Our Favourite UK Moorlands

We’re firm believers that our understanding and appreciation for our moorlands can be enhanced by visiting them. Already treasured by walkers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, travelling through these landscapes can impart you with a sense of freedom and adventure. They can also leave you at the mercy of the elements! Well worth a visit, it’s time to grab your waterproofs and brush up on your navigation skills, as we pick out some of our favourite moorland areas to visit in the UK.

Did you know that there is more heather moorland in the UK and Ireland than anywhere else in the world? One of our most important habitats, these great expanses of unenclosed, wild uplands play a vital environmental role thanks to an amazing plant called sphagnum and its ability to capture carbon. When growing healthily, this plant powerhouse takes as much carbon out of the atmosphere as all the forests in the UK and France combined. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important we protect our moorland areas.

If the wonderful sight of purple heather in late summer is your thing, you can also check out this guide from our friends at The Wildlife Trust for other top sites. 

Spend some time in the North York Moors National Park and you’ll quickly realise it’s a truly special place. Spanning over 550 square miles, the North York Moors is one of the largest continuous stretches of heather moorland in England. The landscape here is wild, open, and breathtakingly beautiful-a haven for nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

A Symphony of Nature

• Birdlife: In early summer, the moors come alive with the calls of iconic moorland birds. Listen out for the distinctive "go-back, go-back" of the red grouse, the bubbling song of the curlew, and the melodic piping of the golden plover. Birdwatchers will find plenty to delight in here.
• Heather in Bloom: As summer progresses, the landscape transforms. By late July and August, the heather bursts into flower, carpeting the hills in vivid shades of purple and pink. It’s a sight that draws visitors from far and wide, and makes for some unforgettable photos.

Freedom to Roam

One of the joys of the North York Moors is the sense of space and freedom. Much of the area is designated as open access land, so you’re free to wander across the moorland without sticking to footpaths or tracks. This means you can truly immerse yourself in the landscape, discovering hidden valleys, ancient stone crosses, and panoramic viewpoints at your own pace.

Ever Changing Drama

• Seasonal Beauty: The North York Moors responds sensitively to the changing seasons. In spring, the moors are fresh and green, dotted with wildflowers and lambs. Summer brings the heather bloom and long, golden evenings. Autumn cloaks the land in rich russets and browns, while winter offers a stark, windswept beauty.
• Unspoiled Wilderness: There’s a quiet drama to this place-an atmosphere of timelessness and tranquillity. The vast, unenclosed spaces give you a sense of being somewhere truly wild and unspoiled.

• Endless walking opportunities, from gentle rambles to challenging hikes
• A rich variety of wildlife and plant life
• Sweeping views that go on for miles
• A peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life

Whether you’re a keen walker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply in search of some peace and quiet, the North York Moors offers a moorland experience that’s hard to beat. It’s a landscape that stays with you, long after you’ve left.

Dartmoor is a wonderfully wild and exhilarating place, covering 386 square miles of South Devon. This iconic moorland is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and inspiration. Whether you’re looking for adventure or tranquillity, Dartmoor truly has something for everyone.

Adventure Awaits

Dartmoor offers a huge range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests:

• Cycling: Explore miles of scenic off-road trails and quiet country lanes, perfect for both casual cyclists and mountain biking enthusiasts.
• Horseback Riding: Experience the moors from a different perspective by riding along bridleways and open moorland, just as people have done for centuries.
• Kayaking: The rivers and reservoirs provide opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, offering a unique way to see the landscape.
• Wild Swimming: For the adventurous, Dartmoor’s clear rivers and hidden pools are perfect for a refreshing wild swim.

A Hiker's Paradise

But it’s the open, windswept upland moors that truly set Dartmoor apart. The landscape is characterised by:

• Vast expanses of grass and purple heather
• Mysterious peat blanket bogs and lush valley mires
• Staggering granite tors-dramatic rock outcrops that rise above the landscape and offer panoramic views

Walking here is both challenging and rewarding, with routes ranging from gentle strolls to demanding hikes over rugged terrain. The ever-changing weather adds a touch of drama, making every visit unique.

