20 Best Hikes in the UK

Although it’s not the most famous hiking destination, the UK is a paradise for hikers.

The best hikes in the UK are diverse, with many iconic long-distance trails, stunning mountain peaks, coastal walks, and everything in between.

While the UK may lack high-altitude mountains, it makes up for it with some of the most scenic long-distance walking trails you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

No matter what type of trail you’re after, here are our top picks for the UK’s best hikes.

Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the UK at 1,345 meters.

Thanks to its high reward and sense of accomplishment, it instantly makes it one of the best hikes in the UK.

It’s also on our list of the best hikes in Europe.

The well-maintained path winds through beautiful Scottish scenery and offers plenty of awesome views along the way.

The trail begins with a steady ascent, crossing streams and zigzagging up the mountain’s western flank. As you climb, the views open up, revealing the expansive beauty of the Highlands. 

The final stretch to the summit is a rocky plateau, where, on clear days, you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the surrounding mountains.

Just be aware of the unpredictable weather that often covers the summit in mist.

Ben Nevis may be a great hike on its own, but if you’re after a major accomplishment, you can also do it as part of the Three Peaks Challenge. 

Or, consider hiking Ben Nevis as part of our 5-day canoe trip through Scotland’s countryside.

Snowdon, Wales’s highest peak at 1,085 meters, offers several hiking routes to the summit. The Pyg Track and Miner’s Track are among the most popular. 

These trails start at Pen-y-Pass and provide a gradual ascent with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and valleys.

As you climb, you’ll enjoy some incredible scenery, like the dramatic cliffs of Crib Goch on one side and the Glaslyn Tarn below. 

The final push to the summit involves a steep but short climb. It ends in a panoramic view that stretches across the Irish Sea and over the peaks of Snowdonia.

On a clear day, the views from the top are truly breathtaking.

Snowdon is another one of the Three Peaks.

Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak at 978 meters, is the last of the Three Peaks. It’s one of the best hikes in England, thanks to the tall summit.

You can choose from various routes to the top, each with its own charm. The most popular path begins at Wasdale Head, taking you through rocky terrain and steep inclines. 

The ascent is demanding, but the views along the way, particularly of Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, are well worth it. 

As you near the summit, the landscape becomes more rugged, with boulder fields and dramatic crags. You can enjoy great views over the Lake District and beyond on a clear day. 

If you’re after a quieter experience, the Corridor Route from Seathwaite is a scenic and less crowded alternative.

If you’re after the best long-distance hikes in the UK, this has to be on your list. The South West Coast Path is a 1,013km (630 miles) adventure along some of the UK’s most dramatic coastline. 

This path, starting in Minehead, Somerset, and ending in Poole, Dorset, is a hiker’s dream. 

One of the most stunning sections is the stretch around The Lizard in Cornwall, where rugged cliffs drop into the Atlantic Ocean. 

The trail offers constant sea views, passing secluded coves, historic lighthouses, and quaint fishing villages. The diversity of landscapes, from windswept moors to sandy beaches, makes every section unique. 

This path is generally flat and very easy to navigate; it’s just the length that makes it challenging.

However, most people take shorter sections of the path - which you could do as a day hike or stretch the hike over a few days. 

There are plenty of hidden coves along the way for picnics and plenty of coastal towns for accommodation or refreshments.

You could even stop for a surf camp in Cornwall along the way.

The South Downs Way is a 160km (100 miles) trail that meanders through the rolling hills of southern England. 

The trail starts in Winchester and takes you through fields, ancient woodlands, and chalk cliffs, eventually reaching Eastbourne on the coast. If you appreciate quintessentially British landscapes, this is one of the best hikes in the UK.

The white cliffs near Beachy Head are a highlight, offering fantastic coastal views.

Along the way, you’ll pass plenty of charming pubs, perfect for a rest and a pint.

Hadrian’s Wall Path stretches 135km (84 miles) across the north of England, following the route of the ancient Roman wall.

It’s an iconic long-distance hike, and one of the best hiking places in the UK - especially if you’re interested in history.

The section between Chollerford and Birdoswald Fort is delightful.

