Pick of the Parks: adventures in the national parks of Scotland, England and Wales
Park Life
The ongoing (and often indecipherable) changes to travel regulation mean that there has arguably never been a better time to explore incredible locations around Britain. Despite substantial interest in securing greater access to the wildernesses around the country, it wasn’t until 1949 that public pressure (including an incident of mass trespass on Kinder Scout in the Peak District!) resulted in the passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. Ever since, major investment and support has led to the flourishing of incredible outdoor spaces across Britain. A campervan is the ideal means of accessing the national parks, and their formal designation has understandably led to a wellspring of fantastic campsites, restaurants and pubs within easy access. Check out our pick o’ the bunch below.
Scotland: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Probably the wildest wilderness on this list, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park was opened in 2002 and boasts over seven hundred square miles of incredibly diverse landscape. Loch Lomond itself is a 22-mile long freshwater lake containing a number of substantial islands where historical actors from the Romans, Vikings, Scottish clansmen and Victorian writers have all made a base. Alongside walking and cycling around the many paths and routes around the loch, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, boating and wild swimming in the many tributaries and watercourses around this incredible natural wonder.
This dramatic landscape also features over twenty Munros (mountains above 3,000ft), with the highest being Ben More. Climbers, hikers and endurance athletes come from across Europe to test their skills in this vertical paradise, and there are a range of routes and paths for all ages and abilities. The rugged contours of the national park have led to the formation of countless stunning waterfalls, rapids and pools, and the colours and shapes of the forest change with each passing season.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Natural Park is the ideal spot for adventure loving groups and families, with the promise of new adventures around every corner. Easily accessible from the major motorway routes to Glasgow, there is no excuse not to have this incredible wilderness on your bucket list!
England: Dartmoor
The Custom Shop are proud to be based in the great city of Liverpool, and as a result we are hugely privileged to have easy access to the Peaks, Lakes, Dales and rugged North Wales countryside at the drop of a hat. Nonetheless, duty and honour do occasionally call us southwards, and the opportunity to visit Dartmoor is always a welcome one. Spanning over three hundred and sixty square miles, Dartmoor was designated as a national park way back in 1951. The area was the inspiration behind the wild moors of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, and more recently was chosen by JK Rowling as the setting for an international quidditch match in the Harry Potter series.
Instantly recognised by the outcrops of bedrock known as tors, the Dartmoor landscape is a wild and beautiful example of natural forces (high winds and acidic soil have made it extremely difficult to farm intensively, so unique ecosystems are present). As one of the oldest national parks in the country, there is a healthy network of paths, adventure challenges, events and other activities to keep you busy on your visit. The moorland landscape lends itself perfectly to adventures on two wheels or even horseback (keep an eye out for the hardy local Dartmoor ponies!)
A Dartmoor base is also perfect for day trips to the coast and within easy reach of historic Exeter and Plymouth. Remember your sun cream and pocket money for chips on the beach, you will have thoroughly earned it after a day tramping around the moor!
Wales: Brecon Beacons
Another early addition to Britain’s roster of national parks (designated in 1957), the five hundred and nineteen square miles of the Brecon Beacons are a truly awe-inspiring testament to the natural beauty of Wales. The national park was listed as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013, protecting the area from excessive light pollution and establishing it as a major spot for astronomy in the UK.
The rugged Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons themselves and the many valleys and hills throughout the park have made it a prime spot for military training exercises, and running up and down these slopes will definitely entitle you to a hot meal and refreshing pint at the end of the day! Pretty towns and villages are dotted throughout the area, with our favourite being the ‘book town’ of Hay on Wye, which alongside fantastic independent shops and restaurants also briefly declared itself an independent republic!
Fantastic campsites, car parks and facilities mean the Brecon Beacons National Park is a perfect spot for an extended stay or day trip. Water-based activities on the River Wye are always a popular choice, and the welcoming bohemian spirit of this area is a real breath of fresh air.
What are you waiting for?
We are firm believers in making the most of the incredible wildernesses and landscapes of the UK, and a visit to one of the national parks is an excellent place to start. The fantastic website, resources and support by National Parks UK makes these places accessible to all, so load up the van and get out there!
