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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 141 to 160 of 1,000+
      Open details for Stover Lake Circular Walk

      Stover Lake Circular Walk

      Easy
      3.5 km
      62 m
      1h

      The Stover Lake Circular Walk is a lovely journey through a public park that features a charming lake and plenty of wildlife. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a peaceful woodland landscape and loop around the water’s edge along quaint bridges. The terrain here is easy to navigate and traverse, making it a wonderful trail for a fun family adventure that can be enjoyed by all.

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      Open details for The South West Coast Path: Portreath to St Ives

      The South West Coast Path: Portreath to St Ives

      Moderate
      29.3 km
      603 m
      7-9.5h

      Walking the South West Coast Path: Portreath to St Ives is a fantastic adventure along the Cornish coast that may be long, but also offers some amazing views of the seaside. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the coast and make your way along the banks of the River Hayle before finishing off in the charming town of St Ives. Plan ahead and make your travel arrangements for the end of this lengthy one-way trail.

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      Open details for Hillsborough Castle and Forest Park Circular Walk

      Hillsborough Castle and Forest Park Circular Walk

      Easy
      5.0 km
      128 m
      1-1.5h

      Walking the Hillsborough Castle and Forest Park Circular is a fantastic adventure that will showcase a beautiful woodland setting and historical buildings. While out on the trail, you will pass by Hillsborough Castle - the residence of the British royal family when they visit Northern Ireland - before meandering through a charming forest that features a lake. This is an amazing family-friendly route that will certainly keep everyone entertained for a few hours.

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      Open details for Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh Walk

      Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh Walk

      Moderate
      6.4 km
      126 m
      1.5-2h

      The Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh Walk is an exceptional adventure in County Antrim, Northern Ireland that will see you explore the grounds of a 17th Century estate and walk along the scenic shores of a lake. While out on the trail, you will meander along the banks of the Six Mile Water River to reach the shores of Lough Neagh, taking in the scenic views of the large inland lake before exploring the Italian Tower and ruins of Antrim Castle. This is a fantastic walk if you enjoy scenic views and historical sites.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      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 Monsal Trail

      Monsal Trail

      Very Easy
      6.0 km
      48 m
      1-1.5h

      The Monsal Trail is a renowned cycling and walking route that follows a section of the old Manchester – London railway built in 1863. It is 13.7 km in length, stretching from Buxton to Bakewell, but this hike is a select section of that.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      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 Moel Siabod – A Stunning Walk in Snowdonia National Park

      Moel Siabod – A Stunning Walk in Snowdonia National Park

      Moderate
      11.1 km
      801 m
      4-6h

      Moel Siabod is a superb Welsh mountain hike with excellent views across Snowdonia, and a wonderful climb to the summit. This walk is a definite must for lovers of the great outdoors. The trail starts out as a relatively easy few miles before reaching a short, sharp, final ascent to the summit.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Black Hambleton

      Black Hambleton

      Moderate
      12.9 km
      280 m
      3-4.5h

      This hike starts just below the summit of Black Hambleton, skirting around the base of the hill through forestry and farmland before a sharp ascent brings you up onto the ridge. The final 6.0 km is an easy hike with impressive views across the Vales of York and Mowbray, and on a clear day you will be lucky enough to spot the Pennines in the distance.

      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 The Firecrest Loop – Wendover

      The Firecrest Loop – Wendover

      Very Easy
      4.5 km
      79 m
      1-1.5h

      This well maintained woodland trail is a great family walk in the Chilterns! Look out for the white belly, golden ‘collar’, and quick movements of the Firecrest: at about the size of a 10p coin it is the UK’s smallest bird.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.6
      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 Loch Venachar Walk

      Loch Venachar Walk

      Hard
      19.2 km
      453 m
      4.5-6.5h

      Loch Venachar is a longish, low-level hike that takes you around the perimeter of Loch Venachar. There are superb views of the Loch and surrounding mountains throughout. Make use of all the wonderful spots to stop and enjoy the countryside on this pretty walk.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.5
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Hassocks to Lewes

      Hassocks to Lewes

      Hard
      18.0 km
      194 m
      3.5-5h

      Another gem of a walk in the South Downs. This hilly walk leaves Hassocks and heads steeply uphill to the Jack and Jill windmills of Clayton. The walk then follows a relatively flat stretch of the South Downs Way, where hikers can relax and enjoy the panoramic views. The trail finishes along the River Ouse and into the historic town of Lewes, a wonderful place to explore or visit the castle.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.3
      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 Leyburn and Harmby Circular Walk

      Leyburn and Harmby Circular Walk

      Moderate
      7.6 km
      144 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Leyburn and Harmby Circular Walk is an amazing journey that showcases the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Walk along this path and discover the beautiful waterfall and take in the expansive views of the surrounding area. You can also explore the quarry that is along this path.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      5.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Usk Reservoir Walk

      Usk Reservoir Walk

      Moderate
      8.7 km
      244 m
      2-3h

      The Usk Reservoir Walk is a great adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that offers a chance to explore a lovely body of water set in the Welsh countryside. While out walking the trail, you will follow along the edge of the Usk Reservoir and enjoy beautifully scenic views across the surface of the water and the surrounding woodland landscape. This is a fantastic walking route that is perfectly suited for a fun family adventure.

