by Take the bus through Borrowdale, Lake District
We love visiting the Northern Lake District. You can enjoy the buzz of friendly Keswick, full of great cafes, independent shops, beautiful parks and stunning views in every direction. Travel by open-top bus from Keswick to Seatoller and take in the beauty of Derwentwater and Borrowdale, passing through “the loveliest square mile in Lakeland” according to Alfred Wainwright. For peace and quiet, explore the northern fells: walk from Mungrisdale to Bannerdale Crags and Blencathra and admire those brave enough to tackle Sharp Edge. Later, sit by the stream and enjoy a coffee in the beautiful village of Caldbeck.
Kathleen
The gift of solitude in Northumberland
Northumberland national park is a gift for solitude seekers. Here, goblins, pipes (pipes), and crotch are determined companions. History is beneath your feet as you stand on the summit of Yeavering Bell above Ad Gefrin, the medieval court of kings now inhabited by wild goats. Venture outside the park limited to its namesake, the wonderful Saxon Museum-cum-whiskey distillery, and immerse yourself in history with a dram. Discover Rothbury, a small market town on the banks of the River Coquet, or head upriver to share the folklore of the Drake Stone. Every step is a treasure here. Don’t forget your wellies.
Laura B
Scramble up a quieter mountain in Snowdonia
Snowdonia national park (An Sneachta) has a special place in my heart. Rain, sun, or snow, there is beauty everywhere. Yes, there is the big one, An Wyddfa (Yr Wyddfa) that everyone wants to conquer but there are other unvisited mountains, Tryfan that have the choice. You won’t find a cafe, information post or train at this 917 meter peak; just scramble up a “path” of your choice. There is an incredible view and, if you are brave, jump between the two rocks of Adam and Eve (Sion a Siân) at the summit.
Dan
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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Tackling the Cairngorms on two wheels
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Rhone National Park. All types of cycling can be found here. There are family friendly routes, great rides on quiet roads, great mountain bike trails and some of the best mountain bike centers in Scotland. One of them is Bike Glenlivet on the Glenlivet Estate, which has flowing single tracks for all ages and abilities, amidst stunning scenery. The trails are free to use, and trail bikes as well as bicycles can be rented. There is also a lovely cafe.
Peter Diender
A quiet corner of the New Forest
Ignore the big sites of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst and head to a quiet corner of the New Forest. Take one of the many paths among the ponies on Rockford Common, just outside Ringwood. Within a few minutes of leaving the car park you will be on your own and able to wander for hours enjoying the scent of juniper and the wide open views across the common. Each season offers different pleasures: watching the forest explode in May, lazy picnics in the sun, the wonderful colors of autumn or playing in a winter wonderland.
Tracy Jordan
The Yorkshire Dales and their beautiful neighbours
The Yorkshire Dales national park is pretty enough in itself but is enhanced by being wrapped by the natural landscapes of the Forest of Bowland, Nidderdale and North Pennine. You’ll get a lot more acres and wildflowers per person – and maybe the locals will have more time for you. You are welcome to come in if you are walking lightly. You could start at the Dales villages, Clapham or Austwick, near the big hill, Ingleborough, and Gaping Gill cave, then cross the A65 to enter the Forest of Bowland and visit places that are mostly unknown .
Martin Charlesworth
Pembrokeshire evening perfection
When visiting Pembrokeshire national park, be sure to include a visit to Stackpole with its beautiful coastline, wooded valleys, lily ponds and walking trails. Then head down to the stunning beach at Barafundle Bay. We love visiting the beach here on a warm summer afternoon with a picnic.
Jan
Butser Hill Bunnies in Hampshire’s South Downs
As a child, just after the publication of the book Watership Down, I was taken to Butser Hill – at 270 meters the highest point on the chalk ridge of the South Downs national park. It was close to sunset and we sat munching on sandwiches, waiting and whispering because, within a short time, the hill was gradually covered with rabbits. Here I am a little over half a century later and I am still enchanted by one of the most magical and endearing evenings of my life.
Theresa
Wildlife on the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads have amazing wildlife amongst the marshes and reeds but are also a great place for visitors of all ages to have fun in the water. While children toddle in Wroxham Broad, parents can enjoy the spectacle of sailing races and teenagers can join in rowing activities and sea scouts on Oulton Broad. Then there is the option of sitting in a boat all day with a picnic. It is a place where you can rent a boat and stop at a fun pub every lunchtime after enjoying the bird watching and the fluttering of swallow butterflies. I love doing all these things.
David Innes-Wilkin
Winning tip: a legendary quest in the Peaks
My favorite walk in the Peak District national park takes in two amazing sites: Lud Church and the Roaches. The route offers an enticing combination of natural beauty and historical ingenuity. Lud Church is a deep, moss-covered cove, rich in legend and a relaxing escape into nature. Nearby, the Roaches is a dramatic gritstone ridge landscape with amazing panoramic views. Hikers and climbers are drawn to the challenging terrain. The area’s unique geological features and lush vegetation make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
Eternal
Please use the comments to suggest your own favorite activities and walks in UK national parks
