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
Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd
This is a spectacular riverside walk in Snowdonia that follows the River Gamlan from Ganllwyd up to the wild Rhaeadr Ddu falls. The route will wind its way through the peaceful woodland before bringing you back to your starting point in the village.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Walk
The popular Rievaulx Abbey Walk starts in the bustling market town of Helmsley and follows part of the Cleveland Way to reach the idyllic village and ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. With plenty of classic Yorkshire views and history a plenty— this is a great loop and day out.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Southease and the River Ouse
Explore the South Downs on this pleasant and quiet walk. This hike is a real immersion into quintessential English countryside. Prepare to stroll alongside the River Ouse before slowly climbing uphill to be rewarded with far reaching views from the South Downs Way. Stay at the YHA South Downs for easy access.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Burnham Beeches Walk
The Burnham Beeches Walk is a short adventure that is great for families, as it features a couple of brief, steep climbs to challenge young explorers. Explore the primeval woodland at your own pace as you pass ponds, ancient settlements, meadows, marshlands, and thousands of beech trees.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The Great Ridge and Win Hill
The Great Ridge is arguably the most walked ridge line in England, connecting the summits of Lose Hill (476 m) and Mam Tor (517 m) whilst dividing the grit stone Dark Peak to the North and the limestone dales to the South. With the addition of Win Hill it makes for a spectacular and challenging Peak District hiking adventure.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Ben A’an Walk
The Ben A’an walk is a fun hike up what is commonly referred to as a mini mountain in Scotland. The Ben A’an walk offers superb views, a steep climb and, a picture perfect (mini) mountain. Views from the top are sensational due to its central position within the Trossachs.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Talybont Reservoir Walk
The Talybont Reservoir Walk is a relaxing outdoor experience in Wales that will take you around the shoreline of the largest stillwater reservoir in the central Brecon Beacons. While out walking the trail, you will traverse quiet roads and footpaths through the forest, as you take in some beautiful views across the water. While this is an easy-going walk, be sure to keep an eye on children and dogs when walking along the road portions of the route.
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Painswick to Slad Loop
Explore the beautiful South Cotswolds on the Painswick to Slad Loop. This lovely walk shows off some of the most beautiful walking country and the charming historic villages of Painswick and Slad. You’ll enjoy the bucolic views from the tops of rolling hills, and the tranquility of walking along the fields and streams of the English countryside.
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Morrone Walk
The Morrone Walk is a 12.0 km circular hillwalk located near Braemar, Scotland. This is the perfect way to soak up the incredible beauty of the Cairngorm peaks on a thrilling half-day excursion, and the views from the summit won’t disappoint! The return route features a lovely riverside stretch, providing the perfect cooldown following a relatively strenuous climb.
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Skiddaw
The walk up Skiddaw is an amazing journey that will take you up the steep mountainside to reach the summit viewpoint atop England’s 6th highest peak. Although it may sound daunting, the path is well-maintained and defined, making it a fairly easy adventure as far as summit walks go. Be sure to arrive early, as parking can be limited.
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Angram Reservoir Circular Walk
Wander through the two stunning nature reservoirs on the Angram Reservoir Circular Walk! You will also come across the massive walled Scar House Dam where you can watch the waters cascade down the tall walls of the dam creating a waterfall-like appearance. While this walk is dog-friendly, the gates along the second reservoir may be locked, making it tough for some pups to navigate.
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Ingleton Waterfalls Circular Walk
The Ingleton Waterfalls Circular Walk is a great family-friendly stroll that showcases the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This path boasts gentle terrain, and the short length makes it ideal for kids. Wandering along this path, you will come across stunning scenery and magnificent waterfalls.
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Cadover Bridge to Shaugh Bridge Circular Walk
The Cadover Bridge to Shaugh Bridge Circular Walk is a great family-friendly adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will see you traverse some rugged terrain and experience some breathtaking views. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to reach the rugged viewpoint atop Dewerstone Rock before heading through the forest to meander along the banks of the River Plym. This is a wonderfully scenic journey that will truly allow you to get lost in the beauty of nature.
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Northam Burrows Circular Walk
The Northam Burrows Circular Walk is a lovely seaside adventure in Devon that will take you along the coast for views of the Bristol Channel. While out walking the trail, you will traverse relatively flat terrain that is composed of sand dunes, coastal grasslands, and marshes, making the route suitable for walkers of varying skill levels. Northam Burrows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so be courteous and treat the landscape with respect.
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South West Coast Path: Geevor to Land’s End
The South West Coast Path: Geevor to Land’s End is a wonderfully scenic walking route along the coast that will allow you to explore the southwest corner of England. While out on the trail, you will enjoy lovely seaside views, walk past historical sites, and experience the rugged beauty of the Cornish coast. This is a one-way trail, so make sure to arrange a pick up or plan out your public transit route from the end point of the walk.
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Mussenden Temple Walk
The Mussenden Temple Walk is a spectacular outdoor excursion that will expose you to stunning coastal views and impressive historical sites. While out on the trail, you will make your way along the scenic coast to visit Mussenden Temple along the edge of a cliff, before looping around to view Downhill House. This is a fantastic walking route for anyone with an interest in scenic views and history.
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The Old Man of Coniston Walk
The Old Man of Coniston walk is a Lake District classic, offering fabulous views and a satisfying day out on the fells. There are many ways to conquer the Old Man, but whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy splendid mountain tarns, sweeping valleys and quintessential Lake District scenery.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The Long Man of Wilmington to Alfriston
This short walk first climbs uphill to view the Long Man of Wilmington, a giant hill figure carved into the hillside. After passing the figure the views become vast and at one point you can even glimpse the ocean glistening in the distance. The walk finishes across the river and past the 14th century church into the picture-perfect village of Alfriston, a popular place to explore.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Ben Ledi Walk
Ben Ledi offers you a tranquil walk in the charming Scottish countryside, just a short drive from Callander. Ben Ledi is the highest mountain in the main part of the Trossachs. This hike provides an excellent viewpoint and a superb climb.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Thor’s Cave and The Manifold Valley
This hike takes you for a walk around the hidden Manifold valley from the sleepy village of Wetton. You’ll follow a subterranean river system and hike through one of the largest natural caverns in the National park.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty