Walks In England
Looking for great places to go walking in England? You’ll be spoilt for choice! Steeped in history, myth and ancient lore, England’s timeless landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for avid walkers. This small country offers a tremendous diversity of scenery, including blustery coastal trails, epic mountain lakeside paths, charming river valleys, and dense woodland. Whether you’re looking for a challenging mountain trek or a gentle valley walk, England has a trail for you.
For such a small, densely populated country, England has a surprising number of national parks and beautiful regions where it’s still possible to escape the crowds and get lost. While the Lake District is still the number one attraction for walkers, there’s also plenty to see and do in the Peak District or the North York Moors. Each region has its own unique character and you’ll find plenty of variety, including rugged, open fells, ancient woodland, and green, rolling hills. There are so many incredible regions for walking in England; the only problem you’ll have is deciding where to start!
To give you a little inspiration, we’ve put together our top tips for walking in England. You’ll find suggested walking routes, regional guides, and advice for planning your trip. So what are you waiting for? Start your adventure and go walking in England today!
Types Of Walking In England
One of the best features of walking in England is that there really is something for everyone, from easy, flat trails to imposing, rocky mountains and everything between. Many low-level trails in the national parks offer wheelchair and buggy-friendly paths, meaning that there are many routes that the entire family can enjoy. You’ll find gentle valley walks, short coastal trails, and canal routes, all of which offer an easy walk if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous.
However, if you’re a keen walker and seeking a challenge, head to the Lake District for a more vigorous trek. Here, amidst the wild, open fells, you’ll find some of the highest mountains in England. The ascents may be strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.
Easy Walks In England
Temple of the Winds Walk: The enigmatically named Temple of the Winds walk is one of the most beautiful easy walks in England, and a must for visitors to the South Downs. The poet Lord Tennyson passed much of his time contemplating the magnificence of the scenery near the Bronze Age bank known as the Temple of the Winds, which served as inspiration for some of his most beloved poems. You can do the same from the stone bench at the mid-point of the walk. This walk is a wonderful introduction to the beautiful South Downs.
Langstrath Valley Walk: The Lake District boasts some spectacular scenery, but it often comes at a cost – some very steep hills! This low-level walk combines the best of both worlds, allowing you to admire the stunning views without expending too much energy. The walk to this beautiful hidden valley will take you past bubbling streams, along riverside paths, and through picturesque villages, and is one of our favorite easy walks in England.
Family Walks In England
Hambledon Lock Walk: If you’re looking for a fun walk in the Chilterns for all the family, head to Hambledon Lock, just a stone’s throw from Henley-on-Thames. Kids will love the experience of watching the boats navigate the lock, and parents will appreciate a pit stop at the friendly Flower Pot Pub.
Farndale Daffodil Walk: Looking for an easy walk in England that is buggy-friendly? This beautiful walk through the villages of Low Mill and Church Houses is perfect for families, especially those with small children. If you’re pushing a buggy or need wheelchair access, take the linear route there and back to the car park. Alternatively, complete the small loop through open farmland and forest. Either way, this delightful stroll makes for a lovely day out.
Mam Tor Circular Walk: Mam Tor is the Peak District’s ‘mother hill’, and this relatively easy walk is a great option for families. The top of the hill may be windswept, but the views are magnificent, showcasing some of the best parts of the Peak District. This is a region steeped in ancient history, and kids will love searching out the carved stones and historical landmarks.
Day Walks In England
Brush Hill and White Leaf Nature Reserve Walk: The Chilterns is one of England’s designated Areas Of Natural Beauty, and this lovely hike through Brush Hill and White Leaf Nature Reserve is one of the best day walks in England. You’ll enjoy dense woodland, sweeping views from the Ridgeway, and even a glimpse of the Prime Minister’s weekend home at Chequers! There’s an abundance of wildlife to see on the way, including many rare birds and butterflies. Come in autumn when the woods erupt in a festival of color.