Here, the wall snakes over rolling hills, offering some of the best views of the surrounding countryside. 

As you walk, you’ll pass Roman forts, milecastles, and museums that bring the history of the wall to life. 

The West Highland Way is a 155km (96 miles) trek that takes you from the outskirts of Glasgow to the foot of Ben Nevis.

It’s an epic long-distance hike that lets you experience the best of Scotland’s remote wilderness - certainly one of the best treks in the world.

This iconic Scottish trail passes through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK, including the shores of Loch Lomond, the remote Rannoch Moor, and the majestic Glencoe.

Each section offers something different, from the peaceful lochs to the rugged mountains of the Highlands. 

The best thing about doing the West Highland Way is enjoying the sense of remoteness—something you don’t often feel in the UK.

The trail is well-marked, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop in traditional Scottish inns along the way.

When it comes to hiking in the UK, the Isle of Skye is a top destination.

Of all the hikes on this Scottish Island, the Quiraing route is definitely one of the most rewarding.

The Quiraing takes you through an otherworldly landscape of jagged cliffs, hidden plateaus, and ancient landslips. This 6.5km (4 miles) loop starts in the village of Staffin and passes some of the most surreal and dramatic scenery in the UK. 

The trail climbs steeply at first, but this just means incredible views over the islands of Raasay and Rona. 

The Quiraing is one of the best UK hikes for beginners. It’s relatively short but offers incredible rewards. With its unique rock formations and panoramic views, it’s also a photographer’s dream. 

This circular hike begins in the pretty village of Beddgelert and takes you through the Aberglaslyn Gorge, where the path follows the Glaslyn River. 

The trail is a moderate 9km (5.7 miles), but it packs a lot of variety, from peaceful woodland paths to dramatic riverbanks. You’ll also pass by the remnants of old copper mines, which add a touch of history to the natural beauty. 

The gorge is a highlight, with its rushing waters and towering cliffs.

Before you return to the village, the return route offers some great views of the Snowdonia peaks, including Snowdon.

The Coast to Coast walk is a 308km (192 miles) journey from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. Undoubtedly, some of the best hiking in the UK can be enjoyed along this route.

This epic trek crosses three national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors, each offering unique landscapes. The trail takes you through remote valleys, rugged moorland, and dramatic coastlines. 

Highlights include the climb over Kidsty Pike, the highest point on the route, and the descent into the quaint village of Grasmere. 

The ever-changing scenery and the challenge of crossing the country on foot make this one of the most rewarding and best hikes in the UK.

Of course, you can hike shorter sections of this trail if you don’t have the time or energy to commit to the full path.

The Causeway Coast Way is a 53km (33 mile) trail that showcases the rugged beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastline. 

Starting in Portstewart, the trail takes you past the famous Giant’s Causeway, with its iconic basalt columns and the dramatic cliffs of Fair Head. 

The path is relatively easy to follow, making it accessible for most hikers. 

Along the way, you’ll pass through charming seaside towns like Portrush and Ballycastle, where you can stop for a traditional Irish meal and a well-deserved Guinness. 

The Pen y Fan Horseshoe is a classic 15km (9.5 miles) route in the Brecon Beacons. It’s one of the best hikes in the UK, as it lets you take in four of the highest peaks in South Wales. 

The hike starts from the Taf Fechan car park and quickly ascends onto the Graig Fan Ddu ridge. Here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the Brecon Beacons. 

The hike's highlight is reaching the summit of Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain. From here, the views stretch across the entire national park. 

The descent takes you over Cribyn and Fan y Big before looping back to your starting point. This hike is special because of the blend of challenging climbs and stunning scenery.

This challenging 14km (9 miles) hike in the Cairngorms takes you up one of Scotland’s highest peaks, Cairn Gorm, and down to Loch Avon. It’s one of the best hikes in the UK for enjoying classic Scottish scenery.

The trail starts at the Glen Shee Ski Centre and follows a path up the ridge of Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais. 

As you ascend, the views over the Cairngorms National Park become increasingly impressive. 

