Spring is here and with it comes the call to get outdoors to begin discovering all the wonderful trails our national parks have to offer. From Dartmoor to the Cairngorms, there’s everything from serene coastal paths to blustery mountaintop trails to choose from. We’ve found out people's favourite National Park springtime trails which are bound to give you inspiration for a hike to kick off the outdoor season with.
Cairngorms
Càrn a'Mhaim from the Linn of Dee recommended by adventurer and OEX ambassador, James Coutts
A perfect bike & hike for a spring day in Scotland.
The route begins at the Linn of Dee Car Park and takes you through one of the most stunning Glens in Scotland - Glen Lui. The approach to the Abandoned Derry Lodge can be shortened by use of a mountain bike. The rest of the journey is then on foot towards Luibeg Bridge and up to the summit of Càrn a'Mhaim.
This mountain may not have the height of the other Cairngorm giants around it, but it certainly doesn’t lack in views! The route can be extended to Ben Macdui via one of the only ridge walks in the Cairngorms. Càrn a'Mhaim makes for a fantastic spring bike & hike in the Cairngorm National Park.
The New Forest
Longslade Bottom Circular recommended by Olivia Pegg, Merchansider at Blacks
A popular trail for running or walking.
This hike is my personal favourite, both routes are full of ponies and cows that get let out into the forest after winter so seeing them is a treat in spring when the sun is low and you’re at the top of the hill at Longslade the sun shines through the valley and bounces off the water. The light filters through the trees, it lights up the foliage, creating a dream-like atmosphere. You can see the wild ponies grazing or roaming freely in their natural habitat and it adds an extra element of wonder. It's a relaxing blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters that can leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to experience it!
There are many reasons to love the New Forest. Its diverse landscapes, ranging from ancient woodlands to open heathlands, provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The wildlife, including the famous New Forest ponies, and slightly scary wild pigs (expect from when they’re sleeping) adds to the charm and character of the area. You can even see the rich history and cultural heritage in the forest, from ancient monuments to traditional practices, offering a sense of connection to the past. Whether it's a peaceful walk among the trees, a thrilling bike ride through the trails, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of nature, the New Forest has something for everyone to love and appreciate.
Peak District
The Chee Dale Steppingstones recommended by Matt Nevitt, Designer at Blacks
A nice springtime walk to do with family, kids and dogs!
Hidden in the Upper Wye Valley is the Chee Dale Steppingstones. The route is quite an easy walk with a few bits of scrambling and a couple of down / up rock sections. This walk can be completed by a beginner hiker but what sets this walk apart from others is the scenery and wildlife.
Starting the walk along an old 1800s railway line past a mine and through some well-lit tunnels, this route then drops down on an impressive viaduct to a beautiful stepping stones river walk with a rock face reminiscent of Yosemite (I can hazard a guess it is on a much smaller scale in Derbyshire that it is in Yosemite)
The route features overarching rock faces, with rare migrating Osprey, that dive in for huge Brown Trout in the deeper parts of the river during the spring. The walk is fairly short but with so many trails in the area, you could easily make a longer route or do a couple of shorter walks in the area and make a day of it.
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Horseshoe Recommended by adventurer Tom Sharp
Looking for a great spot to camp, hike, or run? Even during busier times, you can still find plenty of peace and quiet.
This challenging circular upland mountain walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Has far-reaching views towards Pen y Fan into the Cwm Sere Valley. Look out for a Bronze Age burial cairn and evidence of military firing ranges.
We found this Brecon's route the perfect spring walk as the weather started to improve and the evenings got longer and were treated to clear skies offering 360° panoramic views from the summit of Pen-Y-Fan. We also found a variety of different routes to suit varying abilities, and time available. On that particular day, we opted for the slightly more challenging, and quieter, horseshoe route. Where surprisingly we had the trails to ourselves for most of the day apart from the summit itself as the various routes congregated into one.
Loch Lomond
Conic Hill recommended by Ashleigh Cartwright, Blacks Social Team
A stunning out-and-back route that begins in Balmaha and takes you through Balmaha Plantation to the top of Conic Hill.
I found this route to be challenging but not too much of a climb! It was definitely worth it too, with amazing views and a nice mix of terrain. It did seem to be extremely popular, so I'd try to go at a quieter time if that's what you prefer!
There's nothing quite like visiting Loch Lomond in the springtime. The air is crisp, and the views are crystal clear, making it the perfect time for a trek. The journey to the top of the hill feels more rewarding when you're surrounded by such stunning scenery. And the best part? You can pack a flask and take a break to enjoy a drink while taking in the breathtaking views.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Shippingback Wood and Barafundle Bay Circular recommended by Ethan Ball, Blacks Content Team
A sandy coastal ramble past some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches.
This small circular route crosses one of the best beaches in the UK and in many people's opinion, one of the best in the world. The journey covers just a small distance of 3.2km, but it's a route that's filled with adventure and great views. The trail meanders through rocky cliff paths, where you can hear waves crashing against the rocks down below. You'll then be walking on soft sand as you cross the beautiful sandy beaches.
As you continue, the path leads you through lush dunes, where you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna. Soon, you'll find yourself among tall trees in a thick woodland. Finally, the path opens into windswept fields that overlook the vast sea. It's a peaceful and secluded walk that's perfect for both running and walking and an experience that you won't forget easily. As the ground can get loose and sandy for a lot of the route, I’d recommend some good running shoes that feature deep lugs. Something like a lightweight trail shoe would be perfect for this terrain.
Yorkshire Dales
Pen-Y-Ghent recommended by Beth Leedham, Blacks Social Team
I would recommend taking this route if you're looking to summit one of the highest peaks in Yorkshire!
The Yorkshire Dales is home to many walks for finding beautiful springtime scenery, but one of my personal favourites is Pen-Y-Ghent, which is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. It's a classic Yorkshire walk! This great circular route starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and is around 6.5 miles. Being the lowest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks at 694 meters, it's a popular choice for hikers of all abilities. This route is also easily accessible by public transport if you don't drive. I completed this walk at the start of summer, and the weather made it a great day out. I'm planning to complete the other two Yorkshire Three Peaks this summer while the weather is favourable.
We decided to take the clockwise route for a more gradual climb to the summit. The route was well signposted with good paths up. Once at the summit, the views are breathtaking, overlooking the other Yorkshire Peaks Ingleborough and Whernside. We decided to take some time to sit and take in the views at the top. We then headed down the steep southern side – it was a bit of a scramble down Brackenbottom Scar, but if you're prepared, it's nothing too major. The route down after the scrambling is a leisurely descent back down the Ribblesdale Valley towards the River Ribble.
Snowdonia
Pyg and Miners track recommended by adventurer Tony Messham
Classic Snowdon ascent routes and probably the most popular! The total distance is a hefty 7.4 miles.
My favourite route is going up the Pyg track and then down the Miner's path. The Pyg track has a bit of climbing and a bit of scrambling and I would say it's above beginner, but still a nice challenge in the elements. The Miners is flat for the most part before a steep ascent, so I like to go back down this way, get the steep bit out of the way and then I get to enjoy a stroll back beside the lakes, whilst taking in the rest of the scenery.
I love going in Spring because there's more chance of good visibility at the summit, sometimes even a bit of sun, without the heat of the height of summer. Being Welsh, seeing it in the Spring light and taking in all the views makes me appreciate the nature on our doorstep.
