Walking in the United Kingdom is as versatile as the country itself. Various national parks such as the Peak District, Lake District and Snowdonia are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. These are brilliant destinations for your active break. Go Munro bagging in Scotland or enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic Coast in the South. The UK holds plenty of well-maintained walking routes for all experience levels.
The 10 most beautiful hikes in the United Kingdom
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When you have a day off, or even a week, there is nothing better than to explore nature. For some, walking is like meditating – getting away from daily life and listening to the stories of your surroundings while butting one foot in front of the other mile after mile. The UK has many magical and mystical places that you can only enjoy on foot.
We’ll show you around and introduce you to the best places in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Get inspired and start planning your next walking or hiking trip!
England – over hill, to sea
In between its dazzling cities, England surprises with a vast land full of deep forests, endless heathland and plenty of peaks giving the landscape an attractive shape.
Walk the length and breadth of the Lake District, and you'll see why it is one of the UK's most famous beauty spots. Wild boar and deer live in Sussex countryside, and the Seven Sisters tops the area off. If you like the coastal walks there, you should also check out the routes connecting Norfolk and Suffolk. The Norfolk coast has a long history of maritime and architectural links and is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists.
The White Peak is one of the UK's most spectacular mountain ranges and is home to some of the country's most spectacular scenery. The Dragon's Back range is often cited as the only true peaks in the Peak District; a line of pinnacles said to resemble the 'plates' along the spine of a stegosaurus dinosaur.
The rolling hills of the Staffordshire Dales are a world away from the madding crowds of the Grand National. This route is part of the Dimmings Dales National Park in North Yorkshire.
England holds a variety of beautiful and well-maintained walking routes, which are appealing to a huge number of walkers. ...
Scotland – warmhearted roughness
Yes, sometimes it rains in Scotland. But often enough, there is some sun.
Besides that, everyone can hike when the weather is good. But there is some joy in climbing a mountain when the conditions seem to be against you. Don’t be afraid of a bit of rain and enjoy the mystic country of Scotland.
The most important spots you shouldn’t miss are:
- Munro Ben Nevis, the highest mountain of Scotland
- Inverness and Fort William as outdoor sports hot spots
- Loch Ness and its legendary monster
- Edinburgh, explore the Athens of the North
The Scots are excellent hosts and know how to make your stay unforgettable. Don’t hesitate to start a conversation with them – they might let you in on some secrets and recommend you their favourite hikes and walks.
The walking and hiking paths in Scotland are as diverse as the weather. The great network offers the right route for ...
What to wear hiking in the UK?
Wales – Coastal walks and National Parks
Explore the top of Mount Snowdon or take a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path alongside the turquoise sea as you explore Wales' two incredible national parks - Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.
Spend some action-packed active breaks with your family and friends and learn about the culture and history of this unique country while hiking through Wales from North to South. The hiking network is well established and offers routes suitable for hikers of all levels.
Do you want to know where to hike in the UK? Well, Wales is a great start. The difficulty of the routes there start from easy but can also get quite tricky. So, whether you are a beginner on your first adventure or an expert explorer, Wales has got a lot of summits with an excellent view.
Fall in love with Wales!
With two fantastic national parks, Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, Wales has great walking routes and amazing scenery. ...
Northern Ireland – challenging miles with a view
The Belfast Hills are a good place to experience the hustle and bustle of the city down below while high up in the calm. You can easily reach the 478 meters (1,568 feet) tall Divis peak from the city centre.
In addition to enjoying the surroundings, you will also be able to see Scotland's peaks in the distance from the Ridge Trail.
The Mournes offers more challenging hikes you may enjoy. If you want challenging hikes, you can set out on three days to conquer six of Northern Ireland's highest peaks, beginning with Slieve Donard and ending with Meelberg. With challenging routes across the highest peaks and spectacular views, The Mourne Wall Challenge is for experienced hikers. The Sperrin Mountains offer megalithic structures like more than 90 stone circles and challenging routes.
With its rich cultures from both Ireland and the United Kingdom and its picture-perfect landscape, Northern Ireland ...