More great heaths to walk

1 KNETTISHALL HEATH, Suffolk

One of the largest remaining areas of Breckland heath is a large wild landscape of 434 acres with a mosaic of furzy acid heaths, chalk grassland, woodland and river valley. There’s a network of trails and the long-distance Peddars Way, Icknield Way and Angles Way converge here. Map: OS Landranger 144 Grid ref: TL951804

Postcode: IP22 2TQ

3 ASH RANGES, Surrey

This colossal heath is held in a perpetual state of protection by being occupied largely by the army. But you can roam freely when the red flags aren’t flying – 1-2 weekends a month and weekdays after 4.30pm. Call to check: 01252 325233. Map: OS Landranger 186 Grid ref: SU905546

Postcode: GU12 5RJ

5 BUDBY SOUTH FOREST, Nottinghamshire

Part of Sherwood Forest and the largest remaining tract of lowland heath in the Midlands, this RSPB reserve forms half of the Sherwood Forest NNR and is a beautiful semiwilderness which teems with wildlife.

Map: OS Landranger 120

Grid ref: SK627687 Postcode: NG21 9HN

2 STUDLAND & GODLINGSTON HEATH, Dorset

The largest expanse of unspoiled heath in Dorset is the closest thing to the Wessex landscape of Thomas Hardy you’ll find, and a place of purole heather and yellow gorse vistas, dunes, peat bog and the freshwater lagoon of the Little Sea. Map: OS Landranger 195 Grid ref: SZ030845

Postcode: BH19 3AZ

4 HALE PURLIEU, Hampshire

One of the only National Trust sites in the New Forest where protected silver studded blue butterflies can be seen feeding amongst the heather, and nightjars are regularly heard ‘chrr’-ing during summer evenings. Map: OS Landranger 184 Grid ref: SU188176

Postcode: SP6 2QZ