The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.
Travel Guides

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

4th October 2022

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.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.
Photo by Kernow Hayz on Unsplash.

Southwest Coastal Path | Cornwall


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?

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!

Places to stay near the Southwest Coastal Path

Barford Beach House

Barford Beach House

nr. Bude

12 (+4)

Head to the North Cornwall coast at Barford, a stunning holiday home for up to 16 people that offers sea views and luxurious living.

Buddha Beach House

Buddha Beach House

Near Looe

Sleeps 10

Amazing Cornish beach house - sit in the hot tub and gaze at the stunning sea views

Two Bed Beach House at Three Mile Beach

Two Bed Beach House at Three Mile Beach

Hayle

Sleeps 4

Stunning luxury beach house with hot tub, barrel sauna, log burner, gas BBQ and loads of extras at Three Mile Beach in St. Ives Bay, Cornwall.

Kittiwake Cottage

Kittiwake Cottage

Port Isaac

Sleeps 6

A charming Grade-II listed cottage, providing the perfect blend of comfort, privacy and proximity to the harbour front of Port Isaac on the Cornish coast.

The Boathouse Devon

The Boathouse Devon

Ilfracombe

Sleeps 4

A fantastic, contemporary, renovated boathouse, overlooking picturesque Lee Bay in North Devon. The perfect peaceful hideaway for four.

The Hideout at Sleepy Owl Devon

The Hideout at Sleepy Owl Devon

Bideford

2+2 kids

Luxurious treehouse retreat with private woodland terrace and woodfired hot tub, set amongst the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Reserve.

The Cove

The Cove

Stoke Fleming

Sleeps 4

Luxurious and stylish Devon holiday home in a secluded bay with stunning sea views, hot tub, sauna, log burner, BBQ and outdoor shower in Stoke Fleming.

Three Bed Beach House at Three Mile Beach

Three Bed Beach House at Three Mile Beach

Hayle

Sleeps 8

Stunning luxury beach house with hot tub, barrel sauna, log burner, gas BBQ, hammock and foodie delights on Three Mile Beach in St. Ives, Cornwall.

Braunds Sail Loft

Braunds Sail Loft

Braunton

Sleeps 10

Luxurious holiday cottage converted from a sail repair workshop near the north coast of Devon, a seaside escape with friends or family.

Starre House

Starre House

Beer

Sleeps 10

Originally built in 1502, this stunning Devon retreat for 10 has marvellous original features, a tranquil garden and beautiful decor.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.
Photo by Jack Skinner on Unsplash.

The Cateran Trail | Cairngorms National Park


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.

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.

Places to stay near the Cairngorms National Park

Delnabo Lodge

Delnabo Lodge

Ballindalloch

Sleeps 18

Exquisite accommodations on a Scottish estate in the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park.

The Boat House at Rothiemurchus

The Boat House at Rothiemurchus

by Aviemore

Sleeps 6

Cosy, and stylish, traditional and modern, this lovely Scottish house is surrounded by the most magical Cairngorms scenery.

The Cairngorm Cottage

The Cairngorm Cottage

Dulnain Bridge

Sleeps 8

Luxurious cottage with a hot tub and stunning views in the Cairngorms National Park, perfect for a family escape to the Highlands.

Eagle Lodge

Eagle Lodge

Aviemore

Sleeps 4

Fabulous timber-clad lodge with sauna and gym access in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Bailebeg Cottage

Bailebeg Cottage

Ballindalloch

Sleeps 4

Escape to the Highlands with a stay in this beautiful stone cottage with stunning views over an estate in the Cairngorms National Park.

Big Husky Lodge

Big Husky Lodge

Boat of Garten

Sleeps 25

Luxury holiday lodge in the Scottish Highlands that sleeps up to 25 guests, boasting a games room, spa suite and outdoor hot tub.

