxton. View Full Details>>
Pooley Country Park6 miles (9 km)This cycle or walk takes you around the lovely Pooley Country Park in Warwickshire. View Full Details>>
Poolsbrook Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)This 180 acre park consists of 85 acres of woodland, 42 acres of grassland and 23 acres of green water. There are several miles of well maintained paths suitable for cyclists or walkers. The park is located in Staveley, very near to Chesterfield and the village of Duckmanton. View Full Details>>
Poulter Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a walk around this pleasant country park in Nether Langwith. There are two waymarked trails taking you to the park's viewpoint and the nature reserve. At the viewpoint there's a sculpture entitled 'Top of the World' which reflects the area's stone age past. There's far reaching views here across the countryside to Lincoln cathedral.
The limestone paths are well surfaced and include a nice sculpture trail. It's great for flora and fauna with wildflower meadows attracting lots of butterflies in the summer months. Also look out for various dragonflies around the pretty ponds.
Adjacent to Poulter Country Park is Scarcliffe Park where you will find a series of lovely woodland walking trails. View Full Details>>
Pow Hill Country Park and Derwent Reservoir7 miles (11.5 km)This walk explores Pow Hill Country Park and the expansive Derwent Reservoir in County Durham. The park has some lovely waterside trails with splendid views across the reservoir. There's also a small woodland area with picnic tables.
The walk starts in Pow Hill at the car park. You can explore the park before following a footpath south east to the dam. Then cross the impressive dam and follow the tracks round to Cronkley before finishing at the Millshield picnic area.
The reservoir is one of the biggest inland waters in England, stretching for 3.5 miles (5.6 km) and covering an area of 4 km². Along the trail you can look out for a wide variety of pretty wildflowers. There's attractive heathland with pretty heather, foxgloves and dog violet. You can also see lots of wildlife on the water including Great crested grebes and crossbill. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the conifer plantation of Pow Hill. View Full Details>>
Prestwich Forest Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle in this pretty country park in Bury. The park covers an area of approximately 500 acres and includes some lovely woodland trails and a waterside path along the River Irwell.
Prestwich Forest is located on the Irwell Sculpture Trail and right next to Clifton Country Park so there is scope for continuing your outing if you have time. View Full Details>>
Priory Country Park3 miles (4.2 km)Explore 360 acres of lakes, meadows and woodland, in this park situated on the river Great Ouse in Bedford. The park includes the pretty Priory Marina and lake which are perfect for a peaceful waterside walk or cycle. National Cycle Network route 51 passes through the park so you can continue your cycle on the Bedford to Sandy cycle route. For walkers the John Bunyan Trail passes through Bedford if you wish to continue your walk. View Full Details>>
Pugneys Country Park2 miles (3 km)This 250 acre park contains two lakes with pleasant waterside footpaths. There is one large lake suitable for watersports and another smaller lake designated as a nature reserve. The River Calder also runs past the park so you could continue your walk along the riverside footpath to Horbury if you have time. Also of interest is the ruins of Sandal Castle which overlook the park and Pugneys light railway - the little electric train runs for 3/4 of a mile around the park and is well worth a trip!
Pugneys is located just south of Wakefield city centre. It has very good facilities with a watersports centre, cafe and parking.
To extend your walking in the area pick up the Wakefield Canal and follow it to Castleford. Also nearby are two other nice country parks. Newmillerdam Country Park is just to the south and Anglers Country Park is a few miles to the south east. View Full Details>>
Queen Elizabeth Country Park5 miles (8.5 km)Explore 2000 acres of open access woodland and downland in the South Downs on this circular walk or cycle in Hampshire. Queen Elizabeth Country Park is Hampshire's biggest country park with 20 miles of trails for walkers, cyclists & horse riders. Highlights in the park include Butser Hill - the highest point on the South Downs with views to the Isle of Wight. There is also a Visitors Centre where you can sign up for a guided walk.
The park is very popular with mountain bikers with several off road trails running through the park. See the video below for example of what you can expect. View Full Details>>
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy a short cycle or walk around the large lake in this pretty country park near Ashington. The lake is surrounded by woodland and grassland and there is also a miniature railway to ride. The park is situated on the site of the Woodhorn Colliery and the old colliery buildings have now been turned into a museum. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park is located near the Northumberland Coast between Newbiggin By the Sea and Ashington.
Druridge Bay Country Park is only a few miles north so you could continue your walk or ride along the coast to this beautiful park. View Full Details>>
Queenswood Country Park3 miles (4.8 km)This splendid park is the only designated country park in Herefordshire. At Queenswood you'll find an arboretum, with over 1,200 rare and exotic trees from all over the world. There are a number of waymarked trails as well as a sculpture trail, early autumn tree trail and late autumn tree trail. Trail highlights include the Lime Avenue, the Autumn and Summer Gardens and Cottrell's Folly. View Full Details>>
Rabbit Ings Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy several miles of well designed walking and cycling paths in this lovely country park in Royston, Yorkshire. The 160 acre site includes several waymarked trails and a mountain bike trail. Habitats include wetland, woodland, grassland and ponds. Look out for roe deer, water voles and woodpeckers as you make your way through the park.
The park is located a few miles north of Barnsley on the Trans Pennine Trail. The Barnsley Canal also runs past the site so you could pick this up to extend your exercise. View Full Details>>
Ranscombe Farm Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)Explore 560 acres of meadows and woodland in this large nature reserve on the slopes of the North Downs in Kent. The park is perfect for peaceful walks with a number of rare species of plant including meadow clary, rough mallow and six species of orchid to be seen. View Full Details>>
Reculver Country Park4 miles (6 km)This country park is located on the Kent coast at Reculver. The cliff top views over Herne Bay are fantastic with a wide variety of wildlife and plantlife to see. The Reculver Towers are also located in the park. They are an important local landmark and are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The park also includes the Bishopstones Nature Reserve where you can look out for wildlife including Sand martins, skylarks, meadow pipits and corn buntings.
The route below is designed for walkers as it takes you along footpaths around the park but there is a cycle route running right through the park. View Full Details>>
Redburn Country Park2 miles (3 km)This country park in Belfast has miles of nice footpaths to try. In the park you'll find woodland trails and moderate hill climbs with splendid views towards the city and the Antrim Hills.
The park is something of a hidden gem of the city, located just to the north east of the city centre, near Belfast Lough RSPB. In the park you will find lovely leafy glens with narrow flowing streams, fern gullies, hedges, and high deciduous woodland. From the wonderful viewpoint you can see over Belfast Lough, Belfast Harbour, George Best City Airport, Cave Hill Country Park and Belfast Castle.
The park is also great for flora and fauna. Look out for wildlife including red squirrels, tits, finches, willow warblers and blackcaps. In springtime you can see carpets of bluebells, wood sorrel and anemones.
The Ulster Way long distance footpath passes through the park so you can easily pick this up to extend your walk. Head south and you will soon join with the Comber Greenway. The excellent cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway line between Belfast and Comber. You can pick it up in Dundonald, just a mile or so to the south of the park.
Other nice walks around Belfast include Cave Hill Country Park on the opposite side of Belfast Harbour, and the splendid Lagan Valley Regional Park on the River Lagan. View Full Details>>
Reddish Vale Country Park2 miles (3 km)This 400 acre park lies just a couple of miles north of Stockport in the Tame Valley. The park contains a Visitor Centre, Community Orchard and Garden, Butterfly Conservation Field and a Dipping Pond. There are also peaceful woodland walks, a waterside path along the River Tame and two reservoirs which attract plenty of wildlife. For children there's a farm where you can pet and feed a variety of animals.
Both the Trans Pennine Trail and the Midshires Way run through the park. View Full Details>>
Richmond Park7 miles (11 km)Enjoy miles of super cycling and walking trails in this large deer park in London. Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks at 955 hectares or 2,360 acres. For cyclists National Cycle Network Route 4 and the circular Tamsin Trail run through the park on roads and well surfaced off road tracks.
The Tamsin Trail - The route below shows this cycling and walking trail which runs around the perimeter of the park on lovely resurfaced paths. It's a very popular route as it provides a great, largely traffic free ride in London. On it you'll pass woodland and ponds with a section along the pretty Beverley Brook. Cycles are available for hire near Roehampton Gate and, at peak times, near Pembroke Lodge in the north west corner of the park.
If you're on foot you could head to the beautiful Isabella Plantation. Here you'll find a 40 acre woodland garden with evergreen azaleas, ponds, Rhododendrons and Camellias. There's also the delightful Pen Ponds. The ponds are divided by a causeway which you can walk along and look out for a variety of birdlife.
