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
South West Coast Path: Kuggar to Helford
The South West Coast Path: Kuggar to Helford is a scenic trail that will take you along the eastern edge of the Lizard Peninsula to explore the Cornish coastline. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the Lizard National Nature Reserve and a number of charming villages, as you traverse the undulating landscape along the shoreline. Unless you are planning on completing the entire South West Coast Path, you will want to plan out your travel arrangements for the end of this one-way walk.
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High Street Roman Road Walk
The High Street Roman Road Walk is a fine trail that takestrail you through an untouched valley then up to the summit of Thornthwaite Crag. From there, explore the wonderful views on a great walk along an ancient Roman Road to the stunning Angle Tarn.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Seven Sisters Walk
The Seven Sisters Walk from Birling Gap is a stunning pathfull of wildflowers in the summer months and animals in their natural habitat and archaeology. This area was used as a training camp during 1914, and humps in the ground, previously used as training trenches, are still visible. This walk leads to the highlight of the Seven Sisters chalk-white cliffside that borders the ocean.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Macclesfield Forest Circular Walk
Walking the Macclesfield Forest Circular is a fun experience on the edge of Peak District National Park that will lead you through breathtaking stretches of woodland terrain and offer scenic views across the Ridgegate Reservoir. Made up of well-maintained pathways that are easy to navigate, this walk is perfectly suited for walkers of all skill levels, including families with children. If you are looking to extend your journey, try taking the alternate around the Ridgegate Reservoir for some nice views and the option to pop in to the Leather’s Smithy Pub for a quick pint.
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Shenington and Tysoe Circular Walk
The Shenington and Tysoe Circular Walk is an awesome adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that will take you through charming villages and beautiful stretches of pasture. The route travels between the two villages and exposes you to views of scenic rolling green hills, as you work through a variety of terrain that features a short but steep uphill climb. This walk is perfectly suited for a leisurely weekend stroll through the Oxfordshire and Warwickshire countryside.
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Langstrothdale Walk
The rolling meadows, soaring valleys and unique limestone pavement along the Langstrothdale Walk make this path a favourite among locals and tourists. Follow along the River Wharfe and discover the beauty that this area holds. On this walk, you will also see Lime kiln, Yockenthwaite Stone Circle and Deepdale.
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Lydford Gorge Walk
If you enjoy peaceful woodland landscapes, winding rivers, and dramatic waterfall views, then the Lydford Gorge Walk is a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. Located just north of Tavistock in the western part of Dartmoor National Park, this route will take you through a serene gorge along the River Lyd to view the White Lady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron. This is a great walking route for anyone interested in exploring a beautiful stretch of riverside terrain.
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South West Coast Path: Westward Ho! To Clovelly
The South West Coast Path: Westward Ho! to Clovelly is a lengthy walking route along the Devon Coast that makes up only a small portion of the greater South West Coast Path. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along rugged coastal cliffs that offer a wonderful sightline across the waters of the Bristol Channel. This is a point-to-point trail, so if you are not planning on completing the entire South West Coast Path, be sure to make arrangements for a pick up.
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South West Coast Path: Helford to St Anthony
Walking the South West Coast Path: Helford to St Anthony is an exciting adventure along the coast of Cornwall that requires several ferry crossings and offers stunning views of the water. While out on the trail, you will take the ferry across the Helford River and traverse the coastal landscape toward Falmouth, where you will take another ferry to reach St Anthony. This is a fantastic trail, as it offers a good variety of scenery and changes of pace by utilizing the ferry crossings.
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Meon Valley Walk
Meon Valley Walk is a stunning stroll with expansive views of Meon Valley and Buster Hill and the small town of East Meon. Vibrant wildflowers are scattered throughout this walk and dance around you as you stroll along the path. You will also cross the River Meon, which has clear blue water and is famous for its trout fishing.
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Dovestone and Yeoman Hey Reservoir Walk
Walking the Dovestone and Yeoman Hey Reservoir Trail will take you on a scenic 6.6 km circuit around several reservoirs for views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the track, you will experience views of the tranquil water as it sits nestled in the valley floor surrounded by moorland and the towering cliffs of nearby Dovestone Moss and Ashway Moss. The wide and well-maintained paths along this route make for a perfect family-friendly adventure with spectacular views.
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Fleetwith Pike Circular Walk
The Fleetwith Pike Circular is a challenging but ultra-scenic walking route in the Lake District that will see you climb up a steep mountainside trail to reach the summit of Fleetwith Pike. While out on this trail, you will have a sweeping view across the mountainous landscape, including the deep blue waters of Buttermere to the northwest. This route is perfect for those walkers that are looking for a bit of a challenge and don’t mind a bit of basic route finding.
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Freeland Stroll
The Freeland Stroll is a relatively quick and easy adventure just outside the borders of the Cotswolds AONB that will lead you through several charming villages for views of the surrounding countryside. Easy to navigate and fairly flat walkways make this a suitable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of nearly every skill level. Keep an eye out for the beautiful churches that can be seen poking above the village buildings throughout the route.
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Horse Head Moor and Deepdale Walk
Get your heart pumping along the challenging Horse Head Moor and Deepdale Walk. The Horse Head Pass takes you along the remote area of the moorland ridge as you explore the breathtaking views that this area offers. As you continue, you will have the pleasure of witnessing the beauty of the River Wharfe.
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Bovey Tracey and Parke Estate Circular Walk
The Bovey Tracey and Parke Estate Circular Walk is a fantastic excursion that will lead you through a good variety of terrain that borders the town of Bovey Tracey on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will navigate through peaceful woodlands that run alongside the River Bovey before climbing uphill to loop back through the fields and meadows of the Parke Estate. This is a great route if you want a fairly relaxed walk that features a number of different terrain types.
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South West Coast Path: Clovelly to South Hole
The South West Coast Path: Clovelly to South Hole is a challenging section of this famous long-distance route that will produce some stunning views along the coast. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the rugged cliffs and cleves that characterize the landscape here and make this walk a strenuous one. At least the breathtaking views are a good consolation for your efforts!
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South West Coast Path: St Anthony to Portloe
The South West Coast Path: St Anthony to Portloe is an amazing adventure along the coast of Cornwall that will produce stunning views overlooking the ocean. While out on the trail, you will experience the coastal landscape of southwest England, as you traverse the undulating terrain along the cliffs that overlook the water. The trail may be long, but the beautiful scenery is definitely worth the effort.
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Thorpe Cloud Walk
Walking up Thorpe Cloud is a fantastic outdoor experience that will take you along a 2.9 km circuit through the rolling green hills of the borderlands between Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Along the walk, you will summit the hill for some breathtaking views across the dale and pass by the stepping stones across the River Dove. Made up of pleasant and easy-to-navigate terrain, this walk is perfectly suitable for all ages and skill levels.
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Tarn Hows Circular Walk
The Tarn Hows Circular is a scenic walking route in the Lake District that will take you through beautiful stretches of woodland terrain surrounding a picturesque tarn. While out on the trail, you will feel a sense of relaxation as you walk through the serene forests before climbing uphill to a viewpoint with spectacular views over the area. This walk is perfectly suited for a quiet waterside walk with scenery that the entire family will enjoy.
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Fladbury River Circular Walk
The Fladbury River Circular Walk is a wonderfully scenic adventure in Worcestershire just on the outskirts of The Cotswolds AONB that will lead you along the banks of the River Avon for some stunning views. While out on the trail, you will meander the banks of the river and walk through picturesque swathes of farmland before taking a stroll through the village of Fladbury to view its charming cottages and historic mills. This is a fabulous walk that can and should be enjoyed by any and all walkers.