Six of the best spring walks

From woodlands full of wildflowers, to lush landscapes, here’s the best walks to take now

It has seemed like an interminable winter this year, so I can’t wait to start some walks around the nation’s wonderful landscapes – without my wellies. Here’s my pick of six of the best walks to take now.

Daffodils at Cotehole. Pic: Chris Davies/National Trust

1.     See the daffodils at Cotehole, Cornwall

Every March, Cotehole sees a glorious bloom of its 300 species of daffodils, some dating back to the 17^th century. Visit now to catch them at their best. Cotehole is a National Trust property near Saltash in Cornwall and the warm, wet climate and steep, south-facing banks of the river mean spring flowers bloom here early. For admission info, click here.

Dexter and Emma climb Arthur’s Seat. Pic: Netflix

2.     Make like One Day and climb Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

If you loved Netflix’s One Day as much as I did, then recreate Emma and Dexter’s post-finals’ climb of Arthur’s Seat in the Scottish capital and take in the sweeping views of the countryside and city. For details, visit here.

Beautiful bluebells. Pic: Stewart M/Unsplash

3.     Take a bluebell walk through Highgate Wood, London

One for the Londoners – you don’t have to travel far to see beautiful carpets of bluebells in spring. Highgate Wood has winding routes through its 70 acres, which are ablaze with bluebells in May. Visit here.

See the famous apple tree at Woolsthorpe Manor. Pic: National Trust

4.     See Isaac Newton’s apple tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire

This one is going on my must-do list - in the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor, you’ll find the tree from which an apple fell and caused Isaac Newton to ponder gravity. Visit in spring and see the cooking apple tree – a Flower of Kent - blossoming. How good is that? Visit here.

Enjoy the wildlife at Wentwood Forest. Pic: Mark Zytynksi/Woodland Trust

5.     Wander through the wildflowers in Wentwood Forest, Newport

Sprawling Wentwood Forest in South Wales is one of the country’s oldest woodlands and home to over 70 species of birds, 23 species of butterfly and towering wood ant nests. In the spring, it’s full of bluebells and wildflowers. For more, visit here.

Spot the New Forest ponies. Pic: Dustie Houchin/Unsplash

6.     Take in the bucolic landscape round Brockenhurst, New Forest

The New Forest in Hampshire, is one of the prettiest parts of the UK and particularly lovely to visit in spring, when the landscape comes to life. Take a circular walk around Brockenhurst and see heathland, woodland, villages, rivers and the famous New Forest ponies. Take the Tall Trees Trail and see if you can spot the herds of deer, too. Visit here.