The UK is a hiker’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of landscapes—from rugged coastlines and rolling hills to dramatic mountains and serene forests. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just looking for a gentle stroll, there’s a hike for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the top hikes in the UK that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list.
1. Ben Nevis, Scotland
Location: Fort William, Scotland
Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km) round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, is a must-do for any serious hiker. Standing at 1,345 meters, the summit offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. The most popular route, the Mountain Track (also known as the Tourist Path), is well-marked but challenging, with a steep and rocky ascent. For those looking for a more adventurous route, the Carn Mor Dearg Arête provides a thrilling ridge walk with stunning scenery.
2. Snowdon, Wales
Location: Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Distance: 7-9 miles (11-14.5 km) round trip, depending on the route
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, offers several routes to the summit, each with its own unique character. The Llanberis Path is the most popular and accessible route, while the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track offer more rugged terrain and spectacular views. On a clear day, the summit provides panoramic views stretching across Snowdonia, and even as far as Ireland. For a less crowded experience, try the quieter Rhyd Ddu Path or the challenging Watkin Path.
3. The West Highland Way, Scotland
Location: Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland
Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance hikes, taking you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Highlands. The trail begins just outside Glasgow and winds its way through lush glens, along the shores of Loch Lomond, and across the desolate Rannoch Moor, before finishing at the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William. The entire route typically takes 6-8 days to complete, but sections can be enjoyed as day hikes.
4. The Lake District’s Helvellyn via Striding Edge, England
Location: Lake District, Cumbria, England
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Helvellyn is one of the most popular peaks in the Lake District, and the route via Striding Edge is a thrilling hike for those who love a bit of adventure. Striding Edge is a narrow, rocky ridge that requires some scrambling, but the exhilarating experience and the views from the summit make it all worthwhile. On a clear day, you can see as far as Scotland and Wales. This hike is best for experienced walkers with a good head for heights.
5. The South West Coast Path, England
Location: Somerset to Dorset, England
Distance: 630 miles (1,014 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, stretching along the stunning coastline of the South West Peninsula. The path offers endless opportunities for day hikes, with highlights including the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, the dramatic headlands of Devon, and the beautiful beaches of Dorset. The section from St. Ives to Zennor in Cornwall is particularly breathtaking, with dramatic sea views and the chance to spot seals and other wildlife.
6. The Yorkshire Three Peaks, England
Location: Yorkshire Dales, England
Distance: 24 miles (38.6 km)
Difficulty: Strenuous
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a popular hike that takes in the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, all within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. The challenge is to complete the 24-mile circuit within 12 hours, but it’s also possible to tackle the peaks individually for a less demanding day out. The route offers varied terrain, from limestone pavements to rolling hills, with each peak providing magnificent views across the Dales.
7. The Glyndŵr’s Way, Wales
Location: Knighton to Welshpool, Wales
Distance: 135 miles (217 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Named after Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Prince of Wales, this National Trail takes you through the heart of Wales. The route passes through charming villages, rolling farmland, and ancient woodlands, offering a peaceful and remote hiking experience. Highlights include the dramatic vistas from the Plynlimon range and the serene shores of Lake Vyrnwy. The trail is well-marked and can be broken into sections for shorter walks.
8. Hadrian’s Wall Path, England
Location: Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend, England
Distance: 84 miles (135 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers along Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient fortification that once marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a National Trail that runs from coast to coast, passing through rolling hills, rugged moorland, and picturesque villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter well-preserved sections of the wall, Roman forts, and stunning views across the Northumberland countryside.
9. The Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
Location: County Down, Northern Ireland
Distance: Varies, popular loop is 7 miles (11 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Mourne Mountains are a compact range of peaks in Northern Ireland, offering some of the best hiking in the region. The highest peak, Slieve Donard, stands at 850 meters and provides sweeping views across the Irish Sea. The Mourne Wall, a stone wall that stretches across the range, is a popular route for hikers. The trails vary in difficulty, with something for everyone from gentle walks to challenging ascents.
10. The Cotswold Way, England
Location: Chipping Campden to Bath, England
Distance: 102 miles (164 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Cotswold Way is a National Trail that takes you through the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trail winds through charming villages, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands, offering a quintessentially English hiking experience. Highlights include the historic city of Bath, the stunning views from Cleeve Hill, and the idyllic villages of Broadway and Painswick.
The UK’s diverse landscapes offer something for every hiker, whether you’re looking for a challenging mountain climb, a scenic coastal walk, or a leisurely countryside ramble. These top hikes showcase the best of what the UK has to offer, each with its own unique character and beauty.