Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Hiking in United Kingdom

    Hikes in United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, offering historic cities, beautiful castles, quaint villages, and some really spectacular natural attractions. This beautiful country also has a lot to offer in terms of adventure travel, with more and more people coming to the UK each year to experience its magnificent mountains, valleys, and coastline.

    The United Kingdom may be a small country, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to outdoor activities! This small collection of islands offers a whole host of amazing things to do, from hiking and backpacking to climbing, scrambling, and cycling.

    The UK is made up of four nations, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with its own particular charm. Rugged Scotland has much to offer hikers and backpackers, with some of the highest mountains in the UK, and many multi-day backpacking treks, while England is a hub for cycling and road biking, in addition to boasting some fascinating city walks. Climbers flock to Wales and Northern Ireland every year to take advantage of the beautiful mountains and coastal cliffs.

    To help you plan your next adventure holiday to the United Kingdom, we’ve put together all the information you’ll need. You’ll find helpful tips, recommendations for places to stay and visit, and our guide to all the best walks and adventure activities in the UK.

    15 Greatest Hikes in the United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom is perhaps one of the most idyllic settings for a walk, with rolling green hills, picturesque ponds and charming, quiet villages. Whether you’re looking for something short and sweet, or long and challenging, we’ve got you covered on your next adventure through the U.K. countryside.

    • Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay: This incredible hike takes you from the tip of the Ravenscar cliffs to the charming town of Robin Hood’s Bay. With incredible views from start to end, follow the loop back to discover the historic old Scarborough-Whitby railway.
    • Scafell Pike: Walk along the road less travelled to explore the highest peak in England--Scafell Pike. This trail is decidedly more pretty than the popular Wasdale Head hike and far less crowded.
    • The Great Ridge and Win Hill: Considered the most walked ridge line in England, this hike makes all the bucket lists for a reason. It connects some of the most famed summits in the region, Lose Hill (476 m) and Mam Tor (517 m), while also conquering Win Hill.
    • Hole of Horcum: Featuring the already impressive Hole of Horcum, this walk is extra special as you hike through the magical moorlands and pass through the charming town of Levisham.
    • Mam Tor: This easy, circular route is perfect for families with young children and offers easy access to the Peak District’s most iconic view. At the top of the ascent, lookout over Vale of Edale, Peveril Castle and the Hope Valley for stunning landscapes.
    • Helvellyn Walk: This walk remains a classic and for good reason. This challenging trail takes in some of the most beautiful sections of England’s Lake District and the scenic town of Glenridding—which looks straight out of a postcard.
    • Kinder Scout: Prepare for an epic adventure on this hike conquering the most difficult terrain of the Dark Peak with peaty trails, craggy peaks and deep cloughs.
    • Ben Venue Walk from Loch Achray: The Ben Venue Walk tops our list as one of the best hikes out there! With exceptional stunning views across Scotland’s Loch Katrine, Ben Lomond and beyond, this hike should go to the top of your bucket list.
    • The Great Trossachs Path 1: This section of the famed Great Trossachs Path covers exceptional viewpoints over Loch Lomond to Trossachs Pier at the head of Loch Katrine. Pop into the local tea shop or unwind at the rustic Stronachlachar Lodge at the mid-way point in your two-day journey.
    • Ben Lomond: While an extremely popular mountain, we recommend taking the less popular route for the descent, which makes for an interesting return from the summit and a much quieter hike.
    • Loch Venachar Walk: Head out on this long, but relatively flat trail to take in the perimeter of Loch Venachar. Enjoy beautiful views of the waterfront and surrounding mountains as you walk through the countryside.
    • Dovedale: Enjoy a variety of quirky oddities on this Dovedale hike, as you wander past unique limestone features, like Lover's Leap, Tissington Spires and Dove Holes. Then, summit Bailey Hill for impressive views.
    • Snowdon Horseshoe: Be forewarned, this hike is best left to experienced hikers. Take in the incredible views of Crib Goch ridge—considered one of the best in Whales—for a memorable hike. Come prepared for crazy winds and snowy conditions at times.
    • CWM Idwal Walk: This short, but steep hike tempts with the promise of a stunning lake and multiple waterfalls just beyond the peak. Plus, there is a shop for a sweet treat to enjoy at the end of the trail.
    • Barmouth Panorama Hike: Be dazzled by panoramic views from the tip top of Barmouth on this spectacular hike. Lookout over the Afon Mawddach estuary, up and down the Welsh coast, and out to Cardigan Bay from the top of the ridge.

