Where can I live close to nature without a car?
Posted by Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 59 comments
Hello! I'm looking for advice on feasible UK places to live that are close to nature but still accessible for someone who doesn't drive (yet!). I'm a single 33F with a fully remote job. I'm originally from Scotland and have lived in various places in Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and a rural village as a kid), I've also lived and worked in London and Switzerland, and worked remotely from Portugal. For personal/family reasons, I decided to move back to the UK this year and currently live in Reading.
My main hobby used to be sport climbing, and I specifically chose Reading for proximity to my family and their very nice rope climbing gym. However, since living here, I've realised that I need something more than just a gym. I am ideally looking for a place where I can meet people to go hiking/scrambling/climbing with, where people might be friendly and take me under their wing a little to start my journey into trad climbing (!!), where every weekend is active and outdoors, and where I can also go solo for walks/hikes.
The biggest challenge I have is that I have just failed my driving test for the second time, and I need to take a break from it just due to the stress and the money. I intend to retry later in the year or next year, but in the meantime I'm working with the assumption that I'll be carless for this next adventure.
Outside of getting back into climbing/mountaineering/the outdoors, I'm really a massive homebody and introvert so as long as I have space for my gaming setup and relatively good internet, I'm all set.
I suppose I'm accustomed to having the ability to order the occasional takeaway, so maybe I don't want to be so far from civilization that I can't get a pizza - but I kind of assume without a car I'm not going to be able to live anywhere REMOTE remote anyway!
I would be happy to live somewhere pretty or to live NEAR somewhere pretty, if that makes sense. Without a car it limits my options so if I was able to walk (I will happily walk a few hours anywhere) or take transport to somewhere with some hills/rocks that could be ideal.
In terms of logistics and budget, I have no pets, very little stuff (I have lived perfectly comfortably in a small studio apartment, a 1 bedroom is ideal), I would need to live by myself (not with flatmates), and my ideal budget is around 1250-1500 (of course less is always nice!). I'm open to anywhere in the UK at all - far and wide.
Thank you to anyone who responds, and sorry if this doesn't fit the subreddit or I didn't post well.
MidnightPractical727@reddit
Sheffield or Manchester. You can join hiking or climbing groups and get out to the Peaks, Dales or Lakes easily via public transport or with friends once you make them :)
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I have never visited Sheffield, I will go for a weekend and check it out. I do like Manchester though, been a few times.
Emergency_Bread_5462@reddit
Yes. Sheffield. Dore or Totley specifically. There’s a train that runs from there to Manchester via several stops through the Peak District. Also the 218 bus which is hourly and reliable. I’m right on the edge of Sheffield/Peak District so can just walk up into the peaks through woodland onto Blackamoor and beyond. You’ll love all the edges for climbing.
Kittygrizzle1@reddit
It’s about 10 mins from SW Sheffield. Stannage edge is famous.
The_39th_Step@reddit
I’d suggest Manchester. I don’t drive and I hike regularly in the Peak District. There’s excellent climbing there too (check out Stanage Edge). Manchester has better public transport than Sheffield within the city but both have good access to the Peaks. Manchester is the easier side for the Lakes and Snowdonia too. Manchester is more expensive but has better job opportunities.
Whichever you choose, be close to a main station. The Hope Valley train line is your friend.
rotswhenalways@reddit
Sheffield is the answer here. Short train rides to a lot of sport climbing and multiple climbing centres
rotswhenalways@reddit
Special shout out to Bristol as well, but the public transport is diabolical
mcglash@reddit
Sheffield.
hotdogswife@reddit
Came here to suggest Sheffield or Barnsley!
Shoulder-Ordinary@reddit
I agree and I'd go further by saying check the stops along the train line. Manchester to Leeds has some really nice places along the route.
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the idea! Plus I love trains.
anxiousthroway85@reddit
Glossop seems to have all of the things you are looking for and is a great place to live.
D0wnb0at@reddit
Sheffield was my first thought. A short bus to the Peak District and have some great bouldering there and some great indoor bouldering and climbing places.
alberoTranquillo@reddit
Maybe Exeter? A car always helps, but there's nature in every direction here and it's a great city.
