Top Hiking Trails in the United Kingdom
Explore Britain's most breathtaking walking routes
The United Kingdom boasts some of Europe's most spectacular hiking trails, from challenging mountain peaks to gentle coastal paths. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a casual walker, Britain's diverse landscapes offer routes for every ability level. This guide highlights the UK's finest trails, providing essential information on difficulty, duration, and what makes each route special.
Snowdonia National Park
Location: North Wales
Snowdonia National Park offers some of Wales' most dramatic mountain scenery, with Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) standing as the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 meters. The park features rugged terrain, stunning vistas, and routes suitable for all experience levels.
Popular Routes
- Llanberis Path: Most popular and gradual route to Snowdon summit (9 miles, 5-6 hours)
- Pyg Track: Shorter but steeper, offering spectacular views (7 miles, 5-6 hours)
- Snowdon Horseshoe: Challenging circular route for experienced hikers (7 miles, 6-7 hours)
Trail Information
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best Season: May to September
Duration: 5-7 hours round trip
Starting Point: Llanberis or Pen-y-Pass
The Peak District
Location: Central England (Between Manchester and Sheffield)
Britain's first National Park offers diverse landscapes from limestone valleys to dramatic gritstone edges. The Peak District is easily accessible from major cities and features well-marked trails through quintessentially English countryside.
Must-Try Walks
- Kinder Scout: Plateau walk with stunning views (8 miles, 4-5 hours, challenging)
- Mam Tor: The "Shivering Mountain" with 360° views (3-4 miles, 2-3 hours, moderate)
- Dovedale Stepping Stones: Gentle riverside walk (4.5 miles, 2-3 hours, easy)
- Stanage Edge: Dramatic gritstone escarpment (variable routes, moderate)
Trail Information
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: Year-round (summer best)
Duration: 2-6 hours depending on route
Access: Excellent public transport links
West Highland Way
Location: Scotland (Milngavie to Fort William)
Scotland's most famous long-distance trail covers 96 miles through some of the country's most spectacular scenery. This iconic route takes hikers from the outskirts of Glasgow through Loch Lomond National Park to the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Route Highlights
- Loch Lomond: Beautiful loch-side walking with stunning water views
- Rannoch Moor: Remote wilderness of peat bogs and mountains
- Glen Coe: Dramatic valley with towering peaks
- Fort William: Finish at the base of Ben Nevis
Trail Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: May to September
Duration: 6-8 days for full trail
Total Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
South Downs Way
Location: Southern England (Winchester to Eastbourne)
This 100-mile National Trail follows the ancient chalk ridgeway across rolling hills with panoramic views of the English countryside. The trail offers gentler terrain than mountain routes while still providing excellent walking and stunning vistas.
Route Features
- Devil's Dyke: Spectacular viewpoint near Brighton
- Seven Sisters: Iconic white chalk cliffs meeting the sea
- Historic Sites: Ancient hill forts and medieval churches
- Charming Villages: Traditional English pubs and tea rooms
Trail Information
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: April to October
Duration: 7-9 days for full trail
Total Distance: 100 miles (160 km)
Perfect For: First-time long-distance walkers, with good facilities and easy access to accommodation. The trail can be walked in sections for day hikes.
Lake District Trails
Location: Cumbria, North West England
The Lake District National Park offers England's most dramatic mountain scenery, with 16 major lakes and countless peaks. From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain scrambles, the Lake District caters to all hiking abilities.
Top Routes
- Scafell Pike: England's highest peak (6 miles, 6-8 hours, very challenging)
- Catbells: Popular family-friendly mountain (4 miles, 3-4 hours, moderate)
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge: Thrilling ridge walk (9 miles, 6-7 hours, hard)
- Windermere Shore Path: Gentle lakeside walk (variable distances, easy)
- Fairfield Horseshoe: Classic circular ridge route (11 miles, 7-8 hours, hard)
Trail Information
Difficulty: Easy to Very Hard
Best Season: May to September
Duration: 2-8 hours depending on route
Base: Keswick, Ambleside, or Windermere
Essential Hiking Safety Tips
Plan Your Route
Study maps, check weather forecasts, and inform someone of your plans. Download offline maps as phone signal can be unreliable.
Dress Appropriately
Wear layers, waterproof jacket, and proper hiking boots. UK weather changes rapidly, especially in mountains.
Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, first aid kit, whistle, torch, and emergency shelter. Even on short walks, be prepared.
Know Your Limits
Choose routes matching your fitness level. Don't be afraid to turn back if conditions worsen or you feel unwell.
Respect Nature
Follow the Countryside Code: leave no trace, close gates, keep dogs under control, and stick to paths.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency: 999 or 112. For mountain rescue text 999, or use the Emergency SMS service (register at emergencysms.org.uk)
Discover Britain's Hiking Heritage
Join our guided hiking tours to explore the UK's most beautiful trails safely
View Our Tours