Steeped in History and Legend

Dartmoor is rich in history and myth, its wild landscapes inspiring countless writers and artists. The moors have featured in the works of:

• Arthur Conan Doyle (The Hound of the Baskervilles)
• Thomas Hardy
• Jane Austen

Ancient stone circles, mysterious standing stones, and medieval clapper bridges dot the landscape, adding to Dartmoor’s sense of timelessness and intrigue.

Wild Camping and Immersion

• Dartmoor is one of the few places in England where you can legally wild camp, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the landscape.
• Spend a night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the moor, and wake up to misty mornings and the call of skylarks.

Why We Love It

• Dramatic, ever-changing scenery
• Endless opportunities for outdoor adventure
• Rich literary and historical connections
• The rare chance to wild camp in a truly wild setting

Dartmoor is a place where you can lose yourself in nature, challenge yourself with a hike, or simply sit and soak up the views. It’s a moorland that captures the imagination and stays with you long after you’ve left.

Exmoor National Park is a place where wild beauty, tranquillity, and adventure come together in perfect harmony. Spanning the borders of Somerset and Devon, Exmoor’s moorlands are among the UK’s most outstanding, offering visitors breathtaking views, rare wildlife, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.

A Landscape of Wild Beauty

• Sweeping Vistas: Exmoor’s elevated moorlands overlook West Somerset, North Devon, and the dramatic coastline of the Bristol Channel. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles, taking in rolling hills, deep wooded valleys, and the sparkling sea.
• Atmosphere: The moors are defined by their wildness and tranquillity, with wide-open spaces, windswept grasses, and a patchwork of heather creating a landscape that feels both ancient and untouched.

A Haven for Wildlife

Exmoor is a protected home for a remarkable variety of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers:

• Red Deer: The park is famous for its herds of majestic red deer, often seen grazing on the open moorland or moving silently through the woods.
• Rare Species: Exmoor supports some of the UK’s rarest butterflies and bats, as well as wild ponies, birds of prey, and countless other species.
• Seasonal Highlights: Visit in spring for a chorus of birdsong, or in autumn to witness the dramatic red deer rut. 

Endless Opportunities for Exploration

A winding network of footpaths and bridleways crisscrosses Exmoor, inviting you to explore its varied landscapes at your own pace:

• The Coleridge Way: One of the best ways to experience Exmoor is by following The Coleridge Way, a long-distance walking route that stretches from Lynton to Nether Stowey. This scenic trail meanders over moorland and farmland, taking in ancient woodlands, rivers, and picturesque villages.
• Inspiring Walks: Walking here, it’s easy to see why the Romantic poets, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge, found endless inspiration in these landscapes. Every turn reveals something new-a hidden valley, a tumbling stream, or a panoramic view across the moors.

• Stunning, varied scenery-from moorland heights to coastal cliffs
• A rich array of wildlife, including iconic red deer and wild ponies
• A sense of peace and solitude, perfect for unwinding
• Historic and literary connections, with trails that follow in the footsteps of Britain’s great poets

Whether you’re a keen hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to escape into nature, Exmoor’s moorlands offer an unforgettable experience. Spend time here and, like Coleridge, you’re sure to leave feeling inspired.

Nestled in the heart of rural Lancashire and stretching into North Yorkshire, the Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty celebrated for its richly diverse landscapes, distinctive wildlife, and deep-rooted heritage. This is a place where dramatic open moorland sweeps beneath vast skies, contrasting with gentle lowlands, wooded valleys, and picture-perfect villages that seem to step out of another era.

A Patchwork of Wild Landscapes

• Heather-Clad Moorlands: The upland core of Bowland is dominated by expansive heather moorland and peat bogs, creating a wild, open character that is both grand and remote.
• Blanket Bog: Bowland is renowned for its extensive blanket bog-one of the best examples in England. This rare habitat forms over thousands of years and supports a wealth of unusual plant and animal species, making it internationally significant for both biodiversity and carbon storage.
• Wooded Valleys and Lowlands: Steep-sided, wooded cloughs and lush river valleys fringe the fells, dotted with traditional stone farms and villages, providing a softer counterpoint to the windswept heights.

