A wide landscape view of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with rolling hills, autumn colours, and a shimmering lake surrounded by forests and open upland scenery.

Explore National Landscapes & Parks

Protected landscapes and national parks connected by walking routes, trails, and outdoor regions across the UK and Europe.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

England

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Yorkshire Dales National Park – Limestone Valleys, Open Moors, and Pastoral Uplands

Wide limestone valleys, open moorland, dry-stone walls, and river-cut dales shape one of northern England’s most distinctive and long-settled upland landscapes.

Wye Valley National Landscape

England

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Wye Valley National Landscape – Wooded Gorges, Limestone Cliffs, and River Valleys

Steep wooded slopes, limestone cliffs, meandering river corridors, and historic settlements shape one of Britain’s most distinctive lowland walking landscapes along the England–Wales border.

North York Moors National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > north-york-moors-national-park

North York Moors National Park – Heather Moorland, Deep Valleys, and Coastal Cliffs

Heather moorland, deep wooded valleys, sandstone escarpments, and dramatic coastal edges shape one of northern England’s most distinctive and atmospheric upland landscapes.

Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape

England

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Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape – Chalk Hills, Dry Valleys, and Open Farmland

Chalk hills, dry valleys, rolling farmland, and quiet market towns shape one of eastern England’s most understated and spacious walking landscapes.

East Devon National Landscape

England

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East Devon National Landscape – Red Cliffs, Pebble Ridges, and Rural Valleys

Striking red sandstone cliffs, long pebble ridges, and quiet river valleys mark East Devon’s protected coast, where erosion, agriculture, and historic settlement have created one of England’s most geologically distinctive coastal landscapes.

South Devon National Landscape

England

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South Devon National Landscape – Sheltered Estuaries, Rolling Cliffs, and Coastal Farmland

Sheltered estuaries, low cliffs, and patchwork farmland characterise South Devon’s protected coast, where tidal rivers, historic ports, and long-established coastal farming have shaped a softer, more settled landscape along the English Channel.

Mourne Mountains National Landscape

Northern Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > mourne-mountains-national-landscape

Mourne Mountains National Landscape – Granite Peaks, High Ridges, and Coastal Edges

Granite peaks, broad glacial valleys, high plateaus, and coastal views shape one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive upland landscapes, where compact scale and strong relief create a powerful mountain walking environment.

Brecon Beacons National Park

Wales

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www.selfguidedtravel.com/national-landscapes-and-parks/brecon-beacons-national-park

Brecon Beacons National Park – Mountain Ridges, River Valleys, and Open Uplands

High mountain ridges, broad upland plateaus, deep river valleys, and open moorland shape one of Wales’s most varied and accessible national park landscapes.

Northumberland Coast National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > northumberland-coast-national-landscape

Northumberland Coast National Landscape – Dunes, Wide Beaches, and Castle Headlands

Wide sandy beaches, dune systems, tidal estuaries, and castle-backed headlands shape one of England’s most open and atmospheric coastal walking landscapes.

Peak District National Park

England

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Peak District National Park – Limestone Dales, Gritstone Moors, and Upland Valleys

Limestone dales, high gritstone moors, river valleys, and long-settled uplands shape one of England’s most accessible and geologically distinctive national parks.

Causeway Coast National Landscape

Northern Ireland

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Causeway Coast National Landscape – Basalt Cliffs, Atlantic Headlands, and Open Shores

Basalt cliffs, volcanic headlands, wide beaches, and Atlantic exposure define one of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic and geologically distinctive coastal landscapes.

The Sperrin Mountains National Landscape

Northern Ireland

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Sperrin Mountains National Landscape – Open Uplands, Peatlands, and Northern Ireland’s Quiet Interior

Broad hills, peatlands, and lightly visited uplands define the Sperrin Mountains National Landscape, one of Northern Ireland’s most remote and understated walking landscapes.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Wales

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > pembrokeshire-coast-national-park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – Cliffs, Headlands, and Wales’s Maritime Edge

Cliffs, headlands, beaches, and continuous coastal walking define Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Britain’s only national park centred entirely on the sea.

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Wales

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Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – Mountains, Slate Landscapes, and Wales’s High Ground

Sharp peaks, glacial cwms, and historic slate landscapes define Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales’s most dramatic and demanding mountain walking landscape.

