Discover the Best Hikes in the UK

Hiking in England | Hiking in Scotland | Hiking in Wales

Pitch your tent, strap on your walking boots and follow the best trails in the UK. Ascend soaring peaks, pass shimmering lakes and uncover all the fascinating history that the UK has to offer. Not sure where to start? Find inspiration in our list of the best hiking trails in the UK.

Best hikes in England

Whether you're drawn to dramatic coastlines, ancient landmarks, or rolling green hills, England offers a diverse range of hiking trails for every kind of walker. Here are some incredible hiking trails in England.

Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

Nearest campsite: Haltwhistle Club Site

Distance: 135km

Duration (approx): 6-7 days

Stretching coast to coast for 73 miles (135km), Hadrian’s Wall is a remarkable feat of Roman engineering and an iconic part of Britain’s historical landscape. The wall runs from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west, crossing through both Northumberland and Cumbria.

Whether you walk a short section of the Hadrian’s Wall Path or take on the full trail, you’ll encounter charming villages, rich wildlife, and well-preserved Roman forts along the way.

If you plan to hike the entire route, expect it to take approximately six to seven days. Along the way, you’ll pass through bustling cities like Newcastle and Carlisle, as well as miles of tranquil countryside. You can find the complete walking guide for Hadrian’s Wall Path here.

For a peaceful place to rest during your hike, explore our selection of campsites in Northumberland and Cumbria, perfect for a quiet night’s sleep under the stars.

Helvellyn, Lake District

Nearest campsite: Keswick Club Site and Derwentwater Club Site

Distance: 6.5km

Duration (approx): 3 hours

Arguably boasting the best views in the Lake District National Park, Helvellyn is the third-highest point in both England and the Lake District. We recommend taking the route through Striding Edge, which takes roughly 3 hours to complete. It is worth noting that this route is categorised as a 'grade one scramble' and includes difficult exposed areas, especially in wet weather.

With several Lake District campsites within 10 miles of Helvellyn, it’s an ideal Lakeland hike to attempt during your camping trip. You can find the complete walking guide for Helvellyn here.

Hope Valley, Peak District

Nearest campsite: Hayfield Club Site

Distance: 13km

Duration (approx): 3-4 hours

Possibly the most trodden hills in the Peak District National Park, this hike through Hope Valley has all the ingredients for a great day out – rolling hills, panoramic views, a medieval castle and a charming country pub. This route takes advantage of everything the Peak District has to offer, and it typically takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete.

Starting and ending at the Cheshire Cheese Inn in Hope, this route takes you past the intimidating Mam Tor, as well as the fascinating ruins of Peveril Castle. Stop for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake at a tearoom in Castleton, or wait till you sip a well-earned drink at the end of your walk at the Cheshire Cheese. You can find the complete walking guide for Hope Valley here.

Discover more campsites in the Peak District here, so you can enjoy a lovely spot to rest and recover after your hike.

Lizard Coastal Walk, Cornwall

Nearest campsite: Sennen Cove Club Site

Distance: 11km

Duration (approx): 3 hours

Cornwall has plenty of stunning coastal hiking trails, which are perfect for all walkers. Lizard Coastal Walk traces the most southerly tip of mainland Britain and takes you around the Lizard Peninsula. Here you'll get to see dramatic cliffs, bustling wildlife and rare geology.

Due to its location and typical Cornish landscapes, this hike is very popular with tourists. Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it, as this route takes around three hours to complete.

Start your journey at Kynance Cove, a tidal beach famed for its golden sand, turquoise waves and rock formations. Follow the coastal path, pausing to see the Victorian lifeboat station at Polpeor Cove and the Lizard Lighthouse at Lizard Point, before returning to where you started at Kynance Cove. You can find the complete walking guide for the Lizard Coastal Walk here.

Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales

Nearest campsite: Clitheroe Club Site

Distance: 12km

Duration (approx): 3 hours

This stunning circular walk through the Yorkshire Dales National Park takes you past two of its most iconic landmarks – Malham Tarn and Malham Cove. Starting at the National Park Centre in Malham, the trail winds over stony footbridges, through dramatic limestone dales, and into enchanting woodland.

The route ascends Gordale Scar, skirts the tranquil Malham Tarn, and culminates atop Malham Cove, a striking limestone amphitheatre formed over 12,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. You can find the complete walking guide for Malham Cove here.

