11 incredibly beautiful places in the UK to get away from it all

There is nothing better than being out in the wilderness, surrounded by beautiful nature. The rustle of the wind in the trees, the gurgle of a mountain stream, the pop of a trout peaking out of the water to catch a a bite to eat. Bliss.

To inspire you to get out into nature, and as part of our awareness of World Mental Health Day, we've gathered some beautiful places in the UK to get away from it all. 

1. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

A stone's throw from Mansfield, and a little more from Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield is the beautiful Sherwood Forest. You'll find great spotted and green woodpeckers there nestled in the pine trees. Go when the fog is rolling in. So mysterious, so beautiful. 

2. Shapwick Heath, Somerset

Shapwick Heath near Glastonbury is a haven for birds. Set in the beautiful Somerset countryside, the site is home to bitterns, elusive otters lurking in reed beds and starlings shimmering in the sun. If you're lucky you might even spot a Cetti's warbler. 

3. Stanage Edge, Derbyshire 

Not a soul was in sight as the early morning light raked across Stanage Edge, near Hathersage. Set in the beautiful Hope Valley, The Edge is easily reachable from Sheffield. Heather and bracken grow in abundance in the area; including on the cliffs popular with climbers. 

4. Isle of Skye, Highland

Wow, what incredible views!

The view from the Old Man of Storr on Skye in the Highlands is something incredible! The Highlands are one the UK's last real empty spaces and boast otters, red deer, seals, salmon, gannets and if you're lucky you might spot a dolphin. 

5. Porthtowan, Cornwall 

Not bad Cornwall, not bad at all! 

This beautiful beach can be found at Porthtowan on the Cornish peninsula. It's in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is said to be a surfer's paradise. Coastal paths skirt the tops of cliffs, the perfect place for some bird watching or to see the sun go down after a long day exploring. 

6. Ennerdale, Cumbria 

The mystery and wonder of Cumbria are prevalent nowhere more than Ennerdale. 

What is said to be the UK's most rural youth hostel, the Black Sail, is based here. A great place to tuck up when the rain comes in... 

As a valley it's one of the areas less popular with tourists, but it is a hive of activity for wildlife. Red squirrels, redstarts and pine martens all call Ennerdale home. 

7. Malham, North Yorkshire

A climber's paradise...

The limestone caves of the Yorkshire Dales are said to connect three counties - Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. There's some great walks in the area, too. While you're there make sure you keep an eye out for peregrine falcons who nest there from April onward. 

8. Loch Callater, Aberdeenshire 

Home to the Cairngorms National Park, and one of the UK's only ski resorts, the area is a nature lover's paradise. A few miles off the beaten track beaten track is Loch Callater, a paradise of peace and serenity. Mountains tower over the freshwater loch. Trout, salmon and eels are all found in its waters.

9. Cregennan Lakes, Gwynedd  

The Cregennan Lakes are one of North Wales' best kept secrets. Hidden up steep hillside roads, a lot of people don't make it there. The collection of lakes seem inhospitable to man with wind beaten trees and steep ridges guarding them. The lakes lie 800m above sea level surrounded boggy marshland and impossible cliff faces. Reportedly, wheatears can be spotted here when the conditions are right. 

 10. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Orkney is one of the last outposts of civilisation in the UK. 10 miles north of the mainland of Scotland, they are closer to Oslo than to London. The islands are further north than Moscow and a fantastic destination for wildlife spotting. Because of their geography, the islands boast some of the UK's best locations to spot seals and puffins. There are abundant wild meadows, butterflies and more than twenty species of seabird. Given their location, the islands are on the migratory paths of many birds heading south from Iceland and the Faroe Islands which lie to the north west. 

11. Strangford Lough, County Down 

Not far from Belfast, Strangford Lough is a haven for wildlife. The lough is connected to the Irish Sea by a narrow inlet at its southern most point. Within the lough are hundreds of small islands; some home humans, others only wildlife. Below the waters surface live thousands of species of marine life. When the tide falls, head to the rock pools round its edge for a chance to spot them. Common and grey seals can be spotted on the edge of the lough year round. Perfect! 

This article was originally published in June 2017 and has been updated for World Mental Health Day.