SatMap Active 10 Maps: English Counties 1:50000
Buying a map for a county has just got easy. Simply choose your county and we'll send you the map card for that whole county, without worrying about having to identify separate map sheet numbers. The maps are supplied at 1:50K scale, giving good information on the whole area, making it suitable for many different outdoor sports.
Maps contained: Digital Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger
Format: SD Card only
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Bedfordshire Bedfordshire stretches across the plain of the Ouse to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a landscape of gentle hills and valleys, peppered with woodland, heath and parkland. There are over 1500 kilometres of public footpaths traversing the county that suit all standards and styles of walkers, from short circular walks to the Icknield Way and Greensand Ridge Walk. A further 600 kilometres of bridleways and byways offer many opportunities for cyclists and horse riders alike, ensuring this picturesque county can be enjoyed by all. |
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Berkshire Much of West Berkshire is within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering many excellent countryside walks including the Thames Path National Trail, the Ridgeway National Trail and the Lambourn Valley Way, all winding their way through the gentle rolling patchwork of woods and fields. This countryside is equally well suited to cyclists with a popular family route along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Berkshire has much history to offer and is home to Iron Age forts, Civil War strongholds, and of course the iconic Windsor Castle. |
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Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire is set right at the heart of England, and despite being on the doorstep of London has managed to retain tranquil countryside, and a third of the county is covered by the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its beechwood slopes rolling chalk hills and quiet valleys. The meandering of the River Thames and the gentle undulations of the Aylesbury Vale have numerous historical connections, giving Buckinghamshire one of the largest number of National Trust properties of any English county. There is a network of over 2,500 miles of public rights of way, including two National Trails, the Ridgeway and the Thames Path. Plus there are many routes across the county suitable for cyclists such as the Icknield Way and the Phoenix Way. |
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Cambridgeshire The broad horizons of Cambridgeshire's lowland Fens, offer many sites of Special Scientific Interest and important nature reserves. With over 3200k of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including routes like the Hereward Way and the Fens Cycle Way, enjoying the Cambridgeshire countryside is easy for all the family. The principal town of Cambridge is world famous for its university, architecture and history, and for those visitors wanting a rest from all the heritage, the River Cam offers a great opportunity to learn that rarest of skills, punting! |
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Cheshire Cheshire contains a varied countryside, ranging from the wide open spaces and pastoral lowlands of the Cheshire Plain, to the east of the county, near Macclesfield and Congleton, where gentle hills give way to steeper and longer climbs up wooded slopes to purple moorland. Interestingly, the peaceful countryside is dotted with the evidence of an industrial heritage of salt mining and textile mills, giving Cheshire more waterways than any other English county, and much history to explore. |
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Cornwall and Isles of Scilly With over 300 miles of undulating, awe inspiring coastline making up a large part of the South West Coast National Trail, Cornwall draws visitors from all over the world to enjoy breathtaking cliff top walks, explore secluded tranquil coves, learn to surf on the beaches of Newquay, and relax in picturesque fishing villages. Inland there are 2,400 miles of footpaths and public rights of way over scenery ranging from the tranquillity of the Roseland Peninsula, to the unblemished beauty of Bodmin Moore or the pastoral landscapes of the Lizard. |
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County Durham & Tyne and Wear County Durham has much to offer the discerning traveller, especially the remote and sparsely populated dales and moors of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This provides fantastic hill walking routes with panoramic views and is home to several important species of rare flora and fauna. All this can be accessed by nearly 2,200 miles of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways, including many notable routes like the Pennine Way, and the Durham Heritage Coast footpath. Many of these take in the rich history of the region, including Roman forts, baths and museums including the last outpost of Hadrian's Wall. |
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Cumbria Cumbria boasts some of the most famous countryside in England, and is criss-crossed by nearly 2,225 miles of footpaths, with many more permissive paths and large areas of open access. It contains within its borders the whole of the Lake District National Park, renowned for its rocky peaks, beautiful lakes and woodlands. The drama of the Cumbrian countryside ranges from Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, and even up to a corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the east of the county. |
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Derbyshire Derbyshire is home to the Peak District, England's first National Park spanning over 500 square miles and is one of the most popular areas of natural beauty in England. With panoramic views, lush green meadows, picturesque dales and rolling hills, it offers hiking, hill walking, cycling and nature trails to suit all standards. A must for walkers is the Peakland Way passing through the National Park and visiting Llam, Longor, Blackwell and Snake Pass where it finally joins with the Tissington Trail. |
