South West England For Nature Lovers and Hikers
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South West England is perhaps best known for its long coast but it offers much more that just fun and exciting water activities. The largest region of England is home to a beautiful landscape which is an absolute paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Here are only a few suggestions if you are planning to visit South West England and would like to get away from the city buzz for a few days and enjoy the region’s absolutely breathtaking natural wonders: |
Dartmoor National Park. The moorland area that covers 954 square kilometres is one of the most breathtaking places in South West England. The park is renowned for granite hilltops called the tors which are home to many rare wildlife species. Here, you can also visit the highest point on Britain south of Breacon Beacons – High Willhays rising 621 above the sea level. The Dartmoor National Park is also a great choice if you like both nature and history as it is rich in archaeological and historic sites which delight even the greatest history fans. The National Park is located in south Devon
Exmoor National Park. If you are planning to visit Somerset, you will not regret visiting Exmoor National Park in west of the country that extends into north Devon. The National Park covers 693 square kilometres and was designated a National Park in the mid-20th century. In addition to spectacular landscape, it is also home to rich fauna and flora. Some areas of the National Park were even declared Sites of Special Scientific Interest. And who knows, perhaps you will be lucky and see the mysterious Beast of Exmoor, a large cat that is said to resemble a puma or panther.
The Needles. A row of three stalks of chalk off the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight are a part of the Chalk Formation of Southern England. They may be only three rocks rising from the sea, however, the sight of them is spectacular. The best way to experience this natural wonder is to take a boat trip from Alum Bay.
Mendip Hills. A range of limestone hills in Somerset is home to spectacular caves and the largest underground river system in Britain. The most popular choices are caves at Wookley Hole and Cheddar Gorge as the majority of others require a high level of knowledge and special equipment. And just for the record, the Cheddar Gorge is also the site where the oldest entirely preserved human skeleton in Britain – the Cheddar Man was discovered in the early 20th century.
Quantock Hills. The range of hills designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just that. It was the first area in England to be designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is absolutely breathtaking. You do not have to be a nature lover to literally fall in love with the spectacular landscape. The Quantock Hills can be found west of Bridgwater in Somerset.