Best spring walks in the UK

The British countryside comes alive in spring with birdsong, blossom-filled hedgerows, wildflower-covered hillsides and woodlands carpeted with vibrant bluebells and fragrant wild garlic. Longer days, fewer crowds, and drier paths make it a great time to get outdoors.

Pull on your walking boots and enjoy coastal paths and woodland trails, rolling countryside and national parks. We’ve chosen 20 of our favourite spring walks across the UK to inspire your next adventure – with routes suitable for all abilities.

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Simply click on a link below to jump straight to:

• Walks in London & the East
• Walks in the South West & Wales
• Walks in the Midlands & East
• Walks in the North of England
• Walks in Scotland & Northern Ireland

What are the benefits of a spring walk?

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, walking becomes an easy and uplifting way to support your wellbeing. Even a short stroll offers the chance to reconnect with nature, breathe in fresh air and enjoy the signs of spring. Blossom, birdsong and fresh greenery can help lift your mood and restore energy after the darker winter months.

Longer daylight hours have also been linked to improved sleep patterns and increased serotonin levels, both of which can positively influence mood.

A brisk walk gets your heart pumping, improves circulation and supports cardiovascular health, while strengthening muscles and building aerobic fitness. With milder weather and softer ground underfoot, spring is an ideal time to ease back into regular exercise and build healthy habits for the months ahead.

Wildlife to spot in winter

One of the joys of spring for wildlife enthusiasts is the burst of activity it brings. As temperatures rise, landscapes come alive with birdsong, emerging insects and animals on the move. Look out for red kites soaring overhead, rivers busy with returning migratory species, March hares in open meadows, and the welcome sight of early butterflies basking in the sunshine.

Whether you’re wandering through bluebell woods, strolling beside a river or walking along the coastline, bring a pair of binoculars and take your time to pause, watch and explore.

If you fancy getting closer to nature, why not visit one of WWT nine wetlands centres across the UK? As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. The on-site cafés are the perfect spot for a light lunch or tea and cake after a walk, with members getting a 10% discount at WWT’s on-site cafés and shops. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Walks in London & the South East

Credit: RBG, Kew

Badbury Clump, Oxfordshire

In spring, the ancient woodland of Badbury Clump – a former Iron Age hillfort – is filled with a vivid display as Britain’s native bluebells carpet the forest floor from early April.

Gentle paths meander through the woodland and past the historic earthworks of the hillfort. Walkers are encouraged to follow the marked footpaths to protect the delicate blooms. Try this short walking trail created by the National Trust for a peaceful way to explore the site without disturbing the display.

Kew Gardens, London

Enjoy Kew Gardens as it bursts into bloom this spring. Take a stroll along the winding paths and enjoy dazzling displays of cherry blossoms, magnolias, bluebells, tulips and daffodils throughout the garden.

If you fancy learning more about Kew’s plants, why not join a spring walking tour led by one of Kew’s expert guides, who will show you the seasonal highlights. The uplifting Sounds of Blossom multi-sensory experience, featuring musical compositions amongst Kew’s blossom hotspots, is also worth joining. Both these spring events are included with entry to the Gardens.

Boundless members get unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. Members also get 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount in the Kew shop, both online and in store.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Enjoy a spring walk through Blickling Estate’s spectacular ancient woodlands, filled with vibrant bluebells and wildflowers in late March and April.

Peaceful trails wind through ancient woods and parkland, offering views of the historic estate and tranquil countryside, making it ideal for a family spring outing. There’s also a multi-use woodland trail around the perimeter of the estate, making it easier to explore with a buggy,  wheelchair or by bike.

Ashridge Estate, Buckinghamshire

Experience the beauty of spring with a walk through Ashridge Estate, home to one of Britain’s most famous bluebell woods. Each spring, the whole hillside turns a stunning purple as thousands of bluebells bloom. With miles of scenic walking trails to explore, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh air, woodland views and seasonal colour

With a Boundless membership, you can enjoy a discount of 10% off National Trust Gift Cards. These cards can be used to explore more than 500 historic houses, castles, gardens and other sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to shop and dine in National Trust stores and cafés.

Walks in the South West & Wales

Credit: Carys Matthews

Dinas Head, Pembrokeshire

Breathe in lungfuls of fresh sea air on this spectacular walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Dinas Head. Starting at Pwllgwaelod, this moderate route begins with a steep climb, but you’ll soon be rewarded with sweeping coastal views. In spring, look out for carpets of wildflowers and soaring seabirds. Check out this BBC Countryfile Magazine route.