BandicootObjective32@reddit
While you're back in Reading, check out Berkshire Walkers. https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/ Most of their walks are from stations. It's not mountains and scrambling but it's something
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I have seen this - if I can face my social anxiety I'll try to join sometime!
BandicootObjective32@reddit
They're a good bunch, I was a member for many years before I moved away. Try a shorter walk or a social first maybe - as the evenings get lighter they might have some evening walks on that might be a good start
OurSeepyD@reddit
This isn't what you asks, and it's obviously your choice, but my advice is to not stop. Everyone I know that stopped never got back into it. Failing tests sucks, but failing twice doesn't mean you'll fail again. (Also sometimes you just get shitty examiners)
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Good point, thanks for the advice!
Dazzling_Ad_7873@reddit
Wow In doing something similar to you
You mention your Scottish, why not move back?
I'll be going to glasgow then seeing what work is available in more rural areas
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Scotland is definitely an option, but I am still iffy on accessibility without a car. But I do have more friends up there which is a bonus. Also I'd love to get into ice climbing!
1968Bladerunner@reddit
I'm up in a snall coastal town in the coastal Highlands, but know plenty of folk who happily rely on bus or train for longer trips, or even post on local FB community groups asking if anyone's travelling south towards X & wants a fuel-sharing passenger!
I've no idea about climbing groups, but there's certainly no shortage of fantastic walks & hikes, some of the more challenging routes of which must appeal to some who stay locally.
You can rent for relative peanuts, & now that we have FTTP in many areas, internet is a lot more reliable for high-end users / streamers / gamers.
Dazzling_Ad_7873@reddit
So I also don't drive, my grandparents are in the Cairngorms and I will be needing access to them; so I will be learning when I return
If you are active, then I highly recommend an electric bike. You can take an ebike on all scotrail trains providing you reserve a free spot.
The tradeoff of travel/rurality is definitely worth it, and if you don't drive it will hold you back a certain degree.
The only may I can see that being mitigated is a an ebikein tandem woth local bus services and trains.
cbawiththismalarky@reddit
I live near Clitheroe, it's all that you mentioned and more
Aceleeds@reddit
Ambleside. It’s amazing.
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
I just looked it up and it looks STUNNING. I will definitely visit. Thank you!
MoominMai@reddit
It’s very beautiful but being as it’s a town in the Lake District it’s very touristy. Consequently there is a very high accommodation demand and I fear you’ll struggle with your budget. Worth a holiday there though!
Lord_Tanna_of_Tuva@reddit
Second sheffield, I don't have a car and to be honest don't need one - easy access to peaks and lots of nature
Helpful_Wish_7338@reddit
I live In Knutsford. It's both rural and well connected. There's no deliveroo, you can hear sheep, we have lots of fields and farms all around with lots of rural walks. It's also easy to get a train to Manchester/chester or buses elsewhere, Wonderful independent eateries in town. Lots of properties which are both out in the sticks and in communities.
Accurate-Herring-638@reddit
I'd move back to Scotland. Aberdeen has the sea cliffs right there for climbing. Edinburgh has the Pentlands on the doorstep. If you join a walking or climbing club you'll also find that most people are open to car sharing, which will make it easier to get further afield.
Clear_Lie_6668@reddit
If you would like to stay within easy reach of your family near Reading, then I think Cardiff of Bristol would be a good option for you. Easy access to the Breacons and all the outdoor activities they provide and bonus of good rail links to Reading.
Not having a driving licence is only a temporary factor. Keep trying, you will get that pass. Until then if you join hiking/climbing clubs you may find people ready car share.
mattjimf@reddit
Newcastle or nearby, you'll find something in your price range, buses and trains to take you into the hills and lake district, on the main line between Edinburgh and London, several indoor climbing centres that offer outdoor climbing possibilities as well. Good fibre broadband and very easy access to nature.
geeered@reddit
If you can cycle, that increases your "range" by a good bit... ebikes can offer some nice options to increase that even more, getting up steeper hills much quicker.
Novel-Early@reddit
Many areas of Stockport!
The_39th_Step@reddit
Good shout this
No_Candle2537@reddit
A lot of North Wales seems to fit the bill
Novel-Early@reddit
I'd love to move to North Wales (from Stockport); tis my spiritual home!
No_Candle2537@reddit
It is lovely up here! I forget how good we have it until I travel into various cities.
