{"id":27047,"date":"2023-05-16T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T08:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=17023"},"modified":"2023-05-16T10:36:19","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T08:36:19","slug":"britains-most-beautiful-river-walks","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/britains-most-beautiful-river-walks\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain\u2019s most beautiful river walks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The British countryside is filled with charming rivers, rich in wildlife and history. Discover a river walk near you with our pick of the UK’s best riverside trails. <\/p>

By Carys Matthews\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The British landscape is criss-crossed by a vast network of waterways<\/a>, ranging from trickling mountain<\/a> streams to large meandering rivers. A great deal of these are accessible by public footpath, offering walkers the chance to enjoy miles and miles of waterside walking, no matter where you live.<\/p>\n

The chances are there will be a river walk near you. To help you find the perfect riverside ramble, we\u2019ve put together a list of our favourite river walks, from the chalk streams of Hampshire<\/a> and the gentle flow of the Coquet in Northumberland<\/a> to the turbulent torrents of Perthshire\u2019s<\/a> River Bran and the Welsh Wye.<\/p>\n

Our guide to the best river walks in the UK includes route descriptions and maps, distances and wildlife<\/a> highlights.<\/p>\n

Britain\u2019s best river walks near you<\/h2>\n
\""River\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
River Teign runs through Fingle Woods in Dartmoor National Park\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Best river walks in England<\/h2>\n

Smardale Gill, Cumbria<\/h3>\n

Distance: 7 miles |\u00a0Duration: 4 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""In\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
In spring and summer, luxuriant grasses flood the verges of Smardale\u2019s river\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

This magnificent, relatively unknown limestone landscape became a part of the Dales in the 2016 boundary extension.\u00a0It oozes the character of a time long-gone.\u00a0Enjoy a spectacular seven-mile walk through the gorge.<\/p>\n

Smardale Gill walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Tarr Steps, Exmoor National Park<\/h3>\n

Distance: 7 miles | Duration: 4 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Tarr\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tarr Steps in the Somerset countryside\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor\u2019s<\/a> true hidden treasures and a firm favourite with visitors \u2013 once you\u2019ve discovered it you\u2019ll find yourself drawn back time and time.<\/p>\n

Tucked away down a narrow lane five\u00a0miles from Dulverton, the steps are\u00a0an ancient clapper bridge\u00a0\u2013 large flat slabs of stone\u00a0placed on stone supports \u2013 across the River Barle, which dates back to around\u00a01000 BC. Local legend says the five-tonne slabs were placed here by the Devil to win a bet with a local giant (apparently Old Nick still\u00a0has sunbathing rights on\u00a0its stones).<\/p>\n

Walk alongside a winding river through deep forests on\u00a0a seven-mile loop from the magical Tarr Steps to the Somerset village of Withypool.<\/p>\n

Tarr Steps walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Walking Britain\u2019s great rivers from source to sea<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

From walking the banks of the Sussex Ouse through pasture and downland, to following the length of the River Severn, Britain\u2019s longest river, here are seven magical source-to-sea trails<\/a> to inshrine your next adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\""River\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

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Chee Dale, Miller\u2019s Dale and Wye Dale, Derbyshire<\/h3>\n

Distance: 4\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 3 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Cheedale,\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tarr Steps in the Somerset countryside\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Deep in the White Peak east of Buxton is a captivating area of countryside; a union of natural bounty and majestic engineering that together create a truly astounding landscape.<\/p>\n

Although it may have its challenges, this four-mile walk is readily accessible to all with a measure of agility and a sense of adventure.<\/p>\n

Chee Dale walking route\u00a0and map<\/a><\/p>\n

College Valley, Northumberland<\/h3>\n
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Distance: 4.75 miles | Duration: 3 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\""river,\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
College Valley is an area of tranquillity and natural beauty in north Northumberland\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Running through the base of this tranquil valley in the northern limits of Northumberland National Park is\u00a0College burn, a winding river surrounded by moorland hills. Look out\u00a0Cheviot Goats on the slopes near Hethpool Mill.<\/p>\n

College Valley walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Cuckmere River, Sussex<\/h3>\n

Distance: 7\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 4 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

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\""Sunset\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Cuckmere from above, East Sussex\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Smallest and narrowest of the Sussex Wealden rivers flowing into\u00a0the English Channel, the Cuckmere has never\u00a0had a port at its outflow\u00a0and remains the only undeveloped Sussex river mouth.<\/p>\n

It retains much of its medieval character as it bends through an ancient land of sheep-grazed chalk downs, Norman churches, and verdant meadows.<\/p>\n

Follow this seven-mile walk along the Cuckmere River, from\u00a0the\u00a0picturesque village of Alfriston to the monumental Seven Sisters chalk cliffs on the Sussex south coast.<\/p>\n

Cuckmere walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Clean River swims<\/a><\/h4>\n

Wild swimming expert Daniel Start recommends the best clean upstream rivers around the UK.<\/p>\n

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\""Wild\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