If you'd like to continue your walk you could pick up the Capital Ring which runs through the park. One good option is to follow the trail to the nearby Wimbledon Common. Or you could head to Ham House at the western side of the park. View Full Details>>
Rimrose Valley Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This pretty park in Crosby sits by the side of the Leeds Liverpool Canal and includes the delightful Brook Vale Local Nature Reserve. View Full Details>>
Rising Sun Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Explore 400 acres of parkland on this lovely cycle or walk in Newcastle. There is an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways suitable for walkers and cyclists. The park is made up of various habitats including grassland, woodland, ponds, wetlands and a lake designated as a Local Nature Reserve. There is also a bird hide overlooking the Swallow Pond and an excellent Visitors' Centre with a Restaurant and Exhibition Room. View Full Details>>
Rivacre Valley Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy woodland walking trails and beautiful meadows in this country park and nature reserve in Ellesmere Port. In the spring there are carpets of bluebells and bright yellow celandines to enjoy. You can also stroll along the Rivacre Brook and look out for a variety of wildlife and wooden sculptures.
There is parking on site and Overpool rail station is not far too.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could pick up the Wirral Way and head to the nearby Wirral Country Park. View Full Details>>
River Dart Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)The River Dart Country Park is set in 90 acres, with lakes, parkland, woodland trails and a lovely waterside path along the River Dart. Other attractions in the park include the impressive Holne Park House with delightful grounds and the River Dart Adventures play area where children can clamber over space nets and swing through trees on jungle ropes! There is also an excellent cafe and restaurant for refreshments. See the link below for further information on the park and prices for entry. This free route takes you along the public footpath to the north of the park, starting at Holne Bridge.
The park is located in the Dartmoor National Park, just north of Buckfastleigh and the adjacent Hembury Woods. Here you can enjoy some nice shady woodland trails and a climb to Hembury Castle Iron Age Hillfort.
Just to the south is Buckfast Abbey where there's a series of well laid paths through the lovely gardens surrounding the abbey.
The Dartmoor Way long distance trail also passes just to the west of the abbey. You can pick up the waymarked path in Buckfastleigh to explore the Dartmoor National Park. Following it west will take you to the pretty Venford Reservoir which has a nice trail around the water. View Full Details>>
Riverside Country Park3 miles (5 km)Explore the Medway Estuary in 250 acres of country park in Gillingham, Kent. View Full Details>>
Rivington Country Park12 miles (20 km)This lovely country park is on the edge of the West Penine Moors and makes for a fine afternoon's cycling with its reservoirs, woods and splendid scenery.
The ride is circular starting and finishing at Adlington train station and takes you through the nicest sections of the park.
To extend your exercise you can climb to the nearby Healey Nab for great views over the reservoir. On the Nab there are lots of footpaths and two colour coded mountain bike trails to try in the woodland area. View Full Details>>
Roadford Lake9 miles (15 km)This beautiful 730 acre lake and country park in Dartmoor is perfect for a waterside cycle or walk. The route starts at the car park by the lakeside cafe and then takes you around the lake on quiet country lanes.
There are also two way-marked cycle trails starting near the cafe/visitor centre. The green trail is an easy ride through the woodland and as ideal for families. The blue trail is more adventurous and will suit anyone looking for a fun off road trail.
For walkers there are 5 way-marked trails taking you to the cob shelter, bird hide and Jubilee Sundial. Look out for a wide variety of wildlife in the woodland and on the lake. View Full Details>>
Robinswood Hill Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Robinswood Hill country park is located in Gloucester, just to the south of the city centre. The walk explores the 250 acres of park which includes a Local Nature Reserve, an orchard, Robin's Wood Hill Quarry (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a dry ski slope. From the 650 ft (198 m) top of Robinswood Hill there are spectacular views of the surrounding area including the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills, May Hill, the city of Gloucester and on a clear day the Severn Bridges. View Full Details>>
Roe Valley Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a waterside walk along the River Roe in this country park near Limavady. You can start your walk from the visitor centre next to the ornamental lake. The footpaths then follow the River Roe which meanders pleasantly through the park. Along the way there are pretty waterfalls, spectacular gorges and attractive woodland. In the warmer months the park is covered with pretty wildlflowers.
You can learn about the area's interesting industrial heritage in the museum and visit the remains of industrial buildings and the restored water wheel.
National Cycle Network Route 93 runs past the park so you could pick it up from Limavady and head south to visit by bike. View Full Details>>
Rother Valley Country Park3 miles (5 km)Rother Valley Country Park is located near Sheffield and is an excellent place for a peaceful waterside walk or cycle. Here you will find 5 pretty lakes, views of the River Rother and a nature reserve which boasts the recording of over 260 different varieties of birds over the past two decades.
Three excellent Rother Valley bike trails of varying difficulty have been created while there is also on site cycle hire available. Click here for details.
For walkers there is an extensive network of Nature trails for all abilities. These include an interesting sculpture trail and an easy lakeside route. Please click here for more information. View Full Details>>
Royal Victoria Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore 200 acres of woodland, grassy parkland and coastline in this delightful coastal park located at Netley, near Southampton. The park features a number of delightful walking paths while National Cycle Network route 2 also passes through the park. You can take a ride on the miniature narrow-gauge railway which runs for around 1 mile through the park while there is also has a 150-ft viewing tower, giving views over the park, and across Southampton Water to Hythe and Southampton. View Full Details>>
Royden Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Royden Park and Thurstaston Common on this lovely walk in the Wirral. There are many trails taking you past deciduous and conifer woodlands, meadows, heathland and the two meres where you will find an abundance of birdlife. There is also an excellent miniature railway which is very popular in the holidays.
You can also climb Thurstaston Hill where there are fabulous views of the River Dee estuary. The hill is also the location of Thor's Stone, a large sandstone outcrop. It is thought that early Viking settlers held religious ceremonies on the site.
Less than a mile west of the park you will find the lovely Caldy Hill. This large area of heathland and woodland is a great place to extend your walking.
Also nearby is the splendid Wirral Country Park and the long distance Wirral Way. View Full Details>>
Rufford Abbey Country Park3 miles (5 km)Visit Rufford Country Park near Mansfield and explore 150 acres of historic parkland. In the park you will find a medieval monastery, a craft centre, formal gardens, woodland walks, a sculpture trail and a lake.
Rufford park once formed part of a 12th century Cistercian abbey and its estate.  It is now a country house estate surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland open to the public. View Full Details>>
Rushcliffe Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore over 200 acres of cycling and walking trails in this popular country park in Ruddington near Nottingham. In the park you will find wildflower meadows, grassland, conservation and landscaped areas. There is also a 2 hectare lake where you can see mute swans, great crested grebes and various duck species. Also look out for skylarks, finches, cuckoos, kestrels, sparrow hawks, reed buntings, reed warblers and sedge warblers. View Full Details>>
Rushmere Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Explore 400 acres of lakes, ancient woodland conifer plantations, meadows and heath in this country park in Leighton Buzzard. View Full Details>>
Rutland Water15 miles (24 km)This splendid Nature Reserve has a fabulous cycling and walking path around the perimeter of the huge artificial lake. The route starts at Oakham and soon joins the waterside path towards Whitwell and the nearby Butterfly centre. You continue to Edith Weston, Manton and Egleton where you will find the birdwatching centre at Egleton Bay. Rutland water is excellent for birdwatching with a wide variety of winged visitors including Osprey, Cormorant and Lapwing. Cycle hire is available at Whitwell. View Full Details>>
Ryton Pools Country Park5 miles (8.7 km)Enjoy a cycle or walk around this lovely park in Ryton, Warwickshire. The park covers 100 acres and includes a number of cycling and walking trails, a large area of peaceful woodland and the four tranquil pools after which the park is named. Ryton Pools also includes a visitor centre, bird hides and a miniature railway.
The route below takes you through the park and then to some of the nearby woods. The park can be found just a few miles north east of Leamington Spa. If you would like to continue your walk the Coventry Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way both pass near to the park.
The delightful Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve is just to the north of the village of Ryton-on-Dunsmore. View Full Details>>
Saltburn Valley Gardens1 miles (2 km)This attractive park overlooks the lovely coastline at Saltburn in Yorkshire. It contains beautiful formal gardens and woodland with fine views of the ocean. View Full Details>>
Saltwell Park2 miles (3 km)This beautiful park in Gateshead was voted Britain's Best Park in 2005. Highlights in the park include ornamental and woodland gardens, a boating lake, bowling greens, play areas, and a maze. There is also the splendid Saltwell Towers - an eyecatching Gothic Mansion which now serves as the Saltwell Park Visitors Centre. Also look out for the Dene - a delightful woodland valley with a stream, pools, cascades and a lily pond. There are 55 acres to explore making Saltwell an ideal place for a short walk in beautiful surroundings. View Full Details>>
Samphire Hoe Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)This coastal country park is located near Dover on the Kent coast. The park was created by using chalk marl from the Channel Tunnel excavations. There are fabulous views of the stunning Shakespeare Cliff and the Strait of Dover. The park is a Nature Reserve with a huge variety of wildlife and a number of nationally rare plant species including the Early Spider Orchid.
