North West

From lakes and mountain skylines to peat bogs, limestone valleys and open moorland, North West England offers varied wild landscapes. Explore our existing guides below to discover national parks and nature reserves, choose a walk and plan your visit.

Clouds over tree-lined Tarn Hows in the Lake District
Photo: Johnjoepam · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for display.

Lake District National Park

Lakes, wooded shores and mountain skylines make the Lake District a landscape for both quiet outings and longer walks. Discover Tarn Hows, explore lakeside routes and use the guide to choose a starting point that suits your visit.

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Limestone cliff of Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales
Photo: Nilfanion · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for display.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Limestone cliffs, waterfalls and dry-stone-walled valleys shape the Yorkshire Dales. The park extends into Cumbria and Lancashire as well as North Yorkshire, so this shared guide appears in both regional hubs. Discover walks and practical advice for choosing a valley to explore.

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Monsal Dale and its railway viaduct in the Peak District
Photo: Ben Robbins · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and cropped for display.

Peak District National Park

Limestone dales, gritstone edges and open moorland give the Peak District contrasting landscapes to explore. Its boundaries include parts of Cheshire and Greater Manchester, so this shared guide also belongs in the North West. Find walking ideas and practical information for planning your visit.

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Wooden boardwalk across the peat bog at Foulshaw Moss
Photo: Christine Johnstone · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and cropped for display.

Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve

Raised boardwalks cross a restored lowland peat bog near Witherslack in Cumbria. Slow down to enjoy pools, mosses and seasonal wildlife, and find practical guidance for exploring Foulshaw Moss from its permitted paths and viewpoints.

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