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Wild places to get away from it all

Pony grazing on Rockford Common, New Forest, on a misty, sunny day
Pony grazing on Rockford Common, New Forest, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/John Miller

We live in an increasingly populated and urban country, but there are still areas of wilderness to be found where you can get away from it all. We’ve picked some of the best islands, rolling hills and coastal wild places in our care for you to explore.

Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk
At the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Blakeney National Nature Reserve has wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the coastline. The salt marshes provide a busy habitat for a range of residential and migratory birds and the area is also home to England's largest grey seal colony.Visit Blakeney National Nature Reserve
Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd, Shropshire
Take in scenic views across the Shropshire Hills and beyond from this wildlife-rich heathland. You don’t have to venture far to find solitude and you can even spot the Milky Way at night. Take a stroll through Carding Mill Valley or follow the more rugged route to the top of the hill.Visit Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
Crom, County Fermanagh
Escape to the shores of Upper Lough Ernes and immerse yourself in Crom's tranquillity. Find historic ruins dotted among the peaceful woodlands and small islands that make up this ancient landscape. If you're lucky, you may even spot the elusive pine marten.Visit Crom
Divis and the Black Mountain, County Antrim
Take a short trip from Belfast city centre to heart of the wilderness at Divis and the Black Mountain. The landscape is a patchwork of grassland and heathland bog, hosting a wealth of wildlife including Irish hares and skylarks.Visit Divis and the Black Mountain
Dartmoor, Devon
Explore the woodland and rock formations of Dartmoor, where you can walk along the banks of various rivers, including the Teign, Bovey and Plym. You can also choose a more challenging walk across the open moorland from Cadover Bridge in the upper Plym area.Visit Cadover Bridge
Head of Ennerdale from Moses Trod path on ascent to Green Gable, Lake District
Head of Ennerdale seen from Moses Trod path in the Lake District | © National Trust Images/John Malley
Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk
Discover the peace and quiet of Dunwich Heath, an ideal place for spending time in nature. A rare habitat known as coastal lowland heath, this remote area is home to many species, including Dartford warblers, nightjars, woodlarks and adders.Visit Dunwich Heath
Ennerdale, Lake District
With 30 miles of traffic-free pathways, experience one of the UK's longest-running wild land restoration projects in the Ennerdale Valley. Stroll along the lakeside, hike up to some of the most famous peaks in the Lake District or cycle through the forest.Visit Ennerdale
Exmoor, Devon
Exmoor National Park covers 267 square miles of dramatic coastline, open moorland, ancient woods, rivers and streams. Take a hike across the landscape and among the stone circles and ruins of ancient inhabitants. Look out for wild ponies and herds of red deer that roam in the area.Visit Exmoor
Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Northumberland
Stretching 73 miles from the Solway Coast in Cumbria to Wallsend near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Hadrian's Wall is an ideal place to explore historic wild landscape and reconnect with nature.Visit Hadrian's Wall
Kinder, Edale and the High Peak, Derbyshire
Visit the valleys and hilltops of this rich moorland habitat to experience large open skies, dramatic sunsets and far-reaching horizons. Take a walk high on the windswept Kinder plateau, one of the upland areas of the gritstone Dark Peak. Don't forget to explore the mysterious rock formations in the area and look out for wildlife.Visit Kinder Scout
Wicken Lode in winter with frost on the reeds and ice on the water surface at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire
Wicken Lode in winter at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Mike Selby
Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
This 6000-year-old sand dune system became Ireland’s first nature reserve in 1967. The location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains makes it excellent for walking and birdwatching. The dune fields are the best and most extensive example of a dune heath in Ireland, with more than 600 species of butterflies and moths, including the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.Visit Murlough National Nature Reserve
Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight
On the Isle of Wight, chalky paths wind along stretches of coastline, once the scene of shipwrecks and smuggling. Explore ancient holloways and huge stretches of downland and heath with 360-degree views. We care for the island’s only National Nature Reserve at Newtown – a misty landscape where estuaries and old salt lagoons attract thousands of colourful visiting birds.Visit Newtown National Nature Reserve
New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire
Find a moment of calm in the wide open space at New Forest Northern Commons. Follow paths through heather-laden slopes to discover gravel streams running through woodland and miniature valleys. Keep an eye out for ground-nesting birds and rare reptiles.Visit New Forest Northern Commons
Orford Ness, Suffolk
Orford Ness is a rare landscape made up of shingle ridges and valleys that have been deposited over centuries by the sea. Twenty per cent of Europe's vegetated shingle is found on Orford Ness, and it's home to wildlife such as wetland and wading birds, Chinese water deer, hares and a rare breed of sheep.Visit Orford Ness
Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire
Breathe in the fresh air at the UK's oldest nature reserve, Wicken Fen. Follow the raised boardwalk through these serene wetlands that support an abundance of wildlife. Rarities like water voles and hen harriers can be spotted while herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies are helping to create a diverse range of new habitats.Visit Wicken Fen
Ysbyty Ifan, Wales
Explore 8,000 hectares of wild moorland at Ysbyty Ifan with its rolling hills, river and deciduous woodland. Ysbyty Ifan village has one of the smallest populations in Wales, so if you're looking for peace and contemplation, you'll find it here in the countryside.Visit Ysbyty Ifan
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