The Best Hikes in the UK
Looking for the best hikes in the UK? Whether you're after a challenging mountain adventure or a scenic coastal path, the UK is packed with incredible walking routes for all levels. From iconic ridge scrambles in the Lake District to long-distance coastal trails in Wales and Cornwall, there’s something for every kind of hiker.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best hikes UK-wide, with practical tips, highlights, and links to further information….
Best Day Hikes in the UK
These are some of the best one-day hikes in the UK, perfect for weekend walkers and adventure seekers alike…
1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District
Start/Finish: Glenridding
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Best for: Ridge scrambling and iconic views
One of the best hikes in the UK, Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a thrilling route with unforgettable ridgeline views. Not for the faint-hearted, but a must-do for confident hikers.
2. Y Garn via Devil’s Kitchen, Snowdonia
Start/Finish: Ogwen Cottage
Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best for: Dramatic mountain scenery
A rugged Snowdonian classic with steep climbs, rocky paths, and panoramic views over Cwm Idwal. A favourite among locals and a great intro to hiking in the UK’s mountains.
3. Old Man of Coniston, Lake District
Start/Finish: Coniston village
Distance: 5.3 miles (8.6 km)
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Beginner mountain ascents
A classic Lake District route with far-reaching views over the fells and Coniston Water. A manageable challenge with a rewarding summit.
4. Ben More, Isle of Mull
Start/Finish: Dhiseig
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Best for: Remote hiking and solitude
Ben More is the only Munro on Mull and offers spectacular island views. It’s steep, wild, and quieter than its mainland counterparts.
5. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
Start/Finish: Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Distance: 24 miles (38.6 km)
Walking Time: 10–12 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Best for: Endurance and bucket-list ticking
Take on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in one go. A tough but popular challenge through some of the best walking trails in the UK.
6. The Brecon Beacons Horseshoe (Pen y Fan Loop)
Start/Finish: Taf Fechan Forest car park
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best for: Sweeping views and wild landscapes
Explore South Wales’ highest peaks with this circular route taking in Corn Du, Pen y Fan and Cribyn. One of the best walks in the UK for mountain views.
Best Multi-Day Hikes in the UK
If you’ve got more time and love a long-distance adventure, these are the best places to hike in the UK over multiple days…
1. Anglesey Coastal Path, Wales
Distance: 130 miles (209 km)
Time: 10–14 days
Highlights: Sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and views of Snowdonia
A stunning way to explore Anglesey’s dramatic coastline. This is one of the best hikes in the UK for sea views and coastal wildlife.
2. South West Coast Path, England
Distance: 630 miles (1,014 km)
Time: 30+ days
Highlights: Cornwall’s beaches, Devon’s cliffs, charming villages
The UK’s longest national trail and a coastal dream. You don’t need to do it all - walk shorter sections for a taste of this spectacular route.
3. The West Highland Way, Scotland
Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
Time: 6–8 days
Highlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Ben Nevis views
A Scottish classic that takes you from the lowlands to the Highlands. One of the top hiking trails in the UK.
4. North Downs Way, England
Distance: 153 miles (246 km)
Time: 9–12 days
Highlights: Chalk ridges, woodlands, historic towns, Pilgrims' Way
A peaceful trail through the Kent and Surrey countryside, perfect for walkers who love scenic views and cultural landmarks. Ideal for a quieter, less strenuous alternative to other National Trails.
5. Hadrian’s Wall Path, England
Distance: 84 miles (135 km)
Time: 6–8 days
Highlights: Roman ruins, rural landscapes, history
Follow the ancient Roman frontier across northern England. A unique walk that blends scenery with stories.
6. The Pennine Way, England to Scotland
Distance: 268 miles (431 km)
Time: 16–21 days
Highlights: The Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland
One of Britain’s toughest national trails—and one of the best. It’s wild, windswept and wonderfully remote.
Best Places to Hike in the UK
Looking for inspiration on where to lace up your boots next? From dramatic coastlines to wild mountain landscapes, the UK is packed with incredible hiking destinations. Whether you’re after a gentle countryside stroll or a full-on mountain adventure, these are some of the very best places to hike in the UK - each offering its own unique charm, trails, and views worth the effort.
1. Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
Snowdonia is my absolute favourite place to hike in the UK - and it’s easy to see why. Home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales and England, this National Park offers some of the best hikes in the UK. But there’s so much more than Snowdon: think rugged peaks, serene lakes, and coastal trails on the nearby Llyn Peninsula. From legendary walks to quiet corners, it’s an outdoor lover’s dream. Discover walks in Snowdonia, epic challenges (such as the Welsh 3000’s), and things to do in the area.
Walks in Snowdonia National Park
Cadair Idris via Minffordd Path | 8km | 5 hours
Snowdon via the Miners Track | 13km | 6 hours
Moel Siabod | 7.5km | 3-4 hours
Cwm Idwal Circular Walk | 4.8km | 2-3 hours
Rhaedr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk | 3.5km | 1 hour 30
Aber Falls Circular Walk | 4.5km | 1.5 hours
For more adventure inspiration in and around Snowdonia National Park, check out my favourite walks in North Wales!
