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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.

    View Hikes in United Kingdom on Map

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    Hiking regions in United Kingdom

    Best Hikes in United Kingdom

    Showing 341 to 360 of 1,000+
      Open details for Macclesfield Forest and Cheshire Matterhorn Walk

      Macclesfield Forest and Cheshire Matterhorn Walk

      Moderate
      14.6 km
      684 m
      4.5-6.5h

      The Macclesfield Forest and Cheshire Matterhorn Walk is a fun but challenging walk that will take you through a nice variety of terrain and elevation gain for some scenic views from the summit of Shutlingsloe. Along the trail, walkers will make their way through beautiful woodland terrain, across open meadows, and up rugged hills to take in some of the best views of the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Be prepared for a lot of ups and downs through the hilly terrain along this undulating trail.

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      Open details for Win Hill Walk

      Win Hill Walk

      Moderate
      7.6 km
      331 m
      2.5-3h

      The Win Hill Walk is a great adventure near Hope that will provide a solid workout and spectacular views overlooking the surrounding Peak District landscape. The trail traverses a scenic stretch of open farmland before climbing uphill through the rugged terrain of the moor to reach the summit of Win Hill. After taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills that make up the English countryside, you will descend the hill on the return to the village. This trail offers a great balance of uphill climbing and moderate distance, making for a fun trail that can be enjoyed by casual and seasoned walkers alike.

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      Open details for Hayfield and Lantern Pike Circular Walk

      Hayfield and Lantern Pike Circular Walk

      Moderate
      10.8 km
      405 m
      3-4h

      Walking the Hayfield & Lantern Pike Circular is a great adventure in the Peak District that will see you traverse a variety of terrain from charming villages to open tracts of fertile farmland. While out on the walk, you will set out from the village of Hayfield and make your way uphill to eventually reach the summit of Lantern Pike for some amazing views overlooking the Derbyshire countryside. This is a scenic route with a good bit of elevation gain, making for a solid workout with some beautiful views that can be enjoyed by both casual and seasoned walkers alike.

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      Open details for Bottoms to Woodhead Reservoir Circular Walk

      Bottoms to Woodhead Reservoir Circular Walk

      Moderate
      21.4 km
      629 m
      5.5-7.5h

      The Bottoms to Woodhead Reservoir Circular Walk is a fantastic long-distance walking route on the edge of the Peak District that will lead you around the edge of five different reservoirs. As you make your way around the Bottoms, Valehouse, Rhodeswood, Torside, and Woodhead reservoirs, you will have some spectacular views across the calm water and the surrounding hills of the Derbyshire countryside. This walk is great for a long-distance weekend stroll or for outdoor enthusiasts looking to build up to longer and more challenging routes.

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      Open details for Pilsbury Castle via Upper Dove Valley Circular Walk

      Pilsbury Castle via Upper Dove Valley Circular Walk

      Moderate
      11.3 km
      412 m
      3-4.5h

      The walk to Pilsbury Castle via the Upper Dove Valley Circular is a stunning adventure that will take you through the undulating hillscape of the Derbyshire countryside to eventually arrive at the site of an historic Norman Conquest era castle. The route passes through a picturesque setting along the winding banks of the River Dove and provides walkers with a good variation in terrain to keep the route interesting. This walk is perfect for a weekend adventure in the Peak District.

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      Open details for Macclesfield Forest Walk via Forest Bridleway

      Macclesfield Forest Walk via Forest Bridleway

      Moderate
      7.1 km
      294 m
      2-3h

      The Macclesfield Forest Walk via the Forest Bridleway is a relaxing experience that will allow you to explore the woodland terrain that makes up the last remaining parcel of what was once the Royal Forest of Macclesfield. In contrast to its past use as hunting grounds for the nobility, the area now operates as a nature reserve, with small populations of red deer inhabiting the area. In addition to viewing wildlife, while out on the trail, you will be able to view beautiful mature trees and the calm waters of the Ridgegate Reservoir.

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      Open details for Longshaw Estate Walk

      Longshaw Estate Walk

      Moderate
      6.3 km
      186 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Longshaw Estate Walk is a charming journey through the beautiful stretches of moorland, forest, and farmlands that were once owned by the Duke of Rutland. While out on the walk, you will make your way past the Longshaw Lodge, which was built by the Duke to host shooting parties, and walk alongside Burbage Brook as it winds around the foot of Owler Tor. This pleasant stroll is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors, so be sure to arrive early.

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      Open details for Hollins Cross Walk

      Hollins Cross Walk

      Moderate
      8.0 km
      466 m
      2.5-4h

      The walk to Hollins Cross is a spectacular journey along The Great Ridge that will allow you to experience some of the best views in Peak District National Park. While out on the trail, you will make your way along a number of prominent hills that include: Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Back Tor, and Lose Hill, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys that make this area so beautiful. Due to the ultra-scenic views, this route is very popular, so make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

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      Open details for Ringinglow Circular Walk

      Ringinglow Circular Walk

      Moderate
      10.5 km
      401 m
      3-4h

      Walking the Ringinglow Circular is not only a scenic adventure in the Peak District, but a historical one as well. While out on the trail, you will summit iconic Higger Tor and pass through the charming village of Hathersage before making your way to the location of a presumed Iron Age hill fort at Carl Wark. This walk is perfect for anyone with a keen interest in both the outdoors and historical sites.

