Five Top UK National Parks

National Parks are our bread and butter here at Simply Hike. And did you know that this year is the 70^th anniversary of national parks being officially protected areas of beauty? So to help celebrate the wonder of our national parks and the joy they bring to all our walkers and hikers, we’ve teamed up with Travelzoo on a fantastic competition to win the ultimate walking and hiking kit. Read on to find out more about how to win this superb prize.

Over now on Travelzoo, you can read about 5 of the UK’s Best National Parks, but here at Simply Hike, you can read about a further 5.

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons in South Wales are home to some seriously scenic mountain ranges. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a wander in beautiful scenery. There’s also lots of other activities in the area, including mountain biking, abseiling and horse riding. The Brecon Beacons are ideal for those who want to go star gazing as they have worked hard to reduce light pollution in the area, declaring the Brecon Beacons as the first International Dark-Sky reserve in Wales.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads

Located in East Anglia, the Broads is home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife – this is down to it being the UK’s largest protected wetland. The walkways in the Broads are ideal for a country ramble and caters for everyone. There’s plenty to do besides walking, you can go fishing, hire a boat or even a canoe whilst in the Broads.

Cairngorms

Heading further north for the next UK park and the biggest of the UK national parks, introducing the Cairngorms. Dramatic mountain landscapes await the visitors to this area, perfect for hill walking, cycling and even skiing in the winter months. The walking trails are varied and offer immense views and a great variety of wildlife, including some extremely rare species. There are plenty of events running throughout the year and also a vast number of breweries and distilleries in the area to visit.

Dartmoor

The Dartmoor landscape is known for its rugged, open space. Unlike any other of the UK parks, it stands alone in its offering to visitors with over 350 miles to explore, including heather-covered moorland and picturesque river valleys. The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities and there’s plenty of other activities on offer including cycling, climbing and geocaching. Dartmoor is dotted with a number of picturesque towns to explore with plenty of historic architecture to be wowed by.

South Downs

Stretching across Southern England, the South Downs and its milder weather offers a plethora of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are just looking for a short ramble to walk off lunch or you are exploring the area for a longer period, there’s a trail for everyone. Some of the landscapes take you along dramatic, chalky cliffs edges, others through historic villages or beautifully wooded wonderlands. It’s one of the most varied national parks.

Competition Time

We’ve teamed up with Travelzoo to offer one lucky winner an amazing bundle, perfect for your visit to any of the National Parks. The prize on offer is worth an amazing £2,000 and includes the following –

2 x Jack Wolfskin Jackets
2 x pairs of Salomon Walking Boots
2 x pairs of Black Diamond Walking Poles
2 x The North Face Hoodies
1 x Osprey Rucksack
2 x pairs Bridgedale Walking Socks
2 x Mountain Hardwear T-Shirts
2 x Petzel Head Torches
2 x Outwell Vacuum Mugs

To enter to win this fantastic prize, head over to Travelzoo now.