National Landscapes in United Kingdom
National Landscape Guide
The United Kingdom is home to more than 50 national landscapes, a designation for areas of significant natural value. These protected areas are distributed across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, encompassing a wide variety of terrain from the rolling limestone hills of the Cotswolds to the dramatic coastal cliffs of Cornwall. The landscapes feature a mosaic of farmland, ancient woodlands, river valleys, and open moorlands. The extensive networks of trails make these areas popular for human-powered outdoor activities, including hiking,…
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Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.5
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43,856
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#1.
Ben Nevis And Glen Coe
Ben Nevis And Glen Coe, a Scottish Highlands national scenic area, offers dramatic mountains, deep glens, and diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and more.
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27,151
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#2.
The Cairngorm Mountains
The Cairngorm Mountains, a vast Scottish national park, offer diverse arctic-alpine landscapes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on numerous routes.
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4.5
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25,178
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#3.
Dorset AONB
Dorset AONB is a protected national landscape in southwest England, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports.
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4.6
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23,364
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#4.
Surrey Hills Aonb
Surrey Hills Aonb is a national landscape in southeast England, offering diverse terrain and numerous trails for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
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4.6
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22,832
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#5.
Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape
Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape offers diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and cycling, from heather-clad summits to river valleys.
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4.6
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22,779
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#6.
Cornwall AONB
Cornwall AONB, a national landscape in southwest England, offers diverse terrain from coastal cliffs to river valleys, ideal for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
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4.5
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20,988
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#7.
Cotswolds Aonb
Cotswolds Aonb is a national landscape of rolling hills and picturesque valleys, offering diverse outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and jogging on extensive trails.
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4.6
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19,403
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#8.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond, a national scenic area in Scotland, offers diverse terrain from lowlands to mountains, ideal for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports.
Hiking
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4.6
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19,376
hikers
#9.
Forest Of Bowland Aonb
Forest Of Bowland Aonb is a national landscape in Lancashire and North Yorkshire, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and more. Explore its gritstone fells, moorlands, and river valleys.
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4.5
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17,365
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#10.
Cannock Chase Aonb
Cannock Chase Aonb is a West Midlands national landscape offering diverse heathlands and forests for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. Its varied terrain provides accessible outdoor recreation.
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4.6
(2866)
16,651
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#11.
Trotternish
Trotternish, a national scenic area on Scotland's Isle of Skye, offers dramatic geological formations and diverse terrain perfect for hiking, cycling, and more.
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4.6
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15,451
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#12.
Chilterns Aonb
Chilterns Aonb is a national landscape featuring chalk escarpments, rolling hills, and diverse trails for hiking, cycling, and jogging. Explore beechwoods and chalk streams.
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4.5
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14,167
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#13.
Nidderdale Aonb
Nidderdale Aonb offers diverse landscapes, from moorlands to river valleys, ideal for hiking, cycling, and more.
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4.5
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14,099
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#14.
Wye Valley AONB
Wye Valley AONB is a national landscape spanning England and Wales, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking through gorges and woodlands.
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4.6
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13,784
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#15.
Northumberland Coast Aonb
Northumberland Coast Aonb is a national landscape in England, offering diverse coastal terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes along sandy beaches, dunes, and cliffs.
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4.6
(1082)
13,644
hikers
#16.
Loch Rannoch And Glen Lyon
Loch Rannoch And Glen Lyon offers diverse routes for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and cycling across dramatic Highland landscapes and ancient pinewoods. Its varied terrain suits all skill levels.
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4.7
(1017)
13,496
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#17.
Norfolk Coast AONB
Norfolk Coast AONB offers diverse coastal and agricultural terrain, from wild beaches to saltmarshes, with well-established paths for hiking and cycling.
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#18.
South Devon Aonb
South Devon Aonb, a national landscape, offers diverse terrain from rugged coastlines to rolling farmlands, ideal for hiking, jogging, and road cycling routes.
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12,979
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#19.
Mendip Hills AONB
Mendip Hills AONB features dramatic gorges, windswept plateaus, and limestone karst landscapes, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and more.
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4.5
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12,715
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#20.
High Weald Aonb
High Weald Aonb is a national landscape in Southeast England, offering diverse terrain and historic routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
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Most popular routes in United Kingdom
Nature to explore in United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
What are National Landscapes in the United Kingdom?
National Landscapes are areas of significant natural beauty in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, protected to conserve and enhance their distinctive character. Formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), this new branding elevates their national significance. This page aggregates routes across more than 80 of these protected areas, including similarly designated National Scenic Areas in Scotland.
What activities are available in the UK's National Landscapes?
The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. This page includes over 11,000 routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Specific guides are available for Hiking in the United Kingdom and MTB Trails in the United Kingdom.
How do National Landscapes differ from National Parks in the UK?
Both designations protect significant landscapes, but they have different administrative structures and purposes. National Parks have their own authorities with planning powers, while National Landscapes are managed by local authorities and partnerships. For comparison, explore the UK's national parks.
Are there hiking trails in the UK's National Landscapes?
Yes, there is an extensive network of hiking trails. For example, the Surrey Hills Aonb offers over 100 hiking routes through its woodlands and hills. The Cornwall AONB also features more than 100 hiking trails, many following its dramatic coastline.
What are the opportunities for cycling in UK National Landscapes?
National Landscapes provide numerous options for road and leisure cycling. The Cotswolds Aonb is popular for its quiet lanes and rolling hills, with over 200 routes available. Similarly, the Dorset AONB has more than 30 road cycling routes along its scenic coast and countryside.
What kind of terrain is found in the Cotswolds National Landscape?
The Cotswolds Aonb is characterized by its rolling limestone hills, known as 'wolds', and picturesque river valleys. The landscape is a mosaic of open farmland, ancient beechwoods, and well-preserved villages. This terrain offers a variety of routes for both hiking and cycling, with moderate elevation changes.
What outdoor activities are popular in the Cornwall AONB?
The Cornwall AONB is known for its coastal recreation. Hiking is the most popular activity, with over 100 trails, many of which follow sections of the South West Coast Path. Road cycling is also common, with routes exploring the area's rugged coastline and inland river valleys.
Are there mountain bike trails in Cannock Chase?
Yes, Cannock Chase Aonb is a well-known destination for mountain biking. The area features a mix of heathland and forest with dedicated singletrack trails and wider forest roads. There are approximately 20 distinct mountain bike trails available, catering to various skill levels.
What can you do in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley?
The Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape offers activities across its heather-clad summits and wooded valleys. Hiking is a primary activity, with routes along the Offa's Dyke Path. The area also provides trails for mountain biking, road cycling, and running.
Are there family-friendly routes in the UK's National Landscapes?
Yes, many National Landscapes offer routes suitable for families and beginners. Areas like the Forest Of Bowland Aonb feature valley-bottom trails and gentler paths that are less strenuous. It is recommended to check individual route details for distance and elevation to find a suitable option.
What is the landscape like in Ben Nevis and Glen Coe?
The Ben Nevis And Glen Coe National Scenic Area in Scotland features a dramatic mountain landscape. It is characterized by deep valleys (glens), steep-sided mountains, and high plateaus. This terrain provides challenging routes for experienced hikers, mountaineers, and mountain bikers.
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