2. The Lake District, North West England
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District is one of the best places to hike in the UK, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain scrambles. Home to Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, it’s a dream for walkers of all abilities. I spent many childhood holidays here - usually moaning on the climbs - yet it’s now my favourite place to hike. From family-friendly walks to epic summits, the Lake District has it all. Explore more Lake District walks or plan a route up one of the highest peaks in the Lakes.
Walks in the Lake District
Helvellyn via Striding Edge | 13km | 6hours
Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route | 13km | 6-7hours
The Langdale Pikes | 13km | 5-6hours
Blancathra via Halls Fell Ridge | 3km | 1.5hours
Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts | 12km | 4hours
3. The Peak District National Park, England
Just an hour from home, the Peak District is one of my go-to hiking spots and a true UK gem. As the country’s oldest National Park, it might not boast the tallest peaks, but its moorland plateaus, rolling hills, and dramatic dales make it one of the best places to hike in the UK. From gentle family routes to challenging climbs, there’s something for everyone. Explore these Peak District walks, family-friendly trails, or check out the highest points in the Peaks. I’ve completely fallen for its rugged beauty - you might too.
Walks in the Peak District
Kinder Scout, from Edale | 14km | 5 hours
Mam Tor Circular Walk | 5km | 2 hours
The Tissington Trail | 21km | 5-6 hours
Stanage Edge Walk | 10km | 3-4 hours
Derwent Edge Hike | 12km | 3-4 hours
Shining Tor Walk | 6.5km | 1.5-2 hours
Discover more routes in my guide to the best walks in The Peak District National Park.
4. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
With craggy peaks, sweeping moorlands and lush green valleys, the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most rewarding places to hike in the UK. Famous for its dramatic limestone landscapes and extensive cave systems, this National Park is full of natural wonders and historic charm. Walk through picture-perfect villages, cross ancient stone walls, and soak up views that stretch for miles. If you’re after a real challenge, why not tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks? Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours - it’s firmly on my bucket list!
Walks in the Yorkshire Dales
Ingleborough via Gaping Gill | 14.5km | 4 hours
The 12 Apostles Circular Walk | 10km | 3-4 hours
Aysgarth Falls | 3.5km | 1-2 hours
Hawes to Sedbusk | 7km | 2 hours
Pen-y-Ghent from Horton | 12km | 3 hours
5. The Brecon Beacons, South Wales
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a walker’s paradise, known for its wide open landscapes, rolling hills, and dramatic peaks. The Central Beacons range is home to Pen y Fan, South Wales’ highest summit, and Corn Du, both offering rewarding climbs and panoramic views. Elsewhere, Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountains provide quieter, equally stunning trails. With miles of scenic paths and varied terrain, it’s one of the best places to hike in the UK. Whether you’re up for a steep ascent or a peaceful valley stroll, the Brecon Beacons won’t disappoint.
Walks in the Brecon Beacons
Pen y Fan - The Beacons Horseshoe | 16km | 5-6 hours
Blorenge Circular Walk | 10.5km | 4 hours
Waterfall Country, Four Falls Trail | 8.5km | 2 - 2.5 hours
The Dragon’s Back | 12km | 3.5 hours
6. Cairngorm National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park is a true Highland adventure - ideal for both gentle rambles and challenging climbs. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, it’s one of the best places to hike in the UK, with peaceful lochs, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The park is home to five of the UK’s six highest peaks and over 50 other Munros, making it a dream for mountain lovers.
Whether you're exploring wild glens or aiming to bag your first Munro, the Cairngorms offer something unforgettable. Looking for a wild escape? This vast, rugged landscape is the perfect place to start.
Walks in The Cairngorms National Park
Ben Macdui (1309m) | 29km | 9-11 hours
Loch Morlich | 5km | 2 hours
Morrone | 12km | 4-5 hours
Loch an Eilein | 14km | 4 hours
Glenmore Forest Park, The Ryvoan Trail | 6km | 2.5 hours
7. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, Scotland
With towering peaks, shimmering lochs, and peaceful woodland trails, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of the most scenic places to hike in the UK. Home to the largest lake in Great Britain, the area offers breathtaking views and diverse walking routes for all levels.
From gentle shoreline strolls to challenging mountain ascents, there’s something for every kind of hiker. Snow-dusted peaks, dramatic ridges, and quiet glens combine to make this a truly magical hiking destination - perfect for escaping into nature and soaking up the wild beauty of Scotland.
Walks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Ben Lomond | 12km | 5 hours
The Callander Crags | 4km | 2hours
Inversnaid RSPB Nature Trail | 2.5km | 1-1.5 hours
Ben More | 12km | 7-8 hours
The Aber Trail | 2 hours
8. The Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast is a dramatic and rugged stretch of Northern Ireland’s coastline, best known for the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. But this region offers far more than just one landmark. With nine wild glens, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and miles of unspoilt trails, it's one of the most captivating places to hike in the UK.
Walk along clifftop paths, explore ancient ruins, and soak in sweeping sea views—perfect for those who love combining nature, legend, and unforgettable landscapes.
Walks Along The Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast Way | 50km | 2-3 days
Slemish Mountain | 2km | 1 hour
Portballintrae Causeway Loop | 9km | 2 hours
From wild ridge walks to peaceful coastal strolls, the best hikes in the UK showcase the country’s incredible variety of landscapes. Whether you’re setting out on a short trail or embarking on a multi-day trek, you’re sure to find a route that leaves you inspired.
Where will you hike next?
