by Hever, West Kent
Deep in the ancient woods of Hever Castle and Gardens, smell the wild garlic before seeing the pretty white flowers clustered under the trees with fresh lime fringes signaling their new spring growth. Rare telfull ammonium daffodils (from the 17th century) surprise you as you enter the wood, but in mid-April bluebells take center stage on the path that winds through the estate near Edenbridge in west Kent, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Dogs are welcome and you can enjoy a picnic as you extend your walk by taking the path around the lake. Access to the gardens from £17.50 adult, but there are also walks in the surrounding woodland on the Eden Valley path to other Tudor houses in Chiddingstone and Penshurst.
Vicky Rimmer
Wildflowers and whisky, Peak District
There aren’t many better places than Goyt Valley, a few miles north of Buxton in the Peak District, when the flowers are in bloom and spring has arrived. The ridge containing the twin peaks of Cats Tor (518 metres) and Shining Tor (559 metres, the highest hill in Cheshire) makes for a good walk which is often quieter than the busier parts of the national park. Cats Tor rises to the west of the valley. Start at the Pym High Chair parking lot – the views from here towards Kinder Scout are worth the trip alone. Follow the ridge to Shining Tor, where views of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire await. Post-walk, the former Cat and Fiddle, the highest whiskey distillery in the UK, is a short drive further downriver.
Mike
Orchids and Pie, Peak District
Calver village offers a lovely spring walk which can be enjoyed by families. Taking the uphill mule track from the village you can soon detour through a very peaceful small wood covered in a blanket of bluebells in late April. I have never met another person here. Climb further uphill and enjoy fantastic views towards the villages of Eyam and Stoney Middleton. From here descend into beautiful Coombs Dale where you can spot a variety of spring flowers including bee lizards and orchids. Return to Calver village and finish with a delicious cake at The Eating House.
Catherine
Peaceful air, Norwich
The River Wensum path is adorned with a sea of bright yellow daffodils in spring, and you walk accompanied by the imposing Norwich Cathedral in the distance. The gentle sounds of the river flowing along the path add to the air of tranquility. The vibrant green foliage of the trees and shrubs along the riverbank provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll. It’s a wonderful way to welcome spring.
Katie Seales
Like a fairyland, Aberdeenshire
I love the Dummy Woods and Tomnaverie Stone Circle walk from Tarland, Aberdeenshire, especially in spring. When the path leaves the village there is some steam and a hollow next to it carpeted with snowdrops, like a fairyland. The rest of the walk is also beautiful, between hills, fields and woods. Be sure to stop by for a cup of tea and cake at the Tarland Tearooms afterwards.
Morag
Spring views over the Malverns, Gloucs
The walk from my home in Prestbury, Cheltenham to Winchcombe takes me straight up the Cotswold escarpment to Cleeve Common 330m above sea level, with fantastic views of the Malvern and Brecon Beacons beyond. Then down through old quarries and down to the original sheep pond following the Isbourne chalk stream past the paper mill to Winchcombe. Where I enjoy refreshments and cake.
Paul Adams
Views from Ravenglass, Lake District
From Muncaster Castle car park, walk through the castle grounds, with superb views across Scafell Pike, Eskdale and the Ravenglass Estuary towards the Isle of Man. Walk through the bluebell woods (late April to May) to the River Esk, crossing it at low tide if you don’t mind wet ankles. There’s a good chance of seeing deer, herons and kingfishers here, and an outside chance of a sighting of otters. Follow the river to the dunes of Eskmeals but keep an eye on the tides, for the crossing of the estuary for a pint of Ravenglass.
John McCurrie
Advice from Guardian Travel readers
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations on their travels. A selection of tips will be published online and may be printed. To enter the latest contest, visit the Reader Tips homepage
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View of the Irish Sea, Belfast
Take the Bangor train from Belfast to the Cultra stop. Walk through the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum to be struck by views of the Irish Sea. A seven-mile coastal walk through Crawfordsburn Country Park to Bangor will overload your senses with beautiful spring flowers, breaths of sea air and, if you’re lucky, some sunshine.
Chloe
Waterways and canal routes, north east London
Starting in Millfields Park, Hackney, this walk proves that London too has quiet corners where nature thrives. Pass daffodils sprouting beneath towering London airplanes and cross the pedestrian bridge into Lee Valley Park. Follow the canal path, sandwiched between tall grass and moored houseboats, some with roof gardens and fresh paint, others piled high with rusting bikes and firewood. Another bridge leads to the 15-acre Springfield Park, a green oasis with views across Lee’s Marshes to Walthamstow Marshes. A family of swans roam this body of water, seven seals stalking their parents ahead of those enjoying a riverside pint at the Anchor and Hope, a small pub with big character.
Amy Wolf
Winning Tip: Crocuses and Gallows Down, Berkshire
A walk starting from Inkpen Crocus Field will take you up close to Gallows Down with a spring in your step. A spectacular view greets you – you needn’t be persuaded that there are more than 400,000 of these purple delights. Once you’ve strayed from this wildlife trust reserve, take your pick of trails through woodland where noisy crows nest. On the high ground below, you’ll hear larks overhead. If it’s a clear day, view Berkshire’s rolling Kennet Valley. But don’t linger too long. After a stroll along the primrose-lined alleys, there’s tea and cake to be enjoyed at Inkpen’s café.
Paul Game