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Nearest campsite: Moreton Club Site

Distance: 5.5km

Duration (approx): 1-2 hours

Reputedly named after Henry Paye, a smuggler from Poole who often hid his ship nearby, Old Harry Rocks are three sea stack formations at Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck. Following the South West Coastal Path, this section of the pathway meanders through the eastern side of the Jurassic Coast.

Beginning near a country pub, this path gently climbs over chalk cliffs and through pretty farmland, offering an ideal photographic opportunity of Old Harry Rocks. Keep an eye out for swooping seabirds and make sure you leave plenty of room between yourself and the sheer cliff-edge. You can find the complete walking guide for Old Harry Rocks here.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Nearest campsite: Salisbury Club Site

Distance: 8km

Duration (approx): 4 hours

One of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, Stonehenge is steeped in ancient mystery and historical significance. This circular route takes you through the entire Stonehenge World Heritage Site, located in the heart of Wiltshire. It passes through Durrington Walls, which is a vast Neolithic settlement believed to have been the largest village in Northern Europe.

Starting from the Woodhenge Car Park, the trail leads through the Durrington Walls site and across open fields before arriving at the legendary Stonehenge stone circle. Take time here to absorb the monument’s fascinating past before retracing your steps through the scenic Wiltshire countryside.

You can find the complete walking guide for Stonehenge here.

Yorkshire Three Peaks, Yorkshire Dales

Nearest campsite: Kendal Club Site

Distance: 38km

Duration (approx): 12 hours (hopefully)

One of the country’s most testing feats, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge invites hikers to tackle three imposing Yorkshire peaks in less than twelve hours. The full route covers over 24 miles and a total ascent of over 5000 feet, climbing the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – usually in this order.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a gruelling test of stamina and determination, but challengers are rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. The route is circular and can be started and finished from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, or Chapel-le-Dale. You can find the complete walking guide for the Yorkshire Three Peaks here.

Best hikes in Scotland

Scotland’s wild beauty is a paradise for hikers, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountains and remote glens to dramatic coastlines and ancient castles. Here are some beautiful hiking trails in Scotland.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Nearest campsite: Lauder Club Site

Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)

Duration (approx): 1.5-2 hours

If you’re after a shorter walk with varied inclines, consider trekking up an ancient volcano in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. This relatively quick hike offers a mix of grassy slopes and rocky paths, and rewards you with sweeping, panoramic views across the city and beyond at the summit.

Ben Nevis, Fort Williams

Nearest campsite: Glencoe Club Site

Distance: 17km

Duration (approx): 7-9 hours

The tallest mountain on the British Isles, Ben Nevis, towers above its neighbouring peaks in the Grampian Mountain Range in the Scottish Highlands. Various routes lead to the summit of Ben Nevis; however, the Mountain Path is the most straightforward, although it is also the most strenuous.

Begin your ascent at the Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis, before climbing the steep, stony pathway to the summit. It may take you anywhere between 7 and 9 hours to make your way to the top and back down again. Take various pauses to catch your breath, rest your muscles, and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views across the Highlands. Read the complete walking guide to Ben Nevis here.

Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Nearest campsite: Skye Club Site

Distance: 3.8 km (2.4 miles)

Duration (approx): 1.5-2 hours

Located on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr is one of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. The hike may be short, but it’s steep and rewarding, perfect for those seeking a dramatic landscape without a full-day commitment.

The trail begins at the car park just off the A855 road and winds uphill through open moorland and rugged terrain. As you ascend, you’ll be greeted by the towering rock formations of the Storr, shaped over millennia by ancient landslides. The star of the show is the jagged pinnacle known as the Old Man himself, standing tall against the backdrop of Skye’s wild scenery.

Once you reach the summit viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Sound of Raasay, the Cuillin mountain range, and the surrounding sea cliffs. You can find the complete walking guide for Old Man of Storr here.

Loch an Eilein Circuit, Cairngorms National Park

Nearest campsite: Scone Club Site

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

Duration (approx): 1.5-2 hours

Tucked away in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Loch an Eilein Circuit offers one of the most peaceful and picturesque low-level walks in Scotland. Translating to “Loch of the Island,” this scenic trail circles a tranquil loch surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest and overlooked by the haunting ruins of a 13th-century castle perched on a small island.

The well-maintained path is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it ideal for families, nature lovers, and casual walkers. Along the way, you might spot red squirrels, deer, or even ospreys soaring above. The walk is equally beautiful year-round, with rich green foliage in summer, golden hues in autumn, and snow-dusted pines in winter.

Benches and picnic spots are scattered along the trail, offering the perfect opportunity to pause and take in the serenity of the loch and its surroundings. You can find the complete walking guide for Loch an Eilein Circuit here.