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Devon There's more to Devon than just Devonshire cream teas: there are two National Parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor); two World Heritage Sites (Jurassic Coast and The Tamar Valley); five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; 210 Sites of Special Scientific Interest; 500km of coastline; a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; and a major section of the South West Coast National Trail. In total, there is some 3,500 miles of footpaths allowing visitors to explore all the delights that Devon has to offer. |
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Dorset Offering nearly 3,000 miles of public right of way, Dorset is a land of beautiful contrasts. Follow the South West Coast National Trail; explore the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site; visit Poole Harbour (the second largest natural harbour in the world); or explore inland with its ancient hill forts, spectacular heathland, rolling pastures, and quaint meadows. In fact, just over half of Dorset is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so it is no surprise Dorset houses 10 nature reserves, 1,050 sites of nature conservation interest, 200 confirmed sites of natural interest and 800 ancient monuments. |
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East Sussex The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts the highest proportion of ancient woodland in the country, and is considered, essentially, a medieval landscape that has been lost in much of the rest of England. The countryside of the county ranges from flower rich meadows and patches of heathland, to sandstone outcrops and steep wooded ravines plus a coastline full of history that includes Hastings, the last place Britain was invaded in 1066. |
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Essex Right on the doorstep of London, Essex surprises many by retaining its rural identity. The long coastline ensures Essex has a strong maritime tradition, and offering many paths along the sea front and beaches, whose remoteness ensures they remain of great importance for nature conservation. Inland, the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest provide many walks and cycle tracks which can be enjoyed all year round. For the fitter visitors, the Essex Way offers a route through a countryside of gently rolling farmland and unspoiled villages that has connections with the famous English landscape painter, John Constable. |
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Gloucestershire Gloucestershire has about 3,340 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including the Gloucestershire Way, and parts of the Cotswolds Way and Three Choirs Way. This gives access to a landscape that is timeless, captivating and quintessentially English. The Cotswolds cover a large part of Gloucestershire and are famous for the architecture of the picturesque villages of honey coloured stone cottages, nestling in valleys of the limestone hills. Elsewhere, the Royal Forest of Dean, one of Britain's ancient hunting forests provides many walks, and is bounded on the western edge by the spectacular gorges of the River Wye. |
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Greater London Greater London is an area steeped in history, and it could be argued the best way to see most of it is either on foot or on a bicycle, so not surprisingly it offers one of the best networks of off road walking in any British city. The Thames Path National Trail provides a classic route through the heart of London, and the Capital Ring and Jubilee Walkway are just two of the many other routes offering alternative views of the city. There are many opportunities for walking in green spaces too, with major parks like Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest, as well as the famous eight Royal Parks offering 5,000 acres of historic parkland in the heart of the capital. |
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Hampshire & Isle of Wight Offering over 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including 11 long distance routes and a myriad of shorter routes, Hampshire has tracks to suit all standards of walkers and cyclists, across some beautiful and varied countryside. Within it's borders, there is the New Forest National Park, home to the largest tract of ancient woodland in England, and the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a large area of picturesque rolling chalk hills, woods and heathlands. The crystal clean waters of the River Test attract anglers and walkers alike, enjoying the unspoiled route across the county to the sea. Just a short distance offshore sits the Isle of Wight, offering a timeless landscape, half of which is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. |
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Herefordshire & Worcestershire With over 2,000 miles of footpaths in Herefordshire and 3,500 miles in Worcestershire, there are more than enough routes here to cater for all taste and abilities, including sections of long distance paths like Offa's Dyke National Trail, and the beautiful Wye Valley Walk with its enchanting wooded gorge. This contrasts with the breathtaking views from the Malvern Hills across a gentle unspoiled landscape which was an inspiration for much of the music by the famous composer Edward Elgar. |
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Hertfordshire Offering walks such as the Aylesbury ring, the Chess Valley Walk and the Ridgeway, Hertfordshire offers a peaceful and tranquil landscape. In the west of Hertfordshire there is the beautiful Ashridge Estate, part of the Chiltern escarpment, offering over 4000 acres of unspoilt countryside dotted with ancient woodlands and beautiful meadows. Nearby is Tring Reservoir, home to an abundance of bird and animal life, and popular with ramblers enjoying the nature trails suitable for all the family. In the east of the county is the lush green valley of Lee Valley Park, following the course of the River Lea from Ware down into the heart of the East End of London. |
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Kent Kent is often called the Garden of England: its traditional hop fields and orchards combine with a landscape of rolling hills, meadows and woods that is quintessentially English. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers nearly a quarter of Kent, and features dramatic chalk escarpments, secluded dry valleys and ancient woodlands. The North Downs National Trail and the Saxon Shore Way are just a part of the 4,000 miles of footpaths crossing the county, plus many dedicated cycle routes such as the Viking Coastal Trail. No trip to Kent is complete without a walk along the famous white chalk cliffs. |
