UK Nature Places: 61 Wild Mountains, Waterfalls, Lochs and Coasts
For a small set of islands, the UK packs in a ridiculous amount of wild scenery. In one long weekend you could stand on a mountain summit, watch puffins nose-dive off a cliff, wander a gorge older than the dinosaurs' great-grandparents and finish with your toes in turquoise water.
This guide rounds up the big hitters and a few lesser-known treats across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We've grouped them by type, so whether you fancy bagging a peak, chasing waterfalls, going underground or rambling through ancient woodland, you can jump straight to the good bit.
Some are easy strolls from a car park; others need fitness, a map and a bit of mountain sense. Read each entry, be honest about what your gang can manage, and you'll have a cracking day out whatever you pick.
Mountains and peaks
From the big three summits to knife-edge ridges and strange Skye landslips, here's where to get your heart pumping and your jaw dropping.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) The highest mountain in Wales and the busiest in Britain. Several well-trodden paths lead up from Llanberis, Pen-y-Pass and beyond, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a lazier option when it's running. Set off early, check the mountain forecast and remember the summit can be freezing when the valley is sunny.
Ben Nevis Britain's highest mountain looms over Fort William, and the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis takes most fit walkers a full day there and back. Snow can linger on the summit plateau well into summer and cloud is common. Proper boots, waterproofs and navigation skills are non-negotiable.
Scafell Pike England's highest peak is a rocky, boulder-strewn summit with enormous views over the Lakeland fells on a clear day. The shortest route climbs from Wasdale Head, while the approach from Seathwaite in Borrowdale is longer but more scenic. Don't expect a café at the top: pack a decent lunch. Explore the Lake District →
Pen y Fan The highest point in southern Britain is a flat-topped red sandstone summit with sweeping views across the Bannau Brycheiniog. The popular route from Pont ar Daf is steady and well made, which makes it a great first proper mountain. Loop over Corn Du and Cribyn if you've got the legs.
Blencathra Also called Saddleback, Blencathra rises from Threlkeld near Keswick and is famous for Sharp Edge, a narrow rocky arête that thrills scramblers and terrifies everyone else. Gentler paths climb the southern ridges too. Pick your route to suit your nerve, and avoid Sharp Edge when it's wet or windy. Explore the Lake District →
Cairngorms Plateau Up on the high Cairngorms you're in a near-Arctic landscape of granite, moss and snow patches, home to ptarmigan, dotterel and reindeer roaming the hills nearby. Conditions change frighteningly fast, so this is one for experienced, well-equipped walkers. Families can enjoy the lower forests and lochs around Aviemore instead.
Glen Coe and the Glencoe Visitor Centre Driving into Glen Coe beneath Buachaille Etive Mòr and the Three Sisters is one of Scotland's great moments. The glen is steeped in history, including the 1692 massacre. Start at the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre for maps, exhibitions and advice on walks to suit every level. See Glencoe Visitor Centre →
Glen Nevis Right at the foot of Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis is a glorious U-shaped valley of rivers, woods and waterfalls. The walk through the Nevis Gorge to the meadows and Steall Falls is short but unforgettable, with a famous wire bridge for the brave. It's easy to reach from Fort William.
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) Rolling grassy ridges, waterfalls, dark skies and wild ponies: the national park is far more than one famous peak. Head to the Waterfall Country around Pontneddfechan to walk behind Sgwd yr Eira, or explore the quieter Black Mountain range further west. Market towns like Brecon and Crickhowell make great bases.
Mourne Mountains Granite peaks sweeping down to the sea, the Mournes inspired C. S. Lewis's Narnia. Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, rises right above the seaside town of Newcastle. Follow the dry-stone Mourne Wall across the summits, or enjoy gentler walks around Tollymore Forest Park.
The Roaches On the edge of the Peak District near Leek, this gritstone escarpment is full of weird weathered rocks and climbers testing themselves on the crags. The ridge path is short but packed with views. Doddle over to Hen Cloud and Lud's Church to make a superb half-day ramble.
The Peak District Edges Stanage, Curbar, Froggatt and Baslow edges form a long gritstone wall above the Derwent valley. Walking along the top is surprisingly easy, the views are huge, and sunsets are spectacular. Stanage is a legendary climbing venue, and old millstones still lie scattered beneath the crag.
The Quiraing A gigantic landslip on Skye's Trotternish Ridge has left a chaos of pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus with names like the Needle, the Prison and the Table. The loop path from the road above Staffin is rough in places but jaw-dropping. Visit early or late to dodge the crowds.