The North Downs Way long distance trail runs right past the park. you can pick this up and head west to visit East Cliff and Warren Country Park. Here you'll find more great views and three old Martello Towers. Our Folkestone Walk starts at Lower Leas Coastal Park and takes you to all three of Folkestone's coastal park.
You could also continue to Folkestone on our Dover to Folkestone Walk which takes you between these two Kent ports. View Full Details>>
Sandringham Country Park6 miles (10 km)This huge country park surrounds the Queen's splendid country retreat in Norfolk. There are two waymarked Nature Trails, one 1.5 miles long (2.4km) and the other 2.5 miles long (4km). There are also numerous woodland walking paths to explore while National Cycle Network route 1 runs right through the park, so you can bring your bike. View Full Details>>
Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve4 miles (6 km)Explore the sandy estuary of the River Duddon with the backdrop of Lake District mountains in this National Trust run nature reserve in Cumbria.
There's some fascinating wildlife to be seen with the rare Natterjack Toad, Great Crested Newts, wintering wildfowl, Pintail, Red Knot, Curlews and Common Redshank. You can explore the sandy beach with views of the Duddon Estuary and the expansive beautiful dune habitat with Coralroot orchids. View Full Details>>
Sandwell Valley Country Park4 miles (7 km)This super country park in West Bromwich is perfect for a short cycle or walk. In the park you will find a fully restored working Victorian farm with grazing meadows, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed buildings, a small museum and tea rooms. The park is also a RSPB nature reserve with several small lakes and bird hides.
For cyclists there is an excellent mountain bike trail and National Cycle Network route number 5 runs through the park. There are also several lovely walking trails taking you along the lakes and the River Thame to the nature centre. With 660 acres to explore there is plenty to keep you busy for the day but if you'd like to continue your walk the Beacon Way walking route runs through the park. View Full Details>>
Sankey Valley Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a super, waterside cycle or walk in this country park in Warrington. The valley follows the course of Sankey Brook and the now disused Sankey Canal. The park also contains children's play areas, a maze and a lawned area for families. There is also a meadow, mature woodland and a wetland nature reserve with a variety of birdlife. View Full Details>>
Scrabo Tower1 miles (1 km)Scrabo Hill and country park is located near Newtownards in County Down, Northern Ireland. You can follow footpaths to the top of the hill where you will find the well known landmark Scrabo Tower. The 19th century tower is 125 feet (38 m) high and visible for miles around. The views from the summit of Scrabo Hill extend to Strangford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and the Scottish coast. You can pick up the footpath from the car park. It's a short climb of less than half a mile but quite steep.
After descending the hill you can continue to explore Scrabo Country Park. There are nice woodland trails through Killynether Woods with lots of bluebells in the springtime.
To extend your walking in the area you pick up the Comber Greenway from nearby Comber. This cycling and walking trail runs along National Cycle Network route 99 and a disused railway line from Belfast to Comber. View Full Details>>
Seaton Valley Countryside Park2 miles (3 km)A short circular ride or walk around the delightful Seaton Valley Countryside Park on the Cornish Coast at Seaton, near Looe. View Full Details>>
Sence Valley Forest Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a series of lovely cycling and walking trails in this good sized country park near Ibstock. There are a number of well surfaced paths taking you past meadows, woodland and three lakes. It's great for families looking for a safe, easy cycle ride or walkers looking for a pleasant afternoon stroll. It's also good for birdwatching with various wildfowl around the lakes. Look out for Heron, swans, coots and mallard. The attractive woodland consists of Corsican pine, larch and poplar and also attracts many different species of bird.
The park has good facilities with car parking, toilets and picnic areas.
Sence Valley Forest Park is located near Coalville. If you are coming by bike you could follow National Route 52 from the town to the park.
If you would like to continue your exercise then you could head to the nearby Thornton Reservoir where there are more waterside walking and cycling paths. View Full Details>>
Seven Sisters Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Explore nearly 700 acres of parkland and coast on this delightful circular walk through the South Downs. The Country Park is named after the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast. On the route you will enjoy fabulous views of the Cuckmere river before heading towards the beautiful coastline.
The walk starts from the country park visitor centre next to Exceat Bridge at a postcode of BN25 4AB for your sat navs. From here you can pick up the South Downs Way National Trail and follow the waymarked path south along the Cuckmere River to the Seven Sisters cliffs. The path then heads east along the wonderful coast path to a significant landmark at Birling Gap. This special area is run by the National Trust and includes the famous Belle Tout lighthouse. There's also fabulous views along to the nearby Beachy Head and 500 acres of open chalk grassland with a wide variety of butterflies and wildflowers to look out for.
The route then leaves the coast and heads north towards Friston Forest where you can enjoy some nice woodland trails and look out for rare butterflies and deer. These trails will lead you west back to the visitor centre where the route finishes.
There are a number of other footpaths and trails in the Park - further information and trail maps can be found in the Visitor Centre. Cycling is permitted on the valley floor and there is a concrete track which offers access to the beach. Mountain biking is also popular in Friston Forest so much of this area is great for cyclists as well as walkers. View Full Details>>
Severn Valley Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)This 126-acre riverside park consists of woodland, meadows and riverside banks with views of the River Severn. The park has several lovely waymarked trails while National Cycle Route 45 also runs through the park. Features in the park include a lake with a bird hide, a woodland walk along a boardwalk and a delightful riverside path. There is also an informative visitor centre and picnic areas. View Full Details>>
Sheffield Park1 miles (2 km)Explore the beautiful Sheffield Park and Gardens on this circular walk near Haywards Heath in Sussex. The gardens were laid out in the 18th century by 'Capability' Brown with four delightful lakes as the centrepiece. There are also a number of peaceful woodland paths and South Park - 265 acres of wide open spaces.
The Sussex Ouse Valley Way long distance trail passes the park so you could pick this up to extend your walk. The lovely waterside walk follows the River Ouse from its source near Lower Beeding to the coast at Seaford Bay. View Full Details>>
Sheldon Country Park5 miles (7.6 km)A short walk or cycle through the pretty Sheldon Country Park in Birmingham. The park covers just over 300 acres and includes open grassland, wetlands and mature woodland. There is also a restored Rectory Farm with Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese. View Full Details>>
Sheringham Park5 miles (8 km)Enjoy a long cycle or walk through this large National Trust owned park and estate in Norfolk. The parkland surrounds the 19th century Sheringham Hall and includes miles of peaceful woodland trails, beautiful landscaped gardens full of rhododendrons and azaleas and fabulous views of the Norfolk coast. There is also an abundance of wildlife with 3 species of deer and a wide variety of birds and butterflies.
There are 4 lovely way-marked trails in the park. They are colour coded with orange, blue, red and white waymarkers. Cycling is permitted in the park but please do not cycle on the orange trail and keep to reasonable speeds. View Full Details>>
Sherwood Forest Country Park6 miles (10 km)Explore 450 acres of peaceful woodland in this famous park and Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire. In Sherwood Forest you'll pass the 800 year old Major Oak which is rumoured to be the base of Robin Hood. There are also excellent facilites with a Visitor Centre and cafe. This circular trail runs for about 6 miles using the waymarked paths around the visitor centre which is located just north of Edwinstowe. There's a good sized car park located here too.
There are numerous cycling and walking tracks running through the park with National Cycle Route 6 passing through the centre of the park (see the Nottingham to Worksop Cycle Route). The Robin Hood Way Walk also passes right through the park.
Our Mansfield Cycle Route passes through the park and will take you to the nearby Clumber Park where there's miles of nice trails and a beautiful lake. View Full Details>>
Shibden Park1 miles (2 km)This delightful country park in Halifax is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon stroll. The park includes a Wilderness Garden, cascades and pools, woodland and a fruit garden with a collection of heritage fruit trees. The centrepiece of the park is the Mere, where you can hire a rowing boat or just stroll along the shore. You can also visit Shibden Hall - a Grade II listed timber framed hall with a history dating back back to 1420. Park facilities include a popular cafe and visitor centre. View Full Details>>
Shinewater Lake Park2 miles (3 km)Shinewater Park is located near Eastbourne. It has two large lakes and well surfaced cycling and walking paths. There's plenty of wildlife to see with moorhen, coot, reed bunting and great crested grebe near the lakes. View Full Details>>
Shipley Country Park6 miles (9 km)This large country park near Ilkeston boasts 700 acres of attractive and varied landscape. In the park you'll find a number of lovely walking trails while the Nutbrook Trail cycle route also runs through the park.
