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Best walks for spotting wildlife in the UK
From nesting grey seals to rutting stags, there are ample opportunities to see spectacular wildlife all over the UK
You might think that spotting wildlife out on a walk – beyond the usual pigeon or squirrel – is unlikely unless you live in the Scottish Highlands or in the rural hinterland.
But, our UK walks survey results showed that even rambles in the likes of London can provide opportunities to see nature at its best.
Whether you're a hiking fanatic, or only lace up your walking boots once a year, spotting a red kite soaring overhead or a deer sprinting through the trees will make any walk better – and may even convince those less enthusiastic to join you for a stroll.
To heighten your chances of seeing something memorable, we've selected eight walks from our best walks survey results that Which? members rated highly for wildlife.
Just remember that which animals you see can depend on the season and sightings aren't guaranteed. And before you head out, don't forget to invest in a highly-rated pair of walking boots from our survey results to ensure you stay dry and comfortable in the muddy winter season.
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Wildlife walks in England
Lizard Peninsula circuit, Cornwall
Overall walk rating: 83% Walk length: 8 miles Wildlife rating: 5/5
This spectacular circular walk hugs the coast, allowing you to explore Britain's most southerly point: the Lizard Peninsula.
As you pass rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches, keep an eye out for red-billed choughs. Once extinct in the county, these black birds are iconic to the area.
Don't forget to look out to sea too, for Atlantic grey seals and even dolphins – although the latter are usually only spotted in spring and summer months.
St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall
Overall walk rating: 79% Walk length: 12 miles Wildlife rating: 4/5
This walk, which starts and finishes in St Ives, one of the most famous towns in Cornwall, isn't an easy one because of several steep sections, as well as the length.
But your hard work will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline on the outwards leg of the route.
Depending on the time of year, you might be able to catch glimpses of dolphins, basking sharks or minke whales out to sea.
Overall walk rating: 79% Walk length: 4.5 miles Wildlife rating: 4/5
This fairly flat walk, which begins and ends in Wells, is a nice varied route that'll take you past sand dunes, a harbour and through tall pine trees in woodland.
En route, you might be lucky enough to spot seals. Grey seals nest in winter, while common seals opt for the warmer summer months. Keep watch for various bird species too, from Brent geese to oystercatchers and starlings.
Back in Wells, fish and chip shops await to appease hungry appetites. This walk was rated easy by Which? readers in our survey of best UK walks.
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Overall walk rating: 75% Walk length: 7 miles Wildlife rating: 4/5
You'll need to set aside several hours to complete the Tamsin Trail in the vast tree-lined expanse of Richmond Park. It's likely you'll see roaming red and fallow deer as you stroll along – just watch out for rutting season where stags and bucks clash. Look to the skies for kestrels, the trees for woodpeckers and the ponds for waterfowl.
Along the loop, pause at King Henry's Mound near Pembroke Lodge and on a clear day you might be able to see the historic St Paul's Cathedral in central London.
Prefer to take a spin around one of the UK's best-rated gardens? See our garden survey results to find one near you.
Wildlife walks in Wales
Solva to St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Overall walk rating: 87% Walk length: 4.5 miles Wildlife rating: 5/5
If you can tear yourself away from the pretty village of Solva to begin your walk, this one-way route will provide you with dramatic clifftop views over St Brides Bay.
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and grey seals in the water, and fulmar birds and the much larger (and more striking) gannets patrolling the coast. At the end of the route, you'll need to catch a bus back, or turn on your heel and do the walk in reverse if you can manage it.
Rhossili Headland, Gower
Overall walk score: 87% Walk length: 3.5 miles Wildlife rating: 4/5
Not only will you get the chance to listen to and see bright yellowhammers, choughs and soaring peregrines on this stroll, you'll also be able to see the 'Helvetia' shipwreck on the beach at low tide.
In winter, powerful waves pound the headland and provide a dramatic setting to your amble.
Wildlife walks in Scotland
Anstruther to Crail, Fife
Overall walk score: 86% Walk length: 4 miles Wildlife rating: 4/5
This walk from one fishing village to another takes place on the well-marked Fife Coastal Path. It's a fairly easy-going trail which provides far-reaching views out over the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May.
The views won't disappoint according to members who awarded it four out of five stars for its scenery. Keep an eye out for eider ducks, shags and grey seals as you ramble along this well-trodden route.
The Falls of Clyde, South Lanarkshire
Overall walk score: 80% Walk length: 6.5 miles Wildlife rating: 4/5
There's something captivating about a walk that features a waterfall. This one leads you to a 27-metre torrent – Corra Linn – followed by a horseshoe of falls, Bonnington Linn.
The cascading water is not the only thing that will capture your attention on the way around, though. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted here, so look out for everything from dippers to kingfishers.
At ground level, you should keep alert for a chance to spy badgers, otters and deer.
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