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
Reeth to Arkengarthdale Walk
The Reeth to Arkengarthdale Walk is a magical journey through the valleys and along the River Arkle. Explore the beauty of the English countryside as you wander along this path and the valley of Arkengarthdale. This path is a heart-pumping trek, so make sure you are prepared to get some exercise.
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Two Moors Way Section 6: Chagford to Drewsteignton
Walking along the Two Moors Way Section 6: Chagford to Drewsteignton is a lovely experience that will allow you to take in the natural beauty of the Devon countryside. Along the trail, you will enjoy a picturesque riverside setting, as you follow the meandering banks of the River Teign, before climbing uphill past the extravagant grounds of Castle Drogo. Keep in mind that this is a one-way route, so you will need to either backtrack along the trail or arrange a pick up at the end point.
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South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe
The South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe is a pleasant walk along the Devon coast that will take you through some undulating terrain with spectacular views. While walking in between these two areas, you will traverse the rugged coast with its stunning cliffs and look out across the blue waters of the Bristol Channel as they stretch out to Lundy Island and South Wales. This is a point-to-point trail, so remember to arrange a pick up for the end of your walk unless you want to walk the entire distance back!
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South West Coast Path: Penzance to Poldhu Cove
Walking the South West Coast Path: Penzance to Poldhu Cove trail is a fun adventure that will allow you to experience the beauty of the landscape along the shores of Mount’s Bay. While out on the trail, you will traverse rocky cliff sides and take in views of sandy beaches, as you tackle the lengthy distance between Penzance and the secluded Poldhu Cove. The trail here isn’t overly difficult, but it is the long overall distance that will make it challenging.
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Devil Dykes Pub Walk
The Devil Dykes Pub Walk is a beautiful journey among the wildflowers and unveils incredible views of the longest, deepest, widest and driest valley in all of the United Kingdom. You will also travel through the quaint village of Poynings, which has a population of only 280 people!
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Langstrath Valley
The walk to the hidden Langstrath Valley is a favourite low-level walk in the Lake District. Get stunning views without the strenuous uphill the Lake District is famous for.
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Langsett Reservoir Circular Walk
The Langsett Reservoir Circular Walk is a 6.0 km hiking circuit in the Peak District that travels around the edge of Langsett Reservoir and provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Along the walk, you will experience a variety of terrain types that include beautiful stretches of woodlands and the open terrain of the moors, all while absorbing the breathtaking views across the water with a backdrop of rolling green hills. This walk is the perfect way to spend some quality family time while exploring the great outdoors.
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The Rose and Crown Ivinghoe Beacon Walk
The Rose and Crown Ivinghoe Beacon Walk takes you on a loop through the countryside, starting and ending at the Rose and Crown pub. What better way to end your journey than to grab a pint! While this hike is ranked as easy-moderate, it does boast of some steep sections that will get your heart pumping, which will make your end-of-walk drink all the more rewarding.
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Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular Walk
Walking the Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular is a fantastic outdoor experience in the Cotswolds AONB that will take you from the village of Seven Springs through a picturesque stretch of English countryside. While out on the trail, you will traverse charming grassland hills, visit unique historical sites, and make your way through the peaceful woodlands that can be found along the Cotswold Way. The stunning scenery along this walk and the good variety of terrain make it perfect for a fun family adventure on the weekend.
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Grassington Walk
The Grassington Walk is a stunning stroll that grants a great opportunity for your furry friends to get out and enjoy nature. The path consists of meadows, pastures and a river and boasts amazing views of the surrounding area. There are moderate gradients as well as some steps and stiles to navigate, so be prepared for this during your walk.
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Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk
Walking the Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Trail is a fun experience that will see you traverse the rugged terrain along the slopes of several tors for views overlooking the water. While out on the trail, you will pass through lovely forests and make your way into the open countryside before climbing your way uphill along to the scenic viewpoint atop Leather Tor that overlooks Burrator Reservoir. This is a fantastic adventure that will get you away from the crowds around the reservoir to explore the beautiful terrain of the surrounding area.
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South West Coast Path: Woolacombe to Barnstaple
The South West Coast Path: Woolacombe to Barnstaple is a long but beautifully scenic walk that will expose you to views along the Devon Coast. Travelling between Wollacombe and Barnstaple, this route will take you along the water’s edge and provide some nice views not only of the Bristol Channel, but also of the Taw and Torridge estuaries. This is a one-way walk, so make sure to pre-arrange your travel plans for the return back to the starting point of the walk.
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South West Coast Path: Poldhu Cove to Kuggar
Walking the South West Coast Path: Poldhu Cove to Kuggar is a great adventure along the Cornish coast that provides some stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rugged coast along the Lizard Peninsula, making your way through a national nature reserve on the way to the thrall’s end in Kuggar. This is a wonderful route along the picturesque south coast of England.
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Rannerdale Knotts
Rannerdale Knotts is a great day trip. The drive to Buttermere is exciting and once walking you get wonderful views throughout the walk.
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Old Winchester Hill Circular Walk
The Old Winchester Hill Circular Walk takes you on a journey through the English countryside. Prepare yourself for some down and uphill walking as you wander along the rolling hillsides. This breathtaking walk will display why it is so popular among locals and tourists alike.
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Flash and Three Shires Head Circular Walk
The Flash and Three Shires Head Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic walking route in Peak District National Park that takes you to the point where Chesire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire converge. Along the trail, you will experience breathtaking views of the surrounding moor, and visit a serene spot alongside the River Dane that is spanned by a charming 18th-century packhorse bridge. Package all of this together with a quick pint at Britain’s highest village pub and you have a strong contender for one of the best walks in the area.
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Painswick Beacon Circular Walk
Walking the Painswick Beacon Circular is a great adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that features some beautiful scenery and pleasant terrain, making it perfectly suitable for a fun family excursion. The trail sets out from the Falcon Inn in Painswick and leads you through a variety of terrain such as open farmland, rolling hills, and lovely forests before arriving at the stunning viewpoint atop the beacon. Once there, you will enjoy a panoramic sightline that sweeps across the rolling hills and picturesque countryside that make this area such a popular walking destination.
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Great Whernside Walk
The Great Whernside Walk is an amazing stroll that incorporates the beauty of the Whernside Peak. The beautiful rolling green hills can be seen across the distance you summit Whernside. You will also be able to explore Hooks Bank.
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Drake’s Trail
Walking along Drake’s Trail is a lengthy but laid back experience that will see you traverse the western edge of Dartmoor National Park to experience lovely views of the city and countryside. A popular route with walkers and cyclists alike, the terrain here isn’t overly challenging, making it perfectly suitable for walkers of most ages and skill levels. Take note that this is a one-way walk, meaning that you will need to arrange a way back to the trailhead following your adventure.
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South West Coast Path: Barnstaple to Westward Ho!
The South West Coast Path: Barnstaple to Westward Ho! is another fun and beautifully scenic, but lengthy trail that will take you along the coast for some stunning views of the Bristol Channel and several other waterways in Devon. While out on the trail, you will make your way from the town of Barnstaple through picturesque coastal terrain and charming seaside villages, as you walk along the water’s edge to arrive in the village of Westward Ho! Unless you are planning on completing the entire South West Coast Path, you will need to pre-arrange a pick up at the end point of the route, as this is a one-way trail.