8 GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON WALKS 

The North Downs Way is a long-distance footpath taking you through Surrey to the Kent Coast at Dover. At 156 miles long, we’re not suggesting you tackle the whole stretch (at least not on a Sunday!), but break it down, and it offers you endless opportunities for Sunday strolls. 

One of our favourite stretches starts in the village of Gomshall, just south of the North Downs Way. The path takes you onto the pathway near Hackhurst Downs, offers excellent views towards Dorking and over Boxhill. But perhaps most importantly, it's the perfect place for Sunday lunch, as the path passes right through Denbies Wine Estate, one of the largest wine producers in the UK and home to a great restaurant. 

You’re spoilt for choice for great walks if the Lakeland fells are within easy reach! In fact, the only real problem you’ll have is choosing just one. 

For a doable walk with some strenuous stretches, the Alcock Tarn Loop in Grasmere is perfect. At 6km long, it takes around two to three hours to complete and offers glorious scenery over Grasmere. Plus, for the brave, Alcock tarn itself is a great place to take a plunge being much quieter than other wild swimming spots in the Lake District. It also makes a great picnic spot if you’ve packed your own lunch. If eating out is more your bag, on your return to Grasmere (did we mention the walk is circular?), you’ll find plenty of pubs and tea shops to get your fill.

Looking to escape the big smoke? Brighton is the perfect place to head at just over an hour's train ride away. This walk gives you a fresh perspective as well as the chance of some forest bathing as you wander through Brighton’s largest park. 

On arrival at Stanmer Park, head north through Stanmer Great Woods until your reach the open fields on top of the South Downs at Ditchling Beacon. Next, take a right onto the South Downs Way. Shortly after, take another right to drop back south through Millbank Wood. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the picturesque dew pond and water well back into Stanmer. The route takes around two and a half hours, but with so many paths and routes, you can explore at will. 

And, when it comes to finding sustenance, it’s hard to find an excuse not to have a cream tea in Stanmer Park House! 

Much of Wales is a walkers paradise, but that does mean popular routes can get pretty rammed, especially at weekends. For somewhere a little off the tourist path, we suggest heading to the Clwydian Hills, between Mold and Ruthin, an area often overlooked by walkers passing through to Snowdonia, but it has plenty going for it. 

The Penycloddiau Circular is a high-level forest route starting at the Coed Llangwyfan & Penycloddiau car park. Simply pick up the waymarked Offa's Dyke Path and head up the hill towards the largest Iron Age hillforts in Wales. The elevated position is well worth the climb, with awesome views over the Vale of Clwyd.

The route then continues northwest towards Aifft, where you can pick up the epic Clwydian Way and follow it south along a bridle path towards Langwyfan before heading down a woodland trail back to the car park. Once you’re back at your car, it’s just a short drive into Denbigh where you’ll find plenty of pubs and cafes to satisfy your appetite.

Looking for a walk with a difference? Check out the Monsal Trail in the Peak District. More atmospheric than scenic, this walk takes you through some of the tunnels of the former Midland Railway Line, which was closed back in 1968. 

The tunnels have been repaired, resurfaced and lit to extend the existing Monsal Trail. Whether you choose to tackle short sections or head for a longer walk, it’s a good idea to carry a torch just in case. 

When you’re ready to fuel up, head to the Packhorse Inn, a historic pub that is regularly cited as being one of the best in the Peak District.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous Sunday stroll, the Lost Valley in Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands is the perfect place to head. Said to be the place where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid their rustled cattle, a visit here involves a rough but dramatic and scenic walk that will take you around two to three hours to complete.

We recommend you start by following the trail south into Coire Gabhail (the ‘Hidden Valley’), heading for Stob Coire Sgreamhach. The route in and out of the valley is only 4km, but its prehistoric charm means you can take your time exploring its ancient trees, gigantic toadstools, cascading waterfalls and two-storey-high boulders – just watch your step, especially alongside the river and on the smoother and more rugged terrain. 

Make sure you visit the award-winning Clachaig Inn on your way home for some unbeatable Highlands hospitality.

We believe there’s nothing better than a walk by the sea to work up an appetite for your Sunday roast and the South West Coast path is the place to do it. The longest established trail in the country, at 630 miles long, it takes in the entire Southwest coast and crosses four counties running from Minehead in Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall and ending at Poole Harbour in Dorset. 

It’s fair to say it’ll take you quite a few Sundays to complete the whole trail, but for a nice jaunt, we recommend the stretch from Teignmouth to Dawlish. It’s a great walk if you’ve got the family in tow, and there are plenty of spots to stop off for a refreshing pint.

Looking to soak up some history on your walk? Then we’ve got the perfect stroll for a springtime Sunday afternoon. Originally a Royal pleasure ground created in the 18th century, Virginia Water is now a destination families can enjoy year-round. You can walk in the gardens or head to the long walk to spot some deer in the park. Our favourite place to visit on a Sunday is the five-mile walk around the lake which takes just two to three hours to complete leaving you plenty of time to stop off for a drink in The Wheatsheaf afterwards.