National Landscapes in South West England

National Landscapes are protected areas recognized for their significant scenic value, formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). South West England is home to 12 such designated areas. This page aggregates routes and information for 10 of them, including the Dorset and Cornwall National Landscapes.

The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with more than 1,800 routes available across the region's National Landscapes. The varied terrain includes coastal paths, rolling hills, and wooded valleys suitable for these sports. Specific guides are available for Hiking in South West England and MTB Trails in South West England.

The Dorset National Landscape offers more than 80 hiking trails. Many routes follow the dramatic cliffs and secluded coves of the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site. The terrain includes coastal paths with significant elevation changes and more gentle inland walks through pastoral landscapes.

The Cornwall National Landscape provides over 60 routes for road and touring cyclists. The area is composed of 12 separate sections, most of which are coastal, offering routes with sea views. The landscape also includes the wilder terrain of Bodmin Moor, providing a variety of cycling experiences.

Yes, the Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape has around 20 designated mountain bike trails. These routes traverse a deeply rural area characterized by rolling chalk downland and ancient woodlands. The extensive network of ancient tracks and rights of way provides varied terrain for mountain biking.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape is characterized by a limestone plateau with steep slopes and deep gorges, such as Cheddar Gorge. The landscape features open, windswept tops crisscrossed by dry stone walls. This geology provides challenging terrain for hiking and cycling, with significant climbs and rewarding views.

Yes, many National Landscapes offer routes suitable for families and beginners. For example, the Blackdown Hills are known for a tranquil rural landscape with a network of footpaths through rolling hills and wooded valleys. The Tamar Trails in the Tamar Valley also offer 15.5 miles (25 km) of paths for walking and cycling through less strenuous terrain.

The Quantock Hills was England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, designated in 1956. The landscape features open heathland ridges and deep wooded combes, offering a mix of expansive hilltop routes and sheltered woodland walks. It is also known for its association with the Romantic poets Coleridge and Wordsworth.

The South Devon National Landscape features more than 85 hiking trails. The area is known for its rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and picturesque estuaries. A significant portion of the South West Coast Path runs through this landscape, offering many options for coastal walking.

These landscapes can be visited year-round, but spring and summer generally offer milder weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Autumn provides colorful foliage, particularly in wooded areas like the Blackdown Hills and Tamar Valley. Some coastal paths can be challenging in winter months due to wind and rain.

National Landscapes are large-scale areas protected for their distinct scenic character, focusing on conserving the overall landscape. In contrast, Nature Reserves in South West England are typically smaller sites managed specifically for the conservation of wildlife, habitats, and geological features. While both offer recreational opportunities, their primary conservation focus is different.