Cambrian Mountains National Landscape

Wales

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Cambrian Mountains National Landscape – Open Moorland, Empty Uplands, and Wales’s Quiet Heart

Broad moorland, empty uplands, and river source valleys define the Cambrian Mountains National Landscape, one of Wales’s most remote and uninterrupted walking landscapes.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Scotland

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Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Loch Shores, Wooded Glens, and Accessible Highland Landscapes

Freshwater lochs, wooded glens, and accessible mountain routes define Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where Highland landscapes meet Lowland Scotland through water-led walking and historic paths.

Cairngorms National Park

Scotland

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Cairngorms National Park – High Plateaux, Ancient Forests, and Vast Mountain Landscapes

Britain’s largest national park, defined by high Arctic-like plateaux, Caledonian pine forests, and expansive mountain-scale walking.

Wild Nephin (Ballycroy) National Park

Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > wild-nephin-ballycroy-national-park

Wild Nephin (Ballycroy) National Park – Atlantic Uplands, Blanket Bog, and Open Wilderness

Atlantic blanket bog, low mountains, peatlands, and constant weather systems define one of Ireland’s most remote and uncompromising wilderness landscapes.

Exmoor National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > exmoor-national-park

Exmoor National Park – Moorland Plateaus, Deep Valleys, and Wild Coast

High open moorland, wooded river valleys, and a rugged Atlantic-facing coast define Exmoor, where grazing, river erosion, and long-settled upland farming have shaped one of England’s most remote and least fragmented national parks.

Dedham Vale National Landscape

England

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Dedham Vale National Landscape – River Valley Meadows and Painted Countryside

A gentle lowland landscape shaped by the River Stour, grazing meadows, and historic villages, where centuries of agriculture and artistic interpretation have defined one of England’s most closely observed rural valleys.

Norfolk Coast National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > norfolk-coast-national-landscape-aonb

Norfolk Coast National Landscape – Saltmarsh, Shingle, and Big Skies

A wide, low-lying coastline shaped by saltmarsh, shingle ridges, dunes, and tidal creeks, where big skies, changing light, and long histories of fishing, farming, and coastal settlement define England’s eastern edge.

Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > suffolk-coast-heaths-national-landscape-aonb

Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape – Shingle Shores, Heathland, and Big Skies

A low-lying coastal landscape shaped by shingle beaches, open heathland, and wide estuaries, where shifting shorelines, rare habitats, and long maritime history define one of England’s most atmospheric protected coasts.

Queyras Regional Natural Park

France

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > queyras-regional-natural-park

Queyras Regional Natural Park – High Alpine Valleys, Larch Forests, and Border Mountains

High mountain valleys, open larch forests, alpine passes, and border ridges define the Queyras, where elevation, pastoral land use, and geographic isolation shape one of the French Alps’ most self-contained mountain landscapes.

Mercantour National Park

France

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > mercantour-national-park

Mercantour National Park – High Peaks, Deep Valleys, and Mediterranean–Alpine Edges

High peaks, steep valleys, alpine lakes, and Mediterranean climate influences shape one of the French Alps’ most dramatic and ecologically diverse mountain landscapes.

Northumberland National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > northumberland-national-park

Northumberland National Park – Uplands, Dark Skies, and Border Country

Remote upland landscapes, rolling moorland, river valleys, and dark night skies define England’s northernmost national park, shaped by border history, low population, and long pastoral land use.

Glenveagh National Park

Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > glenveagh-national-park

Glenveagh National Park – Mountains, Blanket Bog, and Atlantic Wilderness

Granite mountains, deep glacial valleys, extensive blanket bog, and Atlantic weather systems shape one of Ireland’s most remote and expansive upland landscapes.

Connemara National Park

Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > connemara-national-park

Connemara National Park – Mountains, Blanket Bog, and Atlantic Moorland

Quartzite mountains, blanket bog, and open Atlantic moorland define Connemara National Park, where exposed walking journeys, steep ridges, and wide western horizons create Ireland’s most elemental mountain landscape.

The Burren National Park

Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > the-burren-national-park

The Burren National Park – Limestone Pavements, Karst Hills, and Atlantic Edges

Limestone pavements, karst hills, and rare grassland ecosystems define The Burren National Park, where open walking journeys, ancient stone landscapes, and Atlantic influence shape one of Ireland’s most distinctive protected areas.

