Best Hikes in the UK: A Guide to Exploring Nature’s Finest Trails
The United Kingdom is an ideal hiking destination, offering trails through beautiful countryside, rugged coastlines, and towering peaks. Scotland offers some spectacular Highland hikes; England and Wales both boast scenic rolling hills. Here are some great hikes throughout Britain to suit nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
1. Ben Nevis Mountain Trail, Scotland
Location: Fort William, Highland
Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
Ben Nevis is one of the highest peaks in Britain and an absolute must for hiking enthusiasts. The Mountain Trail provides an exhilarating climb, offering incredible panoramic views of the Highlands as you climb. Beginning from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and passing steep inclines and rocky pathways en route. Be sure to bring along sufficient gear as weather forecasts can change quickly when making plans to hike Ben Nevis!
2. Snowdon via the Pyg Track, Wales
Location: Snowdonia National Park
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak, provides numerous trails and routes, but many hikers choose the Pyg Track for its manageable distance and spectacular scenery. Beginning from Pen-y-Pass and traversing rugged paths leading through Snowdonia National Park’s breathtaking beauty en route. Don’t forget the summit cafe or visitor centre for an enjoyable treat after your trek!
3. Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, England
Location: Lake District
Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
Difficulty: Challenging
Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, offers another iconic hike starting at Wasdale Head and offering steep terrain and climbs that culminate with breathtaking views of Lake District lakes and valleys from its summit. Though challenging and demanding preparation for such an undertaking is required for this experience to truly reward.
4. The West Highland Way, Scotland
Location: From Milngavie to Fort William
Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
For those seeking multi-day adventure, the West Highland Way offers an iconic long distance trail. Travel through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes like Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe while staying in campsites or guesthouses along your route – making for a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature for several days at once!
5. The Pennine Way, England
Location: From Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders
Distance: 268 miles (431 km)
Difficulty: Challenging
The Pennine Way, often referred to as England’s “backbone,” is its oldest long-distance trail. Spanning from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland, this trek spans moorlands, rolling hills, and picturesque villages on an incredible journey that rewards with stunning natural beauty as well as an incomparable sense of accomplishment at every turn.
6. Hadrian’s Wall Path, England
Location: Northern England
Distance: 84 miles (135 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Hadrian’s Wall Path offers history-themed hiking at its finest. Following in the footsteps of Roman walls built to defend northern frontiers of empires like Rome, this trail takes hikers through rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and historical landmarks that bring this trail alive with culture and nature alike. Ideal for history enthusiasts as well as hikers.
7. The Causeway Coast Way, Northern Ireland
Location: Between Portstewart and Ballycastle
Distance: 33 miles (53 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast Way is an unforgettable coastal experience. Beginning at Portstewart and winding its way past sandy beaches, basalt cliffs, iconic landmarks such as Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – making this hike one of the UK’s best coastal hikes – its beauty and historical significance make this route one of the UK’s top coastal hikes.
8. South West Coast Path, England
Location: From Somerset to Dorset
Distance: 630 miles (1,014 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest national trail, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to experience dramatic coastlines, charming fishing villages and uncrowded beaches. Take on any section or complete all 336 miles for an unparalleled visual treat along this breathtaking journey!
9. Old Man of Coniston, England
Location: Lake District
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Old Man of Coniston is an iconic Lake District trail, beloved for its breathtaking views and historic significance. Along its trail are remnants from old slate quarries – making this hike truly unforgettable – while reaching its summit offers magnificent vistas over Coniston Water and nearby fells.
10. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, England
Location: Yorkshire Dales
Distance: 24 miles (39 km)
Difficulty: Challenging
This circular route connects Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough–three peaks in the Yorkshire Dales–for an endurance challenge and rewarding views of limestone pavements, lush valleys, and rugged summits