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Lancashire, Greater Manchester & Merseyside Lancashire boasts two major Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Forest of Bowland, recognised for it unspoiled and richly diverse landscape of heather moorland and remote rugged walking; and Arneside and Silverdale, a mosaic of limestone hills, ancient woodland, grassland and coast. There are over 3,700 miles of public rights of way in the county, including a significant section of the Pennine Way National Trail as well as large areas of open access across remote moorland. For cyclists, there are many cycle tracks, including through the Lune and Ribble Valleys as well as the off road trails in Gisburn Forest for mountain bikers. |
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Leicestershire & Rutland With over 3000 km of rights of way in Leicestershire it is ideal for walking, riding and cycling. Whether on the 100 mile circular walk of The Leicestershire Round, or taking the shorter routes of the Jubilee, Mowbray or Ivanhoe Way there is no shortage of rewarding views over a gentle rolling countryside. Rutland is home to the attractive 3,100 acre reservoir of Rutland Water, which has an international reputation for providing a balance of sport, leisure and wildlife conservation that offers everyone the opportunity to try something new. |
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Lincolnshire Lincolnshire is a rural county, dotted with pretty towns and villages, and spilt into several distinct landscapes. The Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has an undulating landscape of fertile farmland; to the south of the county there are the Vales, offering rolling countryside and picturesque villages; the countryside around Lincoln is famous for its aviation heritage, and the wide open spaces of the Fens make it easy to see why. The coast of Lincolnshire has great stretches of genuinely unspoiled sandy beaches, a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers and conservationists, making this country truly suited to the needs of all visitors. |
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Norfolk Norfolk boasts fantastic walks through forest, fen, coast and countryside and is host to the beautiful Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast National Trail, Boudicca's Way, and the Weavers Way, amongst others, making up over 2,300 miles of footpaths. The Norfolk Broads National Park is a magnet for boating holidays, cyclists and walkers and it takes in some of the most tranquil landscape of waterways in Britain. The landscape of Norfolk is genuinely diverse and unspoiled, and offers a rare feeling of space, making it a favourite destination for all types of visitor. |
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Northamptonshire Northamptonshire is a typical English landscape of rolling hills, stone built villages and a patchwork of fields and woods, crossed by rivers and canals. There are 2,000 miles of footpaths including seven long distance footpaths such as the Nene Way and Jurassic Way, with plenty of opportunity for cycling on 15 formalised cycle touring routes like the Brampton Valley Way or the Bluebell Line. In the north east of the county lies Rockingham Forest, designated as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest in 1066, which contrasts with the landscape of Pitsford Water, a site of Special Scientific Interest and home to important birdlife. |
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Northumberland 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways of unspoiled open countryside dotted with quaint market towns and villages typifies Northumberland. It has the wilderness of its great National Park, the fascination of bustling Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the beautiful empty beaches of the Northumberland coastline. Northumberland National Park covers an area of 400 square miles of untouched countryside. At its edge is Kielder Waters, the largest man-made lake in Europe offering fantastic bird watching, sailing and outdoor activities, it also has a large part of the Pennine Way National Trail running through it; one of the most famous walks in the UK. |
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North Yorkshire North Yorkshire is blessed with an abundance of outstanding countryside and contains within its borders two major National Parks. The Yorkshire Dales, famous for the charm of unspoiled stone built villages nestling in the valleys of rugged hills, and the North Yorks Moors, offering endless vistas of stunning heather, towering sea cliffs and secluded beaches, each park bringing visitors back time and again. Many paths for walking and cycling cross the county, making it accessible for everyone, and include the beautiful Coast to Coast Path, and sections of the Pennine Way and Cleveland Way National Trails. |
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Nottinghamshire Famous worldwide for the legends of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire has a rich heritage that ranges from Creswell Crags, which has some of the oldest cave drawings in the world, to the birthplace of the Pilgrim Fathers. In the north there is the Dukeries region, home to many stately homes and parks, including Clumber Park, one of the largest in Europe. With over 2,000 miles of footpaths, the county offers many routes for cycling and walking, including The Robin Hood Way and The Trent Valley Way, as well as a whole host of shorter routes. |
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Oxfordshire Oxford has a wealth of interesting history to discover and many fascinating buildings, colleges and museums to explore, due to its status as one of the world's most prominent university towns. Outside of the city, a large part of the county contains the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a gentle, timeless landscape of rolling hills, honey coloured stone villages nestling in wooded valleys. The county has nearly 2,400 miles of footpaths, including sections of two important National Trails, the Thames Path and the Ridgeway Trail, and plenty of opportunity for cycling along the Oxfordshire Cycle Way or the Thames Valley Cycle route, running through the delightful beechwood slopes of the Chiltern hills. |
