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
Shutlingsloe Circular Walk
The Shutlingsloe Circular Walk is a 20.0 km circuit route near Macclesfield that will take you through the historic Macclesfield Forest to summit the third highest peak in Cheshire. Along the trail, walkers will experience serene forest terrain and spectacular views that sweep across the Cheshire countryside from atop the hill. The route itself is easy to navigate and well-maintained with several steep sections, making it a suitable challenge for hikers of most skill levels.
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Gummer’s How
The walk up Gummer’s How is a quick adventure in the Lake DIstrict that climbs uphill for some amazing views overlooking Windermere. The trail passes through a tranquil stretch of woodland terrain before breaking out of the tree cover for a loop around the summit. Navigation on this lightly-travelled trail can be a bit tricky in places, but the amazing views from the summit make the short climb a worthy venture for walkers of all skill levels.
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Miller’s Dale Circular Walk
The Miller’s Dale Circular Walk is a fantastic route in the Peak District that provides some nice views of the surrounding Derbyshire landscape and utilizes an old railway that has been converted to walking trails. The route initially crosses the Miller’s Dale Viaduct and closely follows the River Wye before passing through a railway tunnel and eventually climbing to the top of Longstone Edge. This is a unique trail that is suitable for hikers of most skill levels, including families.
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White Nancy Circular Walk
The White Nancy Circular Walk is a fantastic route northeast of Macclesfield that will take you uphill along Kerridge Ridge to visit White Nancy, a commemorative site to the victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Along the trail, you will be able to explore the area around the monument and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Cheshire landscape. The route is well-maintained and fairly easy to navigate; however, there are a few steep sections of steps that will restrict travel for less mobile walkers.
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Manifold Track Circular Walk
The Manifold Track Circular Walk is an 8.9 km circuit route that sets out from the village of Wetton and traverses the surrounding farmland to skirt alongside the coursing waters of the Manifold River. While out on this walk, you will experience breathtaking views across the Derbyshire landscape and visit the various local sites that can be found along the banks of the river. This route can be quite busy at times, so make sure to set out early to beat the crowds!
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Monsal Dale and Shacklow Wood Walk
The Monsal Dale and Shacklow Wood Walk is a 9.3 km circuit in Derbyshire that will take you from the picturesque village of Ashford-in-the-Water through the scenic countryside to explore the beautiful forests of Great Shacklow Wood. Along the walk, you will experience a variety of terrain, including urban walkways, farmland tracks, riverside landscapes, and serene stretches of forest. There are a few steep parts along the route, but overall this is a fantastic walk that can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of most skill levels.
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Monsal Dale Walk
The Monsal Dale Walk is a fantastic walking route that will allow you to experience a number of different terrain types throughout the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. The trail sets out from Monsal Head and traverses some scenic farmland to the east before looping back to cross over the River Wye along the Monsal Dale Viaduct. After making your way over the impressive structure, you will stroll through the forests along the banks of the meandering River Wye before arriving back at the trailhead. This is a wonderful walk without much difficulty, that features some truly beautiful scenery.
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Howden Edge and Reservoir Walk
A day out on the Howden Edge and Reservoir trail is almost guaranteed to be one well-spent, as the scenic views across the Howden Moors and surrounding Upper Derwent Valley are truly a beautiful sight to behold. While out on this 15.0 km lollipop route, you will skirt around the edge of the charming Howden Reservoir before climbing up the hillside for some amazing views across the surrounding moorland and calm waters below. Access to the trailhead can be restricted on weekends, so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time as it is one that you won’t want to miss.
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Froggatt Edge Circular Walk
Walking the Froggatt Edge Circular is a fun outing in Derbyshire that will allow you to experience some amazing views across this charming county. While out on the trail, walkers will experience great sightlines across the rolling green landscape from atop the Froggatt and Curbar Edges before heading downhill for a riverside stroll through the village. After capping off the walk with a relaxing stroll through some woodland terrain, you can safely say that you’ve explored the various terrain types that the village of Froggatt has to offer.
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Dunford Bridge to Penistone Walk
The walk from Dunford Bridge to Penistone is a charming stroll along some fairly flat terrain that connects the village to the larger town. The trail runs parallel to the River Don and offers some scenic views of the surrounding landscape as you cut through the countryside towards the east. Although you can walk this route, it is largely used by cyclists, so make sure to keep an eye out and leave enough room for people to pass.
