The best walks in the UK have vistas to rival anywhere in the world. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the Lake District, that I’m lucky enough to call home. The mountains, rivers, lakes, and ridgelines are unbeatable.
Dust off your hiking boots, pop on a waterproof and get outside. Check out my handpicked walks and explore the Great British countryside in this guide to walking in the United Kingdom. Find easy, moderate and strenuous walks and compare route lengths and estimated completion times.
Best walks in England
With 10 of the 15 national parks, it’s no surprise that England is home to some of the best walking in the UK. The Lake District is England’s outdoor beating heart, but the Peak District, South Downs and Dartmoor National Parks are fierce rivals.
Scafell Pike
- Start location: Lake Head Car Park, Wasdale Head
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Average time to complete: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Dog-friendly: Yes
England’s entry to the Three Peaks Challenge, Scafell Pike (978m) is a bucket list item for any hillwalker.
There are several starting points, but the National Trust’s Lake Head car park is my favourite. Round up a group of friends and arrive by car or take the peak season shuttle bus to join like-minded walkers tackling the trail. Follow Lingmell Gill and ascend via Brown Tongue to earn breathtaking views of Wastwater, Britain’s deepest lake.
Retrace your steps and descend before lunchtime for a bite to eat at the legendary pub, The Wasdale Head Inn. Check weather conditions before setting off. Mobile navigation apps are useful, but not always reliable. It’s best to use a physical map and a physical compass to navigate on tougher routes. Add Lingmell or explore the infamous Corridor route to add difficulty to the walk.
Kinder Scout Circular
- Start location: Edale Train Station, Hope Valley
- Length: 7.5 miles
- Average time to complete: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Arrive by train or by car to tackle the Peak District’s dog-friendly gem – the Kinder Scout Circular.
Walk through the picturesque village of Edale until you reach the Old Nag’s Head pub. Join the Pennine Way and pass through Upper Booth Farm. Keep your eyes peeled for short-eared owls and follow the River Noe. Climb Jacob’s Ladder, the most rewarding section of the route, to earn views of the valley below. Bring a camera and snap pictures of the eerie rock formations in the distance.
Leave the Pennine Way and move Eastwardly around Kinder Plateau. Follow the footpath along and down into Grindsbrook. Descend back into the village in time to visit the friendly team at The Penny Pot Cafe. Grab a coffee and a well-deserved slice of cake , the brownie has my vote.
Hampstead Heath Circular
- Start location: Hampstead Heath Tube Station, South Hill Park
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Average time to complete: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Perfect for families and furry friends and located just outside of Islington. Get away from the hustle and bustle and wander the walkways of Hampstead Heath.
Start from Hampstead Heath’s Tube station and head North for instant access to South Hill Park. Continue along the wide, tree-lined path. Pass the first, second and mixed bathing ponds to the right. Join Lime Avenue, turn left and follow the perimeter path around Hampstead Heath.
The footpath passes by the Vale of Health pond and continues to Kenwood House. Pass between the Bird Sanctuary and Model Boating Ponds then continue to the romantic Parliament Hill viewpoint.
The perfect way to embrace nature and watch the seasons change in one of local’s favourite London walks.
Best walks in Wales
Home to the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Pembrokeshire Coast and infamous Snowdonia (Eryri) national parks. Wales boasts some of my favourite views and mountain memories. View my recommendations for the best walks in Wales.
The Llanberis Path, Snowdon (Wyddfa)
- Start location: Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis
- Length: 9 miles
- Avg time to complete: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Climb the tallest mountain in Wales. Take one step closer to completing the Three Peaks Challenge.
There are six routes atop Snowdon (1,085m) but the Llanberis Path – known as the tourist path – is the most popular among first-timers. The route offers a gradual accent to Snowdon’s summit, a strenuous walk, but the most forgiving of the six.
Start at the Snowdon Mountain Railway to begin the first half of the well-signposted path. Pass beneath the railway line and stop at the Halfway House – a barebones cafe (at 542m) – for a chocolate bar and instant coffee.
Continue on the footpath until the well-signposted gate pointing towards Snowdon. Briefly stray from the railway before passing beneath the line at Clogwyn Station. Complete the final 100m climb alongside mountaineers fresh off the knife-edged “Crib Goch”.
Take in the stunning Welsh scenery, with views stretching across the national park. Carefully retrace your steps for a safe descent. Stop at Allports Fish & Chips to replenish burned calories.
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
- Start location: Sugar Loaf Car Park, Abergavenny
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Average time to complete: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly: Yes
A gentle climb great for families and dogs. Tackle one of the tallest peaks in the Black Mountains range.
Start at the small Sugar Loaf car park off the A40. Arrive early to secure a space. Follow the footpath Northwest along the moorland hills slope. Briefly drop into woodland and cross a stream. Collecting the National Trust signposts as you continue up and towards Mynydd Llanwenarth.
Head Northeasterly, beginning the climb to the shoulder of Sugar Loaf. The path becomes narrow before the final steepening to the summit (596m). Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Mountains range. Pack a fair-weather picnic to enjoy at the summit.
Stop at the market town of Abergavenny before the climb to stock up on savoury supplies. Think sandwiches, pork pies and quiche. Head to a local bakery to find the best on offer.
Rhosili Headland Walk, Swansea
- Start location: Rhossili Bay Car Park, Rhosili
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Average time to complete: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Explore the Gower Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walk the clifftops of Rhosili Bay and peer out to Worm’s Head Island.