The trails visit Porter Wood, Mapperley Wood, Shipley Lake, the Shipley Hill viewpoint and Mapperley Reservoir. There's excellent facilities with a visitor centre, play areas, and a wildlife garden. The park is not far from both Derby and Nottingham. View Full Details>>
Shorne Woods Country Park2 miles (4 km)This park near Gravesend has 288 acres of rolling woodlands, wetlands and meadows that can be explored via a variety of waymarked trails, suitable for cyclists and walkers. The park has excellent on site facilities including a visitor centre, cafe, a sensory garden, fishing lakes, a trim trail and picnic and play areas.
If you'd like to extend your outing then you could head to the nearby Jeskyns Park which has woodlands, ponds, orchards and wildflower meadows to explore. Our Circular Walk around Cobham visits Shorne Woods and also takes you to Cobham Woods which is run by the National Trust. You can also find more walking trails at the nearby Camer Park which is near Meopham. View Full Details>>
Shotover Country Park3 miles (5 km)Shotover country park is a 289 acre site located on the outskirts of Oxford. It encompasses ancient woodland, flowery meadows, marshes, ponds, bracken-covered slopes and Shotover Hill where you will find splendid views across South Oxfordshire. The Oxford Green Belt Way runs through the park providing an opportunity to explore the area further. View Full Details>>
Siblyback Lake4 miles (6 km)Enjoy a walk or cycle on the new waterside path around this beautiful lake and country park in Cornwall. The track runs around the perimeter of the lake and is great for families or anyone looking for a nice easy ride. There are also lovely views of Bodmin Moor and the surrounding Cornish countryside. A cafe overlooking the lake is perfect for rest and refreshment after your exercise. The circular trail runs for a distance of about 3 miles so should take around an hour to complete on foot.
Siblyback Lake is located just a few miles north of Liskeard.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could visit the splendid Golitha Falls where you will find spectacular waterfalls in a woodland gorge. View Full Details>>
Silverdale Country Park2 miles (3 km)This pretty country park is located in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. It has safe, family cycle paths and well maintained walking trails taking you around the open grassland landscape. There is a large pond which attracts great crested newts, a plateau with lovely views of the surrounding countryside, farm meadows, wilidlife conservation areas and woodland areas.
The Newcastle Way walk runs past the park so you could continue your walk along this long distance path. The adjacent Apedale Country Park is also a good option if you would like to continue your outing. View Full Details>>
Silverhill Wood2 miles (3.2 km)Climb to the highest point of Nottinghamshire on this pleasant walk around Silverhill Wood Country Park. The park was built on two former colliery sites and includes a series of good footpaths taking you to woodland, ponds and an excellent viewpoint with fine views over the surrounding area.
The walk starts from the car park which is on Silverhill Lane at the southern end of the site. From here you can pick up the woodland trails taking you up to the 204.3 m (670 ft) summit where there's lovely views over 5 counties. You can also see Lincoln Cathedral and the parkland of the nearby Hardwick Hall. The summit includes a bronze statue named 'Testing for Gas' which depicts a kneeling coal miner with a Davy lamp. The statue commemorates coal mining at the 85 Nottinghamshire collieries.
After taking in the views the route descends to the two pretty ponds on the eastern side of the site. From here it's a short walk back to the car park.
The park is great for wildlife. Look out for deer, butterflies, buzzard, kestrel and green woodpecker as you make your way around the site.
This route is designed for walkers but there are tracks suitable for cyclists as well. See the maps below for details of the tracks you can follow around the park. View Full Details>>
Smithills Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy 2000 acres of cycling and walking trails in this large country park in Bolton. The parkland surrounds the Grade 1-listed Smithills Hall with a history dating back to the 14th century. Smithills includes lakes, woodland, farmland and moorland with superb views of the West Pennine Moors. View Full Details>>
Snelsmore Common Country Park4 miles (6.5 km)This circular walk takes you around the peaceful Snelsmore Common Country Park in Newbury and on into the surrounding countryside along public footpaths. View Full Details>>
Snipe Dales Country Park1 miles (2 km)Explore 220 acres of country park and nature reserve in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds. View Full Details>>
South Norwood Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)A cycle or walk through this pleasant country park in Croydon. National Cycle Route 21 runs around the park on nice traffic free paths. The park includes wildlfower meadows and a pretty lake with lots of wildlife to look out for. There's good facilites too with a visitor centre and car park.
To extend your exercise head north to Cator Park in New Beckenham. Here you can pick up the Waterlink Way which takes you to the River Thames on a series of traffic free paths. View Full Details>>
Southampton Common3 miles (5 km)Explore 326 acres of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands and nature trails on this lovely cycling and walking route in Southampton. The park also has a Wildlife Centre with interactive resources and educational facilities. Southampton Common can be found just north of the city centre near the main university campus. View Full Details>>
Southwater Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy peaceful lakeside walking at this pretty country park in Horsham. As well as the delightful lakes the park also includes a beautiful wildlife area which supports wildlife such as lizards, Kingfishers, Nightingales and various butterflies and dragonflies. There are also excellent facilities with a Visitor Centre, Cafe, an adventure-style play area, an orienteering course and tuition in canoeing and sailing. View Full Details>>
Southwick Country Park2 miles (4 km)Southwick Country Park is a popular place for walkers with a series of well laid out walking paths linking a series of fields. It is located on the edge of Trowbridge in Wiltshire. This walk takes you through the 100 acre site and into the surrounding countryside where you can see woodpeckers, buzzards and water voles. There is also a nature centre where you can feed the animals. See the video below for more details of this.
To continue your walking in the area you could try our Trowbridge Park and River Walk which visits the lovely sensory garden in the park. Biss Meadows Country Park is also nearby and has some good riverside trails to try.
The park is also located close to the town of Bradford on Avon where you can extend your walking along the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Avon. View Full Details>>
Spiceball Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy an easy stroll along the Oxford Canal and the River Cherwell in this country park in Banbury. In the park you will find wildlife, wild flower meadows, community woodland and several areas of native trees and shrubs.
The park is conviniently located in the centre of the town, near to the rail station and bus station. It's easy to extend your walk by continuing along the canal towpath. You could also try our Banbury Circular Walk to explore the countryside surrounding the town. It makes use of the Jurassic Way, Macmillan Way and Oxford Canal Walk long distance footpaths to take you on a tour of the pretty villages surrounding the town. View Full Details>>
Stadt Moers Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 220 acres of meadows, woodland and ponds in this splendid country park in Knowsley. There are a series of excellent walking tracks taking you through grassland, marsh areas and young woodland. There is also a cycleway so you could bring your bike too. View Full Details>>
Stalybridge Country Park4 miles (7 km)This country park contains several large reservoirs and some beautiful open moorland. It is ideal for walking and cycling with the super Pennine Bridleway and the Tame Valley Way both passing through the park. You can stay in the lower part of the Brushes Valley and around Carrbrook for flatter, well surfaced paths or climb to Wild Bank where there are fabulous views of the Pennine Moors. The waterside stretch along Walkerwood Reservoir, Brushes Reservoir and the Swineshaw Reservoirs is particularly lovely. The park is located a couple of miles east of the centre of Stalybridge. View Full Details>>
Stanborough Park2 miles (2.5 km)Explore 126 acres of countryside park on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City at Stanborough Park in Hertfordshire. Attractions include a Watersports Centre, Nature trail, Lakes, a Restaurant and a Coffee Shop. There's also nice waterside paths along the River Lea and the pretty lakes to try.
You can extend your walking in the area by continuing along the Lea Valley Walk. If you follow it west you could visit the nearby Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve where there are good wildlife spotting opportunites. Just to the north there's Sherrardspark Wood where there's lots of good woodland walking trails to try. View Full Details>>
Stanmer Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)Enjoy beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands in this country park in Brighton. There's a number of footpaths to follow around the park which includes the village of Stanmer, Stanmer House and Stanmer Church. These would once have formed the estate of Stanmer House which is a Grade I listed 18th century Palladian building. You can sometimes pick up guided walks around the extensive woods where you can look out for bats and other wildlife.