East Dean, Beachy Head and Birling Gap Walk: Beachy Head is one of the most iconic sights in the South Downs – a towering white chalk cliff that dominates the headland near Eastbourne. This lovely walk from East Dean takes you over Beachy Head and up to Birling Gap, offering amazing cliff-top views. This makes for a wonderful day out in the South Downs.
Challenging Walks In England
Newlands Horseshoe Walk: If you’re looking for a dramatic ridge walk and one of the most challenging walks in England, head to the Lake District. The Newlands Horseshoe walk will take you over six summits, including the steep fell of Catbells, providing you with some of the best views in the Lake District. This is a challenging hike and a long day, but we think it’s one of the best walks in the United Kingdom.
Kinder Scout Walk: Kinder Scout, the most famous of the Dark Peaks, holds a particular charm for adventure travelers. This challenging walk is also one of the region’s most rewarding, with breathtaking views, varied terrain, and some sections that require a satisfying scramble over the rocks. Kinder Scout is an epic Peak District trail and a must for more adventurous walkers.
Best Walks In England
Helvellyn Walk: Regularly topping the list of the best walks in England, this route up Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a Lake District classic. You’ll need a head for heights and to be prepared for a bit of a scramble, but the views from the iconic Striding Edge ridge make it all worth the effort. For a slightly easier route, ascend Helvellyn via Swirral Edge, which is a little less strenuous but no less spectacular.
Glynde and Mount Caburn Walk: Beginning in the quaint village of Glynde, this fantastic walk through the South Downs offers a perfect afternoon out in the English countryside. The gentle, undulating terrain of the South Downs is ideal walking territory, and the views over the rolling hills down to the ocean are incomparable.
Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay Walk: Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque village in the north east of England, offering access to some of the best coastal walks in the UK. This route, which begins high up on the cliffs of Ravenscar, will take you along the Cleveland Way and the coastal path all the way to the village, where you can stop for an hour or two of exploration before continuing the trail. This popular trek offers incredible views of the bay and plenty of variety along the way.
The Great Ridge and Win Hill Walk: Connecting the famous Peak District summits of Mam Tor and Lose Hill, the Great Ridge stretches for 3km above the Hope Valley. This is one of the best ridge walks in England, and perhaps the most popular route in the Peak District, with a challenging climb, diverse scenery, and breathtaking views. Don’t miss the Old Hall at the end of the trail – an atmospheric pub dating from 1508.
Fairfield Horseshoe Walk: The walk around the Fairfield Horseshoe begins and ends in the pretty Lake District town of Ambleside, and offers some of the finest views in the region. It’s a pretty stiff climb to ascend the horseshoe, but once you’re up, you can enjoy a superb ridge walk with a stunning vista.
Ashridge Boundary Trail: The Chilterns are simply teeming with wildlife, and this long day walk along the Ashridge Boundary Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. Watch out for soaring red kites and herds of small deer, and enjoy remarkable views from Beacon Hill. Make sure to leave plenty of time to finish the route, and enjoy the fabulous, ever-changing scenery of the beautiful Chiltern Hills!
Dovedale Walk: Dovedale is one of the most popular hills in the Peak District, and this trail from Ilam is the best way to experience it. This incredible Dovedale walk follows the River Dove to Milldale, tracing the path of medieval trade routes and ascending high up to Bailey Hill. The views here are simply fabulous, and the unique limestone features of the Peak District provide plenty of variety.
Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Walk: North Yorkshire is dotted with eerie skeletons of medieval abbeys and monasteries, once-great centers of wealth and learning that were destroyed in the aftermath of the English Reformation. Their towering remains form a beautiful backdrop for a hike in the North York Moors, and this route to Rievaulx Abbey is one of the finest. A relatively easy hike, this walk is a fantastic way to learn more about England’s fascinating history whilst enjoying its beautiful scenery.
