The best walks to do this May

Key Takeaways

Easy walks 

Coalport, Shropshire

Distance: 7.6km

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

This circular walk leads you back to the Woodbridge Inn in Coalport, a charming pub with stunning views across the River Severn. The route follows an old railway line and crosses the iconic Iron Bridge which dates back to 1779. The terrain is mixed but easy with paths being made up of quiet lanes, a gravel former railway track, and pavements. There are also several short flights of steps. 

If you have a little longer or have a keen historian amongst you, you may like to stop off at some of the popular visitor attractions you pass, such as Coalport China Museum, the Iron Bridge Toll House and Jackfield Tile Museum. Around Spring, there should be some active tadpoles to spot along the banks of the river.

Dunston, Lincolnshire 

Distance: 4.3km

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Starting and finishing at the Red Lion pub within the Lincolnshire village of Dunston, this easy, circular walk is relatively flat. Although just over 4km, this varied trail will take you over a mixture of terrain with grass tracks, tarmac paths, unmade tracks, and several wooden footbridges. 

Spring is a fabulous time to enjoy this walk as the route takes you through a number of woodlands which will be filled with the scent of wild garlic and the forest floor will be carpeted in wildflowers like bluebells.

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Glasgow

Distance: 4.2km

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Setting off from the WEST On The Green, this hour-long trail is popular among bird watchers, cyclists and runners, as well as hikers. The paths mean this route is accessible for people with disabilities. Among other monuments, the route outlines Glasgow Green, returning with the River Clyde on your left. 

The walk takes you past Bailie James Martin Memorial, a cast iron monument erected in 1894 to honour local man, James Henderson Martin who died in 1892. Recuperate after your exercise and check out The WEST’s German-inspired menu and fresh Scottish produce.

Moderate walks 

Erbistock, Wrexham

Distance: 8.7km

Time: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Set out from the Cross Foxes in Erbistock and head east over pastures and pretty woodland, before meandering back along the banks of the River Dee. Somewhat challenging, this route involves several climbs and descents, as well as a total of seven stiles. There will be dairy cattle grazing on some of the pastures at this time of year so keep any dogs on leads. 

A little off the beaten track, this route can get very muddy after long periods of rain. However, this means you can often go the whole trail without encountering another soul before arriving back at the Cross Foxes where you can enjoy a refreshment while spotting wildlife along the banks of the River Dee.

Otford, Kent 

Distance: 8.9km

Time: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Just shy of 9km, this circular route begins and ends just opposite The Bull, a charming pub that dates back to the 16th century. Soon after setting off, you pass the Otford Solar System – the world’s largest full-scale representation of our planets. As you continue, several steep climbs afford spectacular views over the North Downs Way. 

Although there are sections which involve walking along the road, this hike also takes you past a golf course, a number of farms and woodlands, a railway bridge and Otford Duck Pond. Keep your fingers and toes crossed - there may be some ducklings to spot around this time!

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Wombourne, Wolverhampton

Distance: 11.1km

Time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Just a few miles south-west of Wolverhampton, this linear walk leads you along a section of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and takes you past a number of locks and picturesque bridges. Around Spring the canal is buzzing with wildlife. You’re likely to spot rafts of fluffy ducklings, as well as swans nesting. The towpath switches sides once or twice. 

A pretty stream, Smestow Brook, occasionally intersects with the walk and throughout you will catch glimpses of the local countryside through the trees. 

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Challenging walks

Mullion, Cornwall

Distance: 9.8km

Time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

This well-signposted circular route is a must for nature lovers. The Lizard National Nature Reserve sits on the most southerly tip of Britain and covers almost 2,000 hectares of an amazing diversity of wildlife. 

Although often muddy in places and with several steep steps and sharp uphill sections, this challenging hike is worth it for the spectacular coastal views and opportunity to spot rare plants. Although not a pub, the lifeboat station sells excellent pasties – ideal for when you need to refuel.

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