From epic mountain climbs to tranquil seaside strolls, Danny Graham reveals his favourite national park trails
01 CARN PICA, BRECON BEACONS
5 miles/8.2km | 600m ascent | 3.5 hours | challenging
The Beacons comprise many great peaks, of which one of the most enigmatic is Carn Pica. The most exhilarating way to reach the top of this little-walked mountain is from the east and Talybont Reservoir. It’s a steep route to the 750m summit, but a quiet one, perfect for those seeking a little solitude in the hills.
02 MALHAM TARN, YORKSHIRE DALES
3.5 miles/5.6km | 69m ascent | 2 hours | easy
Sitting 377m above sea level among the southern fells of the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Tarn is the highest marl (lime-rich lake) in Britain. This short trail around the tarn takes walkers beneath the looming cliffs of Great Close Scar and through sections of tangled willow carr. There are a number of routes suitable for all-terrain scooters (a Tramper is available for hire).
03 CONIC HILL, LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS
6.4 miles/10.3km | 411m ascent | 4 hours | moderate
There are many great peaks encircling monumental Loch Lomond: Ben Vorlich, Beinn Ime and the soaring Ben Lomond. But perhaps the most charming is little Conic Hill. Standing 361m above the loch waters, this rambling prominence can be climbed in a morning or afternoon, presenting walkers with views across the loch and its string of islands.
04 PORLOCK BAY, EXMOOR
8.5 miles/13.6km | 173m ascent | 5 hours | moderate
There are few better places to be on a stormy day in spring than Porlock Bay, when great murky waves toss driftwood across the shingle before blasting you with seaspray. From the small harbour at Porlock Weir, walk the length of the beach – or follow paths through the salt and freshwater marshland – to rugged Hurlstone Point, where views of Exmoor’s 200m-high cliffs tumble off to the west.
05 HIGH SNOCKRIGG AND MOSS FORCE, LAKE DISTRICT
2.7 miles/4.3km | 381m ascent | 2 hours | moderate
The 526m top of High Snockrigg can be climbed in an hour, though a good level of fitness is required. From the cairn, you can spy three great Lakeland waters: Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. Descend the fell via its north-east flank, scrambling down beside exuberant Moss Force before returning to Buttermere village on the valley road.
06 LOCH MORAIG, CAIRNGORMS
5 miles/8km | 188m ascent | 3 hours | moderate
Peace reigns at this secluded lochan in the southern foothills of the Cairngorms. In spring and summer, look for swallows whirling above the placid water, roe deer wading lazily through the shallows and raptors cruising the skies. You can park at the loch itself, but for a sense of achievement, why not walk the 2.5 miles on narrow lanes from Glen Tilt car park?
07 CASTELL Y GWYNT, ERYRI
4.7 miles/7.5km | 743m ascent | 3.5 hours | challenging
Running laterally through the north of Eryri (Snowdonia), the Glyderau (or Glyders) are a dreamscape of high mountains and wild llyns. For a taster day, start at Llyn Ogwen car park and climb past Llyn Bochlwyd and Bwlch Tryfan to the dramatic rock formation of Castell y Gwynt ( ‘castle of the wind’) before returning via the rugged Y Gribin ridge.
Outdoors editor Danny enjoys a slow lakeside stroll as much as a mountain-top ramble.
Find out more
Visit countryfile.com for details of all these walks, plus many more.