Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

'An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is: an outstanding landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them.'

'For its small area, Northern Ireland has a great variety of scenic countryside and although there are no National Parks, large areas of landscape of distinctive character and special scenic value have been designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). This designation is designed to protect and enhance the qualities of each area and to promote their enjoyment by the public. There are 8 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland ... '

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs [NI]

'The Welsh Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Anglesey, Gower, Llŷn, the Clwydian Range, Dee Valley and Wye Valley – boast some of the most exceptional scenery in the UK. Whether you love nature, photography, walking or just being outdoors, they're superb places for holidays, short breaks, weekends away and days out. Their hills, rivers and coastal landscapes will simply blow you away.'

Visit Wales

'The Blackdown Hills are a little-known group of hills lying on the border of Devon and Somerset. Broadly, the area extends from Wellington in the north to Honiton in the south and from Cullompton in the west to Chard in the east.'

'The Cornwall AONB contains some of the most stunning landscapes in Cornwall and is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. The AONB holds a diverse range of landscapes from the rugged uplands of Bodmin Moor and West Penwith to the tranquil estuaries of the Fal, Helford and the Fowey. Its only a short hop from here to the stunning North Cornwall Coast with its dramatic coastal scenery and great collection of surfing beaches. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, heritage, walking or just plain relaxing, the Cornwall AONB has it all!

'The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of a family of protected landscapes in the UK, working to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of almost half of Dorset's countryside. Rather than just one beautiful landscape to shout about, the Dorset AONB is a collection of beautiful landscapes - each with different histories, ways of working and stories to tell ...'

'Offers some of the most beautiful and remote walking in the country, from the grandeur and isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with their distinctive pattern of settlements, woodland cloughs and river valleys. These landscape contrasts, along with the serenity and tranquility of the area make this a walker’s paradise.'

'The High Weald is a fantastic place to walk. There is an amazing network of paths (2395km) as well as lots of countryside sites (61) owned by organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission.'

'The Kent Downs are well served by an extensive network of Public Rights of Way and permissive access routes – offering a variety of walks for everyone. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover when you leave the roads behind ...'

'National Scenic Areas (NSAs) were designated in 1980 in recognition of their outstanding scenery. Along with Scotland’s two National Parks, they represent our nation’s finest landscapes, and are equivalent to the Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONBs) found in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.'

'Covers 233 square miles (603 km2) of Northern England in the county of North Yorkshire.The AONB shares a common boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park immediately to the west ... We think one of the best ways to explore Nidderdale AONB is on foot. Go at your own pace, enjoy the sights and sounds and benefit from some of the most peaceful walking in the Yorkshire Dales.'

'The North Pennines is the northernmost section of the Pennine range of hills which runs north–south through northern England. It lies between Carlisle to the west and Darlington to the east. It is bounded to the north by the Tyne Valley and to the south by the Stainmore Gap ... The North Pennines was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988 for its moorland scenery, the product of centuries of farming and lead-mining. At almost 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) it is the second largest of the 49 AONBs in the United Kingdom.'

'The Northumberland Coast AONB is often best appreciated on foot, the fantastic network of footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes make it easy to find peace and tranquillity. There is a continuous coastal footpath ‘The Northumberland Coast Path’, part of the North Sea Trail, which stretches from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.'

'The Surrey Hills offers some of South East England’s most beautiful and accessible countryside. Famous beauty spots include Box Hill, Leith Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. You’ll discover an extensive footpath network, open commons, breathtaking views, attractive market towns and villages and much more.'