Feel the warmth on your skin, freshness in the air, and follow a new path in confidence this month…
THE DAYS ARE getting longer and the weather’s brightening up, so now there’s plenty of opportunity to make the most of our free time and enjoy the beautiful sights of spring. Whether you’re looking to find beautiful bluebells, delicious wild garlic or spy cute new-born lambs, our selection of the best spring walks will help you.
Buttermere Edge Circular Walk
Lake District, England 10 miles/5.5 hrs
A big day out for most walkers with just over 1400m ascent, but one that takes in some of the very best views the Lake District has to offer. Enjoy fields of bluebells, impressive ridgelines and the beautiful Bleaberry Tarn. The route peaks on Fleetwith Pike, where you’ll enjoy stunning views down the valley. If you’re feeling brave you can even head for a swim in Innominate Tarn – one of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite places in the Lake District and where his ashes are scattered!
North Sandwick Walk
Shetlands, Scotland 3 miles/1.5 hrs
This linear 3-mile route is the perfect way to take in some amazing coastal scenery and wildlife. You’ll find views of Unst, Fetlar and the smaller island of Linga. This route takes you to North Sandwick and in spring, it is great for wildflowers and birdwatching. You can often see golden plovers, snipe and gannets. Keep an eye out along the path for lots of different wildflowers, field mice, hedgehogs and even otters. Look out towards the sea, where you may be lucky enough to see a pod of orcas or even a humpback whale.
Skirrid Circular Walk
Abergavenny, Wales 3.8 miles/2 hrs
If you love walking through fields of bluebells and along spectacular ridgelines then The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) walk is for you. It’s a lovely walk at all times of the year, but in spring it’s extra special. The walk starts in the woodland below the Skirrid, followed by a steep-ish walk uphill and onto the mountain itself. Instead of following the crowds and heading straight for the ridge, take a detour and follow a winding path through woodland. It soon opens out into clearer areas, which in spring, are covered with thousands of bluebells – like a purple carpet! Enjoy views of the Black Mountains and Abergavenny laid out around you.
Head to 10 best spring walks | OS GetOutside (ordnancesurvey.co.uk) for the full list of Ordnance Survey’s Top 10 spring walks!