Ben Lomond Scotland's most southerly Munro rises above the eastern shore of Loch Lomond from Rowardennan. The tourist path is long but straightforward, and the summit gives knockout views over the loch and its islands. For a quieter, rougher return, come down via the Ptarmigan ridge. See Ben Lomond →
Lakes and lochs
Mirror-still water, moody mountains and maybe a monster. These are the lakes and lochs worth driving a long way for.
Wastwater England's deepest lake sits beneath the Wastwater Screes, steep slopes of shattered rock sliding straight into the water, with Great Gable framing the end of the valley. It's remote and quiet compared with the busier lakes. Bring a picnic and walk the shore path from the National Trust car park. Explore the Lake District →
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Less than an hour from Glasgow, Loch Lomond is studded with wooded islands and ringed by hills. Cruises leave from Balloch, Luss and Tarbet, while the Trossachs offer lochs like Katrine and Venachar. Walk part of the West Highland Way or just enjoy a lochside picnic.
Loch Ness Long, dark and incredibly deep, Loch Ness holds more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. Whether Nessie is out there is up to you. Boat trips run from several points along the shore, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle make a perfect viewpoint.
Loch an Eilein Hidden among the Caledonian pines of Rothiemurchus, this little loch has a ruined castle sitting on an island just offshore. A flat path loops the water in about an hour or so. Look out for red squirrels and crested tits, and stop for ice cream back near Aviemore.
Derwentwater Keswick's lake is a beauty, with wooded islands, Catbells rising behind and launches circling the shore. Hop on the boat, walk a stretch, then catch the next launch back. Don't miss the view from Ashness Bridge or Surprise View on the road towards Watendlath. Explore Keswick and the Lakes →
The Broads National Park A web of rivers and shallow broads across Norfolk and Suffolk, perfect for exploring by boat. Hire a day launch, paddle a canoe, or walk out to windmills and nature reserves. Herons, marsh harriers and swallowtail butterflies are all part of the show. See The Broads National Park →
Waterfalls
Thundering drops, tumbling chains of cascades and forest falls you can practically hug. Best after a bit of rain.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail A circular walk of around four and a half miles takes you up one wooded glen and down another, passing a whole string of waterfalls including the classic Thornton Force. There are steps and slopes, so it's a decent workout. Grab a brew in Ingleton village afterwards.
High Force Upper Teesdale's headline act sends the River Tees crashing over a dark rock step, and after heavy rain the noise is incredible. The woodland approach is short and well made. Combine it with a riverside walk to Low Force and the Wynch Bridge, an old suspension footbridge.
Pistyll Rhaeadr In the Berwyn mountains of north Powys, this tall waterfall leaps down a cliff in two stages, gushing through a rock arch partway. Paths lead both to the foot and the top. Have a cuppa at the tearoom by the car park, which overlooks the falls.
The Fairy Pools Skye's Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh flows down from the Cuillin through a series of icy pools coloured like sapphires. Wild swimmers love it; everyone else is happy just to look. The walk in crosses stepping stones, so expect wet feet after rain and go early to beat the coaches.
Glenariff Forest Park Known as the Queen of the Glens of Antrim, Glenariff has a boardwalk Waterfall Walk winding through a steep wooded gorge past cascade after cascade. The views down the glen to the sea are lovely too. Pair it with the Causeway Coastal Route for a classic Northern Ireland road trip.
Grey Mare's Tail In the Moffat Hills, a slender white waterfall streams down from a hanging valley. A short path gives a fine view from below, and the steeper trail alongside leads up to Loch Skeen. The reserve is run by the National Trust for Scotland and has wild goats roaming the slopes. See Grey Mare's Tail →
The Hermitage Near Dunkeld in Perthshire, a woodland walk among towering Douglas firs leads to Black Linn Falls, viewed from the folly of Ossian's Hall. When the River Braan is up, the roar is something else. Keep an eye on the pools for leaping salmon in autumn. See The Hermitage →
Caves and gorges
Head underground or into the cracks in the landscape for stalactites, sheer cliffs and caves straight from a fairy tale.