Scafell Pike Walk: The quickest route up Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, runs from Wasdale Head, and is a straightforward scramble up to the top. However, this wonderful walk via Ill Crag offers much more variety, and has to be one of the best walks in England. You’ll pass mountain tarns, bubbling streams, and beautiful gorges, all while enjoying some of the finest views the Lake District has to offer.
Sutton Bank, White Horse of Kilburn and Gormire Lake Walk: This stunning, challenging walk is our favorite way to experience the North York Moors and the popular Cleveland Way. It includes a dramatic cliff walk, cool, dense forest, rolling green hills, and a glimpse of the beautiful Gormire Lake; all of England’s best features packed into one wonderful day hike! The locals claim that the views at Sutton Bank are the best in England. You can be the judge – add this gorgeous walk to your England walking itinerary!
When Is The Best Time To Walk In England?
England’s temperate climate means that you can go walking at any time of the year, although you should be prepared for rain, even in summer! To experience the forests and fells at their best, come in spring when the woods are carpeted with bluebells and daffodils. Alternatively, plan your trip in autumn when the leaves start to turn and the trees put on a dazzling display of orange, red, and gold.
Summer is the best season for warm weather, and it’s never too hot to go walking in England. This is the season when the countryside is at its best, with vibrant green foliage and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. However, popular regions like the Lake District and Peak District are likely to be very busy, especially in the school holidays. Avoid the crowds by planning your visit in late spring or early autumn instead.
England also offers many walking opportunities in winter and this can be a lovely time to see the fells in the north, covered in a glistening coat of frost. However, be careful if you’re walking on higher ground in winter as the weather can change rapidly and conditions in the mountains may become dangerous. Avoid ridge walks in winter weather, and always consult local information before you set off on a trek. If in doubt, hire a local guide who will be able to help you plan your ideal walking holiday in England. Check out our recommended tours in England for more ideas!
Best Regions For Walking in England
The Lake District is regularly cited as one of the best regions for walking in England, and it’s certainly easy to see why. This gorgeous national park, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, offers some of the most beautiful, distinctive, and un-spoilt scenery in the whole of the country. Any England walking itinerary should include a tour of the Lakes.
However, there’s much more to England beyond the charms of the Lake District. The Peak District National Park covers parts of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire, and offers a huge expanse of walking trails in some pretty spectacular scenery. Further south, the Chilterns cover a smaller band of hills south of Oxford, and it’s here you’ll find quintessential English landscapes, with rolling hills, delightful villages, and serene rivers.
The South Downs, located in the south east of England, boast beautiful green hills and dramatic coastal paths, perfect for a day trip from London. Finally, all the way up in the north east of the country, the North York Moors provide an epic vista, with rugged fells, beautiful cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages. Whatever your preference, England offers a casket of wonders for walkers and you’re sure to fall in love with the landscape, whichever region you choose!
How To Plan A Trip To England
If this list of epic trails has you reaching for your walking boots, don’t worry. We’ve got all the information you’ll need on how to plan a trip to England. You’ll find advice for planning your trip, suggested hikes, transport tips, and lots more in our Chilterns guide, Lake District guide, North York Moors guide, and South Downs guide. We’ve done the hard work – all you need to do is pick a destination!
Hiking regions in England
- Chiltern Hills (110)
- Cornwall (136)
- Dartmoor National Park (67)
- Devon (85)
- Dorset (15)
- Exmoor National Park (21)
- Howardian Hills AONB (16)
- Lake District (195)
- New Forest National Park (63)
- Nidderdale AONB (20)
- North York Moors (91)
- Northumberland National Park (107)
- Peak District (158)
- South Downs (124)
- The Cotswolds (83)
- Yorkshire Dales National Park (91)
Best Hikes in England
Bull and Broughton Hall Estate Walk
The Bull and Broughton Hall Estate Walk holds pieces of history, such as the landmark pub named The Bull, and is home to the Broughton Hall Estate. Wander through pasture paths, country lanes and disused railway lines, all while walking along cattle and sheep grazing. Although there are no significant climbs, there is a small ascent to navigate.