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Staffordshire Staffordshire is a county of contrasting landscapes, ranging from the gritstone hills on the edge of the Peak District National Park to the edge of the floodplains of the River Trent. This picturesque county offers something for everyone from historic stately homes and beautiful parks dotted with ancient castles, to stunning gardens and exciting theme parks. It is home to Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the largest surviving area of lowland heath in the Midlands, and it has the largest part of the National Forest as well as the Forest of Mercia. All this can be explored on a network of over 4,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways, such as the Staffordshire Way, the Millennium Way and the Heart of England Way. |
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Somerset The landscape of Somerset has something for everyone. There is a large section of the Exmoor National Park, famous for its rugged heathland and the Exmoor ponies, one of the world's oldest breeds. There are also three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Blackdown Hills, the Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills, England's first AONB, consisting of large areas of oak woodland, ancient parkland, heath and traditional agriculture, an area that, unusually, is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. All this can be enjoyed from over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways, including the start of the 630 miles South West Coast National Trail. |
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South, West and East Yorkshire In West Yorkshire, the Peak District (Britain's first National park) starts just 5 miles from Sheffield, offering a dramatic and varied landscape ranging from the gentle limestone dales of White Peak to the rocky outcrops and moorland of the Dark Peak. In East Yorkshire there are the gentle rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, best seen from the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail, and the stunning pebble and sand beaches of the east coast. |
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Shropshire A rural, unspoiled county with a gentle rolling landscape, Shropshire offers many walks of all grades, and cycle rides through country lanes and traditional villages. There are over 3,500 miles of public rights of way, with several long distance walks, including a large section of the Offa's Dyke National Trail. For cyclists there are hundreds of miles of the National Cycle Network routes along quiet lanes, old railway lines and waterways, and muddy mountain biking tracks in woods and forests. The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the Wrekin and the Stiperstones offers much variety, ranging from rugged volcanic rocks of Stretton Edge and the sandstone outcrops of Clun Forest, to heather topped hill tops. |
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Suffolk Suffolk contains many nationally important nature reserves, both inland and on the coast, with many of the low heaths being designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. A network of over 3,000 miles of footpaths provides excellent access to this for visitors, including the popular Suffolk Way, traveling through countryside made famous by the painter John Constable. The Suffolk Coast and Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most important lowland landscapes in England, offering a huge variety of habitats, including heathland, saltmarsh, estuaries, shingle beaches and ancient forest. |
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Surrey With over 2200 miles of public rights of way, Surrey offers a collection of beautiful walks for all to enjoy, including a large part of the North Downs Way National Trail which runs across the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This diverse landscape of chalk downs, ancient woodlands, heaths and meadows provides many routes suitable for all standards. As England's most wooded county and its close proximity to London makes this a firm favourite for walkers and cyclists alike. |
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Warwickshire Famous as the home of William Shakespeare (Stratford upon Avon) and home to Warwick Castle (one of the finest medieval castles in England) Warwickshire is a county full of history and beauty. Surrounded by lush green countryside, this county offers many opportunities for walking and cycling on over 1,700 miles of paths and tracks. The Warwickshire Villages Trail covers a large part of the county linking 71 villages and giving visitors a perfect view of the county, or there are walks along the willow edged river of the Avon, and for the more adventurous, mountain biking in the Burton Dasset Hills Country Park. |
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West Sussex With miles of dramatic and distinctive coastline ranging from chalk cliffs to sandy beaches and the unspoilt countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Sussex offers something to suit everyone, and can be explored on over 2,500 miles of footpaths and tracks. In contrast to the coast you can visit the tranquillity of the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a chalk ridge of sweeping grassy slopes that features much of the South Downs Way National Trail, an ancient path believed to have been used for nearly 8,000 years. |
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Wiltshire Much of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is traversed by nearly 3,500 miles of footpaths and bridleways giving access to the landscape of rolling hills, woodlands and pastures. The open downland offers miles of uninterrupted views of an ancient landscape and features the world heritage site of Stonehenge as well as the massive iron age hill fort of Old Sarum, the haunting Avebury Stone Circles, and of course the beautiful medieval city of Salisbury. |
Buying a map for a county has just got easy. Simply choose your county and we'll send you the map card for that whole county, without worrying about having to identify separate map sheet numbers. The maps are supplied at 1:50K scale, giving good information on the whole area, making it suitable for many different outdoor sports.
