While it may not be the first activity that springs to mind when planning your trip to the UK, hikes and country walks are a wonderfully British activity. Practicing the timeless tradition of exploring Britain’s magnificent landscapes on foot during your trip is a uniquely engaging way in which to discover and connect with the country’s landscapes, national parks, history, people, and cultural heritage.
Hikes in the UK are the best way to experience the natural beauty of the countryside, from gently rolling hills and moorland, to rugged coastlines and stunning mountain peaks with spectacular views. There’s also unique native wildlife to encounter, charming villages to explore, and warm country pubs to cozy up in once you’ve conquered your hike. Just don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go. Wherever your hiking adventure takes you, you’ll want a policy that includes vital coverage including travel medical insurance, medical evacuation, baggage loss and delay, trip interruption, and trip delay.
Whether you’re keen for the challenge of a steep climb up a mighty peak or prefer a leisurely walk in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is no shortage of memorable hikes in the UK. So grab your rain jacket, lace up your walking boots, and take a deep breath of fresh air — read on for seven of the best UK hikes to plan into your itinerary.
Pennine Way
Considered one of the most famous and challenging hikes in the UK, the Pennine Way spans 268 miles through England and Scotland, crossing through three national parks: Yorkshire Dales National Park, Northumberland National Park, and the Peak District National Park. The full trek is challenging to complete with the full walk taking roughly three weeks to complete — it’s a mean feat requiring a high level of physical fitness. If you’re looking for a shorter segment to tackle, there are plenty of options for day-hikes, but be aware that much of the route is technically challenging, so come fully equipped.
Snowdonia
The highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a moderately challenging walk that will take around five hours to complete, with some steep inclines along the way. That said, you can also take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top (about a 60-minute journey) and then enjoy the descent on foot. Snowdon is one of the peaks making up the Three Peaks Challenge, in which participants attempt to summit the three tallest peaks in three nations: Snowdon (Wales), Ben Nevis (Scotland), and Scafell Pike (England).
Lake District
South Downs Way
West Highland Way
Scotland’s most popular long-distance walking route, the West Highland Way stretches 96 miles across some quintessentially Scottish scenery from Milngavie (near Glasgow) up to Fort William. The Scottish Highlands certainly do not disappoint, offering unforgettable views of dramatic natural beauty including Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster, and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and the wider UK.
Hadrian’s Wall Path
South West Coast Path
Spanning 630 miles from Devon to Cornwall, the South West Coastal Path is the longest of England’s National Trails, offering hiking which arguably provides the best way to enjoy Britain’s dramatic coastline. You likely wouldn’t endeavor to hike the whole route, but there are hundreds of options for coastal walks ranging from a few hours to several days long that you can integrate into your itinerary. The South West Coast Path is consistently named one of the best long-distance walks in the world thanks to its stunning scenery, wonderful access to beaches, and diverse coastal ecosystems.
