20th May 2022
Walk Through Your Favourite Films
Are you looking for inspiration for your walking trips?
Are you looking for inspiration for your walking trips?
Now the days are longer and the weather is getting warmer, it’s the perfect time to test out some new walking trails. And what better routes to try than ones that lead you through some of the most famous filming locations in the UK?
From period classics to sci-fi epics, you can explore the settings for some of the biggest films of the past few decades, and enjoy stunning scenery as you trace the footsteps of Lords, Ladies and Jedis.
The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
As well as being an ancient forest with countless walking trails to explore, the Forest of Dean is also a popular filming location, featuring in blockbusters like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010) and Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015).
The 7th Harry Potter film made Symonds Yat Rock even more popular, as the viewpoint and the River Wye that runs below it can be clearly seen in the trailer and several key scenes. From Symonds Yat Rock there are plenty of waymarked trails, varying from circular walks within the forest to longer routes that’ll take you down to the River Wye and over Biblins Bridge, so you can wander through various Harry Potter shooting locations and picture yourself in the wizarding world.
From casting spells to using The Force, walking in Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean will take you through the setting of Takodana, a forest planet from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. According to Puzzlewood’s website, Star Wars Producer and Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy, called the wood “the most magical forest on the face of the earth!” So it’s definitely worth a visit!
Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons, Powys
The Brecon Beacons are home to South Wales’ tallest waterfall, Henrhyd Falls (88 feet), which is not only a popular destination for wildlife photographers but also the instantly recognisable entrance to Bruce Wayne’s Bat Cave in Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
A pathway allows you to step behind the falls, and whilst you won’t end up in Batman’s lair, it’s worth taking a look for a completely new perspective. Just be careful on slippery rocks – whether you’re walking from the nearby National Trust car park and back or making a visit to Henrhyd Falls part of a longer route, maybe by also exploring the Nant Llech valley, sturdy footwear is definitely required.
(Above) Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons, Powys
Glen Nevis Valley, Scottish Highlands
Despite a lot of the filming having taken place in Ireland, the rocky Scottish Highlands feature heavily in Braveheart (1995). Glen Coe and Lock Leven (near Kinlochleven) are recognisable from the film’s opening shots, while Glen Nevis became William Wallace’s home village, Lanark.
At the foot of Ben Nevis, and only a 15-minute drive from Fort William, Glen Nevis is a picturesque glaciated valley. You can leave your car in the Braveheart car park and go exploring, or follow one of the walks suggested by Walk Highlands, which are ranked by difficulty, so you can pick your route based on how you’re feeling on the day.
(Above) Glen Nevis Valley, Scottish Highlands
Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Chatsworth House isn’t just a stunning landmark in the Derbyshire countryside, it also inspired Jane Austen’s description of Pemberley Estate, the residence of Mr Darcy, in Pride and Prejudice. And for the 2005 film adaptation, Chatsworth became Pemberley, so you can follow the footsteps of Keira Knightley and Matthew Mcfadyen through the grounds of this estate.
There are two circular walks suggested by the Chatsworth Estate itself, which allow you to explore some of Chatsworth Park. Plenty of other, longer trails can be found online too, if you want to extend your route and take in more of the Derbyshire countryside.
(Above) Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Castle Howard, Yorkshire
Another stately home that doubles as a popular filming location is Castle Howard. The setting for both the 1981 TV mini-series and the 2008 film adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, the Castle Howard Estate sits in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding National Beauty, making it a perfect addition to this list.
With a selection of walks recommended by the Estate itself, you can take your pick from trails that start from Castle Howard, or ones that will take you past it. Either way, with the North York Moors National Park close by, you’re sure to experience some striking scenery alongside a well-known filming location.
