For many walkers, finding new routes that take you away from the well-trodden paths and crowds, especially in the summer, is a dream come true. It’s a bonus if during any one of those walks, you stumble upon incredible historic ruins, a fascinating disused railway line, or a towering windmill with amazing views.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll or have read about a charming village you’ve never visited before, walking somewhere new is a treat at any time of year. The UK is blessed with a wide variety of routes in rural, coastal, and National Trust settings.
This article explores some unmissable walks that might be easily missed yet are perfect for avid hikers willing to venture beyond the well-trodden paths.
Rewarding Walks Away From the Crowds
Rather than missing out, the first step to going on a rewarding walk away from the usual tourist routes is to do your research. Although there’s an irony in learning about the UK’s most secretive and strangest walks in news articles or online, they are reported by experienced walkers who probably share a passion for finding new and fascinating trails.
Similarly, you might want to contact walking groups, read Facebook or Instagram posts, and listen to friends’ travel tips, as these options are still more likely to be less crowded as some of the more popular tourist hotspots or well-publicised National Trust walks.
Traversing Ancient Paths and Roman Roads
Some of the most rewarding walks follow routes that have been carved into the landscape over centuries, or even millennia. From ancient woods and stately homes to medieval ruins and quaint villages, there is a wealth of historic walks waiting to be found.
Many routes have winding paths that take you through quaint villages, older industrial landmarks, fabulous old churches and even mills that offer a proud glimpse into the past. Roman rambles also offer a fascinating insight into some surviving Roman roads across chalky woods, hills and open countryside.
Many of these hidden walks criss-cross ancient bridges, derelict mills, and historic ruins that are often hidden from sight. They are frequently down a rugged track or can only be reached with a sturdy car.
With this in mind, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is in top condition before venturing out. As John Haynes Mercedes indicates, while we associate a comprehensive vehicle health check with preparing for the winter elements, a multi-point check at any point before unfamiliar trips will ensure trouble-free travelling. Particular attention should be paid to the car battery, windscreen wipers and tyres.
Similarly, safety needs to extend to the journey itself, whether you reach a walking route by car, or park up to continue on foot down country tracks. Narrow roads require caution when facing oncoming traffic, for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
Finding History at Every Turn
Finding out about the walks close to or on the UK’s disused railway lines are an interesting option for many. By the end of the 19th century, the main railway network was largely completed, with very few new lines being constructed in the 20th century. In the distant past, these former stations once bustled with activity, but are now ruins with overgrown platforms.
Following the Victorian railway boom, there remains an extensive network of abandoned tracks, many of which have been converted into great walking and cycling paths. These routes cut through landscapes that would otherwise be difficult to access, taking walkers through deep fields, across viaducts, and into remote valleys.
Meanwhile, with gentle gradients originally designed for steam trains, these paths are fine for walkers of every fitness level. If you’re after extra activities, there are outdoor apps to help you organise sports and active days out whether you’re on a short walk or a multi-day trek.
Exploring Natural Beauty and Swim Spots
Beyond the historic attractions you are likely to come across, off-the-beaten-track walks frequently lead to incredible natural settings that can be largely unknown to visitors from outside the area. For instance, across parts of Cumbria and the Lake District, outdoor swimmers have come across small waterfalls, forest pools, and secluded wild swim spots.
Meanwhile, on other trails, there are ancient woodlands teeming with local wildlife to explore, and coastal walks in Somerset and along the Jurassic Coast that are fairly undiscovered. All may still reveal dramatic geological formations, archaeological finds, and unearthed fossils.
Preparing for Outdoor and Off-Beat Adventures
Whether you’re planning a walk somewhere rural and remote as a couple, on your own, or as an exciting family-friendly road trip in the summer, it’s important to be prepared for all eventualities. Be mindful that these quieter paths may be less well-maintained than popular routes, so sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing are essential.
Likewise, weather conditions even in the UK summer often change quickly and mobile phone signals may become patchy, so you might want to set out your route and let people be aware of your whereabouts before you leave.
Ordnance Survey maps remain invaluable tools for discovering potential routes, while local walking groups and guidebooks also provide insider knowledge. They are just as useful for looking up walks and places to stay too, according to the area you’re walking in.
The rewards of venturing off the beaten track are immeasurable: the satisfaction of discovery, the peace of walking in solitude, and the deep connection with landscape and history that only comes from taking the time to explore properly. These walks offer not just physical exercise, but genuine adventure and the chance to see England as few others do.
Author: Annie Button