Cheddar Gorge Limestone cliffs tower over the twisting road through Cheddar Gorge, with feral goats picking along the ledges. Below ground, Gough's Cave is where Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, was found. Walk the clifftop path for a bird's-eye view and try a bit of proper cheddar in the village. See Cheddar Gorge and Caves →
Wookey Hole Caves The River Axe flows out of the Mendip Hills through these caves, where guides tell the legend of the Witch of Wookey. Cheese is even matured down here. Above ground there's a mix of family attractions, making it a handy all-weather day near Wells. See Wookey Hole Caves →
Dan yr Ogof Caves Hidden in the upper Swansea valley, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales combines a set of impressive caves with a dinosaur park and other extras. Cathedral Cave and the Bone Cave show off different sides of life underground. It makes a great rainy-day plan in the Bannau Brycheiniog. See Dan yr Ogof Caves →
Thor's Cave In the Manifold Valley, a huge round cave mouth gapes from a limestone crag. Scramble up from the valley trail for a framed view of the Staffordshire countryside. The old railway line below is now a flat path, great for bikes and buggies, with tearooms at Wetton Mill.
Fingal's Cave On uninhabited Staffa, waves boom into a cave lined with geometric basalt columns. The echoes famously inspired Mendelssohn. In calm conditions boat trips from Mull let you land and walk along the columns into the cave, with puffins nesting on the clifftops in early summer.
Symonds Yat Rock A limestone viewpoint high above a horseshoe bend of the River Wye, surrounded by forest. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs, and in season volunteers help you spot them. Follow the trails down to the river, where you can hire a canoe or cross by the hand ferry. See Symonds Yat Rock →
Malham Cove Once a giant waterfall plunged over this curving limestone cliff; now it's dry, and the top is a strange limestone pavement of clints and grikes. The walk from Malham is short and easy. Come in spring and you might catch peregrines nesting on the cliff face.
White Scar Cave Just outside Ingleton, guided tours wind past underground waterfalls and stalactites to the Battlefield Cavern, an enormous chamber hung with formations. It's a brilliant add-on to the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Take a warm layer, as caves stay cool all year. See White Scar Cave →
Marble Arch Caves In County Fermanagh, tours explore a network of rivers, waterfalls and passages, often including a short underground boat ride. The caves sit in a UNESCO Global Geopark spanning the border. Check ahead after heavy rain, as tours can be affected by high water. See Marble Arch Caves →
Corrieshalloch Gorge A mile-long slot gorge near Ullapool where the Falls of Measach drop into the depths. Stand on the swaying suspension bridge for a look straight down, if you dare. The trail is short, so it's an easy stop on the drive up the west coast. See Corrieshalloch Gorge →
Coast, cliffs and beaches
Basalt columns, chalk stacks, fossil beaches and golden coves: Britain's coastline is a show-off.
Giant's Causeway Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns step down into the sea on the Antrim coast, the result of ancient volcanic activity, or of the giant Finn McCool, depending on who you ask. Explore the stones, then take the clifftop trail for the view from above. See Giant's Causeway →
The Jurassic Coast Stretching from Exmouth in Devon to Studland in Dorset, this World Heritage coastline shows off around 185 million years of geology. Lyme Regis and Charmouth are prime fossil-hunting spots, especially after winter storms. Search the beach, not the cliffs, and join a guided fossil walk for top tips. Explore Lyme Regis →
Durdle Door A natural limestone arch curving out into clear blue water, Durdle Door is Dorset's poster child. The steep path from the clifftop car park down to the beach is worth every step. Bring sturdy footwear and save energy for the climb back up.
Lulworth Cove Almost a perfect circle, Lulworth Cove was scooped out by the sea breaking through a gap in the rocks. The village has cafés and a calm little beach for paddling. Walk the coast path over the hill to Durdle Door, then pop round to the Stair Hole to see the crumpled rock folds.
The Needles Three chalk stacks and a red-and-white lighthouse march out to sea from the western tip of the Isle of Wight. At Alum Bay, ride the chairlift down to the beach for the view and the famous coloured sand cliffs. Walk up to the Needles Old Battery for a dramatic clifftop look. Explore Alum Bay →
Seven Sisters Cliffs A rollercoaster of brilliant white chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne. Walk the South Downs Way along the top, or start at Birling Gap and explore the beach at low tide. Stay well back from the edge, as the cliffs crumble regularly.
Barafundle Bay On the Stackpole estate in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle is golden sand, dunes and clear water hidden behind a headland, with no road straight to it. The short coast-path walk from Stackpole Quay keeps it feeling special. Pack everything you need, as there are no facilities on the beach.
Bamburgh Beach The castle sits high on its rock like something out of a storybook, while the broad sands stretch north and south. It's a top spot for kite flying and long dog walks. The Farne Islands lie just offshore, and boats leave from nearby Seahouses.
