With miles of rugged coastline, lush fells and snow-topped mountains, the British Isles are blessed with a vibrant and diverse landscape that’s perfect for exploring.
Pull on your hiking boots as we show you where to find some of the best places to go walking and hiking in the United Kingdom.
1. Offa’s Dyke Path
Constructed under the orders of the powerful Anglo-Saxon King, Offa, this huge structure was built to divide the kingdoms of Mercia and Wales in a time of civil turmoil. The dyke is around 1.8m tall, 18m wide and some 130km of it still stands today – not bad for a structure over 1200 years old!
Running the entire 286km length of the English–Welsh border, this walk takes adventurers from Sedbury in the South of England all the way to the seaside town of Prestatyn on the North Wales Coast.
The trek will take you two weeks, but it’s worth it for the beautiful unspoilt scenery and historical interest, and you won’t find a more diverse walk in the UK.
2. Thames Path, London
London is one of the top places to go in the United Kingdom, but you won’t find it on many of the top UK hiking lists. The chances are you associate the Thames with vast skyscrapers and buildings such as Big Ben, but while this National Trail does pass through the capital, most if its 296km will take you through some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Starting at the river’s source near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, the trail meanders through the heart of Classical England on its way to London. If you fancy a trip outside the capital view some great day trips from London.
3. Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Boasting rugged cliffs and quaint villages on the south-western tip of Wales, Pembrokeshire is best seen from the 299km Coast Path from Amrothto St Dogmaels. If the thought of this two week trek seems a little daunting, get acquainted with the coast line and head to the smallest city in the UK at St David’s to make the most of the unspoilt sands at St Brides Bay. You’ll get to see some spectacular coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
4. Yorkshire Three Peaks
Linking Whernside (736m), Ingleborough (723m) and Pen-y-Ghent (694m), this circular route is a gruelling 42km struggle with 1600m of vertical ascent. The objective is to complete the Yorkshire Peaks Challenge in 12 hours, so there’s still time to retire to the pub. If you’re feeling a little braver, you can tackle the famous Three Peaks challenge which covers the three highest mountains in Scotland, Wales and England – Ben Nevis (1334m), Mt Snowdon (1085m) and Scafell Pike (978m). You’ll need a car to get there, but you’ll find fantastic deals with Auto Europe.
5. Hadrian’s Wall Path
Spanning 135km from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend in Tyne and Wear, large structures of this majestic Roman wall still remain intact and you’ll find a fantastic fusion of cultural heritage and picturesque countryside on this challenging National Trail. There’s also a great museum at the Roman fort of Segedunum.
6, Southern Upland Way
This 340km coast-to-coast stretch across the South of Scotland might not be the longest in the UK, but it’s certainly one of the toughest. You’ll find daunting mountains and forests as well as isolated moors and though the scenery is beautiful, this isn’t one for those who like their luxury. This isolated area doesn’t feature any significant amenities, so it’s all about self-sufficiency – definitely not for the faint-hearted!
If you are planning a trip from overseas, view our essential UK packing list. Also if you have any recommendations for walking and hiking destinations in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, let us know!