Marshfield, South Gloucestershire<\/h3>\n

Distance: 7 miles |\u00a0Duration: 4 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: easy<\/em><\/p>\n

\""broadmead-brook-1308e14"\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The clear waters of the Broadmead Brook hold a few trout, bullheads and crayfish\/Credit: Raymond Bird<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The southern Cotswolds, just south of the M4, is a hidden marvel\u00a0on the edge of Bath and Bristol \u2013 explore this secret of the British countryside with a seven-mile walk alongside rivers and through fields.<\/p>\n

Marshfield walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire<\/h3>\n

Distance: 7 miles |\u00a0Duration: 4 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Yockenthwaite,\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Yockenthwaite, Wharfedale Valley, Yorkshire, England.\/Credit: Getty images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Upper Wharfedale is a charming little valley off the beaten track where the roads are too narrow for trucks and busses to navigate. It\u2019s a bit of a bind to get to, but once you\u2019ve found the dale, you\u2019ll never forget it.<\/p>\n

The limestone and peat uplands hereabouts are riven with steep-sided valleys and ghylls where water teems off the fells and tumbles over a series of waterfalls through the heart of the picturesque villages of Cray, Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme.<\/p>\n

Follow this walking route in Upper Wharfedale in North Yorkshire with a plotted OS map.<\/p>\n

Upper Wharfedale walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

River Stour, Suffolk<\/h3>\n

Distance: 3\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 1.5\u00a0hours |\u00a0Difficulty: easy<\/em><\/p>\n

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\""Willy\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Willy Lott\u2019s House \u2013 the subject matter for Constable\u2019s \u2018The Hay Wain\u2019, beside the River Stour at Flatford Mill, East Bergholt\/Credit: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The Stour in Suffolk could be the most celebrated river\u00a0in the country after the Thames. Why? Because it features in one of Britain\u2019s favourite artworks, The Hay Wain<\/i>, painted by John Constable in 1821.<\/p>\n

Remarkably, the same scene can be viewed today. Preserved (but not fossilised) by the National Trust, this is the apex of a much-loved river walk \u2013 a\u00a0short walk\u00a0along the marshy banks of the River Stour, running from the Suffolk town of\u00a0Dedham to Flatford Mill.<\/p>\n

River stour walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

West Tanfield, North Yorkshire<\/h3>\n

5 miles\/8km | 3 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Village\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
West Tanfield may have got its name\u00a0from the Old English t\u0101na feld, meaning\u00a0\u2018open land where young shoots grow\u2019\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

West Tanfield sits at the eastern end of the dale alongside the River Ure, where a graceful arched stone bridge spans the water. The 15th-century Marmion Tower sits squarely next to the older church of St Nicholas. Now in the care of English Heritage, Marmion Tower is three storeys tall, features a beautiful oriel window and was once the imposing gatehouse to a long-vanished riverside manor house.<\/p>\n

Follow the gentle meanders of the River Ure, where woodlands of yellow aconites and swaying hazel catkins lead to tiny Yorkshire hamlets and quiet country lanes.<\/p>\n

West Tanfield walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

River Liza, Cumbria<\/h3>\n

14.2 miles\/22.9km | 8 hours | moderate-challenging<\/em><\/p>\n

\""River\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
River Liza, Ennerdale Valley, Cumbria\/Credit: Jake Graham<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Just getting to the remote shores of Ennerdale Lake is something of an adventure. Navigating the winding, narrow roads requires some skill. Then, as you approach the lake, the road gives way to rubble tracks, which lead to rough-surfaced\u00a0car parks. The lake shore can only be reached on foot. The result is that solitude and tranquility are more readily found in Ennerdale than in any other Cumbrian valley.<\/p>\n

Footpaths completely circle the lake, and are accessible from either of the two car parks, Broadmoor Wood to the west and Bowness Knott \u2013 this walk starts at the latter.<\/p>\n

River Liza walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

East Lyn River, Devon<\/h3>\n

Distance: 6 miles |\u00a0Duration: 4\u00a0hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""BD3JN8-a54691b"\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The town of Lynmouth surrounds the confluence between the West Lyn and East Lyn rivers\/Credit: Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Rising high above Exmoor<\/a>, the East Lyn River flows through the East Lyn Valley in Devon to the picturesque village of Lynmouth.<\/p>\n

With its splashing brooks, tranquil waterfalls and leafy trails, it is hard to imagine the tragedy that occurred here on 15 August 1952: flash floods swept through the valley towards Lynmouth, washing away more than 100 homes\u00a0and killing 34 people. The riverbanks were rebuilt after the disaster, and today this waterside walk is quietly poignant in its calm beauty.<\/p>\n

This beautiful six-mile walk begins at Lynmouth in the Exmoor National Park and follows the East Lyn River upstream to\u00a0Rockford before heading back to the coast.<\/p>\n

East Lyn River walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Forge Valley Woods, North Yorkshire<\/h3>\n

Distance: 4.5\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 3\u00a0hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""An\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The river is home to brown trout (pictured) and grayling\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Formed by meltwater from the retreating Ice Age glaciers, the deep Forge Valley is a woodland haven for plants and wildlife, and is easily explored on a riverside boardwalk that follows the course of the water.<\/p>\n