Unique and Rare Wildlife

• Specialist Plants: In April and May, look out for bog rosemary-a rare wildflower with delicate pinky-white bell-shaped blooms, found in abundance in some areas of the Bowland fells. Other notable plants include cloudberry, cranberry, round-leaved sundew, and a variety of sphagnum mosses.
• Birdlife: The moorlands are a haven for upland birds, including the hen harrier, golden plover, curlew, short-eared owl, and grouse. The Bowland Fells also host significant breeding colonies of lesser black-backed gulls, supporting a notable proportion of the British and European populations.
• Invertebrates: The rare large heath butterfly can be found on Bowland’s blanket bog, one of only two locations in Lancashire where it survives.

Heritage and Sense of Place

• Historic Villages: Explore villages like Slaidburn, Downham, and Newton, where Saxon and Norse place names hint at centuries of history. These close-knit communities are known for their civic pride and welcoming atmosphere.
• Traditional Architecture: The use of local gritstone in buildings and dry stone walls adds to the distinctive rural character of the area.
• Cultural Legacy: Evidence of ancient settlement, from Mesolithic hunting camps to medieval royal forests, can still be traced in the landscape.

Outdoor Adventures

• Walking and Cycling: The Forest of Bowland offers some of the UK’s most beautiful and remote walking and cycling routes, from challenging moorland hikes to gentle valley strolls. The network of footpaths, bridleways, and byways rewards those who love to explore off the beaten track.
• Eco Escapes: Visitors are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with nature, whether that means forest bathing, nature writing, or simply enjoying local produce in a village café.

• Wild, remote moorland with a distinctive sense of place
• Internationally important blanket bog and rare wildlife
• Picturesque villages steeped in history and tradition
• Outstanding opportunities for walking, cycling, and nature-watching

The Forest of Bowland is a landscape of quiet drama and deep beauty-perfect for those seeking adventure, tranquillity, and a true taste of rural England.

Set in the rugged heart of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is a wild and atmospheric expanse of heather-clad grassland, strewn with granite outcrops and boulders. Despite being bisected by the A30, the moor retains a remarkable sense of remoteness and isolation, making it one of Cornwall’s most evocative landscapes.

A Landscape of Wildness and Wonder

• Granite Tors and Open Moorland: The moor is dominated by dramatic granite tors such as Brown Willy (Cornwall’s highest point at 420m) and Rough Tor. These iconic outcrops rise above sweeping, treeless moorland, creating a landscape that is both stark and beautiful.
• Blanket Bogs and Valleys: Much of Bodmin Moor consists of damp grass moorland, blanket bog, and purple moor grass. Shallow valleys with ancient oak woodlands and bogs cut through the higher ground, providing shelter for both wildlife and small, historic villages like St Breward and St Neot.
• Reservoirs and Pools: The moor is dotted with significant bodies of water, including Colliford Lake, Siblyback Lake, and the legendary Dozmary Pool-said to be the resting place of King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur.

Unique Flora and Fauna

• Rare Species: Bodmin Moor is the only place in the world where the rare Cornish Path Moss grows, making it a globally significant habitat.
• Wildlife: The moor supports a diverse range of wildlife, including otters, Marsh Fritillary butterflies, bats, and upland birds like the Stonechat and Wheatear. Hardy sheep, cattle, and wild ponies graze the open land, helping to maintain its unique character.
• Dark Skies: Bodmin Moor is a designated dark sky landscape, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in Cornwall.

A Place Steeped in History and Legend

• Prehistoric Sites: Evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements is scattered across the moor, from hut circles and burial chambers to enigmatic stone circles like The Hurlers and natural formations such as The Cheesewring.
• Mining Heritage: Remnants of historic mining and quarrying add another layer to the moor’s rich story.
• Folklore and Ghost Stories: Legends abound, from the mysterious Dozmary Pool to tales of the infamous Beast of Bodmin-a panther-like creature said to roam the moor and inspire over sixty reported sightings.