Maps contained: Digital Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger
Format: SD Card only
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Bedfordshire Bedfordshire stretches across the plain of the Ouse to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a landscape of gentle hills and valleys, peppered with woodland, heath and parkland. There are over 1500 kilometres of public footpaths traversing the county that suit all standards and styles of walkers, from short circular walks to the Icknield Way and Greensand Ridge Walk. A further 600 kilometres of bridleways and byways offer many opportunities for cyclists and horse riders alike, ensuring this picturesque county can be enjoyed by all. |
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Berkshire Much of West Berkshire is within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering many excellent countryside walks including the Thames Path National Trail, the Ridgeway National Trail and the Lambourn Valley Way, all winding their way through the gentle rolling patchwork of woods and fields. This countryside is equally well suited to cyclists with a popular family route along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Berkshire has much history to offer and is home to Iron Age forts, Civil War strongholds, and of course the iconic Windsor Castle. |
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Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire is set right at the heart of England, and despite being on the doorstep of London has managed to retain tranquil countryside, and a third of the county is covered by the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its beechwood slopes rolling chalk hills and quiet valleys. The meandering of the River Thames and the gentle undulations of the Aylesbury Vale have numerous historical connections, giving Buckinghamshire one of the largest number of National Trust properties of any English county. There is a network of over 2,500 miles of public rights of way, including two National Trails, the Ridgeway and the Thames Path. Plus there are many routes across the county suitable for cyclists such as the Icknield Way and the Phoenix Way. |
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Cambridgeshire The broad horizons of Cambridgeshire's lowland Fens, offer many sites of Special Scientific Interest and important nature reserves. With over 3200k of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including routes like the Hereward Way and the Fens Cycle Way, enjoying the Cambridgeshire countryside is easy for all the family. The principal town of Cambridge is world famous for its university, architecture and history, and for those visitors wanting a rest from all the heritage, the River Cam offers a great opportunity to learn that rarest of skills, punting! |
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Cheshire Cheshire contains a varied countryside, ranging from the wide open spaces and pastoral lowlands of the Cheshire Plain, to the east of the county, near Macclesfield and Congleton, where gentle hills give way to steeper and longer climbs up wooded slopes to purple moorland. Interestingly, the peaceful countryside is dotted with the evidence of an industrial heritage of salt mining and textile mills, giving Cheshire more waterways than any other English county, and much history to explore. |
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Cornwall and Isles of Scilly With over 300 miles of undulating, awe inspiring coastline making up a large part of the South West Coast National Trail, Cornwall draws visitors from all over the world to enjoy breathtaking cliff top walks, explore secluded tranquil coves, learn to surf on the beaches of Newquay, and relax in picturesque fishing villages. Inland there are 2,400 miles of footpaths and public rights of way over scenery ranging from the tranquillity of the Roseland Peninsula, to the unblemished beauty of Bodmin Moore or the pastoral landscapes of the Lizard. |
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County Durham & Tyne and Wear County Durham has much to offer the discerning traveller, especially the remote and sparsely populated dales and moors of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This provides fantastic hill walking routes with panoramic views and is home to several important species of rare flora and fauna. All this can be accessed by nearly 2,200 miles of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways, including many notable routes like the Pennine Way, and the Durham Heritage Coast footpath. Many of these take in the rich history of the region, including Roman forts, baths and museums including the last outpost of Hadrian's Wall. |
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Cumbria Cumbria boasts some of the most famous countryside in England, and is criss-crossed by nearly 2,225 miles of footpaths, with many more permissive paths and large areas of open access. It contains within its borders the whole of the Lake District National Park, renowned for its rocky peaks, beautiful lakes and woodlands. The drama of the Cumbrian countryside ranges from Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, and even up to a corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the east of the county. |
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Derbyshire Derbyshire is home to the Peak District, England's first National Park spanning over 500 square miles and is one of the most popular areas of natural beauty in England. With panoramic views, lush green meadows, picturesque dales and rolling hills, it offers hiking, hill walking, cycling and nature trails to suit all standards. A must for walkers is the Peakland Way passing through the National Park and visiting Llam, Longor, Blackwell and Snake Pass where it finally joins with the Tissington Trail. |
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Devon There's more to Devon than just Devonshire cream teas: there are two National Parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor); two World Heritage Sites (Jurassic Coast and The Tamar Valley); five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; 210 Sites of Special Scientific Interest; 500km of coastline; a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; and a major section of the South West Coast National Trail. In total, there is some 3,500 miles of footpaths allowing visitors to explore all the delights that Devon has to offer. |
