When it comes to taking a break from the stresses of modern day life, there are few things more effective in helping recover your mental wellbeing than reconnecting with nature.
Fortunately the UK is home to a number of protected green spaces, rugged coastal trails and areas of vast natural wonder that are all just waiting to be discovered and explored.
Here is a list of the absolute best mindfulness walks in some of the most stunning places in the UK. Fully reconnect with the natural world in these gorgeous and wild places by gearing up and following the most incredible walking trails this country has to offer.
Southwest Coastal Path | Cornwall
Photo by Kernow Hayz on Unsplash
The Area
Cornwall is truly one of the gems of the UK. With black, rugged cliffs giving way to white sandy beaches; you’d almost be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in Southern Europe.
One of the most popular staycation destinations for Brits during the summer months, this magical part of the country offers pretty much everything you could want from a beach holiday. During the summer the weather is great, the swimming is second to none and the adventure is immediate and boundless.
Cornwall has also become a surfer’s haven for the UK’s surfing contingent, attracting plenty of people each year to the area. What better way to escape the difficulties and stress of life than experiencing the healing effects of the ocean with some surf therapy?
One of the most popular staycation destinations for Brits during the summer months, this magical part of the country offers pretty much everything you could want from a beach holiday. During the summer the weather is great, the swimming is second to none and the adventure is immediate and boundless.
Cornwall has also become a surfer’s haven for the UK’s surfing contingent, attracting plenty of people each year to the area. What better way to escape the difficulties and stress of life than experiencing the healing effects of the ocean with some surf therapy?
The Trail
The Southwest Coastal Path actually claims to be the longest in the UK, and you can’t really argue with the fact that the trail stretches an incredible 630 miles!
It is essentially a coastal path that encompasses the entire coastline of the county (and also covers parts of Somerset, Devon and Dorset). So that’s a lot of coastline just waiting for you to explore.
This is the perfect trail for any level of walker. If you have a long weekend planned and you only want to walk certain sections of the trail, whilst stopping off for a swim at any one of the gorgeous secluded beaches along the way, you absolutely can.
On the other hand, if you wanted to plan a multi-day route and tackle larger sections of the trail and coastline, there is plenty of opportunity for accommodation and food stops along the route.
This is truly an exemplary example of the stunning British coast and offers ample opportunity to disappear and rediscover the local wildlife. Watch birds nesting on the cliffs, see the dolphins playing in the ocean and find your inner peace on the beach - you will feel the healing effects of the ocean here!
It is essentially a coastal path that encompasses the entire coastline of the county (and also covers parts of Somerset, Devon and Dorset). So that’s a lot of coastline just waiting for you to explore.
This is the perfect trail for any level of walker. If you have a long weekend planned and you only want to walk certain sections of the trail, whilst stopping off for a swim at any one of the gorgeous secluded beaches along the way, you absolutely can.
On the other hand, if you wanted to plan a multi-day route and tackle larger sections of the trail and coastline, there is plenty of opportunity for accommodation and food stops along the route.
This is truly an exemplary example of the stunning British coast and offers ample opportunity to disappear and rediscover the local wildlife. Watch birds nesting on the cliffs, see the dolphins playing in the ocean and find your inner peace on the beach - you will feel the healing effects of the ocean here!
The Cateran Trail | Cairngorms National Park
Photo by Jack Skinner on Unsplash
The Area
The Cairngorms National Park is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK - and is the closest thing we have to the Arctic Tundra. This otherworldly location is truly unique and offers a beauty that can’t really be matched elsewhere in the country.
Only becoming a fully established park in 2003, the Cairngorms has since been recognised as an internationally significant area for endangered and wild species. It covers an area twice as large as the Lake District, and even larger than the entire country of Luxembourg.
This gigantic National Park holds some of the most stunning scenery anywhere in the UK and is home to rolling grass covered hills, thick forests and 55 of the UK’s Monroes. In fact, four of the five tallest mountains in the UK can be found in the National Park.
Explore the Highland Glens, discover the crystal clear lochs and see the wildlife first hand. If there is anywhere you can truly get lost in nature and find yourself; it’s here.