Exploring Bodmin Moor

• Walking and Wildlife Watching: With its open access, Bodmin Moor is a haven for walkers and nature lovers. Trails lead across windswept tors, past ancient monuments, and through hidden valleys-ideal for those seeking solitude or adventure.
• Villages and Pasture: Small farmsteads, many medieval in origin, dot the landscape, supporting livestock that help keep the moorland open and free from encroaching scrub.

Why We Love It

• Dramatic, heather-clad moorland with iconic granite tors
• Unique wildlife and rare plants found nowhere else
• Rich in history, myth, and legend
• Outstanding opportunities for walking, stargazing, and exploring Cornwall’s wild side

Bodmin Moor is a place where wild nature, ancient history, and local legend come together-an unforgettable corner of Cornwall that invites you to lose yourself in its rugged beauty.

Marsden Moor, sprawled across the South Pennines in West Yorkshire, offers over 6,000 acres (about 2,500 hectares) of wild, open moorland to explore. Managed by the National Trust, this vast landscape is celebrated for its deep sense of remoteness, sweeping views, and rich natural heritage.

A Landscape of Peat and Heather

• Blanket Bog: Most of Marsden Moor is covered by deep peat, forming extensive blanket bogs that are vital for carbon storage and water regulation.
• Moorland Habitat: The mixed heather and cotton grass moorland thrives in the area’s heavy rainfall and acidic soils, creating a unique environment for specialist plants and wildlife.
• Dramatic Features: The moor is intersected by valleys, peaks, crags, and reservoirs, with high rolling terrain offering dramatic vistas across West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire.

Wildlife and Conservation

• Mountain Hares: Look out for mountain hares, which may be seen bounding across the moors in their distinctive zigzag pattern.
• Breeding Birds: Marsden Moor is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its internationally important populations of ground-nesting and declining upland birds.
• Rare Species: The moor supports a range of scarce and unusual species, with ongoing restoration efforts to diversify native plants such as Sphagnum mosses and improve resilience to climate change and wildfires.

Walking and Exploration

• Extensive Footpaths: Marsden Moor is criss-crossed with well-maintained footpaths, offering everything from gentle canal-side strolls to challenging full-day hikes across open moorland.
• Popular Routes: Highlights include walks to waterfalls in the Wessenden Valley, climbs up Pule Hill, and routes that pass remote reservoirs and packhorse bridges.
• Peace and Solitude: Despite its accessibility, the moor’s vastness means you’ll often find yourself walking in peaceful solitude, surrounded only by the sounds of birds and the wind in the grass.

Heritage and History

• Ancient and Industrial Past: Marsden Moor’s landscape bears traces of prehistoric settlements, ancient roads, and archaeological remains, as well as features from the Industrial Revolution like the Standedge Canal and railway tunnels.
• Village of Marsden: The nearby village of Marsden is a welcoming hub for walkers, with a history of supporting visitors and a range of amenities to enjoy before or after your walk.

Why We Love It

• Expansive, wild moorland with far-reaching views and dramatic weather
• Habitat for rare upland wildlife, especially birds and mountain hares
• A network of trails for all abilities, from gentle walks to challenging hikes
• Rich in history, from ancient archaeology to industrial heritage
• A true sense of escape and tranquillity, just a short journey from urban life

Marsden Moor is a place to lose yourself in nature, discover the quiet drama of the Pennines, and experience the wild heart of northern England.

Northumberland National Park is famed for its vast, wide-open heather moorlands, which cover about 70% of the park and create a landscape that feels both wild and boundless. These moorlands are internationally significant, as such habitats are rare and largely unique to Britain. The park’s rolling plateaux, rounded hilltops, and dramatic sandstone ridges offer an ever-changing tapestry of colour and texture throughout the year.

