Top UK Wildlife Walks UK to Explore
May is a special month, as it marks World Walking Month, it's organised to help give inspiration for people to walk and get out more; so we thought what's a better way to celebrate than getting outdoors for a wander and spotting all the wonderful local wildlife; especially now that the weather is warming up!
Walking is incredible, it doesn't just help our bodies, it helps our minds as well. Studies show walking reduces stress, can boost mood, and improves cardiovascular health - add wildlife into the mix, and what more could you want!?
You don't have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy these walks; all you need is a love of nature and some walking boots!
What is World Walking Month?
World Walking Month is a global celebration encouraging people of all ages and abilities to embrace the benefits of walking.
It's a time to make small changes that lead to big health rewards - like taking the scenic route or one off of the beaten track, swapping short car trips for a short walk in the woods, or planning weekend walks in nature.
Our Favourite Wildlife Walks and Walking Trails in the UK
We've pulled together a list of some of the best-rated nature walks in the UK, based on TripAdvisor reviews and recommendations from fellow wildlife lovers.
Each one offers unique habitats, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to spot all kinds of animals from puffins and deer to red kites and ancient yew trees in woods; but they all offer spectacular views!
RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk
A coastal wildlife haven with reedbeds, woodland, and lagoons. Look out for bitterns, avocets, marsh harriers, and if you're lucky: otters. The trails are well-marked and suitable for families and birdwatchers, and there's also a well-equipped visitor centre!
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Towering mountains meet serene lochs in this stunning national park. Here you can discover red squirrels, pine martens, ospreys, and more. There’s a trail for every level, from relaxed lochside paths to forest hikes.
Dinas RSPB Reserve, Mid Wales
A tranquil escape with dense woodland, waterfalls, and ancient oak trees. You may spot red kites, pied flycatchers, and badgers. Peaceful and off the beaten path - a true hidden gem and one that you just have to visit!
The New Forest National Park, Hampshire
Famous for its roaming ponies and ancient trees, the New Forest offers endless walking routes. You’ll also find deer, buzzards, butterflies, and beautiful open heathland to explore.
Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, West Sussex
Walk among some of Europe’s oldest yew trees - some over 2,000 years old. This National Nature Reserve also features chalk grasslands rich in wildflowers and butterflies, plus sweeping views across the South Downs.
Abberton Reservoir, Essex
One of the UK’s most important wetlands. Managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, this peaceful spot attracts migratory birds including spoonbills, geese, ducks, and even osprey in the right season.
Highwoods Country Park, Colchester
A mix of meadows, woodlands, and lakes. Great for families, with accessible paths and plenty of dragonflies, butterflies, and songbirds to enjoy along the way.
Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire
Dramatic coastal paths with over 250,000 nesting seabirds in spring and summer. Spot puffins, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills at Bempton Cliffs - a paradise for bird lovers and photographers; offering the chance to take stunning images.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
More than just a garden! Hyde Hall has nature-friendly planting, pollinator-friendly zones, and walking routes with stunning countryside views. A lovely mix of curated beauty and wild appeal.
Nidd Gorge & Bilton Viaduct, North Yorkshire
Tucked just outside Harrogate, Nidd Gorge is a stunning woodland walk with a mix of flat riverside paths and hillier trails through ancient woodland. The area is home to red kites, deer, kingfishers, and even otters.
The circular trail takes you through peaceful forest, along the River Nidd, and across the dramatic Bilton Viaduct for breathtaking views. It’s a great spot for a gentle walk full of nature sounds, and an ideal location for a family stroll, picnic, or a more challenging hike depending on the route you choose.
The Benefits of Walking
Being outside in a stunning landscape comes with several benefits to both our physical health and mental.
For such a simple form of exercise, it has such an impact. Many studies have shown that walking improves heart health and circulation as well as building muscle and strengthening bones.
Aside from all of the good it does for our body, there's what a quiet walk in the countryside can do for our brains. Walking helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and boosts our mood too. There's nothing quite like being outside with a close connection to nature!
Why Wildlife Walks Are Special
Unlike urban strolls, wildlife walks offer a chance to connect with local wildlife, explore history, and immerse yourself in varied habitats - from meadows and wetlands to heathland and forest trails.
Top Tips for Wildlife Walks
There are a few things you can do to make the miles you walk even better!
< Pack a picnic and a reusable water bottle if you're going on a long walk. This will help keep you hydrated and ensure you have the energy levels to make your way back. You never know, whilst you're sitting having a spot of lunch you might witness rare birds all around.
< It may seem old fashioned, but bring a map. Our phones are great, but in some of the more remote areas, you might not get a great signal; so make sure you have a way of knowing which way to go without using tech.
< On a quiet walk, listen for birdsong in the trees. There are many ID guides to help you identify the type of bird you may have heard.
< Bring your camera to capture the spectacular views!
Whether you're planning a weekend trip or a gentle walk closer to home, these wildlife-rich spots are perfect for getting active and reconnecting with nature this May.
Why not start a walking challenge with your family or friends and see how many of these routes you can tick off during World Walking Month?
