Get your 10,000 steps in National Parks

Published: 26 June 2025

Rewind 90 years, decades of urban expansion had left working communities seeking outdoor recreation and clean country air. Groups of passionate campaigners came together to fight for the creation of National Parks – places where everyone regardless of background could access the health benefits of clean air, open space and nature. 

Today, millions of visitors enjoy our Parks each year. We explore why they are a great destination for walking and give you some tips for embarking on your first National Park hike.  

What’s to like about a hike?

Science tells us that walking regularly helps keep our joints, muscles and hearts healthy. Hiking provides the opportunity to access the health benefits of an active lifestyle whilst experiencing beautiful landscapes. 

Spending time in nature has been proven to benefit our mental health, giving us space to slow down and connect to the world around us. 

Why National Parks?

With thousands of miles of footpaths, the 13 National Parks of England and Wales offer plenty of choice for getting active. From scenic to peaceful, challenging to gentle, our Parks’ walking routes are perfect for getting your 10,000 steps in. 

Because of their status as National Parks, these landscapes often benefit from provisions such as route guides and ranger services, as well as better maintained accessible paths like Miles without Stiles for walking and wheeling. 

Top Park picks

We’ve selected three Parks from across the country to explore next time you’re planning a #solomicroadventure or looking for a weekend destination for a family trip. 

Cadait Idris, Eryri © Harriet Gardiner

Eryri

Beyond the crowded slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon), Eryri is home to breathtaking lakes and impressive mountains perfect for more adventurous explorers.

Explore Eryri National Park

New Forest © Rose O'Neill

The New Forest

Despite its name, the New Forest is home to a variety of habitats from heathland to estuaries as well as ancient and ornamental woodland; offering nature connection opportunities whatever your interest.

Explore the New Forest National Park

Kielder Water © Stewart Prince

Northumberland

The least visited National Park, Northumberland provides plenty of opportunities for quiet enjoyment of its beautiful landscapes.

Explore Northumberland National Park

How to get started 

  • Research your route. Look on the website of the National Park you plan to visit for information on popular walks, including accessible paths and dog-friendly trails. For reliable route recommendations from other walkers, you can check out resources like SlowWays or AllTrails. 
  • Join a group hike. Plenty of community groups and mountain guides lead organised walks in National Park locations. From faith groups to all-female hikes and global majority-led events, group walks can be a great option to connect with your community and enjoy nature in a supportive environment. 
  • Be prepared. Write a list in advance of what you’ll need to bring and remember to keep an eye on the forecast so you’re not caught out by the weather. If you’re planning to leave marked paths, bring a paper map or download it to your phone as signal is not always reliable.
  • Leave no trace. Always follow the Countryside Code when out and about in National Parks. 

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