Located on the beautiful South Downs it's easy to extend your walk after you have explored the park. You could pick up the South Downs Way and enjoy a climb to the nearby Ditchling Beacon for great views over the area. View Full Details>>
Stanmore Country Park Shropshire2 miles (2.5 km)This 100 acre country park near Bridgnorth is ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll. The park is the site of a World War II training base and is criss crossed with well maintained tarmac paths taking you through the 80 acre woodland.
The park is located just to the east of Bridgnorth town centre. You could continue your walk along the Severn Way which runs through the town. View Full Details>>
Stanney Woods1 miles (2 km)Enjoy a series of woodland trails in this country park and nature reserve in Ellesmere Port. In the park you'll find ancient woodland of oak and silver birch and a wide variety of birdlife. View Full Details>>
Stanton Country Park4 miles (6.5 km)Explore this 74-hectare country park and Local Nature Reserve located near Swindon. Here you will find a lake, woodland, grassland, a ranger centre and an abundance of wildlife. The route takes you around the lake, past Stanton Park Farm and into the surrounding countryside before returning to the start point at Stanton Fitzwarren village. View Full Details>>
Stanwick Lakes3 miles (5.5 km)Explore 750 acres of parkland and nature reserve in the heart of Northamptonshire's beautiful Nene Valley. The park has a lovely cycle and walking track passing between the many lakes. In addition to the circular cycle routes around the lakes there is a four mile linear route running from Irthlingborough towards Thrapston, along a former railway line. Cycle hire is available within the park and there is an excellent visitor centre with interactive displays.
The Nene Way walking route passes through the park so you could continue your walk along the River Nene to the nearby town of Wellingborough and the lovely Irchester Country Park. Just to the west you'll find the adjacent Rushden Lakes. View Full Details>>
Staunton Country Park4 miles (7 km)Enjoy 1000 acres of landscaped parkland and forest at Staunton Country Park near Havant. Here you'll find a farm, two pretty lakes, a maze, a walled garden and glasshouses containing exotic tropical flowers and plants from around the world. There is also a visitor center, with animals and attractions and a number of interesting buildings including follies and a gothic library.
There are a number of trails ideal for walking and cycling while cycle hire is available at the Victorian Coach House. The route below starts and ends at the car park but Rowland's castle train station is another good access point situated less than a mile from the park. View Full Details>>
Stewartby Lake Country Park4 miles (6.5 km)Also known as Millennium Country Park, this lovely area covers over 500 acres and includes woodland, grassland, meadow, lakes and wetland habitats.
There are well surfaced paths for cyclists and walkers taking you along Stewartby lake and Pillinge Lake before passing the village of Marston Moretaine. If you are on foot you can also follow the Wetlands Trail throught the nature reserve within the park. Here you will find a number of bird hides from which you can observe a variety of winged visitors.
There is also an excellent visitor centre with a Lakeside Cafe bar, gift shop and bike hire.
If you want to continue your walk you could follow the Marston Vale Timberland Trail which visits some of the most interesting and attractive parts of Marston Vale and runs right through the park.
Stewartby Lake is located right next to Millbrook and Stewartby rail stations and about 5 miles south of Bedford. View Full Details>>
Stithians Lake5 miles (7.5 km)Enjoy waterside cycling and walking in this country park near Redruth in Cornwall. The route starts at the car park on the eastern side of the reservoir and runs right alongside the lake for most of the way. There is a short section along country lanes to Penmarth at around the half way point. For walkers the path runs around the whole of the lake but the cycle path runs for a shorter distance to the dam at the north end of the lake.
The park is great for bird watching with a number of hides to use. There's also a splendid cafe and a watersports centre.
To extend your walking in the area you can visit the lovely Kennall Vale Nature Reserve. Here you'll find nice woodland walking trails along the River Kennal and the ruins of Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works. View Full Details>>
Stover Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore over 114 acres of woodland, heathland, grassland and lakes on this circular walk through the peaceful Stover Country Park, near Newton Abbot in Devon. The walk takes you around the delightful Stover Lake before following the canal outlet through the woodland. The park also includes the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail which takes in specially designed Poetry Posts each displaying a poem by Ted Hughes on a theme relating to wildlife of the natural world.
The route below is designed for walkers but there is also a designated cycle route through the northern part of the Park.
The Templer Way runs through the park so you could pick this up to continue your walk. Heading north would take you to Bovey Tracey while heading south would take you along the Stover Canal to Newton Abbot. Our Newton Abbot Walk starts from the town and takes you to the park on this route. View Full Details>>
Stowe Park3 miles (5 km)Explore 250 acres of stunning parks and gardens at this major Buckingham attraction. The gardens include beautiful lakes, several historic temples and monuments and many resident deer. Highlights on the route include the Grecian Valley, the Gothic Temple, the Temple of Friendship and the Palladian bridge.
The park is also open to cyclists though the route mapped out below is specifically for walkers. The cycle route is fairly flat and great for families.
If you'd like to continue your walk you could pick up the Ouse Valley Way long distance walk which runs past the park. View Full Details>>
Studley Park and Fountains Abbey4 miles (7 km)This marvellous attraction boasts 800 acres of beautiful parkland set in the Yorkshire countryside. Explore the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden of Studley Royal, before heading to the fascinating 12th-century Fountains Abbey. Look out for beautiful statues, follies and the many resident deer in the deer park. The ancient corn mill, the 17th century Fountains Hall and the Victorian Gothic church are also well worth a look.
The park is located just to the west of the North Yorkshire city of Ripon on the edge of the Nidderdale AONB. The Ripon Rowel long distance footpath passes the park so you can pick this up to extend your walking in the area. Heading south will take you through the countryside to Ingerthorpe and Markington.
Just to the east you can pick up the towpath of the Ripon Canal and enjoy an easy walk to Newby Hall. The 18th century house is well worth a visit, with its splendid gardens and views over the River Ure. View Full Details>>
Styal Country Park5 miles (8.5 km)Explore the extensive, National Trust owned Styal Estate on this walk in Wilmslow, Cheshire. You can stroll along the River Bollin, through the peaceful woodland to the pretty Styal village. The cottages and barns of the village were built in the 1820s for the workers at Quarry Bank Mill. The cotton mill was built in 1784, and powered by Europe's most powerful working waterwheel on the banks of the River Bollin. Experts at the mill will provide you with an excellent history of the cotton industry and workings and machinery of the mill.
You can also enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Quarry Bank gardens with caves, cliffs, trees, rhododendrons, a glasshouse and views across the river to the mill. View Full Details>>
Sudbury Hall1 miles (1 km)This wonderful 17th century mansion in Derbyshire boasts a superb Great Staircase, fine Long Gallery, exquisite plasterwork, wood carvings, classical story-based murals and portraits by John Michael Wright, and of Charles II's mistresses. View Full Details>>
Sundon Hills Country Park5 miles (8 km)Climb to a height of over 500 feet and enjoy wonderful views over the Bedfordshire countryside on this circular walk near Luton. You can park at the car park on Harlington Road and then pick up the Icknield Way Path to take you across the park. The waymarked paths take you to woodland, chalk downland and grassland. It's great in the summer with lots of wildflowers and butterflies to look out for on the hills. Keep your eyes peeled for a range of flora and fauna including creeping buttercup, cowslip, orchids, great spotted woodpecker, foxes and badgers.
To extend your walk you can follow the John Bunyan Trail and the Icknield Way Path to Streatley. The path passes Sharpenhoe Clappers, Smithcombe Valley and Smithcombe Hill before coming to the village. Sharpenhoe has an Iron Age Hillfort and nice views over the area.
If you continue east along the paths then you will come to the lovely Barton Hills National Nature Reserve and Hexton where you can enjoy more climbs through the Barton and Pegsdon Hills. Heading west will take you through the countryside to Toddington where there's a fine 700 year old pub to visit. You can also follow the John Bunyan Trail south to Luton. View Full Details>>
Sutton Park4 miles (7 km)This splendid park in Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham is the largest urban park in Europe and the largest outside a capital city. It covers 2,000 acres and includes numerous cycling and walking trails. A National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Sutton Park is a mixture of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and lakes. For walkers there are currently 5 self-guided routes around the site. Cyclists please note that National Cycle Route 534 travels through the park and is part of an extensive new route between Sutton Coldfield and Castle Vale.
There is an excellent visitor centre with gift shop, interpretive displays and maps. Sutton Park is located about six miles north of Birmingham City Centre.