The descent to Loch Avon is steep, but reaching the loch, nestled between towering cliffs, is worth the effort. 

The return route takes you back up to the summit of Cairn Gorm, where the panoramic views are breathtaking.

The Kinder Scout Plateau Circuit is a 27km (16.8 miles) loop that offers a taste of the wild Peak District. 

The hike starts in Edale and follows the Pennine Way up to the plateau, passing through fields, moorland, and the famous Jacob’s Ladder. 

Once on the plateau, the landscape becomes more rugged, with weathered gritstone formations and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. 

The highlight of the hike is Kinder Downfall, a cascading waterfall.

The return route takes you along the plateau’s southern edge before descending back into Edale.

We’ve mentioned the National Three Peaks Challenge, but if you’re after something a little less intense, then the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a great option.  

It’s still a fairly demanding 37km (23 miles) hike that includes the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. 

The trail is a popular challenge for hikers looking to complete it in under 12 hours, but it is also one of the best hikes in the UK for those who take their time. 

The ascent of Pen-y-Ghent is steep, offering beautiful views over the Dales. The path then leads to Whernside, the highest of the three peaks, with a more gradual ascent. 

The final peak, Ingleborough, is a challenging climb, but the panoramic views from the top are an excellent reward for the effort.

The Cuillin Ridge Traverse is one of the most demanding hikes in the UK, requiring both scrambling and climbing skills. 

It’s also one of the best UK hikes for anyone with a sense of adventure.

The 12km (8 miles) route traverses the jagged Cuillin Ridge, taking in six peaks, including Sgùrr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle. 

The ridge is notorious for its exposed, narrow paths and steep drops. However, the views are some of the best in the UK, sweeping over the Isle of Skye, the Inner Hebrides, and the Scottish mainland. 

The sense of isolation and the rugged beauty of the Cuillins make this a truly unforgettable hike.

The Edale Horseshoe is a classic 32km (20 miles) hike in the Peak District that offers a full day of challenging but rewarding walking. 

The route starts in the village of Edale. It follows a circular path through some of the area’s most iconic peaks, including Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, and Rushup Edge. 

The trail is known for its varied terrain, from steep ascents to rocky ridges and rolling moorland. 

The views along the way are spectacular, especially from the top of Mam Tor, where you can see across the entire Peak District. This hike is a great way to experience the area's wild beauty on one trail.

The Liathach Ridge Traverse is one of Scotland’s most spectacular and challenging hikes. 

The 11km (7 miles) route follows the jagged ridge of Liathach, a mountain that dominates the Torridon landscape. 

The hike involves scrambling along narrow paths with steep drops, which means it is best reserved for experienced walkers. 

Beyond the challenging path, you can enjoy great views of the rugged peaks of the Torridon Hills on one side and the deep blue waters of Loch Torridon on the other. 

The highlight of the hike is the crossing of the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles, a series of rocky spires that require careful navigation. 

This hike is not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are immense.

An Teallach is one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. 

The 11km (7 miles) hike in the Fisherfield Forest starts at the Dundonnell car park and follows a steep path up to the mountain’s ridge. 

The route involves scrambling along narrow ridges and steep ascents. The hike’s highlight is Lord Berkeley’s Seat’s traverse, a narrow pinnacle requiring careful navigation. 

The views from the summit are some of the best in the Scottish Highlands, making this a must-do for experienced hikers.

Helvellyn is one of the Lake District’s most famous peaks, and via Striding Edge, it offers one of the best hikes in the UK. 

This 12km (8 miles) route starts in Glenridding and takes you through fields. The landscape turns rugged as you approach Striding Edge, a narrow ridge with sheer drops on either side. 

The scramble along Striding Edge is exciting and requires a head for heights. 

As you reach the summit, you can enjoy superb panoramic views across the Lake District with Ullswater below you. 

As you can see, the UK is full of amazing hiking routes. From mountain summits to flat coastal paths, there’s something here for every kind of hiker. 

The best way to explore the UK is by walking along the many hiking trails in different regions. No matter which trails you choose to hike, you’ll undoubtedly be rewarded.