The Gower Peninsula Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is packed with beaches, from surfer-friendly Llangennith to the vast sweep of Rhossili Bay. At low tide you can cross to Worm's Head, but check tide times carefully. Three Cliffs Bay is another stunner. Explore Swansea and Gower →
Kynance Cove On Cornwall's Lizard peninsula, Kynance is all about the serpentine rock, a dark stone with green and red veins, set against white sand and bright turquoise water. Low tide reveals caves and islands. Get there early on summer days and wear shoes for the steep path.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Salmon fishermen once strung a bridge across the chasm to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. Today's sturdy version still sways enough to get the heart going, with sheer drops and seabirds below. Tickets are timed in busy months, so book ahead. See Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge →
Dungeness One of the largest shingle landscapes in Europe, Dungeness is home to rare plants, insects and a big RSPB reserve. Its strange, flat beauty is unlike anywhere else in England. Climb the Old Lighthouse for the view, then walk among the fishermen's huts on the beach.
Islands and wildlife
Puffins, seals, seabird cities and tidal causeways. Pack binoculars and a sense of adventure.
The Farne Islands Boat trips from Seahouses bring you face-to-face with puffins, grey seals and thousands of nesting seabirds. Land on Inner Farne in season and the Arctic terns may dive-bomb your head, so wear a hat. Autumn brings seal pups to the islands.
Skomer Island Off the Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer is famous for puffins in late spring and early summer, plus a huge colony of Manx shearwaters that come ashore at night. Boats leave from Martin's Haven, and places go fast. Bring food and water, as there are few facilities.
St Kilda Forty-odd miles west of the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda's remote archipelago has some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain and enormous seabird colonies. The last islanders left in 1930. Day trips from Harris depend entirely on the weather, so keep plans flexible.
St Michael's Mount Walk across the causeway at low tide to this rocky island castle in Mount's Bay, or take a little boat when the sea rolls in. Its sheltered subtropical gardens thrive on the warm rock. The views from the top over the Cornish coast are brilliant.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne Beyond the priory and castle, Lindisfarne is a superb National Nature Reserve. In winter thousands of geese and wading birds feed on the mudflats. Grey seals haul out on the sandbanks too. Time your crossing with the official safe crossing times.
St Abb's Head On the Berwickshire coast, the cliffs at St Abb's Head buzz with guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes in early summer. A clifftop path leads round to the lighthouse and Mire Loch. Afterwards, wander into the harbour village of St Abbs, a hub for divers. See St Abb's Head →
Forests and woodland
Ancient trees, roaming ponies and dark-sky forests. Perfect for a gentle ramble, a bike ride or a proper adventure.
New Forest Ponies, donkeys and cattle roam freely across heath and woodland in this ancient royal hunting ground. Villages like Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst make good bases, and there are cycle routes everywhere. Admire the animals from a distance and never feed them. Explore the New Forest →
The Dark Hedges Near Armoy in County Antrim, an avenue of beech trees planted in the 18th century arches over the road like a tunnel of twisted branches. Game of Thrones made it famous worldwide. Come early or late for atmospheric photos without the crowds, and pair it with the Causeway Coast.
Attadale Gardens At Strathcarron in Wester Ross, Attadale is a Highland estate garden of rhododendrons, waterfalls, ponds and quirky sculptures. The Gulf Stream helps exotic plants thrive. It's a calm stop on the road to Skye, with mountains rising behind.
Kielder Forest Huge, wild and gloriously quiet, Kielder Forest wraps around Kielder Water in Northumberland. Trails suit walkers and mountain bikers, and the skies are some of the darkest in England, great for stargazing. Red squirrels are often seen around the visitor centres. See Kielder Forest →
Whinlatter Forest High above Keswick, Whinlatter offers forest walks, mountain-bike trails and views over Bassenthwaite Lake. There's a play area and café, so it suits families, and red squirrels live in the trees. Go Ape treetop adventures are on site too. See Whinlatter Forest →
Forest of Dean at Beechenhurst Beechenhurst is the starting point for the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, where artworks appear among the oaks and beeches. There's play equipment, a café and wide paths for buggies. Puzzlewood and Symonds Yat are close by, so it's easy to build a full weekend around the forest. See Forest of Dean at Beechenhurst →
Planning your nature day out
The UK's wild places are free to enjoy, but they demand respect. For mountains, check a specialist mountain forecast before setting off, carry a map and compass, and tell someone your route. Summits are much colder and windier than the car park, even in summer.
On the coast, check tide tables for causeways, beaches and caves, and stay well back from crumbling cliff edges. Wildlife boat trips are weather dependent and often busy in summer, so book ahead and have a plan B.
Arrive early at popular spots, as car parks fill fast. Wear proper footwear, pack water and snacks, and take all your litter home. Follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs under control near livestock and nesting birds, and these places will stay wonderful for years.
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