Moorland Highlights

• Simonside Hills: The long sandstone ridge of the Simonside Hills is renowned for its spectacular displays of flowering heather, especially in August when the moors turn a vibrant purple. From the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views over the Cheviot Hills and out to the North Sea coastline.
• Cheviot Hills: Much of the moorland in the park is grassy, particularly in the Cheviot Hills, where ancient woodlands once stood before being cleared by humans over thousands of years.
• Blanket Bog and Peatlands: Northumberland is home to some of the best blanket bogs in Europe. While these peat bogs can be challenging to walk on, they are vital for the local ecosystem, supporting a range of rare plants and helping regulate water and carbon in the landscape.

Wildlife and Seasonal Spectacle

• Heather and Ling: Ling, the most common heather in the park, carpets large areas and provides a crucial food source for red grouse-a bird that lives in the hills all year round.
• Birdlife and Other Species: The moorlands support an array of wildlife, including curlew, adders, mountain bumblebees, emperor moths, and even wild goats in the Simonside area. The park’s management for grouse shooting has also allowed other plants and animals to thrive2.
• Beekeeping Tradition: Each August, as the heather blooms, local beekeepers move their hives onto the moors to harvest thick, flavourful heather honey from this rich nectar source.

Exploring Northumberland's Moorlands

• Walking and Views: The park is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths and trails, offering everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes across open moorland and up to panoramic viewpoints.
• Tranquillity and Remoteness: With few buildings and little development, the moorlands provide a profound sense of wildness, remoteness, and tranquillity-perfect for those seeking solitude and big skies.
• Heritage and Landscape: The landscape is shaped by centuries of human activity, from ancient hillforts to traditional sheep and cattle farming, with over 200 farms still operating within the park.

Why We Love It

• Sweeping expanses of heather moorland unique to Britain
• Spectacular summer displays of purple heather and far-reaching views
• Rich wildlife, including red grouse, curlew, and rare insects
• Some of the best blanket bogs in Europe, vital for biodiversity and climate
• A true sense of wildness, peace, and connection to nature

Northumberland National Park’s moorlands offer a landscape of quiet drama and natural beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in one of the UK’s most unspoiled upland environments.

Northumberland National Park is famed for its vast, wide-open heather moorlands, which cover about 70% of the park and create a landscape that feels both wild and boundless. These moorlands are internationally significant, as such habitats are rare and largely unique to Britain. The park’s rolling plateaux, rounded hilltops, and dramatic sandstone ridges offer an ever-changing tapestry of colour and texture throughout the year.

Moorland Highlights

• Simonside Hills: The long sandstone ridge of the Simonside Hills is renowned for its spectacular displays of flowering heather, especially in August when the moors turn a vibrant purple. From the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views over the Cheviot Hills and out to the North Sea coastline.
• Cheviot Hills: Much of the moorland in the park is grassy, particularly in the Cheviot Hills, where ancient woodlands once stood before being cleared by humans over thousands of years.
• Blanket Bog and Peatlands: Northumberland is home to some of the best blanket bogs in Europe. While these peat bogs can be challenging to walk on, they are vital for the local ecosystem, supporting a range of rare plants and helping regulate water and carbon in the landscape.

Wildlife and Seasonal Spectacle

• Heather and Ling: Ling, the most common heather in the park, carpets large areas and provides a crucial food source for red grouse-a bird that lives in the hills all year round.
• Birdlife and Other Species: The moorlands support an array of wildlife, including curlew, adders, mountain bumblebees, emperor moths, and even wild goats in the Simonside area. The park’s management for grouse shooting has also allowed other plants and animals to thrive2.
• Beekeeping Tradition: Each August, as the heather blooms, local beekeepers move their hives onto the moors to harvest thick, flavourful heather honey from this rich nectar source.

Exploring Northumberland's Moorlands

• Walking and Views: The park is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths and trails, offering everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes across open moorland and up to panoramic viewpoints.
• Tranquillity and Remoteness: With few buildings and little development, the moorlands provide a profound sense of wildness, remoteness, and tranquillity-perfect for those seeking solitude and big skies.
• Heritage and Landscape: The landscape is shaped by centuries of human activity, from ancient hillforts to traditional sheep and cattle farming, with over 200 farms still operating within the park.