Killarney National Park

Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > killarney-national-park

Killarney National Park – Mountains, Lakes, and Atlantic Woodland

Mountains, glacial valleys, lakes, and Atlantic woodland define Killarney National Park, where varied walking journeys link sheltered lakeshores with rugged uplands in Ireland’s most diverse mountain landscape.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Ireland

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > wicklow-mountains-national-park

Wicklow Mountains National Park – Granite Massifs, Glacial Valleys, and Upland Bogs

Granite mountains, glacial valleys, and wide upland plateaus define Wicklow Mountains National Park, where long walking journeys, historic routes, and exposed high ground shape Ireland’s most accessible mountain landscape.

Isles of Scilly National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > isles-of-scilly-national-landscape

Isles of Scilly National Landscape – Atlantic Islands, Granite Headlands, and Open Seas

Atlantic islands, granite headlands, and low-lying coastal landscapes define the Isles of Scilly, where short walking journeys, prehistoric sites, and constant connection to the sea shape a uniquely maritime environment.

Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > cranborne-chase-west-wiltshire-downs

Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape – Chalk Downland, Wooded Valleys, and Ancient Chase

Wide chalk downland, wooded valleys, and some of Europe’s richest prehistoric landscapes define Cranborne Chase, where ancient trackways, ritual earthworks, and long pastoral use shape a quiet, deeply historic countryside.

Blackdown Hills National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > blackdown-hills-national-landscape

Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Wooded Ridges, Spring-Fed Valleys, and Quiet Plateaus

Wooded valleys, spring-fed streams, and quiet plateau farmland define the Blackdown Hills, where water, woodland, and long-established pastoral farming have shaped one of South West England’s most peaceful rural landscapes.

Mendip Hills National Landscape

England

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Mendip Hills National Landscape – Limestone Ridges, Gorges, and Open Plateaus

Limestone plateaus, steep gorges, and extensive cave systems define the Mendip Hills, where uplift, erosion, and underground water have created one of England’s most dramatic and geologically important inland landscapes.

Quantock Hills National Landscape

England

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Quantock Hills National Landscape – Heathy Ridges, Wooded Combes, and Open Moor

Open heaths, wooded combes, and rolling ridgelines characterise the Quantock Hills, where sandstone geology, common grazing, and long-managed woodland have shaped a compact but strongly defined upland landscape in Somerset.

Dorset National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > dorset-national-landscape

Dorset National Landscape – Chalk Ridges, Limestone Coast, and Rolling Downland

Geological contrasts define Dorset’s protected landscapes, from chalk downland and limestone cliffs to sheltered valleys and farmland, revealing a countryside shaped by uplift, coastal erosion, and long-established agricultural use.

North Devon Coast National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > north-devon-coast-national-landscape-aonb

North Devon Coast National Landscape – High Cliffs, Open Moorland, and Atlantic Shores

High cliffs, wave-cut headlands, and open upland edges define the North Devon coast, where Atlantic exposure, grazing, and long-settled coastal farming have shaped one of England’s most dramatic and energetic shorelines.

Tamar Valley National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > tamar-valley-national-landscape-aonb

Tamar Valley National Landscape – Wooded Valleys, Tidal Rivers, and Mining Heritage

Steep wooded slopes, tidal river reaches, and former mining settlements define the Tamar Valley, where copper and tin extraction, riverside transport, and long-managed woodland have shaped a distinctive border landscape between Devon and Cornwall.

Cornwall National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > cornwall-national-landscape-aonb

Cornwall National Landscape – Clifftop Coast, Moorland Ridges, and Atlantic Headlands

Exposed Atlantic cliffs, granite headlands, and open moorland define Cornwall’s protected landscapes, where tin mining, fishing, and long coastal settlement have shaped one of England’s most strongly maritime regions.

Dartmoor National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > dartmoor-national-park

Dartmoor National Park – Granite Tors, Open Moor, and Enclosed Valleys

Granite tors, wide open moorland, and deep river valleys characterise Dartmoor, where long-standing common rights, mineral extraction, and exposure to wind and weather have shaped one of southern England’s most elemental upland landscapes.