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Dorset Offering nearly 3,000 miles of public right of way, Dorset is a land of beautiful contrasts. Follow the South West Coast National Trail; explore the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site; visit Poole Harbour (the second largest natural harbour in the world); or explore inland with its ancient hill forts, spectacular heathland, rolling pastures, and quaint meadows. In fact, just over half of Dorset is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so it is no surprise Dorset houses 10 nature reserves, 1,050 sites of nature conservation interest, 200 confirmed sites of natural interest and 800 ancient monuments. |
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East Sussex The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts the highest proportion of ancient woodland in the country, and is considered, essentially, a medieval landscape that has been lost in much of the rest of England. The countryside of the county ranges from flower rich meadows and patches of heathland, to sandstone outcrops and steep wooded ravines plus a coastline full of history that includes Hastings, the last place Britain was invaded in 1066. |
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Essex Right on the doorstep of London, Essex surprises many by retaining its rural identity. The long coastline ensures Essex has a strong maritime tradition, and offering many paths along the sea front and beaches, whose remoteness ensures they remain of great importance for nature conservation. Inland, the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest provide many walks and cycle tracks which can be enjoyed all year round. For the fitter visitors, the Essex Way offers a route through a countryside of gently rolling farmland and unspoiled villages that has connections with the famous English landscape painter, John Constable. |
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Gloucestershire Gloucestershire has about 3,340 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including the Gloucestershire Way, and parts of the Cotswolds Way and Three Choirs Way. This gives access to a landscape that is timeless, captivating and quintessentially English. The Cotswolds cover a large part of Gloucestershire and are famous for the architecture of the picturesque villages of honey coloured stone cottages, nestling in valleys of the limestone hills. Elsewhere, the Royal Forest of Dean, one of Britain's ancient hunting forests provides many walks, and is bounded on the western edge by the spectacular gorges of the River Wye. |
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Greater London Greater London is an area steeped in history, and it could be argued the best way to see most of it is either on foot or on a bicycle, so not surprisingly it offers one of the best networks of off road walking in any British city. The Thames Path National Trail provides a classic route through the heart of London, and the Capital Ring and Jubilee Walkway are just two of the many other routes offering alternative views of the city. There are many opportunities for walking in green spaces too, with major parks like Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest, as well as the famous eight Royal Parks offering 5,000 acres of historic parkland in the heart of the capital. |
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Hampshire & Isle of Wight Offering over 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, including 11 long distance routes and a myriad of shorter routes, Hampshire has tracks to suit all standards of walkers and cyclists, across some beautiful and varied countryside. Within it's borders, there is the New Forest National Park, home to the largest tract of ancient woodland in England, and the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a large area of picturesque rolling chalk hills, woods and heathlands. The crystal clean waters of the River Test attract anglers and walkers alike, enjoying the unspoiled route across the county to the sea. Just a short distance offshore sits the Isle of Wight, offering a timeless landscape, half of which is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. |
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Herefordshire & Worcestershire With over 2,000 miles of footpaths in Herefordshire and 3,500 miles in Worcestershire, there are more than enough routes here to cater for all taste and abilities, including sections of long distance paths like Offa's Dyke National Trail, and the beautiful Wye Valley Walk with its enchanting wooded gorge. This contrasts with the breathtaking views from the Malvern Hills across a gentle unspoiled landscape which was an inspiration for much of the music by the famous composer Edward Elgar. |
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Hertfordshire Offering walks such as the Aylesbury ring, the Chess Valley Walk and the Ridgeway, Hertfordshire offers a peaceful and tranquil landscape. In the west of Hertfordshire there is the beautiful Ashridge Estate, part of the Chiltern escarpment, offering over 4000 acres of unspoilt countryside dotted with ancient woodlands and beautiful meadows. Nearby is Tring Reservoir, home to an abundance of bird and animal life, and popular with ramblers enjoying the nature trails suitable for all the family. In the east of the county is the lush green valley of Lee Valley Park, following the course of the River Lea from Ware down into the heart of the East End of London. |
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Kent Kent is often called the Garden of England: its traditional hop fields and orchards combine with a landscape of rolling hills, meadows and woods that is quintessentially English. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers nearly a quarter of Kent, and features dramatic chalk escarpments, secluded dry valleys and ancient woodlands. The North Downs National Trail and the Saxon Shore Way are just a part of the 4,000 miles of footpaths crossing the county, plus many dedicated cycle routes such as the Viking Coastal Trail. No trip to Kent is complete without a walk along the famous white chalk cliffs. |
