From Wales’ wind-whipped Pembrokeshire coast up to Scotland’s soaring Highlands, the United Kingdom offers spectacularly cinematic landscapes that are begging to be explored.
Mix lush forest trails with stops for refreshments in quaint countryside villages to truly maximize your experience in this ancient land. Hiking is not only a great form of exercise but also a remarkable way to connect with nature while viewing the UK’s stunning scenery (but do prepare for sudden rainfall). Grab a map, put on your boots, and discover the best hikes in the United Kingdom.
Pennine Way (Kinder Scout Loop via Jacobs Ladder) – A Great Waterfall Hike
8.5 miles (13.7km); 4 hours; difficult
Hikers everywhere will appreciate the recognition earned after tackling Britain’s premier long-distance path. Following the island’s mountainous spine from Edale in Derbyshire’s Peak District through the Yorkshire Dales to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, this trail spans 267 miles (429km) of challenging trekking through a trio of stunning national parks.
The full route requires roughly three weeks to complete; however, if you have less time (or energy), shorter day hikes will give you a nice flavor. The Kinder Scout Loop via Jacob’s Ladder offers a fantastic experience, with breathtaking views and the Kinder Downfall, an impressive 98ft (30m) waterfall.
Villages in the Yorkshire Dales provide the classic combination of beautiful scenery and charming country pubs, ideal for treating those blistered feet with a pint of real ale.
Experience Varied Coastal Scenery along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
185 miles (299km); two weeks; moderate
Windswept and remote, Pembrokeshire occupies Wales’ southwesternmost extremity, a sturdy peninsula jutting into the Irish Sea. Jagged cliffs and picturesque villages pepper the coastline, blending perfectly with sweeping beaches and tumultuous surf.
To truly appreciate the area, trek the 186-mile (299km) Coast Path from Amroth to St Dogmaels, taking a couple of weeks to complete. Alternatively, base yourself at St David’s, Britain’s smallest city (population 1,600) and set out towards the sandy shores of St Brides Bay, popular among swimmers, beachcombers, and surfers alike.
Discover the Quaint Olde England Vibe along the Cotswold Way (Castle Combe Loop)
3.5 miles (5.6km); 2 hours; easy
If the tourist board of England had to choose one walk to encapsulate this green and pleasant land, it would be this 102-mile (164km) path that winds through the gentle limestone hills of The Cotswolds, from stately Bath to picturesque Chipping Campden.
This is not the place for mountain scrambling or rugged peaks; instead, the refined 1086ft (331m) summit of Cleve Cloud represents the peak intensity. This region embodies the essence of stately homes and afternoon tea.
With its charming stone cottages and lush forest backdrop, Castle Combe is one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. The two-hour loop that explores its nearby brooks and woodlands is a delightful and quintessentially English ramble.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for Competitive Hikers
26 miles (42 km); 12 hours (or two days); difficult
The UK’s “Three Peaks” challenge incorporates the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales, and England: Ben Nevis (4377ft/1334m), Mt Snowdon (3560ft/1085m), and Scafell Pike (3209ft/978m), respectively. Yorkshire’s three peaks, while smaller, represent a significant undertaking.
The circular route that links Whernside (2415ft/736m), Ingleborough (2372ft/723m), and Pen-y-Ghent (2277ft/694m) is a challenging 26-mile (42km) trek with 5250ft (1600m) of vertical gain. The goal is to complete it in 12 hours, allowing you to unwind at a pub afterward without worrying about transportation.
Alternatively, for those preferring a less competitive experience, consider spreading the hike over two days, taking time to appreciate the stunning views of the lake district from Whernside’s expansive ridge.
Admire Stunning Rock Formations on the Carsaig Arches Walk
8 miles (12.8km); 5–6 hours; moderate to difficult
One of the most adventurous walks on the Scottish island of Mull leads along the coast west of Carsaig Bay to the natural rock formation of Carsaig Arches at Malcolm’s Point. While there is a good path below the cliffs for most of the journey, the route climbs and traverses a steep slope above a vertical drop into the sea (not for the unfit or faint-hearted).
Along this walk, hikers will witness spectacular rock formations, culminating in the arches themselves: the “keyhole,” a freestanding rock stack, and the “tunnel,” a vast natural arch. The western entrance is adorned with columns of basalt, making it an impressive sight from all angles.
As the return trip covers eight miles, allow three to four hours of walking time, plus at least an hour to explore at the arches.
Enjoy a Family Hike on the Thames Path (Marlow to Cookham)
5 miles (8km); 1–2 hours; easy
When people mention the River Thames, thoughts often drift to London’s iconic skyline. While the climax of this gentle National Trail does pass through the city, much of its 184 miles (296km) meanders through some of England’s loveliest landscapes.
Beginning near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, the path traverses through Henley’s elite rowing club and past the spires of Oxford and its historic university on its way to London.
Intrepid hikers might find humor in the serene setting; however, it offers the perfect blend of urban charm and picturesque countryside. The idyllic bends, flowing weirs, and wooded islands between Marlow and Cookham inspired Kenneth Graham’s children’s classic The Wind in the Willows, and this beautiful 5-mile (8km) stretch is ideal for family strolls.