If you would like to extend your outing then you could visit the nearby New Hall Valley Country Park and Pype Hayes Park where you will find more good cycling and walking trails. View Full Details>>
Sywell Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)Follow the waterside path around the delightful Sywell Reservoir on this easy walk in Northamptonshire. The reservoir gets a variety of winged visitors and there are two bird hides to use. View Full Details>>
Talkin Tarn Country Park1 miles (2 km)Explore this 165 acre country park in Brampton, and enjoy the large glacial tarn, mature woodland and gentle meadows with the stunning Pennine Hills as a backdrop. The park includes a well maintained path around the tarn and three other way-marked trails taking you through the surrounding woodland and fields. Facilities include a tearoom, gift shop and row boats available for hire on the tarn.
Just a mile to the west you will find Gelt Woods. This is a great place to extend your walk with nice footpaths along the River Gelt and lots of wildlife to look out for in the RSPB reserve. View Full Details>>
Tandle Hill Country Park2 miles (3 km)Explore 110 acres of beech woodland and open grassland in this country park in Royton. At the highest point in the park there is a war memorial commemorating the men of Royton who died during the First World War. There are also views across the Manchester Plain and the Pennine Hills. Facilities include a cafe and a Countryside Centre with leaflets and information displays on the local area, wildlife and countryside.
There are two way-marked walking trails in the park. The green trail follows well surfaced paths and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The blue trail is more hilly and not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Thornham cycle trail also passes through the park and offers a nice ride on well layed out paths. You could also continue your walk along the Rochdale Way which runs through Tandle Hill. View Full Details>>
Tatton Park5 miles (8.5 km)Explore the wonderful 1000 acre deer park on this walk or cycle in Knutsford, Cheshire. View Full Details>>
Tegg's Nose Country Park2 miles (4 km)This lovely country park in Macclesfield has splendid views of the Peak District National Park and the Cheshire plain. You can also see Macclesfield Forest, the summit of Shutlingsloe (the second highest point in Cheshire), the Telecoms Tower on Sutton Common and the Macclesfield Canal. This circular walk starts at the car park at the northern end of the park and heads south to the viewpoints. At the southern end you'll descend to Teggsnose Wood, Tegg's Nose Reservoir and Bottoms Reservoir. There's some nice waterside trails to try here before returning to the car park on other footpaths on the eastern side of the park.
The landscape includes meadow, moorland and woodland while there is also a waterside section aroung Tegg's Nose Reservoir. The park has a very good Visitors Centre where you can find out details of the cycle and walking routes in the park. Click here to see the Tegg's Nose to Parkgate cycle route details.
The Gritstone Trail walking route also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk. Macclesfield Forest and Trentabank Reservoir lie just to the east where you will find more good walking trails. View Full Details>>
Tehidy Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)Explore 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes at Tehidy, near Portreath, in Cornwall. There are a number of easy walking and cycling paths running through the park. There is also an abundance of wildlife with swans, geese, rooks, jackdaws, coots, moor hens, grey squirrels, otters, and badgers.
This circular route begins and ends at the parking area at the eastern end of the park but Camborne rail station is only about 2 miles away so is a good option for cyclists. The path is also very near to the coast at Portreath so the walk can be extended in order to see the delightful coves and beaches in the area.
To continue your walking in this beautiful area you could pick up the South West Coast Path and head to Godrevy Head. The stretch of coast is managed by the National Trust so there are good footpaths and facilities along the way. View Full Details>>
Teston Bridge Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This country park is set around the picturesque 14th century Teston Bridge on the banks of the River Medway in Teston, near Maidstone. A variety of wildlife can be spotted here – look out for otters which can be seen along the river. View Full Details>>
Thorndon Country Park5 miles (8 km)This large country park is located near Brentwood in Essex and contains a number of fine woodland trails, ideal for walking or cycling. The park is made up of ancient woodland, an ancient deer park, grassland and three small lakes. There is also a useful Countryside Centre with a permanent exhibition and a shop selling gifts and refreshments. View Full Details>>
Three Forests Way60 miles (96 km)This circular walk links three fine forests in the Essex/Hertfordshire area - Hatfield Forest, Hainault Forest and Epping Forest. View Full Details>>
Thrybergh Country Park2 miles (2.7 km)Enjoy a waterside walk around Thrybergh Reservoir in this beautiful country park in Rotherham. View Full Details>>
Tilgate Country Park4 miles (6 km)Tilgate Country Park is a popular large park and forest area in Crawley, Sussex. Here you'll find stunning lakes, lawns, gardens and miles of woodland and bridleways. View Full Details>>
Tollymore Forest Park6 miles (10 km)Enjoy miles of woodland trails and a waterside stroll along the beautiful Shimna River on this circular walk in the Mourne Mountains. There are 1,600 acres to explore with the park surrounded by mountains and located close to the coastal town of Newcastle in County Down. In the park there are four colour code trails to follow of varying lengths. The trails are all signposted and visit the arboretum, the Shimna River and the two forested hills known as the Drinns.
This walk starts from the car park near Bryansford and passes along the river with its series of pretty bridges, rocky outcrops and waterfalls. One of the bridges dates from the early 18th century.
The walk then passes along a series of woodland trails with a variety of interesting trees such as monkey puzzle, eucalyptus and impressive giant redwoods. There are also some viewpoints to climb where you can enjoy fantastic views over the surrounding area. From the Curraghard viewpoint in the south eastern corner of the park there are views over the Northern Mournes, Dundrum Bay, Newcastle and the Irish Sea.
This is a walking route but the forest is also great for mountain biking with lots of fine mtb trails to try.
If you would like to extend your walking in the area then you could climb the nearby Slieve Donard or Slieve Binnian.
Also nearby is the splendid Murlough Bay National Nature Reserve where there is a beautiful sand dune system, woodland trails and a wonderful beach.
At Rostrevor you will find the excellent Kilbroney Forest Park where there are some great mountain bike trails and walks to Slieve Martin. View Full Details>>
Trent Country Park2 miles (4 km)This country park on the outskirts of London has 413 acres of rolling meadows, brooks, lakes, ancient woodland, and historical sites to explore on foot or by bike. View Full Details>>
Tresco Abbey Gardens1 miles (2 km)These beautiful gardens in the Scilly Isles have miles of well laid out footpaths to follow. View Full Details>>
Tri Lakes Country Park5 miles (8 km)Also known as the Yately Lakes this lovely country park near Sandhurst has some nice waterside trails to try. The park has numerous pretty lakes, an animal park, an indoor play area and an excellent lakeside cafe. Sandhurst railway station is right next to the park so you can easily come by train. The route also visits the adjacent Horseshoe Lake and the Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve where there are excellent bird watching opportunities.
The Three Castles Path, the Blackwater Valley Footpath and the Wokingham Way all run past the park so you could pick up any of these trails to continue your walk. Yately Common Country Park is also nearby. View Full Details>>
Trosley Country Park4 miles (7 km)Enjoy magnificent views of the North Downs in 170 acres of beautiful woodland and chalk downland at Trosley Country Park. View Full Details>>
Tyne Green Country Park2 miles (3 km)Enjoy a riverside walk or cycle along the River Tyne in this country park in Hexham. There are lovely tree lined avenues to stroll down, a golf course and club house, play area, cafe and watersports centre. Tyne Green is also good for birdwatching - look out for Goosander, Goldeneye and Teal on the river.
The park is located right next to Hexham railway station. View Full Details>>
Tyne Riverside Country Park2 miles (3 km)This park follows the River Tyne for four miles through 200 acres of meadows, chalk grassland, woodland and river bank. The park is great for both walkers and cyclists with the Hadrian's cycleway running along the riverside. Hadrian's Wall Path also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along this path.
The park is a short walk from Wylam and Prudhoe train stations and Tyne Valley bus routes. It is about 6 miles west of the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Gateshead. View Full Details>>
Ulley Country Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy a short walk or cycle around the beautiful Ulley Reservoir near Rotherham. There are lovely paved paths around the reservoir and fanatastic views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. It's also great for birdwatching with a number of water loving birds to see on the water. You can start your exercise from the car park on the north western side of the site.
National Cycle Route 6 runs past the park so you could continue your ride along the Rotherham to Worksop cycle route. View Full Details>>
Upton Country Park2 miles (3 km)Upton Country Park, consists of 100 acres of parkland situated on the north west edge of Poole, Dorset. Attractions include formal and informal gardens, open parkland, woodlands, farmland and the Grade II listed Upton House. There are also fine views towards the town across Poole Harbour. The route can be extended to Poole town centre by cycling or walking along the Holes Bay path. View Full Details>>
Vicar Water Country Park2 miles (4 km)Explore 200 acres of rare heathland, mature woodland and species rich grassland in this country park near Mansfield. The park offers spectacular views across to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire and is home to an abundance of wildlife including herons, kingfishers, foxes, hares, tawny owls, nightjar and woodpeckers. There are also two bodies of water - Vicar Pond and Vicar Water.