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Lancashire, Greater Manchester & Merseyside Lancashire boasts two major Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Forest of Bowland, recognised for it unspoiled and richly diverse landscape of heather moorland and remote rugged walking; and Arneside and Silverdale, a mosaic of limestone hills, ancient woodland, grassland and coast. There are over 3,700 miles of public rights of way in the county, including a significant section of the Pennine Way National Trail as well as large areas of open access across remote moorland. For cyclists, there are many cycle tracks, including through the Lune and Ribble Valleys as well as the off road trails in Gisburn Forest for mountain bikers. |
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Leicestershire & Rutland With over 3000 km of rights of way in Leicestershire it is ideal for walking, riding and cycling. Whether on the 100 mile circular walk of The Leicestershire Round, or taking the shorter routes of the Jubilee, Mowbray or Ivanhoe Way there is no shortage of rewarding views over a gentle rolling countryside. Rutland is home to the attractive 3,100 acre reservoir of Rutland Water, which has an international reputation for providing a balance of sport, leisure and wildlife conservation that offers everyone the opportunity to try something new. |
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Lincolnshire Lincolnshire is a rural county, dotted with pretty towns and villages, and spilt into several distinct landscapes. The Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has an undulating landscape of fertile farmland; to the south of the county there are the Vales, offering rolling countryside and picturesque villages; the countryside around Lincoln is famous for its aviation heritage, and the wide open spaces of the Fens make it easy to see why. The coast of Lincolnshire has great stretches of genuinely unspoiled sandy beaches, a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers and conservationists, making this country truly suited to the needs of all visitors. |
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Norfolk Norfolk boasts fantastic walks through forest, fen, coast and countryside and is host to the beautiful Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast National Trail, Boudicca's Way, and the Weavers Way, amongst others, making up over 2,300 miles of footpaths. The Norfolk Broads National Park is a magnet for boating holidays, cyclists and walkers and it takes in some of the most tranquil landscape of waterways in Britain. The landscape of Norfolk is genuinely diverse and unspoiled, and offers a rare feeling of space, making it a favourite destination for all types of visitor. |
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Northamptonshire Northamptonshire is a typical English landscape of rolling hills, stone built villages and a patchwork of fields and woods, crossed by rivers and canals. There are 2,000 miles of footpaths including seven long distance footpaths such as the Nene Way and Jurassic Way, with plenty of opportunity for cycling on 15 formalised cycle touring routes like the Brampton Valley Way or the Bluebell Line. In the north east of the county lies Rockingham Forest, designated as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest in 1066, which contrasts with the landscape of Pitsford Water, a site of Special Scientific Interest and home to important birdlife. |
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Northumberland 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways of unspoiled open countryside dotted with quaint market towns and villages typifies Northumberland. It has the wilderness of its great National Park, the fascination of bustling Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the beautiful empty beaches of the Northumberland coastline. Northumberland National Park covers an area of 400 square miles of untouched countryside. At its edge is Kielder Waters, the largest man-made lake in Europe offering fantastic bird watching, sailing and outdoor activities, it also has a large part of the Pennine Way National Trail running through it; one of the most famous walks in the UK. |
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North Yorkshire North Yorkshire is blessed with an abundance of outstanding countryside and contains within its borders two major National Parks. The Yorkshire Dales, famous for the charm of unspoiled stone built villages nestling in the valleys of rugged hills, and the North Yorks Moors, offering endless vistas of stunning heather, towering sea cliffs and secluded beaches, each park bringing visitors back time and again. Many paths for walking and cycling cross the county, making it accessible for everyone, and include the beautiful Coast to Coast Path, and sections of the Pennine Way and Cleveland Way National Trails. |
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Nottinghamshire Famous worldwide for the legends of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire has a rich heritage that ranges from Creswell Crags, which has some of the oldest cave drawings in the world, to the birthplace of the Pilgrim Fathers. In the north there is the Dukeries region, home to many stately homes and parks, including Clumber Park, one of the largest in Europe. With over 2,000 miles of footpaths, the county offers many routes for cycling and walking, including The Robin Hood Way and The Trent Valley Way, as well as a whole host of shorter routes. |
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Oxfordshire Oxford has a wealth of interesting history to discover and many fascinating buildings, colleges and museums to explore, due to its status as one of the world's most prominent university towns. Outside of the city, a large part of the county contains the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a gentle, timeless landscape of rolling hills, honey coloured stone villages nestling in wooded valleys. The county has nearly 2,400 miles of footpaths, including sections of two important National Trails, the Thames Path and the Ridgeway Trail, and plenty of opportunity for cycling along the Oxfordshire Cycle Way or the Thames Valley Cycle route, running through the delightful beechwood slopes of the Chiltern hills. |