In spring and summer there are many wildflowers to spot; autumn produces spectacular colour and winter highlights the structure of the trees. Take a walk through Forge Valley woods in North Yorkshire using our mapped walking route.<\/p>\n

The beautiful nautre reserve on the banks of the River Derwent in the North\u00a0York Moor National Park\u00a0was once home to iron smelting. Today it\u2019s a peaceful spot \u2013 go quietly and you may see an otter.<\/p>\n

Forge Valley walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Badgworthy Water, Devon\/Somerset<\/h3>\n

Distance: 7\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 4\u00a0hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""SONY\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Malmsmead Bridge crosses near Lorna Doone Farm in Exmoor\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Although not West Country born, R.D Blackmore spent much of his childhood in what has now become known as Doone Country, a peaceful corner of Exmoor.<\/p>\n

This route takes you along the banks of Badgworthy Water, past Hoccombe and Lank Combe, both possible locations for the fictional home of Blackmore\u2019s band of Scottish outlaws.<\/p>\n

Badgworthy Water walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

River Wharfe and Bolton Priory, North Yorkshire<\/h3>\n

Distance: 6\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 3\u00a0hours |\u00a0Difficulty: moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Families\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Originally, these precarious stepping stones were the only means by which lay workers could cross to the priory\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The River Wharfe is a waterway of great contrasts and beauty, rising high up in the hills that separate Dentdale from Wharfedale as a busy little steam, burbling over a series of flat limestone ledges. It\u2019s an area of peace and quiet and a good spot to sit and watch dippers diving for insect larvae.<\/p>\n

Stroll along the sylvan banks of a Yorkshire river\u00a0on this moderate six-mile walk. Enjoy sights ranging from\u00a0the dramatic ruins of a 12th-century priory to the grandiose arch of an old stone bridge.<\/p>\n

River Wharfe walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Marshcourt River, Hampshire<\/h3>\n
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\""Brown\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) hunting in the margins of a river\/Credit: Paul Colley\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

England is home to more than 85% of the world\u2019s chalk streams, with Hampshire offering some of the finest examples.\u00a0Follow creeping water rails, singing warblers and shimmering brown trout along this\u00a0stretch of the Marshcourt River.<\/p>\n

Marshcourt River day out<\/a><\/p>\n

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Walk Britain\u2019s Amazon: the River Dart<\/h3>\n
\""Ben\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Ben Lerwill looks over the River Dart towards Totnes.\/Credit: Justin Foulkes<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The River Dart runs through Devon from its source on wild Dartmoor to the sea at Dartmouth. Travel upriver by boat, train and on foot over three dreamy days with Ben Lerwill.<\/p>\n

Walk the River Dart<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Best river walks in Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n

Tollymore Forest Park, County Down<\/h3>\n

Distance: 3 miles |\u00a0Duration: 1.5 hours |\u00a0Difficulty: easy<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Tollymore\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tollymore Forest Park\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The River Shimna rises on the rutted slopes of the Mourne Mountains, gurgling over granite and heather before dropping into the shadowy depths of Tollymore Forest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There are four waymarked trails in the forest, including the 750-metre Arboretum Path, which wends through one of Northern Ireland\u2019s oldest arboreta, and the Mountain Trail, an 8.8km ramble along the Shimna, rising through conifer plantations with views across the tor-topped Mourne Mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tollymore Forest<\/a><\/p>\n

Glenariff Nature Reserve, County Antrim<\/h3>\n

Distance: 1.8\u00a0miles |\u00a0Duration: 1\u00a0hours |\u00a0Difficulty: easy\/moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Small\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
In autumn and winter the rivers swell, accentuating their beauty\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The Rivers Glenariff and Inver have cut right through this spectacular steep-sided gorge \u2013 the Queen of the Glens.<\/p>\n

These rivers can be lively and dramatic as they tumble over boulders and a series of three impressive waterfalls. But then they become\u00a0suddenly calm and tranquil, flowing lazily through oak and beech woodland, sunlight streaming through the fresh new leaves.<\/p>\n

This humid and moist microclimate is home to rare ferns, mosses and liverworts, as well as spruce, fir, pine and larch.<\/p>\n

This short circular gorge walk, abound with tumbling rivers and waterfalls, navigates through a lush reserve in\u00a0Northern Ireland\u2019s County Antrim.<\/p>\n

Glenariff walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

Bet river walks in Scotland<\/h2>\n

Birks of Aberfeldy, Perthshire<\/h3>\n

2.7 miles\/4.3km | 1.5 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

\""Birks\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Birks of Aberfeldy, Perthshire\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

When Robert Burns came to visit Aberfeldy in 1787, he was so impressed by the spectacular waterfalls and birch woods outside that he wrote a poem celebrating the area\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n

Today, a 4\u00bd mile circular path allows you to follow in his footsteps and be equally inspired by this amazing place.<\/p>\n

Birks of Aberfeldy walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n

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