Why We Love It

• Sweeping expanses of heather moorland unique to Britain
• Spectacular summer displays of purple heather and far-reaching views
• Rich wildlife, including red grouse, curlew, and rare insects
• Some of the best blanket bogs in Europe, vital for biodiversity and climate
• A true sense of wildness, peace, and connection to nature

Northumberland National Park’s moorlands offer a landscape of quiet drama and natural beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in one of the UK’s most unspoiled upland environments.

Rannoch Moor is often described as one of the last true wildernesses in Europe-a place of extremes, contradictions, and awe-inspiring beauty. Stretching across about 50 square miles (130 km²) to the west of Loch Rannoch, this vast, boggy expanse forms a dramatic, level plateau at over 300 metres altitude, surrounded by the towering mountains of the Glencoe Highlands.

A Landscape Like No Other

• Blanket Bog and Lochans: The moor is a patchwork of deep peat bog, countless small lochans, slow-moving rivers, and rocky outcrops, all shaped by the retreat of the last glaciers. This creates a unique, waterlogged environment that is both challenging and beautiful.
• Plateau and Mountains: Rannoch Moor sits as a high, soggy dish of granite among the mountains, providing a stark contrast to the steep, rocky glens and summits of Glen Coe and Ben Nevis nearby.
• Changing Moods: The landscape here is constantly shifting in tone and atmosphere, depending on the weather-sometimes a glory of heather and water reflecting blue skies, other times a haunting, cloud-shrouded wilderness.

Rich in Wildlife and Natural Ratiry

Despite its harsh, boggy conditions, Rannoch Moor supports an impressive range of plants, insects, birds, and mammals:

• Birdlife: Look for curlews, grouse, and other upland birds that thrive in this challenging habitat.
• Mammals: Roe and red deer are often spotted moving through the heather and bogs.
• Rare Species: The moor is the only British home of the Rannoch-rush, a plant named for the area, and is one of the last habitats for the narrow-headed ant.
• Protected Status: Rannoch Moor is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation, reflecting its importance for biodiversity.

Exploring and Experiencing Rannoch Moor

• On Foot: Traversing Rannoch Moor on foot is an unforgettable adventure. The West Highland Way, Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail, crosses the moor from south to north, offering walkers a true taste of wild Scotland.
• By Rail: For a unique and accessible perspective, take the West Highland Railway. The line crosses the moorland for 23 miles, offering some of the most scenic train views in the world as it passes through remote, otherwise inaccessible terrain.
• Remote Access: Rannoch Station is one of the UK’s most isolated railway stations, serving as a gateway for walkers and a refuge in the wilderness. The area is so remote that there are no public roads crossing the moor from east to west-only trails and the railway.

Why We Love It

• One of Europe’s last great wildernesses, with a sense of scale and solitude that is hard to match
• Dramatic contrasts between flat, boggy moorland and the surrounding Highland peaks
• Home to rare and remarkable wildlife, including species found nowhere else in Britain
• Offers both challenging walks and one of the world’s most scenic train journeys
• A landscape that has inspired awe, legend, and adventure for centuries

Rannoch Moor is a place of wild beauty and quiet drama, where the sheer remoteness and ever-changing light create an unforgettable moorland experience. Whether you cross it on foot or by train, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the UK’s most iconic and untamed landscapes.

Dava Moor is a vast, open expanse of heather moorland in Moray, stretching between the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. Often described as remote and desolate, it offers a true sense of wildness and solitude, making it a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic moorland experience.

Panoramic Highland Views

• On a clear day, Dava Moor rewards visitors with sweeping views:
  • To the north: The shire counties of Nairn, Inverness, Moray, Ross & Cromarty, and Sutherland unfold in the distance.
  • To the south: The Cromdale Hills and the Cairngorm Mountains dominate the skyline, creating a dramatic Highland backdrop.
• The landscape features rolling hills, plateaux, and kettlehole lochans, such as the notable Lochindorb, which add to the area’s scenic diversity.

