Best Places to Hike in the UK
There are so many incredible places to hike in the UK!
From hiking up craggy fells to walking along picture-perfect coastline, the UK attracts thousands of adventurers every year.
The United Kingdom is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering an array of picturesque landscapes that are a hiker's paradise. From rolling hills to rugged coastlines, the UK boasts a diverse range of terrains that cater to all levels of hiking enthusiasts.
With walks to suit all ages and abilities, from multi day hikes to short family walks - the UK is best explored by foot.
Keep reading to discover the best places to hike in the UK, uncovering hidden gems and well-known trails that showcase the breathtaking beauty of this island nation…
9 of the Best Places to Hike in the UK
(In no particular order…)
The Lake District, England
The Peak District National Park, England
The Yorkshire Dales, England
Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
The Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Cairngorm National Park, Scotland
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, Scotland
The Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
The Mournes, Northern Ireland
Let’s explore these popular hiking destinations a little bit more…
The Lake District, England
England’s largest National Park and a magnificent World Heritage Site. The Lake District is home to the mighty Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. If you’re looking for one of the best places to hike in the UK, then the Lake District is for you.
Nestled in the heart of Cumbria, the Lake District National Park is a haven for hikers seeking unparalleled beauty. With its expansive lakes, towering mountains, and charming villages, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
I spent many school holidays exploring the Lake District with my family, complaining how tired I was and how I couldn’t possibly walk any further. Yet here I am, so grateful that my parents introduced me to this beautiful National Park which is now my favourite hiking location in England!
Best 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
2. The Peak District National Park, England
Another firm favourite of mine, and luckily only an hours drive away from me, is the rugged Peak District National Park!
The UK’s oldest National Park might not be home to the highest peaks in the country, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less worthy of a top spot in my list of best hiking locations in the UK.
An area of contrasting natural beauty, The Peak District is known for its stunning panoramic views and bustling market towns. Hike along its high, moorland plateaus in the north or enjoy a stroll through the rolling green hills and steep, deep dales in the South.
Either way, you’re sure to fall in love with this amazingly diverse National Park. I certainly did.
Best 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.
3. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Expect craggy peaks, purple heather-covered moorlands and lush green countryside when you go walking in the Yorkshire Dales.
This popular National Park is home to some of the finest limestone scenery in the whole of the UK, including an underground labyrinth of caves.
Nestled within the dales are many stone-built villages, full of beauty and character. A charming area, The Dales are rich in both heritage and breathtaking scenery - waiting to be explored!
If you’re looking for a challenge then why not conquer The Yorkshire Three Peaks and take on Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours. I’d love to complete this one day - it’s an adventure that’s sat firmly on My Bucket List waiting to be ticked off!
Best 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
Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
The adventure capital of Wales and a National Park that has a special place in my heart, Snowdonia is a must see hiking destination.
Steeped in myth and legend, this national park is one of the best places to walk in the UK. Snowdonia National Park has some of the highest peaks and most stunning views in Britain, as well as being home to the highest mountain in Wales and England.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) attracts thousands of visitors to its mighty peak every year, with plenty of fantastic walking routes and breathtaking scenes waiting to be discovered. As stunning as Snowdon is, this isn’t the only reason you should visit this enchanting area...
Filled with multiple mountain tops, peaceful lakes and miles of picture-perfect coastline, Snowdonia National Park is sure to fill all your hiking and adventure needs. One minute you’ll be climbing up into the mountains deep within the National Park, the next you’ll be strolling along a golden sandy beach on the Llyn Peninsula.
This is without doubt my favourite place to hike in the whole of the UK, in fact I might start planning my next Snowdonia adventure right this second.
Best 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!
The Brecon Beacons, South Wales
The Brecon Beacons National Park is much loved for its big green open spaces and dramatic hilltops, offering miles and miles of sensational walking.
The Central Beacons is the highest mountain range in southern Britain, home to Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du, offering a challenging climb for those fueled by adventure.
Whilst Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountains both offer spectacular walking routes in their own right. Whichever route you choose, The Brecon Beacons National Park is sure to deliver.
Best 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
Cairngorm National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms are calling! Whether you’re looking for a gentle ramble or a challenging walk, the Cairngorm National Park will not disappoint.
Situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Caingorms are an adventure playground. Full of hidden gems including fairytale castles, peaceful lochs, enchanting forests and of course plenty of epic mountains to conquer.
Home to five of the six highest mountains in the UK, alongside 55 other Munros (mountains over 3,000ft), there are plenty of routes to explore and summits to scale!
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then the Cairngorms National Park is definitely for you. It’s time to bag your first Munro!
Best 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
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, Scotland
From breathtaking mountains to tranquil lochs - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of the UK.
Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain, surrounded by snow capped mountains and romantic views - the perfect place for a hiking adventure!
Best 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
The Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast is most famous for the Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder caused by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago.
As well as North Island’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, The Causeway Coast is also home to nine dramatic glens, three areas of outstanding natural beauty and miles of unspoilt coastline.
Best Walks Along The Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast Way | 50km | 2-3 days
Slemish Mountain | 2km | 1 hour
Portballintrae Causeway Loop | 9km | 2 hours
The Mournes, Northern Ireland
The Mournes are the highest and most dramatic peaks in Northern Ireland and one of the top hiking locations in the UK.
With hikes to suit everyone, from challenging mountain climbs to gentle forest strolls - the whole family can get involved in an North Irish adventure!
Whichever route you take, you’ll be greeted with the majestic beauty of The Mourne Mountains, from snow-covered peaks to idyllic coastal views.
Best Walks in the Mournes
Slieve Donard | 5km | 4-5 hours
Bearnagh and Meelmore | 10km | 5 hours
Castlewellan Forest Park, Lakeside Walk | 4km | 1-1.5 hours
I hope these top places to hike in the UK have inspired you to lace up those walking boots!
Full of diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and a multitude of mountains waiting to be conquered - the UK is the perfect location for a hiking trip (not that I’m biased in any way!) So, lace up your hiking boots, pack a snack, and embark on an adventure to explore the best places to hike in the UK.
I’d love to hear where your favourite hiking locations are in the UK.
Just drop me a comment below or check out my other UK hiking adventures here.