Forest of Dean

Enjoy a refreshing spring walk to the peak of May Hill, a popular local landmark known for its sweeping countryside views. Situated between Ross-on-Wye and Gloucester, in spring, the surrounding woodland comes alive with bluebells and wild daffodils, while the summit’s distinctive trees form a Site of Scientific Interest.

Why not make the most of your visit to this beautiful region and stay for a weekend, or even a week? Boundless members can also save up to 20% on all stays at Whitemead Forest Park, in the heart of the forest, with plenty of footpaths leading directly from the site. For further walking inspiration, have a read of our pick of the best walks in the Forest of Dean.

Coed Cefn, Conwy

The ancient woodland of Coed Cefn is renowned for its vibrant bluebell displays and fascinating historical past, with an Iron Age fort to explore. A delightful spot for a spring walk, the forest floor transforms into a sweeping sea of purple-blue blooms, creating one of the area’s most enchanting spring spectacles.

Peaceful paths wind beneath mature oak, ash and beech trees, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy and birdsong fills the air. The woodland is also home to a variety of wildlife, from woodland birds to early pollinators drawn to the flowers.

Killerton Estate, Devon

Spring is a wonderful time to explore the Killerton Estate, just outside the city of Exeter.  In early spring, the estate’s ancient woodland and parkland are filled with the pungent scent of wild garlic and carpets of bluebells in the estate’s Columbjohn Wood (free to visit).

Carefully restored and cared for by the National Trust, this historic 300-acre estate offers beautiful countryside views, peaceful woodland walks and the perfect excuse to round off your visit with a traditional cream tea (jam first, of course!). For inspiration, try this BBC Countryfile Magazine walking route.

Watersmeet, Exmoor

Follow the cascading waters of the East Lyn River on a refreshing spring walk through the beautiful East Lyn Valley to Watersmeet. Leafy woodland paths wind past tumbling brooks and small waterfalls, alive with birdsong and blossom in the warmer months – keep an eye out for dippers and wagtails along the riverbanks.

There’s a lovely National Trust tea room at Watersmeet for refreshments, or you’re not far from the picturesque seaside villages of Lynmouth and Lynton – home to the famous Victorian Cliff railway. Check out this BBC Countryfile Magazine walking route.

Walks in the Midlands & East

Credit: Getty Images

Long Mynd, Shropshire

The Shropshire Hills are stunning year-round, but Long Mynd is especially magical in spring, when wildflowers carpet the valleys and line the streams. Thanks to the array of heathland, river and woodland habitat, this is a superb area for wildlife-spotting with red kite, skylark and curlew often spotted. The grasslands are also home to the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Grayling butterfly in the summer months.

The dramatic heather-covered plateau rises above the surrounding countryside, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Ideal for a spring walk, Long Mynd boasts a variety of trails to suit all lengths and abilities, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

Spring is a special time to explore Cannock Chase, a vast sweep of woodland and heathland that feels wonderfully wild. As the landscape bursts back into life, fresh green leaves and early wildflowers line the trails. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident deer, often spotted quietly grazing among the trees. With miles of paths to roam, it’s an uplifting place to stretch your legs and enjoy the season’s changing colours.

The Ramblers has put together a selection of family-friendly walks in Cannock Chase.

Join Boundless Plus

Credit: Getty Images

The Ramblers is a great way to start your walking journey, with thousands of guided walks and routes available to members. What’s more, Boundless Plus members benefit from free access to the Ramblers.

Finding a group couldn’t be simpler: just enter your postcode on the Ramblers website and you’ll see which of their 500 local groups is nearest to you.

Ilam and Dove Dale, Staffordshire and Derbyshire

The Peak District is a delight to visit in all seasons, but come spring, the surrounding countryside is awash with wildflowers and blossom. Starting in the charming village of Ilam to the limestone valley of Dovedale, this circular route passes the picturesque Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam before winding through flower-filled meadows and along the tranquil banks of the River Dove.

The highlight of the walk is crossing Dovedale’s famous stepping stones across the river, making it a popular spot to linger with young children.