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      Open details for Lymington Circular Walk

      Lymington Circular Walk

      Easy
      7.0 km
      84 m
      1.5-2h

      The Lymington Circular Walk is a lovely circular route from the historic port town of Lymington along the coastline of the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, a hub for migratory birds and other wildlife. With a well-maintained path and a variety of landscapes, including marinas, rivers and marshes, it’s a great walk that’s best combined with a visit to one of Lymington’s charming pubs afterwards. The Lymington Circular Walk is mostly flat, making it suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities, including four-legged friends.

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      Open details for The Falls of Bruar Walk

      The Falls of Bruar Walk

      Easy
      2.5 km
      150 m
      1h

      At a mere 2.5 km, some may assume that The Falls Bruar Walk is just a short, leisurely stroll, but in truth, this short walk packs quite the punch! The hilly route consists of some steep sections that are sure to get the heart rate going while providing a nice little work-out for the legs. Due to the gorge edge featuring significant drops, this walk is best suited to adults walking with older children who can manage the steep inclines and remain vigilant when walking near the gorge edge. The route features a picnic area overlooking the falls, perfect for those looking to enjoy lunch while soaking up the marvellous scenery!

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      Open details for Loughrigg Fell Circular Walk

      Loughrigg Fell Circular Walk

      Moderate
      12.2 km
      595 m
      4-5.5h

      The Loughrigg Fell Circular is a 12.2 km walking circuit in the Lake District that will take you uphill along a rugged ridge for some amazing views across the Cumbria countryside. The trail sets out from Ambleside and takes you across the hilly terrain to summit the hill before skirting around the edge of Grasmere and Rydal Water to experience some beautiful scenery. Although the trail features some uphill walking to the summit, there are a series of steps that make the climb manageable for walkers of most skill levels.

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      Open details for Thornton Steward Circular Walk

      Thornton Steward Circular Walk

      Easy
      11.6 km
      140 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Thornton Steward Circular Walk is a lovely journey that showcases expansive views across Nidderdale. Discover countless sheep grazing along the open fields and wander along the river. Stop at the Cover Bridge Inn, where you can enjoy the beer garden after a nice, peaceful walk.

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      Open details for Elmley Castle Walk

      Elmley Castle Walk

      Moderate
      8.7 km
      236 m
      2-3h

      The Elmley Castle Walk is a scenic adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that will lead you uphill for some beautiful views of the surrounding Worcestershire countryside. While out on the trail, you will make your way across some open countryside to visit the village of Great Comberton before climbing up the forested hillside to the southwest for some lovely views of rolling green hills and charming cottages. While parts of this walk are physically demanding, the excellent views are more than enough of a reward.

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      Open details for Spitchwick Manor Circular Walk

      Spitchwick Manor Circular Walk

      Moderate
      10.8 km
      380 m
      3-4h

      Walking the Spitchwick Manor Circular is a fun journey through the Devon countryside that will consistently expose you to some of the beautiful locales that can be found within Dartmoor National Park. While out on the trail, you will walk along winding rivers, traverse historic estate grounds, and climb up the rugged tors that characterize the landscape here. This is a fun walk to do when your main aim is to simply get out on the trails and enjoy nature.

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      Open details for Bolt Head to South Sands Walk

      Bolt Head to South Sands Walk

      Easy
      8.7 km
      308 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The walk from Bolt Head to South Sands is a breathtaking experience that offers stunning views of the Devon Coast. Traversing the rugged terrain to the southwest of Salcombe, you will enjoy an amazing sightline across the English Channel that is all the more scenic if you are able to experience it on a clear day. While some of the terrain is a bit rugged, this trail is more than manageable for families with children, making it a perfect option for a fun weekend adventure.

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      Open details for South West Coast Path: St Ives to Geevor

      South West Coast Path: St Ives to Geevor

      Moderate
      21.2 km
      727 m
      6-8h

      The South West Coast Path: St Ives to Geevor is a fantastic oceanside adventure that will showcase the true beauty of the Cornish coastal areas. Departing the picturesque seaside town of St Ives, you will make your way along the shore and take in stunning views of secluded beaches and coves from atop dramatic cliffs. This really is an amazing way to experience the coast of England.

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