A clifftop trail has been crowned England’s best wildflower walk for the second year running, as hikers increasingly seek quieter floral havens away from popular national park hotspots.
The ‘2026 Wildflower Walks’ research by Flying Flowers analysed over 1,000 routes in England to identify the best-rated, but lesser-reviewed wildflower trails for spring and summer walks. To spotlight ‘hidden gem’ routes, trails were ranked based on ratings above 4.7 stars but fewer than 400 reviews, highlighting scenic walks that are highly rated, but likely less crowded. UK trails are entering their peak season, especially as recent data highlights a growing walking boom: 3.58 million people in England alone now regularly take part in hill and mountain walking. For a second year in a row, Pentire Headland Walk in Cornwall takes the crown as the best destination for wildflower enthusiasts to walk this year. This circular clifftop route, located within a designated Site of Special Interest (SSSI), is known for its vibrant displays of red poppies and yellow corn marigolds, alongside blue squill, thrift, and a wide variety of coastal wildflowers.
The 6.1km walk also offers opportunities to spot wildflowers, with grey seals and peregrine falcons frequently seen along the surrounding coastline.
Second on the list of best wildflower walks is the Revelstoke Park and Noss Mayo Circular walk in Devon, climbing from eighth place in 2025. The 10.6km coastal route is known for its diverse maritime flora, and trailgoers can usually spot rock-sea lavender, slender birds-foot trefoil, autumn squill, and lady’s tresses nestled along the cliffside grassland.
Stickle Ghyll, Stickle Tarn and Pike of Stickle Circular in the Lake District round out the top three. A new entry for 2026, the 6.9km trail has just 97 reviews but boasts a strong 4.8 star rating on AllTrails.
This ‘hidden’ Cumbrian route is more challenging, but rewards walkers with a rugged landscape of foxgloves and common heather set against spectacular Lake District scenery and rushing waterfalls.
The top 10 wildflower walks in England
Revelstoke Park and Noss Mayo Circular, Devon – 4.9 stars / 10.6km (moderate)
Stickle Ghyll, Stickle Tarn and Pike of Stickle Circular, Lake District – 4.8 stars / 6.9km (hard)
Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay Circular, Dorset – 4.9 stars / 6.9km (moderate)
Cotswold Way: Dursley to Wotton-Under-Edge, Cotswolds – 4.8 stars / 12.1km (moderate)
South West Coast Path: Sidmouth to Seaton, East Devon – 4.8 stars / 16.9km (hard)
Skiddaw and Blencathra Circular, Lake District – 4.8 stars / 20.9km (hard)
Cleveland 4 Peaks Challenge, North York Moors – 4.8 stars / 20.9km (hard)
Lawrencefield, Owler Tor, Mother Cap and Padley Gorge Circular, Peak District – 4.8 stars / 6.1km (moderate)
Salcombe and Bolt Head Extended Route, South Devon – 4.8 stars / 5.5km (moderate)
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