User Ratings
Sheeps Tor Walk
The walk up Sheeps Tor is a great adventure that will get you away from the crowds surrounding the Burrator Reservoir for some lovely views overlooking the rugged expanse of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will make your way around the contours of a small hill south of the reservoir before a brief push up to the summit of Sheeps Tor, where you will enjoy some lovely views. This quick walk is perfect for an afternoon stroll to explore the Devon countryside.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: South Hole to Bude
Beginning in Devon and ending in Cornwall, the South West Coast Path: South Hole to Bude is one of the more challenging sections of this famous long-distance walking route. While out on the trail, you will traverse some rugged and undulating coastal terrain as you walk along the water’s edge and pass between these two counties. If you aren’t planning on completing the entirety of the South West Coast Path, be sure to arrange a pick up at the endpoint of the walk.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey
Walking the South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey trail is a challenging portion of this famous long-distance route that will provide beautiful views of the ocean. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the rocky cliffs that characterize this part of the coast and traverse several points before completing the final leg into Mevagissey. The elevation gain is more or less spread throughout the entire route, so be prepared for a bit of a leg burn.
User Ratings
Tegg’s Nose Walk
If you are searching for a fairly short walk with some nice variation in terrain and spectacular views overlooking scenic woodlands and rolling green hills, then look no further. The Tegg’s Nose Walk is a 4.2 km circuit that will lead you through serene stretches of forest along the foot of the hill and past several scenic reservoirs before climbing uphill for a commanding view over the farms and villages of the surrounding area. There is a bit of elevation gain along the route, but it is more than manageable for walkers of most skill levels.
User Ratings
Helm Crag Circular Walk
The Helm Crag Circular Walk is a fun and at times rugged adventure in the Lake District that will take you to the summit nicknamed “The Lion and the Lamb” due to its unique rock formations. While out on the trail, you will walk through the village of Grasmere and traverse forest and farmland terrain before arriving at the summit for amazing views overlooking the Cumbria landscape. This is a great walk that features a good variety of terrain, making it suitable for a variety of walkers.
User Ratings
Stonesfield Stroll
The Stonesfield Stroll is a fantastic outdoor experience that will take you through the Oxfordshire countryside for some beautiful views of the surrounding Cotswolds terrain. The trail sets out from the charming village of Stonesfield next to the Church of Saint James the Great and passes by two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as you work your way through the picturesque terrain that can be found in the region. The walk largely follows along field pathways and country roads, with only one notable steep section near the start/end point of the route.
User Ratings
Hunter’s and Fisherman’s Path to Castle Drogo
The Hunter’s and Fisherman’s Path to Castle Drogo is a fantastic walking route that will allow you to take in the local history and natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will wind your way through the Teign Gorge and visit the historic Fingle Bridge before returning along the riverside to climb uphill on the return to Castle Drogo. This is definitely a route geared towards history lovers.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Plymouth to Wembury
The South West Coast Path: Plymouth to Wembury is an amazing walking route that will take you along the South Devon Coast for some spectacular views across the blue expanse of the English Channel. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the city and open countryside along the water’s edge, until you reach the end point of the trail near Wembury Beach. This is a point-to-point trail, so make sure to pre-arrange a pick up at the end of the route.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Mevagissey to Fowey
Walking the South West Coast Path: Mevagissey to Fowey is a great experience that will allow you to take in the beauty of Cornwall and its coastal areas. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rugged shoreline and climb uphill for breathtaking views that sweep across St Austell Bay. This is a fantastic long distance route if you are looking to explore the Cornish Riviera.