Conquer the UK’s Most Prominent Peak via the Snowdon Trail
9 miles (14.4km); 6 hours; difficult
Wales’ highest peak is so distinct it can be seen from Ireland on clear days. Seven paths of varying length and difficulty lead to Snowdon’s summit, each taking around six hours round-trip. The presence of a train station and a café at its summit should not lead you to underestimate the challenge of the climb.
The most straightforward route is the Llanberis Path (9 miles round trip), which runs alongside the train line. Two paths originating from Pen-y-Pass are considerably less strenuous, yet still present tougher walks: the Miner’s Track (8 miles round trip) begins gently but escalates considerably beyond Llyn Llydaw, while the Pyg Track (7 miles round trip) offers a rugged experience.
Hikers at any skill level should keep in mind that no route is entirely safe, especially during winter. Each year, individuals face significant risks, including experienced climbers.
Witness Ancient Roman Engineering on Hadrian’s Wall Path (Sycamore Gap)
5 miles (8km); 2 hours; moderate
When Roman leaders decided to construct a wall to ward off the marauding Pictish Scots from northern England, they likely did not foresee that their work would one day provide a stunning backdrop for one of the country’s finest hikes.
Stretching 84 miles (135km) from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend in Tyne and Wear, Hadrian’s Wall Path is a moderately challenging National Trail that fuses invigorating hiking with the rich cultural heritage that the UK is known for. Large sections of the wall remain intact, alongside a well-maintained museum at the intricately excavated Roman fort of Segedunum.
Windswept crags and tranquil lakes make up the Sycamore Gap walk, providing a wild and looping glimpse into the challenges faced by Hadrian’s legions during their construction of this iconic landmark.
Explore the Giant’s Causeway
5 miles (8km); 2 hours; moderate
This stunning rock formation, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the country’s most remarkable and atmospheric landscapes. Witness a vast expanse of regular, hexagonally shaped stone columns that resemble the work of giants. The phenomenon is explained in detail at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience, located in a state-of-the-art eco-friendly building artfully nestled into the hillside above the ocean.
From the visitor center, it is an easy 10 to 15-minute walk downhill to reach the Causeway itself. However, a more scenic approach is to follow the cliff-top path leading down to Shepherd’s Steps.
The lower coastal path runs eastward to the Amphitheatre viewpoint at Port Reostan, showcasing stunning rock formations such as the Organ (a stack of vertical basalt columns resembling organ pipes). The cliff-top path can guide you even further east past the Chimney Stacks headland, extending towards Dunseverick and beyond.
Experience Border Landscapes on Offa’s Dyke Path (Pandy to Hay-on-Wye)
17 miles (26km); 6.5 hours; difficult
In times of civil unrest and territorial disputes, the powerful Anglo-Saxon king Offa ordered the construction of a formidable dike to separate the kingdoms of Mercia and Wales. Averaging 6ft (1.8m) high and 59ft (18m) wide, around 81 miles (130km) of this impressive structure remains today, a substantial feat for a construction over 1200 years old.
Stretching from Sedbury in the south to Prestatyn on the northern Welsh coast, the complete length of the English-Welsh border spans 178 miles (286km). This invigorating two-week hike seamlessly blends unspoiled vistas with significant historical depth. Few other walks in the UK can offer such an impressive variety.
The journey from Pandy to Hay-on-Wye, passing through the picturesque Black Mountains, grants sweeping views that encompass the distant Brecon Beacons to the west and the lush Herefordshire apple orchards to the east.
Discover Alderney’s Coast on the Alderney Coast Path
10 miles (16km); 4–5 hours; moderate
The northernmost of the Channel Islands, Alderney is a stunning little island located just 10 miles (16km) from La Hague on the French coast, offering excellent hiking opportunities.
Clearly marked and incredibly scenic, the 10-mile (16km) Coast Path encircles the island’s entire coastline. Easily manageable within a day, it is an exceptional way to familiarize yourself with the island’s beaches, coastal fortifications, and lighthouse attractions. Walking clockwise may be preferable to dodge the ascent of Alderney’s steepest hill from Platte Saline Bay toward the airport.
Experience Epic Scottish Vistas along the West Highland Way (Bridge of Orchy to Fort William)
36 miles (57.9km); three days; difficult
A 96-mile (155km) journey through stunning Scottish scenery, the West Highland Way enables hikers to encounter serene lochs, snow-capped mountains, and rolling moorlands. Beginning in Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, this trail is a favorite among long-distance walkers in Scotland.
The final stretch from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William features some of the route’s most breathtaking highlights and is best enjoyed over three days. Hikers can admire the foreboding Glencoe mountains before heading north into Fort William, while taking in the impressive shape of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.
Engage in “Tor Bagging” on Brown Willy
5.5 miles (8.9km); 2–2.5 hours; moderate
From the car park at Poldue Downs, the journey to Cornwall’s highest hill spans about 5.5 miles (9km). While the ascent appears steep, it is relatively straightforward, winding through heathland, moors, gorse, and boulders to reach the 1375ft (419m) summit.
Along the way, you may also bag the second-highest peak, Rough Tor (pronounced “row,” to rhyme with “cow”). “Tor bagging” refers to the art of summiting multiple peaks.
This article was first published on Aug 30, 2020, and updated on Jun 30, 2022.