    When is the Best Time to Hike in the United Kingdom

    The summer is a particularly fantastic time to hike in the United Kingdom, with the most amount of days promising sunshine and warmth. As a bonus, it never gets overly hot in the U.K. throughout the summer, so you don’t have to worry about heat exhaustion or planning the timing of your hike just right. The spring also offers pleasant weather, but be prepared with an umbrella and wellies in the case it rains (which it often does!).

    Best Regions to Hike in the United Kingdom

    There is no shortage of breathtaking spots to hike across the United Kingdom. With multiple countries under one umbrella, you’re sure to be delighted with the options for an adventurous hiking holiday. In England, discover the natural beauty of Chiltern Hills, the famed pools of the Lake District, the stunning, rugged landscape of the North York Moors, the rolling, unexpected hills of South Downs, or the oldest national park in the U.K.--the Peak District. In Scotland, the gorgeous Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park awaits exploration. And in Wales, the magic of hiking in Snowdonia continues to delight hikers each year.

    Other Activities in the United Kingdom

    While most don’t first and foremost think of the United Kingdom as an outdoor adventure paradise, let us assure you, they’re wrong. The U.K. offers a fantastic vacation to those seeking epic hiking adventures, as well as fascinating and historic city walks. It’s also revered by cyclists to be one of the best and most beautiful destinations for a cycling holiday, where you’ll work up a sweat peddling from pub to pub. For more remote adventures, there are plenty of options for mountain biking, trekking and climbing--regardless of skill level.

    United Kingdom's Adventure Tours

    If you’d rather skip the headache of planning your own trip, why not let 10Adventures help? With our wide-range of tours in the United Kingdom, check out England or Scotland for fantastic options. All you have to do is pack your bag—the rest is taken care of! From walking the Cotswold Way in its entirety to cycling the Scottish Isles of Arran, Islay, and Jura, our 10Adventure tour options are guaranteed to be epic and worry-free.

    How to Plan a Trip to the United Kingdom

    Ready to pack your bags and hit the trails across the United Kingdom? We’ve got you covered with our complete, local guides! From the Chiltern Hills, to the Lake District, to North York Moors National Park, to South Downs National Park, to the Peak District, to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, to Snowdonia—we took out all the guesswork, leaving more time for hitting the trails.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Hikes in United Kingdom on Map

    View Map

    Hiking regions in United Kingdom

    Best Hikes in United Kingdom

    Showing 201 to 220 of 1,000+
      Open details for South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

      South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

      Moderate
      12.1 km
      408 m
      3.5-4.5h

      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!

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for South West Coast Path: Penzance to Poldhu Cove

      South West Coast Path: Penzance to Poldhu Cove

      Moderate
      29.9 km
      507 m
      6.5-9.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Castle Ward Shore Trail

      Castle Ward Shore Trail

      Easy
      3.9 km
      64 m
      1h

      The Castle Ward Shore Trail is a spectacular family-friendly walking route in County Down that will provide stunning views and the chance to visit historical and pop culture sites. While out on the trail, you will explore the grounds of the unique and extravagant 18th Century Castle Ward before heading towards the shores of Strangford Lough to visit Old Castle Ward, one of the Game of Thrones filming locations. This is an amazing adventure that is packed full of interesting architecture and beautifully scenic views.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Devil Dykes Pub Walk

      Devil Dykes Pub Walk

      Easy
      4.3 km
      206 m
      1.5-2h

      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!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Open details for Langstrath Valley

      Langstrath Valley

      Easy
      14.4 km
      284 m
      3.5-4.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Doon Hill Fairy Trail

      Doon Hill Fairy Trail

      Very Easy
      5.0 km
      104 m
      1-1.5h

      Doon Hill Fairy Trail is a magical walk for the little ones and the big kids too! This trail is mostly easy walking with one short steep ascent to the top of Doon Hill. You’ll get spectacular views down the valley from a clearing on the descent. This hike is short but certainly sweet!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      8.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Langsett Reservoir Circular Walk

