Counties: Our suggestions for the best places to go walking have been organised using the counties of England and Wales as the basis for dividing up the country. For each county we will eventually highlight all of the attractive walking areas, including many less well known idyllic hidden corners.

National Parks: There are seven National Parks in England. In addition the Broads and the New Forest are designated special conservation areas. The National Parks are governed by statutory bodies set up to ensure their protection and management. Each has it's own unique character and landscape and without question they provide the finest open walking countryside in England.

AONB's: There are 37 AONB's (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in England extending to about 15% of the total area of the country. In addition there are 4 in Wales. The Countryside Agency is responsible for designating AONB's and for advising the government and others on how they should be protected and managed. A directory of the AONB's is listed in the navigation area using the numbers allocated by the Countryside Agency. All of these areas offer superb walking opportunities due to their unique and attractive landscapes and wildlife habitats. They are indeed a national treasure and joy to the country loving walker. However, unlike the National Parks, AONB's have not been primarily designated to provide outdoor leisure pusuits and the walker should be especially mindful of the environment and country life when visiting these lovely areas.

The Countryside Agency and it's partners are to be complimented on the admirable and sympathetic work in the AONB's. Their web site provides outstanding detailed information on the geography and management of each area and links to their site are given on our AONB pages.

Click on the county, National Park or AONB that interests you in the navigation bar at the left.

The information and walking suggestions given in our County pages has been selected to highlight areas we believe will provide enjoyable walking by nature of their landscape, history, wildlife or other special unique features. The short descriptions are intended simply to provide location details and explain the nature of the area and it's walks. To undertake any walk you will need the relevant OS 1:25,000 map from which you can plan your own route. Alternatively you can purchase one of our recommended walking guides, from which you can select a ready planned route which interests you. You can easily and conveniently purchase the recommended guide books for your chosen area from Walking Pages, either on line or by post, and at competative prices. Just click on Books to go to our walking guide catalogue. This is a secure on-line catalogue where you can browse a wide range of guides and very simply purchase any that takes your fancy.