Southern England
From a walker’s perspective, England is too large a category to grapple with. For convenience, therefore, we have split England (roughly) between Southern England and Northern England.
There are, however, some distinctions between the south and the north that make the division useful. The south is more populous and, being closer to London, attracts more visitors. The south includes the ‘home counties’, the counties that cluster around London and have for many centuries enjoyed greater prosperity than other parts of England. The south boasts a more celebrated coastline with its chalk cliffs, fossil beaches and seaside resorts.
Speaking very generally, the north can be described as more raw and rugged. There are more mountains, lakes, woodlands and moorlands. Villages and towns are further apart. Material prosperity is less obvious. So, for the walker, the north provides great scope for walking in remote and isolated terrain.
As the French might say, “vive la difference”, because there is appeal aplenty walking throughout England. Each of us lucky enough to experience it will have their favourite locations. At Walk Travel Advisory, our aim is to help our clients select locations and walks that are most likely to appeal to them.
We’ll now turn to some of the walking regions of Southern England. Further detail is then provided via the links at the bottom of this page.
In central Southern England, several walks focus on inland waterways such as the Thames River or the Kennet and Avon River Canal. Other south central walks showcase the medieval villages and tranquil countryside of the Cotswold Hills region. Walkers in the Cotswolds can delight in its green rolling hills, well-preserved historic villages and stately homes built from the distinctive local honey-coloured limestone.
Cornwall occupies the far southwest corner of England and boasts a mild climate with higher than average rates of sunshine. Here walkers can explore unspoilt coastal paths, traditional fishing villages and peaceful surroundings. In many parts of Cornwall, you feel like you’re walking through a period film set. Often that’s because you are. Many films and television series have been filmed in Cornwall, including Doc Martin, Broadchurch and Poldark.
Nearby Devon is home to the Dartmoor National Park and the Exmoor National Park. There are several way marked trails in this region traversing the wild moorlands and remote countryside. Devon has inspired many of England’s literary greats including Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Along the coast of Devon and its eastern neighbour Dorset is the ‘Jurassic Coast’, an UNESCO World Heritage Site which extends from Exmouth in Devon through to Poole in Dorset. The cliffs, caves and rock stacks along this unspoilt coast contain abundant visible evidence of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Not surprisingly, it’s an acclaimed destination for geology and fossil enthusiasts.
The Isle of Wight is east a bit further and just off the Hampshire coast. Over half of the island has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, due to its varied terrain and unspoilt landscape. This scenic beauty, together with its intriguing historical sites and relaxed “island feel”, makes the Isle of Wight a highly appealing walking destination.
Further east in Sussex, there are more spectacular coastal walking and rural pathways on offer in the South Downs National Park. Trails here combine chalk downlands, ancient historic sites, picturesque villages and seaside viewing points. Amongst the highlights are the towering white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
Some of the best walking regions in Southern England are set out below. Click on the buttons for more detail.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is situated 135 kilometres northwest of London and is easily accessed by train or road. A favourite destination for those seeking a mix of quintessential English landscape and achingly picturesque villages constructed from the region’s distinctive honey-coloured limestone.
Cornwall and Devon
Cornwall is a treasure trove for walkers. It offers a spectacular coastline, a host of quaint fishing villages and England’s most temperate climate. The natural attractions of nearby Devon have inspired many famous writers and artists. It boasts two heather-clad moorland National Parks and the ‘English Riviera’.
Isle of Wight
With its proximity to London, yet its distinct island feel and scenic attractions, the Isle of Wight is a popular choice for walking. The walking paths traverse inland grass-covered chalk hills (“downs”) and also provide spectacular coastline scenery. Castles, stately homes and historic villages can be visited en route.
Dorset
Dorset is home to one of England’s two natural World Heritage Sites, the Jurassic Coast. This stretch of coastline is internationally renowned for its unique geology. Fossils and rocks discovered in this area showcase three dinosaur periods - Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous - and are easily accessible to the amateur.
Sussex
Rectangular-shaped Sussex lies just south of London and extends down to the English Channel. It’s the location of the dreamy South Downs, a range of gentle chalk hills that provide an idyllic setting for historical villages, castles and stately homes. The coastline is renowned for its spectacular white chalk cliffs.