The Dava Way: A Classic Moorland Walk

One of the best ways to experience Dava Moor is by walking the 24-mile (38 km) Dava Way, a long-distance trail linking Forres with Grantown-on-Spey.

• Trail Highlights:
  • Follows the route of a former railway, offering easy navigation and gentle gradients.
  • Passes through open heather moorland, woodland edges, and scenic river valleys, with the highest point at 321 metres (1,052 ft) above sea level.
  • Notable features include the Divie viaduct, Huntly’s Cave, Dava summit, and the Halfway Hut picnic shelter.
• Wildlife Watching:
  • Keep an eye out for red deer and red grouse across the open moors.
  • Black grouse are sometimes spotted where the moorland meets woodland edges.
  • Frog spawn can be found in puddles along the track in springtime.

Landscape and Heritage

• Distinctive Features:
  • Expansive heather moorland and rolling uplands, shaped by glaciation and centuries of land use.
  • Scattered old crofts and traditional farmsteads, telling stories of families who once braved the elements here.
  • The area is dotted with kettlehole lochans and crossed by scenic rivers such as the Findhorn and Spey.
• Historic Connections:
  • The Dava Way includes a statue commemorating the Battle of Cromdale, a reminder of the area’s Jacobite history.
  • The route also passes through areas of mixed forestry and farmland, reflecting the region’s evolving land use.

Practicalities and Experience

• Accessibility: The Dava Way is well-waymarked and mostly follows the old railway line, making it suitable for walking and cycling. Some sections can be wet or muddy, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
• Accommodation: Options include B&Bs like the Old School House at Dava, and wild camping is permitted under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• Transport: Public transport is limited, with occasional buses between Forres and Dunphail; advance planning is advised.

Why We Love It

• Expansive, peaceful moorland with a real sense of remoteness
• Panoramic Highland views in every direction
• Rich in wildlife, from red and black grouse to red deer
• A classic long-distance trail with fascinating history and varied scenery
• Perfect for walkers, cyclists, and anyone seeking solitude amid wild Scottish landscapes

Dava Moor is a place where you can truly lose yourself in the Highlands, soaking up the silence, the views, and the timeless beauty of Scotland’s moorland heart. 

The Denbigh Moors, or Mynydd Hiraethog in Welsh, form a vast upland region nestled between the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia and the Clwydian Range. This wild, open moorland is a remnant of an immense historic grouse moor and shooting estate, offering a sense of remote beauty, rich history, and unique wildlife.

A Landscape of Peaks, Valleys and Reservoirs

• Dramatic Peaks: The eastern side of the moors is home to notable summits such as Tir Mostyn and Foel Goch, as well as the highest point, Mwdwl-eithin (532 metres/1,745 feet), which stands taller than Exmoor.
• Major Valleys and Lakes: The Alwen and Brenig valleys cut through the moorland, each containing large reservoirs-Llyn Brenig and Alwen Reservoir-alongside natural lakes like Llyn Aled and Llyn Alwen.
• Clocaenog Forest: This expansive forest is one of the last refuges for red squirrels in Wales, and the open heath of Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve adds ecological richness to the area.

Historic Ruins and Local Legends

• Gwylfa Hiraethog: Rising above the moor between Denbigh and Bala, you’ll find the haunting ruins of Gwylfa Hiraethog, once a lavish hunting lodge built in 1911 for Viscount Devonport. Perched at 496 metres (1,627 feet), it was reputedly the highest inhabited house in Wales and claimed to offer the widest views of any house in Britain. On clear days, panoramic vistas stretched from the Snowdon range to the Irish Sea, and even, on rare occasions, as far as the Isle of Man and the Mull of Galloway.
• Famous Visitors: The house’s balcony once hosted Prime Minister David Lloyd George, who addressed a large crowd, his voice carried by the powerful winds that sweep across the moors.
• Atmosphere and Folklore: Today, the mansion stands as a remote, foreboding ruin, steeped in local legend-including tales of hauntings and ghostly sightings-adding an air of mystery to any visit.

