by Winning tip: Laurie Lee’s Gloucestershire
Two great introductions to literature begin on the same seed bank in the village of Slad. Start Laurie Lee’s circular walk from where the baby fell from a cart in Cider with Rosie and from where the youngster jumped to Spain in As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning. A well-managed schedule can see you enjoying the unique hospitality of the Woolpack Inn before and after your five-mile visit. Go clockwise or backwards to find paths bordered with primroses, grass on the lawn and sloping beech trees. The valley’s most famous son is dotted with poles inscribed with poetry.
Mathew Page
Hidden gems of the South Devon coast
In south Devon I recommend a coastal walk starting from the car park in the village of Rinnemore. Start going down to Ayrmer Cove. On the beach, which faces the channel, you might see mermaids’ purses and other treasures. Then, walk to Westcombe beach along the top of the cliffs, then back through the woods, past the house and the dog bowl commemorating a heroic dog’s deed to help a hermit. Or, from Ayrmer Cove, walk in the opposite direction towards Bigbury-on-Sea, with stunning views of Burgh Island and its art deco hotel. Toilets and ice cream are available at Bigbury – always a must on a family walk.
Victoria
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Dance with daffodils in Derwentwater
A sure sign that spring has arrived in the Lake District are the Daffodils of Derwentwater – a walker’s paradise. Last year a local bird watcher made my day by tipping me off about a secret walk away from the crowds. He led me to the woods above the pretty village of Brigsteer, tucked away from tourists between the Lyth Valley and Morecambe Bay. It was a sober walk, wandering among the beautiful Lenten lily, wild garlic and beautiful bells, in search of an abundance of natural perfumes, which cast their spell in the spring glass. I wandered to my pleasure, but I never felt alone because I was surrounded by nature at its best.
There
Tower Hamlets in full bloom
A spring walk in the city center’s Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, one of London’s “magnificent seven”, might not be an obvious choice, but if you download a map and follow the well-marked heritage trail, you’ll find an abundance of spring blooms. There are clusters of blue and white bells, cowslips, primrose, cow parsley, wild garlic and many other species. Towards the end of one visit, we came across a path lined with bright-red tulips, which stood out among the blues and purples. Entry is free and an audio track introduces you to the plants and their connection to people.
Helen Jackson
Porpoises and porpoises in Northumberland
There is no better place to end a walk than at the Jolly Fisherman in Craster, Northumberland. Local beer and seafood on tap, the inviting tang of the region’s last smokehouse, and a beer garden nowhere beats the view. Start three miles south, at Longhoughton beach. Walk this stretch of coastal path in spring and watch the world wake up. Eider crews gather, men in their finery, shredding and “woo”-ing. Juniper flowers and thistles in sheltered spots, and the yellow scouts tending from the upper branches like sailors from the crow’s nest, shouting for visible treasure. Stop at Rinncullinn to see the porpoises passing by before the sail of salt smoke draws you into the village.
Em Whitcutt
Under the big Suffolk sky
Our favorite spring walk is from Southwold down the clean sandy beach, then over the Suffolk marshes. This area of outstanding natural beauty is one of Britain’s finest landscapes. We really enjoyed birds in an aquatic world, such as the white sandpipers patiently fishing. We loved the ancient flint churches and sometimes refer to the “cathedral of the marshes” at Blythburgh, to see its huge carved flying angels. The circle is around eight miles and at one of several pubs local beer and fresh fish await. Walking under the huge sky, it felt as if we were in a Constable painting.
David Innes-Wilkin
Kissing gates and rose petals in the Yorkshire Wolds
Queen Anne’s lace and bridal-white hawthorn welcome me to the village of Welton in East Yorkshire, where pink confetti petals on the footpaths and meadows lead visitors across the mill pond to the picturesque church of St Helens. I cycle myself up Cowgate and along Dale Road, where the Yorkshire Wolds access walk continues up a concrete track into a woodland valley. There are three kissing gates; A smooch would be lovely, but not mandatory. The fragrances of spring, the melodies of birdsong, and the soft hues of colors soothe my senses. I paused to look across the steel-watered Humber, then continued on horseback back to the village. Primavera has arrived.
Carol Teece
Take the bus to Paradise West Country
£4 return on the 376 Mendip Xplorer bus from Bristol – also great for a scenic trip to Wells and Glastonbury – is just the ticket for a great spring walk. Get off at Pensford and head out under the impressive viaduct, through lamb fields. You will finish at the Stanton Drew stone circle (free, with a donation box). On Saturdays the Coffee Box on the way offers cake. You can continue your journey to Chew Magna or other villages, or loop back to Pensford for a swim in the weir or a meal in the Rising Sun’s riverside beer garden, with more views of the viaduct.
Doug
Marsh and migration in Montroy
Riask na Inse is located behind Kean a Ghiuthsaigh in the Mond Ruain national park between Glen Tromie and Dun Ruain. This RSPB nature reserve is a unique floodplain shaped by glaciers, floods and man, supporting an abundance of rare species and habitats. The Invertromy path, a three mile walk, takes you through aspen trees, heather and birch woodlands, berry thickets and meadows full of orchids. If you want to bird watch, bring your binoculars. In the spring there is a great opportunity to see migratory birds, such as the grebe and the grebe, from one of the three hides along the way.
Peter Diender
A great family trip in Snowdonia
The Precipice Walk on the edge of Dolgellau in Snowdonia is great for many reasons: it’s circular, has a car park with a loo, and has incredible views over the Mawddach estuary, Cader Idris, Coed y Brenin forest and the picturesque Llyn Cynwch lake. with minimal ascent. Suitable for most of the family who have no fear of heights, the walk takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes. Look forward to a slab of cake and excellent chocolate in the TH Roberts cafe in Dolgellau afterwards.
Anna Kennett
Please use the comments to suggest your favorite spring walk
