The 11 most breathtaking hikes in the UK

This long-distance trek isn’t one of the UK’s official trails, but it’s a popular one, taking hikers from the Irish Sea on the sands of St Bees in Cumbria to the North Sea as it rolls into historic Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. Following local footpaths, the route, which was first published by walker and writer Alfred Wainwright in the 1970s, takes you through three UK National Parks: the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Who’s for hill-and-vale bingo?

How far in total? 190 miles

Wales is unique in that it is the only country in the world that has an official walking path covering the entirety of its borders. Well, that should be two paths, but the point stands that this is a land that offers an accessible yet difficult walking challenge. The Wales Coastal Path is a footpath stretching 870 miles from Chester to Chepstow, while the Offa’s Dyke Path roughly covers the inland stretch between those two spots. Walking the whole thing might be a little excessive, but there are plenty of stretches that can be enjoyed over a day or two. There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of Wales.

How far in total? Wales Coastal Path 870 miles, Offa’s Dyke Path 177 miles

We’ve got Emperor Hadrian to thank for this frankly ridiculous wall, which he (or more accurately, his team of 15,000 men) started building in 122 AD. He probably didn’t envisage it as a lovely jaunt for ramblers, more like a terrifying show of his power, but hey, we won’t let that stop us from enjoying this picturesque route which spans everything from lush fields to city streets, dotted with Roman forts and settlements along the way.

How far in total? 84 miles

You’re going to need a fair amount of annual leave to tackle this in one go. Currently the longest walking route in the UK, the South West Coast Path runs from Minehead in Somerset all the way to Poole in Dorset, via rugged cliffs, cute fishing villages and surfing spots along the Devon and Cornwall coastline. It’s recommended to allow a casual 52 days to walk it start to finish, but you can jump on to the well-signposted coastal path at any point to trek a more managable chunk. Maybe with a pub or three en route.

How far in total? 630 miles

You’ll want nine days to fully complete this hike, which takes in both the North York Moors and the county’s world-famous coastline. Most people walk clockwise from Helmsley to Filey. Just make sure you allow enough time to properly enjoy spots like Roseberry Topping hill and get your goth on at Whitby’s atmospheric clifftop Abbey.

How far in total? 109 miles

Known as Britain’s ‘oldest road’, this trail over high ground has been used since prehistoric times by travellers and traders. It still makes for an awesome walk, with panoramic views of the North Wessex Downs and the Chiltern Hills. Set off at Avebury’s neolithic stone circle and you can put your feet up a few days later beside the Thames in Goring. 

How far in total? 87 miles

Running from Eastbourne to Winchester, this trail along the majestic chalk ridges of the South Downs is a tick list of lovely locations. Walkers tackle the Seven Sisters cliffs, photo-ready Cuckmere Haven and Sussex’s wonky medieval villages before heading inland to lush hills and woodland. Pack thick socks and plot a route of around 12 miles a day to complete it in just over a week.

How far in total? 100 miles

The Pennine Way is one wild and remote path, connecting northern England to the Scottish borders. Your calves might not thank you for this hilly route (the combined ascent is higher than Mount Everest fyi) but your eyeballs surely will. It’s one epic vista after another, taking you through the Peaks and the Yorkshire Dales, and over Hadrian’s Wall.

How far in total? 268 miles

Don’t worry, the gangs of cattle thieves (known as caterans) who used to roam this route have long gone. Today, the only things you’ll need to look out for are deer and hares which thrive in the wild moorland along this spectacular circular walk. Taking around five days to complete, there are plenty of pubs along The Cateran Trail, making it one of the more accessible long-distance hikes in Scotland. 

How far in total? 64 miles

All the gear, no idea? You can avoid steep peaks (and guarantee plenty of picturesque stop-offs) by hiking The Cotswold Way. It meanders from bougie Chipping Campden to the honey-coloured city of Bath, taking in rolling valleys, chocolate-box villages and a bunch of historic landmarks. Eleven days should suffice to do all 102 miles, but it’s an ace one to pick up for a gentle afternoon stoll if that’s more your idea of a good time.

How far in total? 102 miles

Here’s one brave way to explore the mega-landscapes between Glasgow and Fort William in Scotland. The West Highland Way is etched through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and beyond, past glassy lochs and heather-covered lowlands to steep mountain paths. Tackling the entire route is certainly a challenge, but if you’re not fazed, know this: you finish right at the foot of Ben Nevis.

How far in total? 96 miles