Only becoming a fully established park in 2003, the Cairngorms has since been recognised as an internationally significant area for endangered and wild species. It covers an area twice as large as the Lake District, and even larger than the entire country of Luxembourg.
This gigantic National Park holds some of the most stunning scenery anywhere in the UK and is home to rolling grass covered hills, thick forests and 55 of the UK’s Monroes. In fact, four of the five tallest mountains in the UK can be found in the National Park.
Explore the Highland Glens, discover the crystal clear lochs and see the wildlife first hand. If there is anywhere you can truly get lost in nature and find yourself; it’s here.
The Trail
The Cateran Trail is a relatively new route, with a fully waymarked and maintained trail. It follows the old tracks that were used by the Cateran people who lived in the Highlands and were notorious for stealing and murdering local cattle from the Middle Ages to around the 17th century.
These ancient trails take you through increasingly smaller communities, until you are eventually fully submerged in the wild lands of the Cairngorms.
This circular route is broken up into stages and can be tackled over a relatively manageable five days and covers 64 miles of gorgeous and rugged terrain. For the hardier amongst you, it can be done quicker, but the terrain is rough and the weather unpredictable so make sure you come prepared.
The northernmost point of the loop takes you to the Spittal of Glenshee. A tiny community nestled on the banks of the Shee Water. There is a charming lodge, offering a hot meals, a comfortable bed and views the likes of which you have never seen before.
Experience the true wild and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life in this ethereal landscape - Britain’s last true wilderness.
These ancient trails take you through increasingly smaller communities, until you are eventually fully submerged in the wild lands of the Cairngorms.
This circular route is broken up into stages and can be tackled over a relatively manageable five days and covers 64 miles of gorgeous and rugged terrain. For the hardier amongst you, it can be done quicker, but the terrain is rough and the weather unpredictable so make sure you come prepared.
The northernmost point of the loop takes you to the Spittal of Glenshee. A tiny community nestled on the banks of the Shee Water. There is a charming lodge, offering a hot meals, a comfortable bed and views the likes of which you have never seen before.
Experience the true wild and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life in this ethereal landscape - Britain’s last true wilderness.
Scafell Pike | Lake District
Photo by ian kelsall on Unsplash
The Trail
There is a trail that begins in Wasdale Head and essentially makes a beeline for the summit. This is by far the most popular route of scaling the impressive peak, but can often be crowded and overused. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and experience a bit of the true Lake District then the ‘Corridor Route’ is the trail for you.
There is nothing too technical about this trail, but it’s not easy. It’s a long ascent that takes you through rugged fells and along rocky ledges to the North, before bringing you to the Scafell Boulder Field near the summit.
This is definitely the path less trodden, but the rewards are clear. Incredible views of the Pike reveal themselves as you climb, stunning valleys will spread out in front of you and dramatic and dark Tarns sit in the bottom of deep creavasses - and best of all, no one else is in sight.
If you are looking to escape and experience some proper adventure, then this is the path to the summit that you should choose.
There is nothing too technical about this trail, but it’s not easy. It’s a long ascent that takes you through rugged fells and along rocky ledges to the North, before bringing you to the Scafell Boulder Field near the summit.
This is definitely the path less trodden, but the rewards are clear. Incredible views of the Pike reveal themselves as you climb, stunning valleys will spread out in front of you and dramatic and dark Tarns sit in the bottom of deep creavasses - and best of all, no one else is in sight.
If you are looking to escape and experience some proper adventure, then this is the path to the summit that you should choose.
The Area
The Lake District is arguably one of the most well known areas in the UK. The incredible jagged mountains seem to shoot out of the ground in all directions and the deep lush valleys are home to the largest and deepest lakes in England - Windermere and Wastwater respectively.
The area attracts an incredible amount of visitors every year, with an estimated 19.8 million tourists and walkers in 2019.
Scafell Pike is a large draw for many of those visitors, as it is the largest mountain in England, standing at an impressive 978 metres above sea level - making it the second tallest in the UK.
Unfortunately, the Lake District is becoming more and more popular and therefore less and less wild - but if you are rich in enthusiasm and poor in time, then this trail could be the perfect one for you.
