Walks And Walking – National Trust Top 10 Secret Walks

Walks And Walking – National Trust Top 10 Secret Walks

In recent months the National Trust has been making available some easy to download walks from their website. Last month they released a set of their top 10 secret walks… so secret in fact, it’s taken me a month to find them!

Each one of the National Trust top 10 secret walks can only be accessed by foot. I often find the best hidden treasures on any walking route take a little bit of effort to get to. The list has been carefully selected by National Trust experts who wanted to showcase walks that offered a unique experience whether a hidden viewpoint, newly accessible coastal paths or the story of an old legend to encourage walkers to explore and share the many special places the National Trust looks after.

Walks And Walking – National Trust Top 10 Secret Walks – Dunstanburgh Castle Northumberland

1. Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland coast
Many may know the castle but few people walk around the back to see the breathtaking views of the remains, its hidden cliffs and volcanic rocks.

2. Minnowburn, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Ring is the largest henge in Ireland and was built around the same time as Stonehenge and Avebury in 2,700BC. This short two mile walk starting from the car-park reveals a hidden side to the well known city of Belfast, which lies less than three miles away.

3. Erddig, Wales
Erddig is one of Britain’s finest historic houses, featuring impressive formal gardens and a landscaped country park. If you do visit then make sure you check out the ‘Cup and saucer’.

Walks And Walking – National Trust Top 10 Secret Walks – Erddig Cup And Saucer

4. Sizergh Castle, south Lake District
Hidden and hard to find – the secret here is a 1,600 year old yew tree, buried deep in the woods.

5. Sparrow Dale, Sheringham Park, Norfolk
Often overlooked by visitors to the park, Sparrow Dale is a hidden valley that’s perfect for wildlife lovers. It has a wide variety of trees making it a great place to spot birds of prey.

6. The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent
The White Cliffs of Dover, on the Kent coastline, was acquired by the National Trust last year and this breathtaking walk allows you to get to the South Foreland Lighthouse and see a previously hidden view across this iconic landscape.

Walks And Walking – National Trust Top 10 Secret Walks – Malham Waterfall Yorkshire Dales

7. Malham Waterfall, Yorkshire Dales
The path leads to a magical waterfall where walkers will discover a secret cave. Local legend says the cave is home to the Queen of the Fairies, so making wishes is a must.

8. Trelissick, Cornwall
Overlooking the Fal estuary in Cornwall, this walk leads you much further into the estate than many usually venture to a secluded, iron-age fort.

9. Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Explore never before seen parts of the Stowe estate – including a secret garden hidden for many years surrounded by monuments and waterfalls.

10. Attingham, Shropshire
A path that allows visitors to share a rare view of the front of Attingham House, previously only reserved for privileged guests of the owners, the Berwick family, when they lived there

You can find all of these walks on the National Trust website and for the latest membership and shop offers click here.