Chichester Harbour National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > chichester-harbour-national-landscape-aonb

Chichester Harbour National Landscape – Tidal Creeks, Low Shores, and Working Harbours

Sheltered tidal waters, saltmarsh, and low farmland define Chichester Harbour, where centuries of sailing, fishing, and coastal farming have shaped a quietly working landscape along England’s south coast.

Isle of Wight National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > isle-of-wight-national-landscape-aonb

Isle of Wight National Landscape – Chalk Downs, Coastal Cliffs, and Maritime Valleys

Chalk ridges, dramatic coastal cliffs, and sheltered valleys characterise the Isle of Wight, where shifting shorelines, long maritime connections, and layered settlement history have shaped a distinctive island landscape off England’s south coast.

High Weald National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > high-weald-national-landscape-aonb

High Weald National Landscape – Rolling Hills, Ancient Woodland, and Sunken Lanes

Ancient woodland, small irregular fields, and deeply cut lanes define the High Weald, where medieval land use, early ironworking, and dispersed farmsteads have created one of southern England’s most intricate historic landscapes.

Surrey Hills National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > surrey-hills-national-landscape-aonb

Surrey Hills National Landscape – Chalk Ridges, Wooded Greensand, and Valleys

Chalk escarpments, wooded greensand hills, and sheltered valleys define the Surrey Hills, where ancient trackways, market towns, and long-established woodland management have shaped a varied countryside on London’s southern edge.

Kent Downs National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > kent-downs-national-landscape-aonb

Kent Downs National Landscape – Chalk Escarpments, Valleys, and Orchard Country

Rolling chalk escarpments, wooded valleys, and productive farmland characterise the Kent Downs, where ancient trackways, pilgrimage routes, and long-established agriculture have shaped a landscape linking London, the Channel coast, and continental Europe.

North Wessex Downs National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > north-wessex-downs-national-landscape-aonb

North Wessex Downs National Landscape – Chalk Downland, Valleys, and Ancient Routes

Extensive chalk downland, dry valleys, and ancient trackways define the North Wessex Downs, where prehistoric routes, long-established farming, and scattered settlements reveal a landscape shaped by movement, agriculture, and deep time.

New Forest National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > new-forest-national-park

New Forest National Park – Ancient Woodland, Open Heath, and Grazed Commons

An ancient lowland landscape defined by open woodland, heathland, and grazed commons, where centuries of commoning rights, forest law, and land management have preserved one of England’s most distinctive working forests.

South Downs National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > south-downs-national-park

South Downs National Park – Chalk Ridges, River Valleys, and Open Downland

A broad chalk landscape defined by rolling ridges, dry valleys, and river corridors, where long-established farming, ancient trackways, and historic settlements have shaped England’s newest national park.

Cotswolds National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > cotswolds-national-landscape-aonb

Cotswolds National Landscape – Limestone Hills, Valleys, and Pastoral Plateaus

A broad limestone plateau defined by rolling hills, dry valleys, and stone-built villages, where centuries of pastoral farming and market-town life have shaped one of England’s most continuous and recognisable rural landscapes.

Chilterns National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > chilterns-national-landscape-aonb

Chilterns National Landscape – Chalk Hills, Wooded Valleys, and Open Commons

A rolling chalk landscape defined by steep escarpments, beech woodland, and open commons, where ancient trackways, market towns, and centuries of farming have shaped one of southern England’s most enduring countryside regions.

The Broads National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > the-broads-national-park

The Broads National Park – Wetlands, Rivers, and Open Skies

A low-lying network of rivers, lakes, and wetlands shaped by medieval peat digging and long water management, where open skies, reedbeds, and grazing marshes define one of Britain’s most distinctive cultural landscapes.

Lake District National Park

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > lake-district-national-park

Lake District National Park – Mountains, Valleys, and Cultural Landscapes

England’s largest national park is defined by rugged fells, deep glacial valleys, and historic farming landscapes, where centuries of pastoral land use have shaped one of Europe’s most distinctive mountain environments.

Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape

England

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www.selfguidedtravel.com > national-landscapes-and-parks > arnside-silverdale-national-landscape-aonb

Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape – Limestone Coast, Woodlands, and Tidal Estuaries

A compact but richly varied landscape shaped by limestone hills, ancient woodland, and vast tidal estuaries, where coastal paths, quiet villages, and rare habitats meet along the Cumbria–Lancashire border.