Best hikes in Wales

From rugged mountain trails to serene coastal paths, Wales is a fantastic hiking destination. Enjoy routes that wind through Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, and along the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast. With something for every level of walker, each trail offers spectacular views and a true taste of the country’s wild, natural beauty.

Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park

Nearest campsite: Llanystumdwy Club Site

Distance: 14.5km

Duration (approx): 6 hours

With an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and a common feature on most adventurers’ bucket lists. The longest and easiest of the six main paths to the summit of Snowdon, the Llanberis Path takes around 6 hours to ascend and descend.

Starting at the far end of Victoria Terrace in Llanberis, the path mainly follows the Snowdon Mountain Railway track. It boasts spectacular views of the towering peaks and iridescent lakes of the Snowdonia National Park. On a clear day, you can see as far as Ireland, Scotland and England. You can find the complete walking guide for Mount Snowdon here.

Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons

Nearest campsite: Rhandirmwyn Club Site

Distance: 6.4 km

Duration (approx): 2–3 hours

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, making it a favourite among walkers of all levels. The Storey Arms route is the most popular way up. It’s a straightforward trail with a steady incline and big views from the top. The Brecon Beacons landscape is wide, green, and open, offering a rewarding summit with minimal technical challenge.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembrokeshire

Nearest campsite: St David’s Club Site

Distance: 6–8 km

Duration (approx): 2–3 hours

If you’re looking for a coastal walk with wild beauty and historical intrigue, the circular trail around St David’s Head is an unforgettable experience. Located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this walk is part of the larger Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which is a 186-mile trail renowned for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and wildlife-rich waters.

Start your hike near Whitesands Bay as the route gently climbs past rocky outcrops, Iron Age hill forts, and prehistoric burial chambers. As you follow the clifftop path, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irish Sea, often accompanied by the call of seabirds and the crashing of waves below.

In spring and summer, the headland bursts with wildflowers, including sea thrift, gorse, and heather. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially seals, porpoises, and dolphins, which are often spotted in the waters below, while red kites and peregrine falcons patrol the skies.

Hiking checklist

Heading out on a hike? Whether you're planning a short nature walk or a full-day trek, being well-prepared is key to a safe and enjoyable adventure. Use this checklist to make sure you’ve packed all the essentials, plus a few extras to make the journey even better.

Essential hiking equipment

• Waterproof backpack: Make sure the backpack is easy to carry, has adjustable straps, and distributes weight well so it doesn't drag you down while walking. Here are some great travel backpacks to consider.
• Water bottle or hydration pack: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle. If you're on a long hike, consider investing in a filtered bottle, which purifies water so you can safely drink from natural sources.
• Map and compass or GPS: If you’re using your smartphone, be sure to pack a portable battery so it doesn't die mid-hike.
• Snacks and meals: The amount you bring depends on the length of your hike. The longer the hike, the more fuel you’ll need.
• First aid kit: A mini first aid kit is useful for treating scratches, cuts, bites, or minor falls.
• Weather-appropriate hiking clothing: Always prepare for both extremes and pack weather appropriate walking clothes. The UK weather is very unpredictable so pack extra layers you can remove if it gets warm. Make sure your clothing is breathable, comfortable, and waterproof.
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes: A good pair of walking or hiking boots will help prevent slips and falls. They’re ideal for trekking on uneven terrain.
• Torch or headlamp: If you’re aiming to catch a sunrise or sunset, you’ll need a torch to navigate in the dark. It’s also useful when hiking through forests or low-lit areas.
• Sun protection: Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.

Optional Hiking Equipment

• Tent: If you’re on a multi-day hike, consider packing a small, lightweight tent. Multi-day hikes always require a little more preparation, so make sure to read our guide on wild camping to familiarise yourself with all the rules and regulations surrounding it. Alternatively, check out our nearby campsites and book your stay in advance.
• Sleeping bag: Another necessity for longer hikes. A quality sleeping bag ensures you get the well-earned rest you need for the next day’s adventure.
• Trekking poles: Need some extra stability? Trekking poles help support you on slippery or steep terrain.
• Bin bag or zip lock bags: Make sure you leave no trace behind and dispose of all your rubbish. Carrying a zip lock bag or a bin bag could be very useful.
• Small towel: This will come in handy for wiping off any sweat or wiping any wet gear.
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Camera
• Portable charger or power bank
• Notebook and pen
• Binoculars
• Emergency whistle
• Multi-tool or knife
• Extra clothing

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