National Landscapes in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.