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Sett Valley Trail
Walking the Sett Valley Trail is a fun, easy-going experience in Derbyshire that will take you from the town of New Mills to the neighbouring village of Hayfield. The trail utilizes an old railway line that runs parallel to the River Sett, making for a scenic and not-too-difficult route that can easily be done in under an hour. If you want to complete the walk as an out-and-back, simply double back along the same trail to return to the starting point where you began your journey.
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Stanton Moor Walk
The Stanton Moor Walk is a fun outdoor adventure in Derbyshire that will allow you to look out over the surrounding landscape and experience the beautiful scenery of the Peak District. The walk sets out from the charming village of Rowsley and climbs up the moor alongside the River Wye to provide some amazing views before descending the hillside and returning to the village along the winding waters of the River Derwent. There are a lot of unique places to visit in the village as well, so why not make it a full-day adventure and explore this lovely corner of Derbyshire!
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Errwood Reservoir Walk
Exploring the countryside along the Errwood Reservoir Walk is a fun experience that will allow you to discover historical sites and amazing views from the summit of two peaks. The walk climbs uphill along the moor to the vantage points atop Cats Tor and nearby Shining Tor before descending through the forest to visit the Ruin of Errwood Hall. With a return journey along the edge of the charming Errwood Reservoir, there is no shortage of beautiful sites to experience while out on this intermediate-length walk.
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Holme Moss Walk
The Holme Moss Walk is a great long distance walk on the edge of the Peak District that will take you uphill to the summit of Black Hill. While out on the trail, you will experience the peaceful waterside atmosphere of the numerous reservoirs that can be found along the route, and make your way across the ruggedly beautiful terrain of the surrounding moorland. While not overly difficult or technical, this route is a bit longer than most and offers a good opportunity for casual walkers to build up their experience with longer distances.
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Peak Forest Canal Walk: Marple to Whaley Bridge
The Peak Forest Canal Walk is an easy-going walking route that will take you along the edge of a scenic canal from the town of Marple to Whaley Bridge. Along the walk you will experience a variety of scenery including uban, countryside, and waterside views that highlight the beauty of the area. The route is largely made up of paved and well-maintained gravel pathways that are relatively flat, making for a pleasant experience that can be enjoyed by walkers of every skill level.
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Greenfield Waterfall Circular
Walking the Greenfield Circular route is a great adventure through some varied terrain that will take you from the edge of Dovestone Reservoir to the top of Ashway Moss. While out on the walk, you will experience the calm atmosphere along the edge of the water before climbing some rocky terrain and visiting a small cascading waterfall on the way up the moor. There is a bit of challenging terrain on this walk and weather can sometimes be an issue, but if you are ready to brave the elements for a fun adventure then this is the perfect route for you.
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Digley Reservoir Circular Walk
The Digley Reservoir Circular Walk is an easy-going circuit in the Peak District that will take you around the edge of the reservoir to provide some nice views across its calm waters. This route will take you through some lovely stretches of forest, open areas with views of the surrounding hills, and will likely provide the chance to spot some local wildlife, such as the various bird species that call the area home. The trail is largely flat and well-maintained, save for a few rocky sections, making it suitable for walkers of almost any age and skill level.
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Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk
The Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk is a fantastic long-distance walking route in the Peak District that will see you out for the day, exploring the rolling green hills of the English countryside. While out on the walk, you will have some nice views overlooking the Ladybower Reservoir and the beautifully engineered Ashopton Viaduct. This is a 27.0 km walk, so make sure to set out with the proper gear, as well as enough water and snacks to stay fueled along the trail.
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Redmires Reservoir Circular Walk
The Redmires Reservoir Circular is a short walking route near Sheffield that travels around three reservoirs for some nice views across the water. While the surrounding terrain is fairly flat, you will have some nice views of nearby farmland and woodland terrain. With easy-going and well-maintained trails, this walk is perfectly suited for walkers of all ages and skill levels.
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Rivelin and Redmires Walk
The Rivelin and Redmires Walk is a scenic route in the Peak District that will take you through a variety of terrain, including serene stretches of forest and open swathes of moorland. Along the walk, you will have several views across the water, including vantage points over Wyming Brook, the Redmires Reservoirs, and the Rivelin Reservoirs. With a beautiful forest setting that is begging to be explored, there is no reason to put off your next walk along this fantastic trail.