- Distance or area: 570 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: South East England
After years of campaigning we were very pleased when the New Forest was finally designation National Park in 2004. It was to be a much-needed green lung for the South East. Ancient and ornamental woodland and open heathland as expected form the dominant landscape of the park but you can also roam over 26 miles of glorious coastline including salt marshes, lagoons and mudflats.
More information:www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
- Distance or area: 1434 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: Yorkshire and Humber
For many of us a perfect walk is in a remote location with just stunning scenery for company. There can be few better locations for such a walk than the North York Moors National Park. A huge expanse of heather moorland as far as the eye can see, spectacular coastline adorned with towering cliffs, beautiful dales and woodland, all housed in the least populated national park in the country.
More information:www.northyorkmoors.org.uk
- Distance or area: 1048 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: North East England
The Northumberland National Park lies at the very top of England and is home to some huge walking giants – The Cheviot Hills, Hadrian’s Wall, The Pennine Way and St Cuthbert’s Way. With 600 miles of footpaths and bridleways on offer there is an opportunity for leisure walking and more challenging hikes.
More information:www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
- Distance or area: 2176 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: Wales
Hikers have a network of challenging mountain walks to try, which include six footpaths up Snowdon to feast on the stunning views from the summit. The paths can be testing and so more suited to experienced walkers. Those looking for something less tricky than a mountain climb are well served by the various treks through the hills of Snowdonia.
More information:www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk
- Distance or area: 1624 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: South East England
In 2011, the most populated corner of Britain finally got the recreational refuge it was desperate for. The South Downs is the most visited of all the national parks, with 39 million visitors per year. Walkers are well served by the 100-mile South Downs Way, woodlands, countryside, coast and an impressive 3,000 kilometres of rights of way.
More information:www.southdowns.gov.uk