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      Open details for Wincle Gritstone Walk

      Wincle Gritstone Walk

      Easy
      7.2 km
      266 m
      2-3h

      The Wincle Gritstone Walk is a scenic adventure through the East Cheshire countryside that will take you along the banks of the River Dane and through tranquil stretches of woodland terrain. Although the walk is a fairly relaxed experience, there are a few stretches of trail where you will need to climb uphill, particularly along the banks of the river. This is a fun walk with a good variety of terrain that can be enjoyed by walkers of most skill levels.

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      Open details for Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular Walk

      Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular Walk

      Moderate
      9.5 km
      541 m
      3-4.5h

      The Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular is a fantastic walking route in the Peak District with some solid uphill climbs and amazing views from the administrative border of Cheshire and Derbyshire counties. While out on the trail, you will cross open stretches of farmland before traversing a ridge with some scenic views. Shining Tor is a popular walking destination, so be sure to arrive early.

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      Open details for Castleton to Hollins Cross Circular Walk

      Castleton to Hollins Cross Circular Walk

      Moderate
      8.9 km
      439 m
      3-4h

      The Castleton to Hollins Cross Circular is a fantastic walking route in Derbyshire that will take you through the picturesque countryside to the top of the Great Ridge for some amazing views of the Peak District. This walk offers a great mix of urban village walkways, open fields, and rugged hilltop terrain that will be sure to keep you engaged while out on the trail. Although this route avoids walking the summit of the very busy Mam Tor, there will likely be a good number of walkers along the ridge, so be sure to arrive early.

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      Open details for Jacobs Ladder and Edale Circular Walk

      Jacobs Ladder and Edale Circular Walk

      Hard
      29.1 km
      1,102 m
      8-11.5h

      Walking the Jacobs Ladder and Edale Circular is a fun, if exhausting experience that will take you to some of the best highlights in Peak District National Park. While out on the trail, you will summit several peaks such as Hollins Cross, Mam Tor, and South Head, all while enjoying spectacular views across the picturesque farms, woodlands, and rugged hilltops that characterize the English countryside. This walk does feature a lot of off-trail walking, so make sure to bring your GPS to stay on the correct route.

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      Open details for Owler Tor Walk

      Owler Tor Walk

      Easy
      3.5 km
      108 m
      1-1.5h

      The Owler Tor Walk is a short but scenic adventure in the Peak District that will see you traverse the terrain surrounding the hill and make your way along the edge of Burbage Brook. From the elevated points along the trail, you will have a nice sightline looking out across the woodlands and moors that make up the Longshaw Estate. This short walk is perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll that the entire family will enjoy.

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      Open details for Barber Booth and Edale Head Walk

      Barber Booth and Edale Head Walk

      Moderate
      11.9 km
      417 m
      3.5-4.5h

      The Barber Booth and Edale Head Walk is a great walking route in one of the most picturesque parts of the Peak District, as you will have scenic views that stretch out across the Hope Valley. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rolling green hills and rugged peaks that this region is known for, including those within Kinder Scout National Nature Reserve. Parts of this route are quite rugged, with stretches of rocky and boggy terrain that are sure to keep you on your toes. Make sure to wear some good walking boots for this one!

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      Open details for Heatherdene to Win Hill

      Heatherdene to Win Hill

      Moderate
      13.8 km
      482 m
      4-5.5h

      The walking route from Heatherdene to Win Hill is a fun adventure through the Peak District that will expose you to some truly scenic views of the Derwent Valley. While out on the trail, you will walk the forested edge of the Ladybower Reservoir and experience views of the wonderfully engineered viaducts that stretch out across the water before making your way uphill for elevated views of the surrounding landscape. This pleasant walk is an excellent way to get acquainted with the Peak District.

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      Open details for Curbar Edge Circular Walk

      Curbar Edge Circular Walk

      Moderate
      9.3 km
      261 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Walking the Curbar Edge Circular is a fantastic experience due to the little required effort and spectacular views that overlook the Derwent Valley in the Peak District. While out on the trail, you will walk along three different escarpments: Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, and White Edge; all of which offer a great sightline over the picturesque Derbyshire countryside. The easy terrain and beautiful views make this walk a perfect option for a leisurely weekend stroll.

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      Open details for Cave Dale Walk

      Cave Dale Walk

      Easy
      4.7 km
      241 m
      1.5-2h

      The walk through Cave Dale is a fun outdoor experience in the Peak District that will take you uphill through a limestone gulley for some amazing views across the Derbyshire landscape. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a picturesque setting with vibrant green hills and limestone walls before taking in some amazing views of Peveril Castle, an 11th Century Castle overlooking Castleton. This is a great family-friendly walk that you won’t want to miss out on.

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      Open details for Chee Dale Walk

      Chee Dale Walk

      Moderate
      16.1 km
      545 m
      4.5-6h

      The Chee Dale walk is a 16.1 km circuit in Derbyshire that will take you through the picturesque English countryside on a loop from Miller’s Dale across the Taddington Moor and back. While out on the trail, walkers will cross vast stretches of farmland and pass through the dale to walk alongside the banks of the winding River Wye. This is a fairly easy walk in the Peak District that features beautiful scenery and easy-to-navigate trails.

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      Open details for River Dove Circular Walk

      River Dove Circular Walk

      Moderate
      15.9 km
      559 m
      4.5-6h

      The River Dove Circular is a fantastic walking route that will take you through the Staffordshire countryside to visit several unique sites, such as Thor’s Cave. While out on the trail, you will pass through scenic villages and beautiful stretches of farmland before making your way along the serene River Dove as it cuts through Wolfscote Dale. There is a good variation in terrain along this route, so strap on your boots and get ready to set out on this amazing adventure in the Peak District.

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