Vicar Water has super footpaths and bridleways making it ideal for a short cycle or walk. National Cycle Network number 6 runs through the park so you could continue your cycle along the Nottingham to Worksop cycle route.
You could also visit the nearby Sherwood Pines Forest Park and enjoy several waymarked cycling and walking trails. View Full Details>>
Waldridge Fell Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding countryside in this country park in Chester-le-Street. There are a number of waymarked routes running through this area of lowland heath. The park is full of interesting plantlife and wildlife including Stonechat, Roe Deer and the Emperor Moth.
To extend your walking in the area you can head east and visit the riverside park, the 14th century Lumley Castle. Here you can pick up the Weardale Way for a nice riverside stroll.
The long distance Great North Forest Heritage Trail and the popular Consett and Sunderland Railway Path pass just to the north of the park. View Full Details>>
Wallington Hall2 miles (3.5 km)Explore the Wallington estate on this walk in Northumberland. Here you will find a country house and pretty gardens. The grounds are lovely and include lakes, woodland, parkland and a beautiful walled garden. The estate is located about 12 miles west of Morpeth. View Full Details>>
Walton Hall Park3 miles (5 km)A walk around the pretty parkland surrounding Walton Hall in Wakefield. Walton Hall is a Georgian mansion on an island surrounded by its own lake. The walk takes you past the lake, into the peaceful woodland of Haw Park Wood and then along the Barnsley Canal.
The Trans Pennine Trail runs past the park so you could continue your walk along the Barnsley Canal or head to the nearby Anglers Country Park. View Full Details>>
Wandlebury Country Park1 miles (2 km)This walk takes you around the delightful Wandlebury Country Park in Cambridge. The park is part of the Gog Magog Hills, a ridge of low chalk hills extending for several miles to the southeast of Cambridge. View Full Details>>
Wansbeck Riverside Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy 275 acres of riverside parkland in this delightful country park near Ashington. The park is situated on a particularly beautiful part of the River Wansbeck with peaceful woodland that includes Oak, Beech, Silver Birch, Hazel, Sycamore, Ash, Scots Pine, Hawthorn and Willow. View Full Details>>
Waseley Hills Country Park2 miles (3 km)Waseley Hills is a country park and Local Nature Reserve located on the south western edge of Birmingham. The park covers 150 acres and consists of rolling open hills, pastures and small pockets of woodland with panoramic views over Worcestershire from Windmill Hill. It also includes the source of the River Rea where there is an information board about the course of the river and its wildlife. View Full Details>>
Wat Tyler Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Explore 125 acres of parkland in the beautiful Essex Marshes near Basildon. Attractions include a miniature railway and a model boating lake. The scenery includes grazing meadows, ancient hedgerows, blast mounds, tidal waterways, sea walls and field boundaries. The park is perfect for birdwatching with a huge number of water loving birds visiting the marshes all year round.
To continue your exercise in the area you could head west and visit Langdon Hills Country Park where there are more good cycling and walking trails. View Full Details>>
Watermead Country Park5 miles (8 km)This beautiful country park contains over 12 lakes and ponds, wildflower meadows, woodland, grassland and reedbeds set in 350 acres of parkland. Also running through the park are the River Soar and Grand Union Canal. It's a great place for a peaceful waterside cycle ride or walk, located just north of Leicester city centre with National Cycle Network Routes 6 and 48 running through the park. The park also contains the lovely Reedbed Nature Reserve which is a perfect place for bird watching.
To continue your exercise you could follow the Grand Union Canal towards Leicester or Loughborough. Our River Soar Walk visits the park by following the river from the lovely Abbey Park, located just to the south of Watermead. View Full Details>>
Weald Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)Enjoy lakes, tree-lined avenues, parkland and woodland in this 500 acre country park in Brentwood, Essex. View Full Details>>
Weelsby Woods2 miles (2.5 km)This country park has mature trees, woodland, and large grassy areas to explore. Look out for a variety of woodland birds,  foxes, and small mammals as you make your way along the footpaths. It's a popular place with a free car park and plenty of easy, surfaced trails to try.
The park is located near Cleethorpes and Grimsby. Cleethorpes Country Park is less than a mile away so you could continue your walk there and then along the nearby Cleethorpes seafront. View Full Details>>
Weetslade Country Park4 miles (6 km)This former colliery site has been converted into a beautiful country park and a haven for wildlife. Weetslade hill rises to a height of 95m giving fabulous views of the surroundiing countryside, the North Sea, the Cheviots and Newcastle Upon Tyne city. View Full Details>>
Welcombe Hills Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy wonderful views over Stratford-Upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside in this elevated country park. View Full Details>>
Wellington Country Park3 miles (5.5 km)This 350 acre park is very popular with walkers with four splendid nature trails to follow. View Full Details>>
Werneth Low Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy fantastic views across Manchester and the Pennine Hills in this 200 acre country park. On a clear day the hills of North Wales are also visible beyond the Cheshire plain. In the park there are well surfaced footpaths and bridleways suitable for mountain biking.
The Cown Edge Way and the Trans Pennine Trail both run through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk/cycle. View Full Details>>
West Dean Estate4 miles (6 km)This walk takes you around the beautiful gardens, woodland and arboretums in the West Dean Estate near Chichester. View Full Details>>
West Stow Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy waterside walks alongside a number of pretty lakes and the River Lark in this splendid country park near Bury St Edmunds. The park contains a number of nature trails through heathland and woodland and the fascinating West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. There is also a wildfowl reserve with a number of bird hides.
The park is located a few miles north west of Bury St Edmunds. It is situated on the Lark Valley Path so you could continue your walk along the river if you have time. Following it north west will take you to Icklingham where you will find the pretty Cavenham Heath Nature Reserve. View Full Details>>
Westwood Country Park2 miles (4 km)This pretty country park is located near Wentworth and Rotherham in Yorkshire. In the park you will find miles of woodland walking trails and a waterside path along a small reservoir. The Barnsley Boundary Walk runs through the park so you could pick this up to continue your walking in the area. You could also head a few miles east to Wentworth Woodhouse where you will find miles of walking trails through the parkland and gardens surrounding the large country house. View Full Details>>
Whinlatter Forest Park7 miles (11 km)Enjoy some fantastic walking and cycling trails in this huge park in the Lake District. There are fantastic views of Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwent Water and Keswick as you make your way through the mixed species forest and peaceful glades. The park also has two fantastic purpose built mountain bike trails with cycle hire available within the park. The red graded Altura Trail is a challenging 19 km mountain singletrack, the Quercus Trail is an easier 7.5 km trail. The C2C cycle route also runs through the park so you could continue your ride on the Whitehaven to Keswick or Whitehaven to Penrith cycle route.
Walkers can head south of the park and enjoy a climb to Grisedale Pike. View Full Details>>
White Horse Wood Country Park1 miles (1.5 km)Enjoy fabulous views over the Kent Downs AONB in this new country park near Maidstone. The park contains well surfaced walking trails taking you through grassland and woodland. It also includes the medieval ruins of Thurnham castle, a splendid viewpoint at Detling Hill and traces of an Iron Age settlement.
The North Downs Way passes the park so you could pick this and head east to the nearby Hucking Estate to extend your walk. View Full Details>>
Whitewebbs Park1 miles (2 km)This pretty country park in Enfield has some nice footpaths to follow around the parkland and woodland. Other features include an ornamental pond, small lakes and the Cuffley Brook which runs through the southern part of the park.
You can park at the car park at Whitewebbs Road at the northern end of the park to start your walk. From here it's a short stroll to the large pond where there are picnic tables. Just beyond there is Whitewebbs House where there is a nice cafe. Other paths then lead towards the lake in the south western corner and through Whitewebbs Wood before returning to the car park.
It's easy to extend your walk if you have time. The London Loop runs right through the park so you can pick this up and head to Clay Hill where you can enjoy a stroll along the Turkey Brook to Enfield Wash. Keep heading east and you will soon reach Lee Valley Park where you can enjoy a waterside stroll along King George's Reservoir.
Heading west along the London Loop will soon bring you to Trent Country Park. Here you'll find 413 acres of rolling meadows, brooks, lakes and ancient woodland to explore on foot or by bike. View Full Details>>
Whitlingham Country Park2 miles (3.5 km)Enjoy a peaceful cycle or walk around the lovely Whitlingham Country Park on the outskirts of Norwich. The park is situated on the River Yare and has a number of lakes, so is perfect for a relaxing waterside ride or walk.
