Ten great wildlife walks

Our nature conservation experts have chosen ten of their favourite places to go for a walk and get close to nature. From hillsides to historic parks, they all offer a chance to discover the UK's finest wildlife and habitats.

For each we've created a simple walking leaflet, with a map, route directions and highlights to look out for on the way. Download from the web here, print and take them along with you the next time you visit!

Every season offers the walker something new: try a walk in summer and return in winter for a totally different wildlife experience.

Web downloadable walk leaflet

Arnside Knott, Cumbria Coast

A 2 mile walk up to on to a hill ridge with fantastic views overlooking Morecombe Bay on one side and the Lake District on the other.

Download the Arnside Knott Wildlife Walk

High brown fritillary butterfly

Wildlife highlights:

Listen for the loud ‘pichoo’ call of the marsh tit in the woodland.
Look out for rare butterflies.

Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

This 2 mile route offers a perfect family ramble on wide level paths through beautiful Chiltern woodland. Ashridge is famed for its bluebells in spring and vibrant autumnal colours later in the year.

Download
the Ashridge
Wildlife Walk

Ashridge on the Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire border

Wildlife highlights:

Look out for gliding red kites above and the striking six-spot burnet moth.
Pop into the Discovery Centre before your walk for an I-spy Ashridge leaflet.

Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire

With ancient woodland, meadows and pools, this 1.5 mile walk takes you on a little tour of a timeless Herefordshire estate. Community-created sculptures and homemade produce show how we work with nature today.

Download the Brockhampton Wildlife Walk

Close view of a tree laden with ripening damsons at Hill House Farm on the Brockhampton Estate - Paul Harris

Wildlife highlights:

Invertebrates and fungi living in dead wood.
Listen for woodpeckers drumming on trees and the deep croak of ravens.

Brownsea Island, Dorset

Brownsea Island is home to one of the few remaining red squirrel colonies in the UK. You may be lucky enough to see them on this 1 mile walk.

Download
the Brownsea
Wildlife Walk

Wildlife highlights:

Many species of wader bird and duck.
Dragonfly and damselfly.
The scarce bird's nest orchid.

Calke Park and Abbey, Derbyshire

A peaceful 1.5 mile walk in this National Nature Reserve and historic country park estate.

Download
the Calke Park
Wildlife Walk

Red deer

Wildlife highlights:

Keep your eyes open for signs of badgers in the woods and colourful dragonflies darting around the ponds.
The Old Man of Calke has lived here for 1000 years!

Crom, Northern Ireland

This 3.5 mile route follows the shores of Upper Lough Erne, it's a remote tranquil landscape of islands, woodlands and historic ruins.

Download the
Crom Wildlife Walk

The twisted roots of an ancient yew tree on the Crom Estate

Wildlife highlights:

Marvel at ancient trees and waterways.
Look out for bats and the elusive pine marten.

Cubert, Cornwall

An amazing summer display of bright poppies and marigolds are just a few reasons to enjoy this 6 mile walk along a stunning stretch of Cornish coast.

Download
the Cubert
Wildlife Walk

The delightful and secluded beach of Holywell Bay. A gentle surf breaks in a white foam over the sand

Wildlife highlights:

From sand dune invertebrates like the striped-wing grasshopper, to everyone's favourite grey seals.
You might spot some stoats chasing rabbits!

Harting Down, South Downs

Spectacular views, secluded valleys and dark Yew woods will greet you on this 2 mile walk in the heart of the South Downs.

Download the
Harting Down
Wildlife Walk

Wildlife highlights:

Catch a whiff of the blooming juniper bushes.
Listen out for singing nightingales and skylarks.

Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire

Either 3.5 miles one-way or a 6 mile circular walk set in the stunning scenery of Pembrokeshire National Park.

Download
the Stackpole
Wildlife Walk

Wildlife highlights:

See and smell colonies of breeding seabirds at Stackpole Head.
If you're very very lucky you might spot an otter around the tranquil lilyponds.

Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire

A glorious 6 mile walk in the Yorkshire Dales. Discover an exciting landscape of limestone pavement, glaciated valleys and flower-filled hay meadows.

Download
the Upper Wharfedale
Wildlife Walk

Wildlife highlights:

Lots of unusual plants live on the 'clints' and in the 'grikes'...
The clean waters of the River Wharfe are great for fish, insects and birdlife.

Have a look at the National Trust's nature pages for more information on wildlife at our properties: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nature