Walks in the North of England

Credit: Getty Images

Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire

Spring is a magical time to visit Roseberry Topping, where the lower slopes burst into colour with beautiful bluebell displays. In nearby Newton Wood, vast carpets of vibrant bluebells appear in late April and early May, transforming the woodland floor into a sea of blue.

Rising above the trees is the distinctive peak of Roseberry Topping, often called Yorkshire’s Matterhorn, set on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

To help plot your route, don’t forget that Boundless members get 35% off an OS Maps Premium annual subscription, providing access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map. Members also benefit from thousands of expertly plotted walking routes across the UK’s footpaths, tracks, and trails. For adventures off the beaten path, these maps can also be downloaded and printed, ensuring you can navigate confidently even in areas with limited signal.

Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester

A spring walk through the parkland of Dunham Massey is a seasonal delight. As the days grow brighter, the estate’s woodland paths fill with fresh greenery and early wildflowers, while daffodils and other spring blooms bring colour to the historic deer park.

Keep an eye out for the resident herd of fallow deer grazing beneath the trees, often spotted quietly moving through the open parkland. Birds fill the air with song as the estate awakens for the new season, and quiet trails lead past ancient trees, reflective ponds and sweeping lawns.

Brigsteer Woods, Lake District

Tucked beside the southern edge of the Lake District, Brigsteer Woods is a beautiful place for a spring walk through the ancient limestone woodland. In early spring, the forest floor come alive with wildflowers, including primroses, daffodils and carpets of bluebells.

Winding woodland trails lead through mossy clearings and beneath mature trees, where birdsong echoes through the canopy and occasional views open out towards the surrounding fells. Follow this BBC Countryfile Magazine walking route for a quiet escape into Cumbria’s spring countryside.

Walks in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Credit: Getty Images

Castle Coole, County Fermanagh

Spring is a wonderful time to explore the ancient woodland trails at Castle Coole, as native bluebells carpet the woodland floor in a stunning display and delicate white wood anemones and emerging wildflowers add splashes of colour along the paths.

The short Beech Walk and Gortgonnell trails are suitable for all ages and abilities, with gentle streams to explore and a historic Ice Age.

Pollok Country Park, Glasgow

Enjoy a peaceful spring walk in nature just minutes from Glasgow city centre at Pollok Country Park. This expansive parkland has stunning woodland trails carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, while the wildflower meadows start to bloom in late spring.

This easy three-mile loop takes in the park at its seasonal best – keep an eye out for the park’s famous Highland cattle — in spring, playful shaggy calves appear alongside the herd, delighting visitors of all ages. Please note that Pollock House is currently closed for restoration, but the parkland walks are accessible.

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire

Set in the heart of Aberdeenshire, a walk around the grounds of Fyvie Castle is especially magical in early spring. Drifts of bright daffodils line the paths before giving way to carpets of bluebells later in the season.

Follow woodland trails and lochside routes, keeping an eye out for local wildlife – red squirrels dart through the trees and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot an otter along the water’s edge.

St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, Scottish Border

A spring walk around St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve offers dramatic coastal scenery and excellent opportunities for wildlife-spotting. Follow cliff-top paths for sweeping views over the North Sea where seabirds wheel and nest along the towering cliffs.

Inland, the peaceful waters of Mire Loch attract swans, ducks and butterflies. In spring, grassland bursts into colour with sea pinks, rock rose and wild thyme, making this rugged headland feel wonderfully wild and alive in springtime.

The impressive St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve is just one example of the many historic sites and natural places looked after by the National Trust for Scotland.

While St Abb’s Head is free to access to the general public, with a Boundless Plus membership you can enjoy free parking along with unlimited access to over 100 other National Trust for Scotland places, including free admission for up to six children per visit and complimentary car parking. Find more inspiration for spring activities at National Trust for Scotland sites.

Rockcliffe to Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway

Where the River Urr meets the Solway coast, the landscape between Kippford and Castle Point is especially vibrant in spring. Ancient broadleaf woods fill with bluebells and wood anemones, while nearby meadows sparkle with daisies, dandelions and wildlife-friendly grasses. Along the headland, bright gorse flowers glow yellow against the sea.

Several viewpoints offer wonderful perspectives across this colourful coastline. The gorse-topped summit of The Muckle is an easy climb for families, while the hillfort at Mote of Mark makes a perfect picnic stop overlooking flower-filled meadows.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.