The area attracts an incredible amount of visitors every year, with an estimated 19.8 million tourists and walkers in 2019.
Scafell Pike is a large draw for many of those visitors, as it is the largest mountain in England, standing at an impressive 978 metres above sea level - making it the second tallest in the UK.
Unfortunately, the Lake District is becoming more and more popular and therefore less and less wild - but if you are rich in enthusiasm and poor in time, then this trail could be the perfect one for you.
Hadrian’s Wall Path | Northumberland & Cumbria
Photo by Cas Holmes on Unsplash
The Area
If you're something of a history buff and feel like you need to return to nature to recover your mental wellbeing, then this could be the perfect journey for you.
Hadrian’s Wall was the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years. It was constructed by the Romans, after Emperor Hadrian visited the area in AD 122, in order to keep the so-called ‘Barbarians’ out.
The Wall spans an incredible 73 miles and contains 14 forts. You can even visit on-site museums and learning centres at intervals along the way and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The beautiful structure defies belief and passes through some incredibly remote and stunning locations. There is an 84 mile pathway that links Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding areas, so you can choose sections of the wall to visit whilst stopping off in some delightful towns and villages.
Hadrian’s Wall was the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years. It was constructed by the Romans, after Emperor Hadrian visited the area in AD 122, in order to keep the so-called ‘Barbarians’ out.
The Wall spans an incredible 73 miles and contains 14 forts. You can even visit on-site museums and learning centres at intervals along the way and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The beautiful structure defies belief and passes through some incredibly remote and stunning locations. There is an 84 mile pathway that links Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding areas, so you can choose sections of the wall to visit whilst stopping off in some delightful towns and villages.
The Trail
The part of the trail we are interested in is the 23-mile stretch between Chollerford and Birdoswald Fort. It is one of the most remote and rugged sections of the wall, and the best of all, it can be done in a weekend.
There are several charming towns in which you can stop not too far off the route, and there are lots of opportunities nearby where you can get your fill of ancient history. Passing through several Roman encampments and forts, this is the highest part of the wall and the views are pretty impressive.
Despite this section of the wall’s relative proximity to townships and villages, you will be largely surrounded by nature and the rolling hills of the southernmost point of the Northumberland National Park.
This wall is truly one of the most remarkable man-made sights in the British Isles and once you have experienced its deep history, and the edge of the wildlands, you may be closer to rediscovering your inner wellness.
There are several charming towns in which you can stop not too far off the route, and there are lots of opportunities nearby where you can get your fill of ancient history. Passing through several Roman encampments and forts, this is the highest part of the wall and the views are pretty impressive.
Despite this section of the wall’s relative proximity to townships and villages, you will be largely surrounded by nature and the rolling hills of the southernmost point of the Northumberland National Park.
This wall is truly one of the most remarkable man-made sights in the British Isles and once you have experienced its deep history, and the edge of the wildlands, you may be closer to rediscovering your inner wellness.
Mindfulness and nature in the UK
From the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish Coast, there are still wild places calling out to those of us who seek peace in nature. There are still undiscovered secrets hidden in the valleys of the Lake District and Roman battle cries being yelled from the top of ancient structures.
The only thing left is for you to get out there and find these wild places; to forget about everyday life and just get back to the roots of your relationship with the British landscape. Allow yourself to get back to nature and let the calming forces of Mother Earth restore you to your true self.
Don’t ever stop exploring.
The only thing left is for you to get out there and find these wild places; to forget about everyday life and just get back to the roots of your relationship with the British landscape. Allow yourself to get back to nature and let the calming forces of Mother Earth restore you to your true self.
Don’t ever stop exploring.
Places to stay near the Southwest Coastal Path
Places to stay near the Cairngorms National Park
Places to stay near the Lake District
Places to stay near Hadrian's Wall
Written by Lucy Cromwell
Lucy Cromwell, a contributor to Coolstays, has many years of experience working in the property industry and has recently turned her focus toward establishing herself as an authority in the industry. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the British countryside. Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn: @Lucy-Cromwell.
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