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Staffordshire Staffordshire is a county of contrasting landscapes, ranging from the gritstone hills on the edge of the Peak District National Park to the edge of the floodplains of the River Trent. This picturesque county offers something for everyone from historic stately homes and beautiful parks dotted with ancient castles, to stunning gardens and exciting theme parks. It is home to Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the largest surviving area of lowland heath in the Midlands, and it has the largest part of the National Forest as well as the Forest of Mercia. All this can be explored on a network of over 4,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways, such as the Staffordshire Way, the Millennium Way and the Heart of England Way. |
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Somerset The landscape of Somerset has something for everyone. There is a large section of the Exmoor National Park, famous for its rugged heathland and the Exmoor ponies, one of the world's oldest breeds. There are also three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Blackdown Hills, the Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills, England's first AONB, consisting of large areas of oak woodland, ancient parkland, heath and traditional agriculture, an area that, unusually, is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. All this can be enjoyed from over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways, including the start of the 630 miles South West Coast National Trail. |
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South, West and East Yorkshire In West Yorkshire, the Peak District (Britain's first National park) starts just 5 miles from Sheffield, offering a dramatic and varied landscape ranging from the gentle limestone dales of White Peak to the rocky outcrops and moorland of the Dark Peak. In East Yorkshire there are the gentle rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, best seen from the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail, and the stunning pebble and sand beaches of the east coast. |
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Shropshire A rural, unspoiled county with a gentle rolling landscape, Shropshire offers many walks of all grades, and cycle rides through country lanes and traditional villages. There are over 3,500 miles of public rights of way, with several long distance walks, including a large section of the Offa's Dyke National Trail. For cyclists there are hundreds of miles of the National Cycle Network routes along quiet lanes, old railway lines and waterways, and muddy mountain biking tracks in woods and forests. The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the Wrekin and the Stiperstones offers much variety, ranging from rugged volcanic rocks of Stretton Edge and the sandstone outcrops of Clun Forest, to heather topped hill tops. |
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Suffolk Suffolk contains many nationally important nature reserves, both inland and on the coast, with many of the low heaths being designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. A network of over 3,000 miles of footpaths provides excellent access to this for visitors, including the popular Suffolk Way, traveling through countryside made famous by the painter John Constable. The Suffolk Coast and Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most important lowland landscapes in England, offering a huge variety of habitats, including heathland, saltmarsh, estuaries, shingle beaches and ancient forest. |
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Surrey With over 2200 miles of public rights of way, Surrey offers a collection of beautiful walks for all to enjoy, including a large part of the North Downs Way National Trail which runs across the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This diverse landscape of chalk downs, ancient woodlands, heaths and meadows provides many routes suitable for all standards. As England's most wooded county and its close proximity to London makes this a firm favourite for walkers and cyclists alike. |
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Warwickshire Famous as the home of William Shakespeare (Stratford upon Avon) and home to Warwick Castle (one of the finest medieval castles in England) Warwickshire is a county full of history and beauty. Surrounded by lush green countryside, this county offers many opportunities for walking and cycling on over 1,700 miles of paths and tracks. The Warwickshire Villages Trail covers a large part of the county linking 71 villages and giving visitors a perfect view of the county, or there are walks along the willow edged river of the Avon, and for the more adventurous, mountain biking in the Burton Dasset Hills Country Park. |
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West Sussex With miles of dramatic and distinctive coastline ranging from chalk cliffs to sandy beaches and the unspoilt countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Sussex offers something to suit everyone, and can be explored on over 2,500 miles of footpaths and tracks. In contrast to the coast you can visit the tranquillity of the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a chalk ridge of sweeping grassy slopes that features much of the South Downs Way National Trail, an ancient path believed to have been used for nearly 8,000 years. |
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Wiltshire Much of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is traversed by nearly 3,500 miles of footpaths and bridleways giving access to the landscape of rolling hills, woodlands and pastures. The open downland offers miles of uninterrupted views of an ancient landscape and features the world heritage site of Stonehenge as well as the massive iron age hill fort of Old Sarum, the haunting Avebury Stone Circles, and of course the beautiful medieval city of Salisbury. |
