Countryside dwellers will be well acquainted with the joys of evening walks, catching the golden hour through dappled woodland or the sunset over wildflower fields.
But for those who live or work in a city, finding somewhere picturesque for an after-work stroll can be a tad more challenging.
Enter 'desk-to-trail' walks, spotlighted by outdoor walking and exploring app AllTrails, who have mapped out the most scenic — and easily accessible — walks in the UK near major cities.
This comes after new research from AllTrails shows that Brits are reclaiming their evenings, with a huge 54% surge in trail activity between 6 PM and 10 PM in June and July compared to spring.
Considering the high temperatures we've been experiencing in the UK, it's no surprise that people want to get their steps in as the sun goes down, but there's also a wider trend here — and it's actually being driven by Gen Z workers.
Following the '5-9' morning productivity trend, social media users are embracing the '5-9' hours (there are hundreds of thousands of videos under '5-9 routine' on TikTok alone), with a view to making the most of the daylight hours with time to unwind — and plenty of fresh air.
Of course, enjoying more time outside during the summer is nothing new, but a shift away from evenings on autopilot is something we can all benefit from.
Dr Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, AllTrails’ Chief Medical Advisor, notes how walking in nature after work can transform our health.
"We know that spending intentional time in nature has profound, measurable benefits for our physical and mental health, from lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels to boosting immune function," Suzanne explains.
"When we get on a trail after work, we actively shed the stress of the workday. The quality of evening light combined with outdoor movement helps reset our circadian rhythm and alleviate fatigue.
"The benefits of nature aren't reserved for long weekend adventures; a simple 20-minute twilight walk is enough to reset your system."
These are some of the best summer walking routes within reach of cities across the UK — we hope they inspired you to try a more adventurous walk after work one evening and reap the benefits of ecotherapy during the summer months.
London
- Regent's Park and Primrose Hill Circular: This pretty part of London, often featured in films and TV, takes walkers to the top of Primrose Hill for one of the best views in the city.
- Greenwich Park Circular: This trail offers sweeping evening vistas across the River Thames and across Canary Wharf at golden hour, taking walkers through the green expanse of Greenwich Park.
- Hampstead Heath Circular: If you want to feel like you've completely left London, the wilder landscapes of Hampstead Heath will always deliver.
- Richmond Park and Sidmouth Wood Circular: Journey through peaceful woods and vast grasslands, where you can watch the sunset over the horizon alongside the park’s famous free-roaming deer.
Manchester
- Nelson's Pit - Lyme Park - The Cage Circular: Leave the city behind for the rolling hills of the Cheshire Plain. This route leads hikers up to 'The Cage', an 18th-century hunting lodge, offering a brilliant vantage point over Greater Manchester.
- Werneth Low Country Park Circular: A highly accessible hilltop refuge. This loop circles the hilltop, providing broad, panoramic views of Manchester and the distant Pennines as the day cools down.
- Sale Water Park Circular: An easy waterside trail with open sky to enjoy the changing sky. A good spot for wildlife, accessible by tram from central Manchester.
Glasgow
- Pollok Country Park Circular: A green sanctuary. This gentle, post-work loop winds through pristine woodlands and quiet riverside paths, complete with a chance to spot the park's resident Highland cows in the soft evening light.
- Mugdock Circular: This trail wanders past tranquil loch shores and historic military installations, offering a deeply peaceful twilight decompression walk.
- Kelvingrove Park Circular: Zero commute from the city required for this instant nature fix. Following the banks of the River Kelvin, this park walk provides a beautiful, leafy canopy to shake off the stress of the workday.
Edinburgh
- Arthur's Seat: The definitive capital climb. Rising straight out of the city centre, this iconic volcanic peak demands a bit of sweat but rewards workers with unrivalled, 360-degree twilight views of the entire Edinburgh skyline.
- Salisbury Crags Circular: For those wanting big views with a slightly gentler incline than Arthur's Seat, this cliffside path hugs the dramatic rock face, offering spectacular elevated views over Holyrood and the Old Town.
- Calton Hill and Beltane Fire Festival: This trail includes stunning panoramic views and quick access from the city centre, offering a front row seat to watch the sky turn pink over the city.
- Corstorphine Hill Circular: Corstorphine Hill offers a lovely city centre break with numerous paths to explore and great views over the city and the surrounding Lothian area. You might even be able to spot some deer.
Cardiff
- Caerphilly Mountain Circular: The steady climb to the summit provides expansive, wide evening views of the surrounding hills and town below.
- Bute Park River Trail: An accessible trail right in the heart of the city. This flat, lush escape tracks the River Taff, offering a cool, refreshing corridor of greenery right after clocking off.
- Penarth and Cardiff Barrage and Bay: A crisp, coastal alternative. This waterside route lets you watch the long summer twilight play off the open water of the Bristol Channel and Cardiff Bay.
Southampton
- Lepe Circular: Head to the Hampshire coast to catch the sea breeze. This scenic loop perfectly blends shoreline walks with country park trails, offering expansive western views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
- Winchester and Saint Catherine's Hill Circular: Climbing up the iconic chalk hill rewards your post-work efforts with stunning, tranquil views over Winchester and the cathedral below.
- Hamble-le-Rice and Royal Victoria Country Park Circular: A beautiful blend of coastal paths and woodland trails along Southampton Water. This loop guides you through the historic village of Hamble and along the shore, where you can watch the evening light play off the open water.
The best women's walking boots, from just £40
Salomon Womens Quest 4D 3 GTX Walking Boots
Consistently voted one of the best women's walking boots you can buy, Salomon's Quest utilises the latest technology to protect and care for your feet while exploring. The innovative 4D Chassis design reduces fatigue and ensures grip and stability, while the Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet warm and dry. Well worth the investment.
Merrell Women's Moab FST 2 Walking Boots
Lightweight with a lean sole and versatile enough to take on any terrain, Merrell's Moab's are a great everyday option. The air cushioned heel and weatherproof Gore-Tex membrane provide added comfort on long hikes.
Breacon Womens Waterproof Vibram Boots - Brown
These boots are completely waterproof, tough and durable – and they look stylish, too. EVA cushioning moulds to your foot to provide ultimate support and porous fabric allow for complete breathability.
Regatta Clydebank Mid Hiking Boots
By far the best walking boots for wide feet on a budget, the Regatta Clydebank will take you from fields to fells, trail to track, whatever the weather. They're waterproof, breathable and padded for extra comfort.
Hi Gear Snowdon Women's Walking Boots
Another pair that look far more expensive than the price tag. Hi Gear's Snowdon is made from full-grain leather and fully waterproof. And they're almost identical to the ones the Duchess of Cambridge has been seen sporting. Great for early morning dog walks.
Brasher Women’s Country Master Walking Boots
Reese Witherspoon made these boots famous in the film Wild. And they're a favourite with serious walkers too. Think soft leather, Gore-Tex waterproofing, deep lugs for grip and a range of wide and narrow fits.
Keen Womens Terradora Waterproof Walking Boots
The best boot for walking the dog, running errands and weekend walks, Keen's Terradora boots are stylish without skimping on technical features. Fully waterproof, as lightweight as your favourite trainers and available in two standout colourways, they're a no brainer.