Tower O'Ess

Tower O'Ess

Glen Tanar Estate

Sleeps 2

A proud and luxurious gatehouse conversion guarding the Glen Tanar Estate and nestled within the bewitching Scots Pine of Aberdeenshire

McLeod's Cottage

McLeod's Cottage

Ballindalloch

Sleeps 6

Charming cottage on a spectacular estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, perfect for a Highlands escape with the family.

Osprey Lodge

Osprey Lodge

Aviemore

Sleeps 3

A luxurious, romantic detached wood-clad lodge in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Macdui Lodge

Macdui Lodge

Aviemore

Sleeps 4

This unique lodge has been handcrafted using traditional techniques and is set in the heart of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.
Photo by ian kelsall on Unsplash.

Scafell Pike | Lake District


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 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.

Places to stay near the Lake District

Southview Spa

Southview Spa

Windermere

Sleeps 18

Discover new heights of luxury and endless activities for large groups at this high-spec Windermere villa.

Lowfield House

Lowfield House

Little Langdale

Sleeps 10

Luxury home in Cumbria with utterly breathtaking views, a fireplace, hot tub, BBQ and lots of social space.

Cannon Belle

Cannon Belle

Bowness on Windermere

Sleeps 11

Soak up incredible views of Lake Windermere from your private hot tub at Cannon Belle luxury waterfront residence.

The Boathouse at Knotts End

The Boathouse at Knotts End

Penrith

Sleeps 2

Perched on the water, this lake district bolthole offers plenty of romantic charm and views that go on forever - perfect for just the two of you

The Dome House

The Dome House

Bowness on Windermere

Sleeps 10

Beautiful fully-catered group retreat in the Lake District with incredible food, indoor pool, private hot tub, sauna and amazing views of Windermere.

Langdale Boulders

Langdale Boulders

Ambleside

Sleeps 6

Spectacular mountain views await at Langdale Boulders - a traditional three-storey house in the stunning Lake District.

Dollywagon

Dollywagon

Keswick

Sleeps 2

Find tranquility at Dollywaggon studio apartment - a quaint, converted milking parlour in the breathtaking Lake District countryside.

Mayfair House

Mayfair House

Bowness on Windermere

Sleeps 6

Modern property in Bowness-on-Windermere with fabulous lake views, stylish garden, and a cosy wood burner for chilly evenings.

The Yan

The Yan

Grasmere

2-4 per room

A boutique hotel perfectly nestled within the heart of the Lake District - with stunning rooms, glorious views and a bistro worth writing home about.

Waternook

Waternook

Howtown

Sleeps 12

Deluxe Lake District retreat by the edge of Ullswater offering a hot tub with incredible views, a private cinema and a wellness spa.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.
Photo by Cas Holmes on Unsplash.

Hadrian’s Wall Path | Northumberland & Cumbria


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.

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.

Places to stay near Hadrian's Wall

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

The Tiny Chapel

Hexham - Northumberland

Sleeps 4

This beautifully converted 19th century chapel has its own hot tub and sits on the edge of the market town of Hexham, just a short drive from Hadrian's Wall

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

Laverick Cottage

Fourstones - Northumberland

Sleeps 7

Handsome three bedroom detached cottage with a slate roof and en suite bathrooms, a stone's throw from Hadrian's Wall

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

Peat Gate Shepherd's Hut

Near Hadrian's Wall - Northumberland

Sleeps 2

A charming, hand-built shepherd’s hut, nestled in a peaceful location close to Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland. The perfect place for a romantic, rural getaway.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

Old Granary House

Hexham - Northumberland

Sleeps 7

A renovated granary, this luxury bolt hole is wonderfully situated in the Northumbrian countryside not far from Hadrian's Wall.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

Bed at the Beck

Brampton - Cumbria

Sleeps 3

Beautiful 17th century beckside cottage in former corn mill near Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District.

The best mindfulness walking trails in the UK.

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.

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.
Advertisement
Type a location / facility to get started