The lands that time forgot

Britain is full of hidden treasures, from haunted forests to flower-filled meadows, secret stone circles and saintly volcanoes. Annunciata Elwes tours 50 lesser-known treasures of this country to tick off in 2021

- Annunciata Elwes

WE have lived for long walks this winter and have sometimes found a windy hilltop the only fit place for socialising. Without disparaging Britain’s wonderful well-known landmarks, most of us have learnt to avoid their inevitable madding crowds. By road and path (not as the crow flies), it’s 1,200 or so miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and we could have walked that distance three, possibly four times since the first lockdown began last March. This is academic, however, as it would have been unwise (possibly illegal) to undertake such a lengthy stroll, even with a pocket full of face masks and hand sanitiser. Instead, let’s imagine we can zig-zag around, stopping as we please on this imaginary journey to discover some of this country’s secret wonders and plan for when we can really spread our wings.

1 Gwennap Pit, Cornwall