All of us at British & Irish Walks hope that you’ve had a wonderful christmas and are feeling decidedly full of food and probably a few drinks.
We usually feel the need to get some fresh air after the festive period, burn some of those calories that we’ve over-consumed and get out of the house.
Research by the World Health Organisation found that 44 out of 511 British towns and cities were pollution hotspots, meaning the air in these places is considered dangerous to breathe in and certainly not the ideal place to take a walk.
So where are the 5 places in the UK with the cleanest air that will really help you to feel fresh and wonderful after the christmas period?
We have picked our top of the bunch below, if you are lucky enough to live near these areas then get yourself out and about for a nice walk.
1.Windermere, Cumbria
Windermere, at 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep, is the largest natural lake in both the Lake District and in England, and is fed by numerous rivers.
The long thin lake itself forms the central spine of the Windermere area of the Lake District and the area is known as the South Lakes.
Windermere is one of the best places in the country to get fresh, unpolluted air, and the incredible scenery in this area will also not disappoint.
The fresh winds coming over the hills are sure clear your lungs and fill you with energy and if you really need waking up then dip those toes into the chilly, beautiful lake below.
2.Bideford, North Devon
This historic harbour town is packed with independent shops, local produce and a great riverside quay and has some great air quality and some beautiful walks.
Why not try the Peppercombe Bothy to Bucks Hillfort Circular which is a four mile route starting and finishing at Peppercombe or alternatively Bucks Mills.
This beautiful walk is sure to blow the cobwebs away.
Another nice route is at Burrough Farm which has interesting and varied terrain across farmland, through woodland and along side the River Torridge, with beautiful views across the river and inland to the port of Bideford.
3.Whitby, North Yorkshirw
Whitby is a seaside town in North Yorkshire which is split by the River Esk.
On the East Cliff, overlooking the North Sea, the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula.
West of the lovely town is West Cliff Beach, lined with beach huts.
It is gorgeous just strolling around the town, looking at the little shops, watching the boats come into the harbour and grabbing some fish and chips, but there are also plenty of lovely coastal walks to get your blood pumping and fresh air into your lungs.
One of the most beautiful walks is from Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay. This walk follows the cliff edge from Whitby to the smugglers haunt of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Starting out from the quayside of the harbour the route wanders through the gorgeous streets and then passes the cliff top abbey. From here the route follows the Cleveland Way National Trail past towering cliffs to reach the picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
4.Tenby, Wales
With it’s lovely pastel-coloured houses and attractive harbour, Tenby is one of Wales most pretty towns and has some of the freshest, most clean air in the UK; perfect for a festive walk.
Tenby is known for its 13th-century town walls and its stretches of sandy shoreline, including Castle Beach. The ruins of Tenby Castle are on a headland overlooking the harbour.
The Marloes Peninsula is a beautiful and dramatic coastal walk. The geology is spectacular, including both sandstones and volcanic rocks with folds, faults and jagged stacks.
You’ll see an Iron Age fort overlooking Marloes Sands and there are walks for all abilities in this area.
St Davids Head is another stunning walk and is Pembrokeshire's most spectacular headland.
If you are feeling really active then a climb up Carn Llidi will give you magnificent views and will really get that heart pumping.
5.Bude, North Cornwall
Cornwall certainly needs to make the list of the top 5 places in the UK with the cleanest air and Bude is a sure winner.
Bude's reputation of being a brilliant seaside resort is backed up by its multiple awards, winning Gold, Silver and Bronze for the Best UK Coastal Resort.
Bude is Cornwall's most northern town and has been a popular seaside resort from Victorian times.
This lovely Cornish town has some good surfing beaches if you fancy hitting the water with the beach of Crackington Haven being the popular spot.
Widemouth Bay is a long sandy beach, looking out towards Lundy Island which offer some beautiful walks.