Top Walking Trails in England
They don’t call England the “green and pleasant land” for nothing. Go walking through England’s towering hills and moorlands or along its cliff-guarded shoreline and you’ll soon realize how well this line fits the English landscape.
From the glacier-carved valleys of the Lake District and the evocative Yorkshire Dales to the white cliffs of Dover and the beach-studded coves of Cornwall, the terrain here truly is lush and emerald green, except at higher elevations, where heather adds a paint swish of brown that morphs to vivid purple at the end of summer.
With well-maintained and clearly marked trails, you don’t need much more to get started than a good map, comfortable hiking boots, and waterproofs that are up to the challenge of the English climate. Here is our pick of the top walking trails in England.
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What You Need to Know About Walking in England
England is crisscrossed by a magnificent maze of walking trails, connecting gorgeous landscapes, historic sights, stunning national parks, and charming country villages where hikers can look forward to a pint and a pie supper after a bracing day of walking in the hills.
Walking isn’t just a hobby in England – it’s a legal right, enshrined in law as part of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Hikers have the right to roam almost everywhere without the need for entry fees or permits, including in England’s national parks.
Trails are well-maintained, and most are clearly marked, particularly on the country’s impressive long-distance National Trails. Armed with sturdy footwear, wet-weather gear for emergencies, a compass, and a good map (the Landranger and Explorer maps from the Ordnance Survey are some of the best), you can start a multi-day hiking adventure from almost anywhere in the country, camping or stopping in country pubs or B&Bs along the way.
Before you set off, familiarize yourself with the guidelines of the Countryside Code, which includes advice on crossing farmland, sticking to pathways, removing litter, protecting nature, and keeping gates closed.
Mam Tor in the Peak District: Our Favorite Day Hike in England
8 miles (13km), 5 hours, moderate
The Peak District is a sampling platter of classic English landscapes, from the moody gritstone moors of the Dark Peak in the north to the tumbling limestone dales of the White Peak, running south into Derbyshire and Staffordshire. In summer, the green hills are spotted with legions of walkers in rainbow Gore-Tex, but with excellent railway links, you can visit for the day if you’d rather not compete for camping spots.
Topping the table of Peak District day walks is the climb up 517m (1696ft) Mam Tor, which rises handsomely above the village of Edale. Arrive by train from London, Liverpool, Sheffield, or Manchester, and you can be out on the slopes within minutes, following stone pathways to the summit and looping back via the villages of Castleton and Hope in around five hours.
For something more ambitious, extend the walk to exposed Kinder Scout (636m/2087ft), where hundreds of earlier English walkers kicked off the fight for the “right to roam” that makes England such a great country for hiking today.
Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland: A Hike Steeped in English History
84 miles (135km), 5–7 days (but it is possible to day walk any section), moderate
Tracing a broken line from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, Hadrian’s Wall was built to divide the English from the Scots, and it lies well south of the 21st-century border. The Romans erected this impressive military and psychological barrier between 122 CE and 128 CE, and a remarkable amount of Roman masonry remains today. The 84-mile (135km) national trail that follows the wall is one of England’s most popular hikes, attracting many modern-day walkers from May to October.
The entire route takes five to seven days on foot, allowing plenty of time to explore the rich archaeological heritage along the trail. Essential stops include the impressively preserved Roman fort at Housesteads, the temple of Mithras at Brocolitia Fort, and the Vindolanda museum, which showcases an original Roman sandal.
In between these pockets of Roman history, settle in and enjoy the undulating countryside and the sense of mission that comes from walking the length of England’s “great wall”. If time or fitness levels prevent you from doing the whole trek, you can hike a section in a day by either walking out and back or arranging transport to return you to your departure point.
The South Downs Way: Uplifting Coastal Views
100 miles (160km), 8-9 days (or plan a day walk along a section), moderate
Great walking country isn’t limited to the dramatic hills of England’s north. The 100-mile (161km) South Downs Way rolls across a series of chalk ridges from Winchester to the legendary white cliffs of Dover, serving up impressive views within easy reach of London. It’s just a one-hour train ride from London Waterloo to Winchester, and you’ll reach Eastbourne nine days later after tracing the top of the Seven Sisters, England’s most iconic sea cliffs. Alternatively, take the train down to Eastbourne and walk the Seven Sisters section in reverse as a day walk, looping back to Eastbourne via bus or taxi.
