Getting out into nature and exploring one of the UK's beautiful walking trails is a great way to spend a wholesome weekend, and experts have rounded up some fantastic options.
Searches for wildflower walks have soared by 300 per cent across Britain in the past year, as nature-seekers hunt for scenic trails bursting with seasonal blooms.
Cornwall's Pentire Headland Walk has been named as the nation's top lesser-known wildflower route, according to new research by Flying Flowers. It analysed hundreds of highly-rated but less-crowded trails.
The six-kilometre coastal path earned top marks from walkers, who praised its clifftop meadows ablaze with scarlet poppies and golden corn marigolds.
Pentire Headland Walk, Cornwall, is highly rated
|NATIONAL TRUST
With the weekend approaching and summer flowers at their peak, it is a great opportunity to swap the usual tourist attractions for some time spent exploring the UK's botanical treasures.
The Pentire Headland's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest reflects its exceptional variety of uncommon plant species. Beyond the poppies and marigolds, walkers can discover blue squill and thrift flourishing along the dramatic coastline.
Overall, the Lake District was found to be the top destination for wildflower walking enthusiasts. More than a quarter of the nation's top-rated botanical trails wind through this northern region, from the bluebell-carpeted path between Rydal and Buckstones Jump to the heather-clad slopes around Bleaberry Fell.
The experts at Flying Flowers stressed, "city life doesn't mean missing out on wild beauty", as options in Bristol and Birmingham also ranked well.
Spot bluebells and wild garlic on Rydal to Buckstones Jump
|FLYING FLOWERS
Top 10 lesser-known wildflower trails across Britain
- Pentire Headland Walk, Cornwall - 6km circular route with poppies and rare coastal species
- Rydal to Buckstones Jump, Lake District - 3.7km woodland trail featuring bluebells and wild garlic
- Padley Gorge, Peak District - 3.1km valley walk through heather moorland
- Seaton to Beer Head, Devon - 10.8km coastal path with chalk cliff wildflowers
- Howgill and Trollers Gill, Yorkshire Dales - 10.5km circular route through buttercup meadows
- Bleaberry Fell via Walla Crag, Lake District - 8.2km moorland trek
- Exmouth to Sidmouth, Devon - 20.4km coastal challenge
- Revelstoke Park, Devon - 10.6km circuit featuring rock-sea lavender
- Salcombe and Bolt Head, South Devon - 5.3km coastal loop
- Lanthwaite Wood, Lake District - 14.3km lakeside botanical journey
The prime months for wildflower spotting stretch from April through August, when Britain's native blooms reach their fullest display.
STAYCATION IDEAS
Walk through heather moorland at Padley Gorge, Peak District
|FLYING FLOWERS
The top 10 list has something for all abilities, too. Trail lengths range from just over 3km to more than 20km, so there are options on how intense your walk needs to be.
The research examined more than 800 trails nationwide, selecting only those with ratings above 4.5 stars but fewer than 1,000 reviews to avoid overcrowded routes.
For more staycation tips, experts revealed the "unbeatable" northern towns where you can explore the British countryside from £45 a night.