Refreshing Spring
Walking and hiking in spring is a joy for all the senses. Wandering through fields and ancient woodland with carpets of colourful wildflowers at your feet. Stopping to pause in the warm spring sunshine, taking in the sweet scent of daffodils, bluebells, and delicate blossoms; the air echoing with bright, busy birdsong and the gentle bleating of spring lambs.
It’s the perfect way to reconnect with nature and truly appreciate the changing season and explosion of life at this time of year.
Top Trips for Spring Walking
Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring with this country trail that combines walks in the beautiful Avon Valley with the cosmopolitan flair of the Georgian city of Bath. Follow the River Avon as it wends its way through wooded glades and green pastures. Primroses, cowslips, wood anemones and wild garlic adorn the pathways while bright spring birdsong leave no doubt that spring is underway.
This ancient and beautifully rural part of the South West was once a Saxon kingdom. It’s where the very idea of England originates. In springtime, the countryside here bursts with life: sweeping chalk downlands full of wild orchids and spring wildflowers, ancient woodlands boasting snowdrops, bluebells and wild garlic, tranquil river valleys echoing with spring birdsong. It’s the perfect way to experience spring walking.
Embrace spring at the Dorset coast, where the rolling green countryside of Wessex meets the sea. Walk the creases and folds of the land before arriving at the beach to explore all things coastal. On the way, you’ll be accompanied by swathes of woodland bluebells, walking winding footpaths flanked by delicate white hawthorn blossoms and ancient sunken pathways where canopies of fresh green leaves tower above your head.
We love sharing our passion for southwest England with our guests. Every trip we create is custom made to you and can be enjoyed whatever the season. Explore below to see all of our trips in the beautiful southwest.
Top tips for Spring walking
‘The true nature of the human heart is as whimsical as spring weather.’ Charles Dickens
Even back in the 1800s, Charles Dickens knew that the weather in spring could be temperamental. Which is why we recommend dressing in several thin layers for spring walking. English spring weather can vary enormously from warm and sunny to cool and cloudy, breezy or rainy. Be prepared for varying conditions by having a waterproof, warm fleece, sun hat and sun cream with you. You can more easily adjust a thin layer or two to be warmer or cooler.
We also recommend that you always take a mobile phone with you and know the contact numbers for an emergency. We will advise you on these in the run-up to your visit, and we will also be on hand during office hours to provide you with support.
Walking can be thirsty work. So our third top tip is to take plenty of water. It’s a misconception to think you need to drink less in spring than other times of the year. You will be exerting yourself and exercising so take plenty of water with you.
You’ll be relying on your feet so it’s best to look after them. Waterproof walking boots are essential in spring. Not only will they protect your ankles, providing support and grip if you encounter mud or wetter sections, but they’ll also ensure your feet stay comfortable and dry.
Last but not least: don’t forget to take photos! Spring provides multiple opportunities for taking great photographs in different weather conditions. Sunshine on blossom or a breeze blowing through wild bluebells for example. You’ll want to capture the memories you make on your spring adventure.
If you have questions about walking in Spring, or about walking clothing, boots and gear, drop us a line, we love to chat.
A walk in the woods in spring
A walk in the woods is a joy any time of year. But there’s something extra special about spring. As you pass from field to woodland, it’s like stepping into a different world. Enveloped by the fresh green leaves starting to unfurl on the trees, the welcome sound of birdsong rising in intensity as males start to outdo each other in the search for a mate. And all around, the signs that life is returning to the countryside.
The woodland floor teems with delicate yet hardy spring flowers: snowdrops, primroses and red campion to name but a few. But for many, bluebells are the real stars of the show.
Bluebells are arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated harbingers of spring here in the South West. There is something uniquely magnificent and joyful when you happen across a swathe of these deep violet blooms whilst out walking in a forest. Standing amongst the trees and taking in this wonderful display of nature is an experience that’s hard to beat.
Spring in England, our favourite bits
By Founder Alison Howell
I love walking in an English spring. There’s an undeniable sense of happiness from seeing bursts of spring colour following winter’s sleep. Look out for indigo-coloured bluebells, the white star-shaped flowers of wild garlic, beautiful pink blossoms and a multitude of other wild flowers and blooms. We’ll give you a wild flower guide in your Walk and Explore Box so that you can identify our local English varieties.
And don’t forget to stop and smell the wonderful scent of spring, from the delicate and evocative scent of wild bluebell’s to the pungent unmistakable smell of wild garlic in English woodlands.
Spring isn’t just about the flowers, though. It’s a time for new life in the animal kingdom. The countryside is full of young animals and birds. Look out for lambs and chicks, and listen out for baby birds.
In fact, wIth migratory birds returning to our shores and looking for a mate, the air is filled with the uplifting sound of birdsong. Birds love spring. And they love to sing as they work!
That’s something we can all relate to: The joyful feeling of the first rays of warm spring sunshine on your skin. All that vitamin D!
The warmer spring weather also tempts us out to enjoy the first al fresco lunch or drink of the year. And we think that everything tastes better outdoors. We make sure you know our top hand-picked pubs and cafes where you can enjoy lunch en-route, and we’ll tell you about village shops in case you fancy a spring picnic.
The great variety of weather is another reason why we love spring. Bouncing from cool to warm in a moment, sometimes all in one day. It transforms the landscape and countryside continually. And certainly keeps us on our toes! We’ll provide you with an up to date local weather forecast a few days before you depart.
One of the great benefits of walking is knowing you’re doing something fantastic for your health and wellbeing, and enjoying yourself at the same time! With spring changing the landscape, weather and wildlife, every step you’ll be spoilt for choice with views, life and sounds.
Finally, we love knowing that after spring comes summer. With even more natural delights to enjoy.
Inspired to walk in the English Spring? Simply get in touch to start a conversation.
Like to find out more?
Free brochure with daily walk information, accommodation details and example pricing available. To request your brochure just pop your details in below. We look forward to hearing from you.