There’s something quintessentially English about chalk grassland scenery. Watching kestrels hovering overhead, it’s easy to overlook this place’s historical significance. There’s good value accommodation all along the trail – with an essential stop at the Belle Tout Lighthouse on the way to Beachy Head, known for its nostalgic charm. The route equally welcomes mountain bikers and walkers, with dry weather in southern England as an added bonus.
The South West Coast Path: Seacliffs and Cornish Coves
630 miles (1014km), 40–50 days (or plan a day walk along a section), moderate
The 630-mile (1014km) South West Coast Path provides moments of seclusion alongside the tourist-populated southwest of England. Starting in Minehead on the north side of the peninsula, the trail follows the shoreline through Devon and Cornwall to Poole Harbour in Dorset, taking in picturesque fishing villages, tranquil coves, rocky headlands, and stunning sandy beaches.
If you’re looking to sample the trail, the section from Minehead to Westward Ho! serves up some of the most dramatic sea cliffs, while the stretch from St Ives to Penzance crosses two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Families can enjoy the stretch from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, which presents some of Britain’s best fossil-hunting along the Jurassic Coast. While soaking in the breathtaking views, you’ll also encounter diverse wildlife, including peregrine falcons, gannets, seals, dolphins, and basking sharks.
Scafell Pike & Helvellyn in the Lake District: Best Hike for Bragging Rights
8 miles (13 km) round-trip to either peak, 5–7 hours if you’re fit, hard
The trek up 950m (3117ft) Helvellyn stands out for its dramatic elements, especially when scrambling along the narrow Striding Edge. Meanwhile, Scafell Pike (978m/3209ft) is a must for those who want to conquer England’s highest peak. Either route can be tackled in a strenuous day, requiring five to seven hours of hard hiking, before returning to a village pub for a well-deserved celebration.
For Scafell, the most popular route starts at Wasdale Head near Santon Bridge, but there are four alternate routes with slightly fewer hikers. The classic Helvellyn route begins at the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre on Ullswater. As the weather can greatly affect your hike, be prepared with waterproofs, food, water, and a map and compass regardless of the season.
Yorkshire’s Three Peaks Challenge: Best Hike for Fitness Fanatics
24 miles (39km), 12 hours (or less), hard
Nothing sharpens determination quite like a challenge! Since 1968, over 200,000 hikers have tackled the summits of Pen-y-ghent (694m/2277ft), Whernside (736m/2414ft), and Ingleborough (723m/2372ft) in under 12 hours. Known as the Three Peaks Challenge, this circular 24-mile (39km) route begins and ends at the Pen-y-Ghent Cafe in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where you check in to verify your time; success earns you automatic membership in the cafe’s Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club.
For a grueling endurance test, join the fell-runners in the annual Three Peaks Race on the last Saturday in April, which has transitioned from a handful of participants in 1954 to a 1000-entrant limit today, clocking in an impressive course record of two hours, 46 minutes, and three seconds.
Escape the Crowds on the Shropshire Way and the Long Mynd
202 miles (325km) round-trip, from 15 days, moderate
Scenic Shropshire often gets overlooked by tourists heading to the Peak District, but the hills here are just as stunning and far less crowded. Tucked against the Welsh border, the county rises in steep ridges divided by winding rivers, ruined castles, and sleepy villages that offer real ales and overnight stays. Walking trails abound, but rarely see heavy traffic, ensuring no competition for accommodations or dining options.
The 200-mile (322km) Shropshire Way features two sections – a more dramatic southern loop around Ludlow, Church Stretton, and the Clun Valley, and a gentler northern section, both starting and ending in Shrewsbury. We recommend the southern leg for its stunning views along the west side of the Long Mynd, a beautiful heather-topped plateau home to wild ponies, leading to Ludlow, which boasts a scenic castle, fine dining, and a famous food festival.
The Norfolk Coast Path: Ideal for Birdwatching Enthusiasts
84 miles (134km) one way, 5–10 days (or plan a day walk along a section), easy
Not every walk needs to traverse hilly terrains. The Norfolk Coast Path primarily stays near sea level, offering a meditative journey through sandy spits, pine forests, and dense coastal marshes that house some of Britain’s rich birdlife. With binoculars, you can spot species like bitterns, marsh harriers, and grey seals while hiking the 84 miles (134km) from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea.
Swimming gear is a must for this week-long trek across Norfolk, linking historic beach resorts and the stunning sands of Holkham Hall, a prime example of Palladian architecture. Don’t forget to indulge in the local seafood, with a focus on Cromer crab, Kings Lynn brown shrimp, and Brancaster oysters.
This article was first published Jun 27, 2021, and updated Jul 1, 2022.
