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    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.

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    Hiking regions in United Kingdom

    Best Hikes in United Kingdom

    Showing 241 to 260 of 1,000+
      Open details for Ben Lui and Beinn a’Chlèibh Walk

      Ben Lui and Beinn a’Chlèibh Walk

      Very Hard
      10.0 km
      1,078 m
      4.5-6.5h

      The Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chlèibh Walk from Glen Lochy invites hillwalkers to tackle two marvellous peaks, including the grand Ben Lui and its somewhat less famous neighbour, Beinn a'Chlèibh. The challenging trail brings the heat, with a river crossing and two confronting ascents, but the views from 1,130 m above atop Ben Lui’s summit and achieving a climb of one of the highest peaks in the Southern Highlands makes it well worth the effort.

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      Open details for Fleetwith Pike Circular Walk

      Fleetwith Pike Circular Walk

      Moderate
      9.7 km
      821 m
      4-5.5h

      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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      Open details for Freeland Stroll

      Freeland Stroll

      Moderate
      5.1 km
      134 m
      1.5-2h

      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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      Open details for Horse Head Moor and Deepdale Walk

      Horse Head Moor and Deepdale Walk

      Moderate
      9.7 km
      376 m
      3-4h

      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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      Open details for Bovey Tracey and Parke Estate Circular Walk

      Bovey Tracey and Parke Estate Circular Walk

      Moderate
      6.1 km
      160 m
      1.5-2h

      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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      Open details for South West Coast Path: Clovelly to South Hole

      South West Coast Path: Clovelly to South Hole

      Hard
      21.6 km
      684 m
      5.5-8h

      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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      Open details for South West Coast Path: St Anthony to Portloe

      South West Coast Path: St Anthony to Portloe

      Moderate
      20.9 km
      562 m
      5-7.5h

      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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      Open details for Comber Greenway Trail

      Comber Greenway Trail

      Easy
      12.7 km
      136 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Walking the Comber Greenway Trail is a great experience in Belfast that will allow you to travel to the nearby town of Comber without facing any traffic. While out on the trail, you will traverse an old railway line along a greenbelt through the city before cutting across the open countryside on the way into Comber. Although there are no cars on this route, you will need to keep an eye out for passing cyclists and remember to share the pathway.

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      Open details for Dolmelynllyn Estate

      Dolmelynllyn Estate

      Easy
      7.1 km
      238 m
      2-2.5h

      This walk has everything from waterfalls, to ruins, to an old gold mine! This is a great hike to go on if you want to learn more about Welsh history. It’s also not terribly taxing: a good adventure for the whole family.

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      Overall Rating
      10.0
      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 Thorpe Cloud Walk

      Thorpe Cloud Walk

      Easy
      2.9 km
      185 m
      1-1.5h

      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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      Open details for The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) Walk

      The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) Walk

      Hard
      11.0 km
      920 m
      4.5-6.5h

      Explore the central and north summits of Ben Arthur on the exhilarating Cobbler (Ben Arthur) Walk, featuring the most distinctive-shaped mountain in all of the Southern Highlands. This fantastic hill walk begins in Arrochar and unfolds on a clear path consisting of some steep and rocky sections and a gruelling descent between the Cobbler’s two prominent peaks. Panoramic views from the summit across the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park make this a beloved climb by hillwalkers near and far.

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      Open details for Tarn Hows Circular Walk

      Tarn Hows Circular Walk

      Moderate
      5.6 km
      241 m
      1.5-2.5h

      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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      Open details for Fladbury River Circular Walk

      Fladbury River Circular Walk

      Easy
      4.5 km
      81 m
      1-1.5h

      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.

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      Open details for Bull and Broughton Hall Estate Walk

      Bull and Broughton Hall Estate Walk

      Easy
      6.0 km
      111 m
      1.5-2h

      The Bull and Broughton Hall Estate Walk holds pieces of history, such as the landmark pub named The Bull, and is home to the Broughton Hall Estate. Wander through pasture paths, country lanes and disused railway lines, all while walking along cattle and sheep grazing. Although there are no significant climbs, there is a small ascent to navigate.

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      Open details for Sheeps Tor Walk

      Sheeps Tor Walk

      Easy
      4.2 km
      180 m
      1-1.5h

      The walk up Sheeps Tor is a great adventure that will get you away from the crowds surrounding the Burrator Reservoir for some lovely views overlooking the rugged expanse of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will make your way around the contours of a small hill south of the reservoir before a brief push up to the summit of Sheeps Tor, where you will enjoy some lovely views. This quick walk is perfect for an afternoon stroll to explore the Devon countryside.

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      Open details for South West Coast Path: South Hole to Bude

      South West Coast Path: South Hole to Bude

      Hard
      19.3 km
      732 m
      5.5-7.5h

      Beginning in Devon and ending in Cornwall, the South West Coast Path: South Hole to Bude is one of the more challenging sections of this famous long-distance walking route. While out on the trail, you will traverse some rugged and undulating coastal terrain as you walk along the water’s edge and pass between these two counties. If you aren’t planning on completing the entirety of the South West Coast Path, be sure to arrange a pick up at the endpoint of the walk.

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      Open details for South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey

      South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey

      Hard
      19.2 km
      747 m
      5.5-7.5h

      Walking the South West Coast Path: Portloe to Mevagissey trail is a challenging portion of this famous long-distance route that will provide beautiful views of the ocean. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the rocky cliffs that characterize this part of the coast and traverse several points before completing the final leg into Mevagissey. The elevation gain is more or less spread throughout the entire route, so be prepared for a bit of a leg burn.

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      Open details for Castle Archdale Circular Walk

      Castle Archdale Circular Walk

      Easy
      4.0 km
      2 m
      0.5-1h

      The Castle Archdale Circular Walk is a great route for all ages and skill levels, thanks to it’s laid back terrain, beautiful views, and interesting historical sites. While out on the trail, you will walk the shores of Lower Lough Erne before exploring the grounds of a former 17th Century castle and 18th Century manor house. Make sure to either attempt this trail in fair weather or bring your wellies, as the paths can be fairly muddy when wet.

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      Open details for Barmouth Panorama

      Barmouth Panorama

      Moderate
      10.5 km
      443 m
      3-4.5h

      A walk up to the height above Barmouth will give you spectacular panoramic views across the Afon Mawddach estuary, up and down the Welsh coast, and out to Cardigan Bay. With a list of views like that, you can see why it’s a hike worth taking.

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      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Tegg’s Nose Walk

      Tegg’s Nose Walk

      Moderate
      4.2 km
      235 m
      1.5-2h

      If you are searching for a fairly short walk with some nice variation in terrain and spectacular views overlooking scenic woodlands and rolling green hills, then look no further. The Tegg’s Nose Walk is a 4.2 km circuit that will lead you through serene stretches of forest along the foot of the hill and past several scenic reservoirs before climbing uphill for a commanding view over the farms and villages of the surrounding area. There is a bit of elevation gain along the route, but it is more than manageable for walkers of most skill levels.

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