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thank you, it's beautiful for sure. I wasn't sure how easy it is without a car but can certainly look into it, thanks for the idea.
No_Candle2537@reddit
A lot of here relies on tourism, take Llandudno for an example. Thanks to that we've got decent busses, and not terrible trains too. To keep Llandudno as my example, there's 2 beaches, 2 mountains, 2 (small) retail parks and a big Asda, all in one town.
Some smaller towns and villages you'd be better off having a car, but still doable.
Short-Shopping3197@reddit
Birmingham.
Hear me out. It has more trees and acres of parkland per person than any other city in Europe, and it was recognised as ‘the UKs first nature city’ in 2025 by my the National Trust. It famously has more miles of canal than Venice. There are lovely nature walks within the city in parks, and along canal towpaths. You are also within easy travel distance to the Cotswolds, the Peak District, the Welsh valleys etc for longer journeys.
Residential areas on the outskirts of the city are very green and often walking distance or short uber rides from full countryside, but still easily accessible to the city centre for shopping and conveniences.
Competitive_Rub_9590@reddit
Lancaster on the doorstep to the Lake District, on the west coast main line too with good transport links
highdon@reddit
South Wales, specifically up the Valleys have relatively good transport links and the trails are right on your doorstep. Housing is also dirt cheap compared to somewhere like Reading.
Aromatic_Lettuce5603@reddit
I live in the south. We have the new forest and its only a half hour boat ride to the isle of wight also beaches if thats any help? Ive lived lots of places but always seem to find this an amazing place to live full of history beautiful places
iffyClyro@reddit
Kinross.
SpaTowner@reddit
I don’t know about rent/property prices, but Aviemore is handy for Cairngorms, has an Aldi and a Tesco, railway station, local hospital and is just off the main road between the Highlands and Central Belt, with a reasonable spread of service buses, Citylink, Megabus and Ember bus services.
Hoaches with tourists a lot of the year, but that’s why is has decent services for a place of its size.
There seems to be a local climbing club and a climbing wall too. https://www.climbscotland.net/locations/cairngorm-geckos/
matmos@reddit
South Wales, bags of it very nearby
Naive_Reach2007@reddit
Brecon, mid Wales, literally greenery everywhere and very affordable
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I will check it out!
That_Organization901@reddit
I begrudgingly suggest Plymouth because I don’t really want prices going up.
There’s an indoor climbing centre but there’s also Dartmoor and Cornwall that are really close for hiking etc. buses go to both really regularly and you can find yourself on the moors or a beach in no time.
The waterfront is great for sup and kayak and because it’s so hilly here and there’s so much water, you’re spoiled for good views.
There’s so many social groups based around outdoor stuff and lots for quiet things like the gaming cafes etc.
I don’t drive but I’ve never felt hindered here. There’s always a bus somewhere, the train is 2 hours to Bristol and 4 to London. It’s 2 hours to Penzance so all of Cornwall is just there too.
silentsquirreluk@reddit
For same reasons I would also recommend Exeter - close to Dartmoor, good climbing centre, you can hire canoes and bikes from the quay, close to Exmouth on the train which has lots of watersports, and faster train link than Plymouth to the rest of the country.
elbapo@reddit
Just saying chester as I think its a good option. Nice access to the meadows/ parks and other countryside walking routes on foot. Bus access to clwyddian range. By train or coach its easy to get to snowdonia.
scottylion@reddit
I know people rag on it, but Derby/Notts have some nice places and you’re so close to a lot of green!
Also Staffordshire with Cannock Chase.
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I will check them out!
crispycat40@reddit
I don’t often recommend Worthing, but we’re very close to the sea and Downs.
There’s also a big indoor rock climbing centre in Brighton so 25 minute train ride.
Worthing is great for nature.
1h20 to London.
The town itself isn’t much, but there are more restaurants popping up.
Kittygrizzle1@reddit
SW Sheffield. Very pretty, on edge of Peak District which is full of climbers.
Buses into the Peaks.
Vegetable-Row-6882@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much!
ToTooThenThan@reddit
Belfast is pretty good, you can get trains up to the north coast seaside towns like Portrush or a bus out to the Mourne mountains, there are closer beaches on the trainline too, the people here are extremely friendly and you'd get a nice apartment for your budget.
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