Exploring the Denbigh Moors

• Outdoor Activities: The moors are criss-crossed with walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails, offering routes for all abilities and a true sense of wildness.
• Nearby Landmarks: After exploring the ruins, visitors can enjoy a drink at the Sportsman’s Arms, known as one of the highest pubs in Britain and a traditional gathering place for locals and travellers alike.
• Natural Features: The area is dotted with additional lakes-Llyn Bran, Llyn y Foel-frech, and Aled Isaf Reservoir-each contributing to the moorland’s unique hydrology and scenic charm.

Why We Love It 

• Expansive, atmospheric moorland with dramatic views and remote tranquility
• Rich in wildlife, including rare red squirrels and diverse birdlife
• Fascinating history, from lavish hunting lodges to local folklore
• A true sense of escape, with wild weather and panoramic vistas
• Unique experiences, from haunted ruins to one of Wales’ highest pubs

The Denbigh Moors offer a compelling blend of natural beauty, history, and legend-making them an unforgettable stop for anyone seeking the wild heart of North Wales.

The Garron Plateau is a remarkable and wild stretch of upland in County Antrim, recognised as the largest area of intact blanket bog in Northern Ireland and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK. Designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), a Ramsar site, and a Special Area of Conservation, this plateau is both ecologically rich and visually striking.

A Landscape of Blanket Bog and Breathtaking Views

• Expansive Blanket Bog: The plateau is made up of a complex mosaic of raised and flushed peat bogs, oligotrophic lakes, quaking bogs, and saddle mires, all enveloped in a thick peat mantle. These features create a unique and fragile landscape that is vital for biodiversity and carbon storage7.
• Dramatic Setting: Stretching from north-east of Ballymena to Garron Point, the plateau’s edge is marked by dramatic, stepped cliffs that plunge into the sea, offering spectacular views over the Antrim coast.

Rare Flora and Fauna

• Marsh Saxifrage Stronghold: The Garron Plateau supports one of the UK’s largest populations of marsh saxifrage-a rare, yellow-flowered perennial that cannot be found anywhere else in Northern Ireland.
• Diverse Plant Communities: The bog is home to a variety of notable and rare plants, including narrow-leaved marsh-orchid, bog orchid, few-flowered sedge, parsley fern, and Alpine clubmoss. Sphagnum mosses, cross-leaved heath, bog asphodel, and common cotton grass are also prominent.
• Wildlife Haven: The area supports a diverse upland breeding bird population and a range of rare insects and mammals, making it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts.

Unique Features of the Plateau

• Well-Developed Bog Structures: The blanket bog exhibits large hummock and lawn complexes, pool complexes, and eroding hagg complexes, creating a patchwork of habitats1.
• Oligotrophic Waters: The plateau contains nutrient-poor lakes and pools, supporting specialist aquatic plants and adding to the site’s ecological value.

The Hidden Village of Galboly

• Galboly Village: Nestled among one of the nine glens of Antrim above Garron Point, Galboly-often called ‘the hidden village’-offers a glimpse into rural life from a bygone era. Once home to over 60 residents, the last inhabitant, a monk, passed away in 2013, leaving the village abandoned and atmospheric6.
• Game of Thrones Connection: Galboly’s haunting ruins and dramatic setting have made it a filming location for Game of Thrones, where it appeared as Runestone in the Vale of Arryn during seasons 5 and 6.
• Visiting Tips: The village is accessible by foot via a scenic, though sometimes steep and muddy, walk. It sits on private land, so visitors should seek permission and respect the environment by closing gates and following Leave No Trace principles.

Why We Love It

• The largest and most pristine blanket bog in Northern Ireland, vital for wildlife and climate
• Home to rare plants like marsh saxifrage and a diverse array of upland birds and insects
• Dramatic coastal views and unique bogland features
• The mysterious, abandoned village of Galboly-a true hidden gem with cinematic history
• Perfect for those seeking wild, remote landscapes and a sense of discovery

The Garron Plateau is a moorland of superlatives-ecologically rich, visually stunning, and steeped in both natural and human history. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the wild heart of Northern Ireland.