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Free walks and parks
Walking is the cheapest day out there is. The UK has tens of thousands of miles of public rights of way, and its national parks are free to enter.
Public rights of way
In England and Wales, footpaths, bridleways and byways are shown on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps and on council definitive maps. In Scotland, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives a general right of responsible access to most land. Northern Ireland has fewer legal rights of way but many waymarked routes. The Countryside Code and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code explain how to behave.
National parks
England, Wales and Scotland each have national parks, and there is no charge to enter them. Examples include the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Snowdonia (Eryri), the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Parking, boat trips and visitor attractions may charge, but the paths are free.
National Trails and coast paths
National Trails such as the South West Coast Path, the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall Path are free to walk. You can do short sections for a day. The Wales Coast Path runs around the whole Welsh coast. The England Coast Path is a further route; check the National Trails website for which stretches are open.
Country parks and city parks
Most local authority parks and country parks are free. Many have nature trails, play areas and ponds. Some charge for parking. Royal Parks in London, including Hyde Park and Richmond Park, are free to enter.
Beaches
Most UK beaches are free. Check tide times before you go, follow lifeguard flags where present and look at local advice. Some beach car parks charge, and some beaches are privately owned.
Making a walk work
- Choose a circular route so you finish where you parked. Local council and national park websites list free walk leaflets.
- Check the weather and daylight and wear sensible shoes.
- Take a map or a downloaded offline map. Phone signal can be poor in hills.
- Take water and snacks. See picnic spots.
- Tell somebody your route if you go somewhere remote.
Safety in the hills and on the coast
Mountain weather changes quickly. If you are new to hill walking, stick to low-level routes. On coastal paths keep away from crumbling cliff edges. In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the police, then mountain rescue, or the coastguard on the coast.
Getting there cheaply
Many walks start at a train station or bus stop. Look at cheap rail travel for railcards and off-peak fares. If you have an older person's bus pass or similar concession, check where it is valid.
Animals and farmland
Keep dogs on a lead near livestock. Do not go between cows and calves. Leave gates as you find them. These rules are in the Countryside Code, on GOV.UK.
Finding a route
Council websites and national park authorities publish downloadable walk leaflets. Ordnance Survey and other map apps show public rights of way. Look for waymarked trails with coloured arrows. Local ramblers' groups run free or low-cost group walks, a good way to start if you are unsure. Choose a length that suits the slowest walker and allow about an hour for every 3 miles on easy ground.
Frequently asked questions
Are national parks free to enter?
There is no entry charge to national parks, though some attractions and car parks inside them charge.
Can I walk anywhere in Scotland?
Scotland has a general right of responsible access to most land and inland water, with exceptions such as private gardens. Read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Are beaches free?
Most are, but car parks may charge. Check tide times and local safety advice.