The park also contains the Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre where you can try a number of activities including windsurfing, sailing, archery, kayaking.
If you'd like to continue your walking in the area then you try the lovely Norwich Riverside Walk along the River Wensum. There's also Mousehold Heath just to the north east of the city centre. View Full Details>>
Whitworth Hall Country Park3 miles (5 km)Explore 73 acres of parkland surrounding the Grade II listed stately mansion of Whitworth Hall in Spennymoor. You can hand feed the resident fallow deer, stroll around the ornamental lake and then follow the peaceful woodland walk. There is also a pretty Victorian garden containing England's most northerly vineyard.
The Weardale Way walking route runs along the River Wear just to the north of the park. View Full Details>>
Wimbleball Lake7 miles (12 km)Enjoy cycling and walking trails around this large lake on Exmoor. There is a super walking trail running around the perimeter of the lake. You'll enjoy long waterside sections, many peaceful woodland trails and views of the River Haddeo. This route is the round the lake walk but there are also a number of cycle trails with cycle hire available too. The three well surfaced trails are great for riders of all abilites. The easy green graded trail runs for just over a mile adjacent to the lake. It's perfect for families looking for a safe traffic free ride.
It's easy to extend your walk and explore the surrounding countryside. You could enjoy a riverside walk along the River Haddeo near Hartford or you could climb Haddon Hill at the southern end of the lake, and enjoy splendid views across Exmoor.
The park has excellent facilites with a cafe, cycle hire and parking available. Wimbleball Lake is located a few miles east of Dulverton where you can visit the popular Tarr Steps.
To continue your walking in the area you could head a few miles east and visit Clatworthy Reservoir near Wiveliscombe. Here you will find a great 5 mile walking trail around the perimeter of the lake.
Just to the north you can also pick up the Samaritans Way South West and explore the Brendon Hills and Combe Sydenham Country Park. View Full Details>>
Windsor Great Park8 miles (12.2 km)A circular cycle or walk around the beautiful Windsor Great Park in Surrey. The park includes 5,000 acres of parkland, which includes a Deer Park, lakes, avenues, gardens, woodland and open grassland. National Cycle Network route 4 runs right through the park while the Three Castles Walk runs along the Long Walk Avenue where there are fabulous views of Windsor Castle. Cyclists please note that cycles are not permitted on the Long Walk.
If you'd like to continue your exercise you could head to Virginia Water Lake. This large man made lake is located in the southern end of the park. It has a delightful walking trail running around its perimeter. Also of interest are the beautiful Valley Gardens. Located next to the lake they consist of 250 acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands and a series of well defined walking trails.
You can also enjoy a walk along the Thames Path from Windsor to Dorney Lake. The lake has a nice surfaced cycling and walking trail to try.
The Jubilee River also runs past Dorney. The river has a great waterside cycling and walking trail running from Maidenhead to Eton.
Also of interest is our Windsor Circular Walk which will take you to Eton Wick and the famous Eton College. View Full Details>>
Wirral Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)Enjoy fabulous views of the Wirral Peninsula in this delightful coastal country park. The park is the first designated country park in Britain, opening in 1973. You can climb the 60 feet high, boulder-clay cliffs where there are splendid views of the Dee Estuary. There are excellent facilities with Picnic Areas, Visitor Centre, Shop, Information staff, Cafe, BBQ area and a Bird Hide. The Wirral Way walking and cycling trail also runs through the park. You can follow the trail to the lovely village of Parkgate where there are great views across the marshes of the Dee Estuary and large variety of wildfowl and waders to look out for. View Full Details>>
Witton Country Park2 miles (4 km)This country park in Blackburn boasts nearly 500 acres of mixed woodland, parkland, grassland and farmland. View Full Details>>
Woburn Park5 miles (8.5 km)This walk takes you through the beautiful Woburn Park in Befordshire. The park includes tranquil ponds, pretty Orchards, a 3000 acre deer park and the magnificent Woburn Safari Park with its White Rhino, Elephants, Tigers and Black Bears. There's also the splendid Woburn Abbey - a stunning country house which is the seat of the Duke of Bedford. View Full Details>>
Wollaton Park4 miles (6 km)This super deer park in Nottingham is ideal for a short cycle or walk in delightful surroundings. The park is located on the western edge of the city centre and consists of an exquisite Elizabethan mansion surrounded by acres of parkland, woodland, lakes, formal gardens and the deer park.
In the splendid Wollaton Hall you will find the Nottingham Natural History Museum, with Nottingham Industrial Museum located in the surrounding out-buildings. In the film The Dark Knight Rises Wollaton Hall was used as Wayne Manor, the extravagant home of Bruce Wayne.
To extend your exercise you could pick up the Nottingham Canal and enjoy a cycle or walk to Langley Mill. The canal forms part of the longer circular Erewash Valley Trail which takes you on a super tour of the area on traffic free paths. View Full Details>>
Woodgate Valley Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)A short route around the delightful Woodgate Valley Country Park in Birmingham. The park contains 450 acres of rich meadows, woodland and small ponds with the Bourn brook running through the heart of the park. There is also an excellent visitor centre and an Urban Farm with a variety of animals to see.
To continue your walking in the area you could head a couple of miles to the west and visit the pretty Leasowes Park. Here you'll find more good footpaths taking you to 141 acres of woodland, grassland, streams, waterfalls and large ponds.
The Illey Way also starts from Woodgate. The path runs along an old railway line from Waseley Hills to Woodgate, passing through some nice countryside. View Full Details>>
Worcester Woods Country Park1 miles (2 km)This 100 acre park in Worcester consists of two nature reserves, a huge open field and a busy Countryside Centre with cafe facilities. View Full Details>>
Worden Park3 miles (5 km)This super country park in Leyland is perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll. View Full Details>>
Worsbrough Mill Country Park2 miles (2.5 km)This splendid park includes a historic 17th Century working water mill set in 240 acres of lovely parkland. View Full Details>>
Worth Way7 miles (11 km)This 7 mail long bridleway and footpath runs along National Cycle Route 21 from Crawley to East Grinstead. View Full Details>>
Worthington Lakes4 miles (7 km)This lovely walk takes you around Worthington Lakes in Standish, Lancashire. You will pass along the footpaths around the three reservoirs that make up this country park and nature reserve. View Full Details>>
Wycoller Country Park3 miles (4.4 km)Enjoy a lovely walk through the beauitful Wycoller Country Park in Pendle. The park has a number of footpaths taking you along Wycoller Beck to Bank House and the remains of Wycoller Hall. There are great views of the Pendle Hill and a stroll through the delightful Wycoller Village to enjoy. No cars are allowed in the village and many of the old buildings remain preserved, making it a particularly peaceful and special place. The area has strong links with the Bronte sisters who referred to many of the nearby landmarks in books such as 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Jane Eyre'. The park is located just a couple of miles east of Colne.
If you wish to continue your walk both the Pendle Way and Bronte Way walking routes run through the park. View Full Details>>
Wynyard Woodland Park2 miles (3 km)Formerly known as the Castle Eden Walkway Country Park this park in Billingham has numerous woodland footpaths and a visitor centre. View Full Details>>
Wyre Estuary Country Park3 miles (5 km)Enjoy a walk along the network of accessible paths by the beautiful Wyre Estuary in this waterside country park near Blackpool. View Full Details>>
Yarrow Valley Country Park2 miles (4 km)Enjoy a long, waterside walk along the River Yarrow in this splendid 700 acre country park in Chorley, Lancashire. The park has a number of well maintained walking paths, lakeside trails and a visitor centre. It is located less than 2 miles from Chorley town centre. The area is also a nature reserve so you can look out for a variety of birds as you make your way along the paths. View Full Details>>
Yateley Common Country Park6 miles (10 km)Enjoy nearly 500 acres of heathlands, woodlands and ponds on this circular cycle or walk in Yateley, Hampshire. The route begins at the car park by Wyndham's Pool and takes you along a sequence of peaceful woodland trails to Yately Heath Wood and Minley Wood, before returning to the start point. View Full Details>>
Yeovil Country Park3 miles (4.5 km)This park, also known as Ninesprings Country Park, is situated in Yeovil, near the town centre. You will see rivers, lakes, waterfalls, open grassland, woodland and a children's play area as you pass through the 127 acres of the park. There are splendid views of the Dorset Hills and an abundance of wildlife with water voles, kingfishers, green woodpeckers and otters visitors to the park.
The route below is devised for walkers but there is also a flat linear cyclepath which follows the line of the old railway and links the different areas of the country park. View Full Details>>