Begin the anti-clockwise loop from the National Trust car park, passing the former coastguard cottages to the left. Continue down a wide gravel path with a stone wall to the left. Pass the remains of an Iron Age fort. Swap the gravel track for a grass footpath as the road curves away.
Reach the coastguard lookout and take in stunning views of Worm’s Head. Stay left atop the cliff to overlook Fall Bay. Climb the footpath steps and keep your eyes open for the small, vibrant yellow hammers.
Pass sheep fields before cutting left, back to the small village of Rhosili. There you will find The Lookout Cafe, get there before 12 pm to order the large breakfast and a Welshbrew tea.
Best walks in Scotland
There are just two national parks in the UK’s most Northern country, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs. Despite this Scotland has more great places to go for walks than the rest of the UK combined.
The Mountain Path, Ben Nevis
- Start location: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William
- Length: 10.5 miles
- Average time to complete: 8 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Complete the Three Peaks Challenge. Climb Ben Nevis (1,345 m) and conquer the highest peak in the UK.
Start at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre and immediately cross the River Nevis via a footbridge. Join the Mountain Path, heading Southeastwards. Cross a stile before taking the wide, zig-zagging footpath through the woodland.
Continue the ascent over aluminium bridges, noting the brief Northeasterly direction change. As the climb steepens, the path becomes less constructed. Follow the cairns (mounds of rough stones) to the summit, careful to avoid the dangerous drops.
Descend by retracing your steps, taking extra care in poor conditions. Head back into Fort William and straight to The Geographer for a taste of real Scottish street food.
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
- Start location: Storr Car Park, Skye
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Average time to complete: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Picture perfect and the poster child of rugged Scotland. The hike to The Old Man of Storr is deservedly one of the most famous walks on the Isle of Skye.
Arrive by public bus or car to the Storr Car Park. Head through the gate at the back of the car park and take the wide gravel footpath curving up the hillside. Take the right-hand fork and zig-zag upwards, passing through several wooden gates.
The gravel path ends and a well-worn grassy trail takes its place. Follow the left fork at the split and continue upwards, around the ‘Old Man’ for the best view. A scramble awaits the adventurous. But the views of the rock formations are just as impressive without the risk of rockfall.
Retrace steps back to the car park and head back to Skye’s capital, Portree, to warm up with a brew at Birch Cafe.
Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail
- Start location: Glenfinnan Station Museum, Glenfinnan
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Average time to complete: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Famously featured in the Harry Potter movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a bucket-list location for Potter fans.
Start from the Station Museum and follow the footpath from Glenfinnan Station. Begin a short ascent, staying right to join the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail. Continue along the narrow footpath, stopping at the Loch Shiel viewpoint to take postcard-worthy pictures.
Begin the descent and approach the curving viaduct viewpoint. Join travellers from far and wide as you admire the engineering masterpiece. Time your trip with one of two daily appearances of the Jacobite, a steam train built in 1949.
Continue beneath the viaduct and head Southwesterly along a paved single-track road. Reach the start point and pay a visit to the museum to learn more of the local history behind the landmark.
Best walks in Northern Ireland
There are no official national parks in Northern Ireland but the country is surely deserving of them. From the famous Giant’s Causeway to the stunning nature reserves, Northern Ireland is home to some of the best walks in the UK.
Slieve Donard from Newcastle
- Start location: Donard Park, Newcastle
- Length: 5.8 miles
- Average time to complete: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Tackle Northern Ireland’s tallest peak. Climb Slieve Donard (850m) and earn stunning Isle of Man views.
Starting from Donard Park, follow the well-defined footpath along the Glen River. Pass over sturdy bridges and through dense woodland. Admire oak, birch and Scots pine. Begin rising above the river and reach the saddle point between Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard.
It’s easy-going thanks to freshly paved steps leading to the Mourne Wall. The 1.5 metre-high stone wall indicates the beginning of the end. Make a left turn and follow its steep path to the summit.
Take in the views before retracing your steps back to the Donard Park starting point. Stop at O’Hares Lounge Bars (opposite the car park) before trekking back to the hotel.
Giant’s Causeway Red Trail
- Start location: The Causeway Hotel, Bushmills, Antrim
- Length: 2 miles
- Average time to complete: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes
A Geological marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Giant’s Causeway offers one of the most awe-inspiring walks in Northern Ireland.
Facing the Causeway Hotel, head right – towards the visitor’s centre and follow the signs for the Red Trail. Continue along the footpath, heading up the steep hill to the Weir Snout viewpoint. Admire the stunning views from the clifftop, taking extra care in high winds.
Continue along the footpath until you reach the top of the Shepard Steps. Descend the staircase, turning left to continue to view the Grand Causeway. Alternatively, follow the trail to reach the impressive basalt Organ Pipes.
When you return to the Causeway Hotel make sure you pay a visit to The Smugglers Inn. It is just a short drive from the Causeway and you can enjoy a good bite. Do not pass the battered fish.
Looking for more great walks in the UK? Check out the best coastal walks and the most breathtaking hikes in the UK.
Best walks in the UK: FAQ
The South West Coast Path is the longest of all walking trails in the UK. The footpath wraps around England’s southwest peninsula – stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour. It’s the ultimate challenge for long-distance hikers in England.
As a born and bred Cumbrian, there’s only one walking challenge in contention, The Wainwright. Covering all 214 Lake District peaks, the UK’s hardest walk covers more than 320 miles and 118,000ft in elevation. The route is undefined but all entrants must start/finish at Moot Hall in Keswick.