User Ratings
Chrome Hill Walk
The Chrome Hill Walk is an exciting adventure in Derbyshire that will take you uphill along two distinctive peaks for some amazing views across the rolling hills that make up the county. Due to the prominent nature of both the Chrome and Parkhouse hills, the trail can be fairly steep and rocky in places, making for a thrilling climb up to the vantage points. This route is a bit of a tough grind, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
User Ratings
Orrest Head Circular Walk
The Orrest Head Circular Walk is a fairly quick adventure in the Lake District that will take you uphill through the forest to the lookout point atop Orrest Head. While out on the trail, you will experience a relaxing woodland atmosphere before arriving at the summit for breathtaking views overlooking Windermere and the surrounding forests. This walk is made up of well-maintained and easy to navigate paths that are suitable for walkers or all ages.
User Ratings
Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor Circular Walk
The Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor Circular Walk is a perfect route if you enjoy relaxing strolls in picturesque riverside settings. While out on the trail, you will make your way upstream along the winding banks of the River Tavy before climbing uphill to traverse several tors with charming views of Dartmoor national Park. There is a bit of an elevation gain on this route, but the spectacular views and peaceful settings are well worth the minimal effort.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Wembury to Challaborough
The South West Coast Path: Wembury to Challaborough is an amazing long distance walking route that will allow you to experience the beauty of the South Devon coast. While out on the trail, you will explore the Yealm Estuary and meander along the beautiful coastal terrain before crossing the River Erme by foot at low tide on the way to Challaborough Bay. This route does involve a ferry crossing over the Yealm Estuary that is only serviceable from April to September, as well as a foot crossing over the River Erme that will need to be timed for low tide, so be sure to plan your walk accordingly.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Fowey to Downderry
The South West Coast Path: Fowey to Downderry is a beautifully scenic, but long and challenging walk along the gorgeous coast of Cornwall. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill and traverse the rugged coastal terrain, passing through charming villages as you enjoy stunning views that sweep across the English Channel. This route will take a fair amount of physical fitness to complete in one day; however, the beautiful views and sense of achievement are incomparable.
User Ratings
Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk
The Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk is a 6.3km lollipop route that takes you through the dense woodland terrain surrounding the upper and lower Rivelin Reservoirs. Along the trail, walkers will experience a tranquil forest atmosphere filled with moss-covered trees and small, trickling waterfalls that give this former hunting ground an almost magical feel. This is a perfect walk for the entire family to get out and explore the natural beauty of the forest.
User Ratings
The Great Gable Round
The Great Gable Round is a spectacular Lake District walk that will take you on a steep uphill climb for some amazing views over the rugged landscape. The trail sets out from Seathwaite, following closely along several winding streams and passing by a waterfall before beginning the tough slog to the summit. You’ll likely get a bit of a leg burn on this challenging walk, but the gorgeous views are certainly worth the effort.
User Ratings
Hembury Woods Walk
Walking the Hembury Woods Trail is a fantastic adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will lead you through a lovely stretch of forest along the River Dart. While out on the trail, you will traverse the serene woodland terrain along the water’s edge before climbing uphill around the Iron Age hillfort site of Hemsbury Castle. This is a great route if you appreciate beautiful natural settings and ancient history.
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Challaborough to Salcombe
The South West Coast Path: Challaborough to Salcombe is a scenic section of a much longer route that will lead you along the entirety of the Devon coastline. While out on this specific portion of the trail, you will pass through charming villages and traverse rugged coastal terrain with stunning views before passing by Salcombe Castle on the final leg into the endpoint of the walk. This is a point-to-point trail, so make sure to arrange a pick up at the end of the route, or else you’ll be legging it the full distance back to your vehicle at the trailhead!
User Ratings
South West Coast Path: Downderry to Plymouth
The South West Coast Path: Downderry to Plymouth is a long segment of the 1,013.9 km national trail known as the South West Coast Path. While out exploring this portion of the famous walk, you will traverse the rugged coastline and walk along the Rame Head Peninsula before taking a ferry across to the end of the route in Plymouth. This may be a lengthy adventure, but there is no better way to explore the natural beauty of the Cornish coast.