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.
Hiking regions in United Kingdom
Best Hikes in United Kingdom
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.
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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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Cladagh Glen and Marble Arch Caves Walk
The Cladagh Glen and Marble Arch Caves Walk is a fun adventure in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland that will take you along a forested glen to visit a series of caves. While out walking the trail, you will make your way uphill along the banks of the Cladagh River, passing by a cascading waterfall on the way to the limestone Marble Arch caves. This is an exceptional route that the entire family will be able to enjoy.
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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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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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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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Ben Vane Walk
Although Ben Vane (930 m) only just makes the cut to be classified as a Scottish Munro, this rugged peak offers a spectacular route to reach the summit following a fairly brief but challenging ascent. The sleepy Hamlet of Inveruglas, where the walk begins, is the perfect place to savour a meal or a pint in a traditional pub following the walk, from where the views of Loch Lomond won’t disappoint.
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Rhyd Ddu to Snowdon
When choosing a route to ascend Snowdon, the Rhyd Ddu path scores major points for being quieter, less busy, and a heart-pumping trek. Rhyd Ddu offers stunning views over Snowdonia, especially of Moel Cynghorion right beside you, and lightly technical sections to help build your confidence in the mountains. While the end of the path can be a touch harder to follow, you have the option to take a more established route to make your descent a breeze.
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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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Montalto Estate Woodland Trail
The Montalto Estate Woodland Trail is a fantastic family-friendly adventure in County Down, Northern Ireland that will take you around the grounds of an historic estate. While out walking the trail, you will explore the woodland pathways of the 17th Century Montalto Estate and take in views of the 18th Century Montalto House, before making a return along the Ballynahinch River. This is an excellent walk if you are looking to stay close to town but want to reconnect with nature on some well-manicured trails.
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Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls is a short but sweet hike that walks you along the Llugwy River, to Swallow Falls, and onwards to a spectacular viewpoint. The Ty Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House, which is actually in no way ugly, is a remarkable find, and it makes this short hike that much more distinct.
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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.