      Langsett Reservoir Circular Walk

      Easy
      6.0 km
      222 m
      1.5-2.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for The Rose and Crown Ivinghoe Beacon Walk

      The Rose and Crown Ivinghoe Beacon Walk

      Moderate
      6.9 km
      225 m
      2-2.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Llyn Padarn Walk

      Llyn Padarn Walk

      Easy
      8.2 km
      212 m
      2-3h

      The Llyn Padarn loop walk trails alongside the tree-lined Llyn Padarn, a peaceful lake on the border of Snowdonia National Park. This simple, low-effort walk takes you along a wooded path that passes a lovely waterfall and provides excellent views of Snowdon. With modest elevation gain and unique sights like a castle and an Instagram-famous tree, Llyn Padarn is a treat for walkers of all ages.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular Walk

      Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular Walk

      Moderate
      8.5 km
      301 m
      2.5-3.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Grassington Walk

      Grassington Walk

      Moderate
      11.7 km
      188 m
      2.5-3.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk

      Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk

      Moderate
      8.4 km
      276 m
      2-3h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for South West Coast Path: Woolacombe to Barnstaple

      South West Coast Path: Woolacombe to Barnstaple

      Moderate
      31.4 km
      231 m
      6-8.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for South West Coast Path: Poldhu Cove to Kuggar

      South West Coast Path: Poldhu Cove to Kuggar

      Moderate
      21.9 km
      621 m
      5.5-8h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Castle Ward Hoof Trail

      Castle Ward Hoof Trail

      Easy
      11.9 km
      288 m
      3-4h

      The Castle Ward Hoof Trail is a beautifully scenic walking route in County Down, Northern Ireland that will take you around the estate grounds to visit some historical buildings. While out on the trail, you will make your way around the semi-forested estate and take in views of Audley’s Castle and Old Castle Ward, before making a return to the 18th Century Castle Ward House. This is a fantastic adventure if you enjoy grand estates and extravagant historical buildings.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Rannerdale Knotts

      Rannerdale Knotts

      Easy
      6.3 km
      259 m
      2-2.5h

      Rannerdale Knotts is a great day trip. The drive to Buttermere is exciting and once walking you get wonderful views throughout the walk.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Old Winchester Hill Circular Walk

      Old Winchester Hill Circular Walk

      Moderate
      7.2 km
      234 m
      2-2.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Flash and Three Shires Head Circular Walk

      Flash and Three Shires Head Circular Walk

      Moderate
      6.0 km
      273 m
      2-2.5h

      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.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Bracklinn Falls Walk

      Bracklinn Falls Walk

      Easy
      5.3 km
      157 m
      1.5-2h

      Witnessing the power and might of a waterfall is one of the most remarkable ways to connect with nature, and the Bracklinn Falls Walk invites you to do just that. The popular 5.3 km trail near Callander unfolds on a solid path, taking walkers on a mild ascent through a pretty forest before descending to a peaceful glen. A series of waterfalls grace the trail providing an excellent opportunity to see the Keltie Burn rushing through the gorge at various stages. The route to the falls is generally suitable for most baby buggies, making this walk a family favourite!

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Cnicht from Croesor

      Cnicht from Croesor

      Hard
      12.1 km
      649 m
      4-5.5h

      Cnicht is a 689 m peak in the Moelwynion range known as the “Matterhorn of Wales”. The Croesor ascent is an exhilarating way to conquer this impressive mountain, beginning in the quaint village of Croesor and traversing over a wooded path before ending with a Class 1 scramble to the summit. Here, expansive views of Snowdonia National Park await. While it’s a bit of a leg-burner, the hike up Cnicht from Croesor is a rewarding trek perfect for hikers wanting to test out their scrambling skills.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews

      Other Activities in United Kingdom

      Detailed Route Guides
      Real GPS Coordinates
      Reliable Trail Reports
      Experienced-Based Travel Tips
      GPS App
      Extensive Travel Guides

      Tours

      Routes

      Blogs

      Get travel inspiration and discounts

      Join our weekly travel newsletter