10 Best UK Hikes for Beginners: A Starter Guide to Scenic Trails

It can feel intimidating when you want to start hiking. Never climbed a mountain before? Don't worry; even the best mountaineers began just like you - with the decision you've just made!

If you want to succeed on your first attempt, start with easy hikes and build up the confidence to face big mountains like Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, TMB, and the other seven summits of the world. 

At Skyhook, we love all types of hikes, so if you are in the United Kingdom, let's share the best beginner hikes to train with below!

Location: Scottish Highlands, near Fort William

Length: Approximately 17 kilometres round trip

Duration: Typically 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate 

No UK list of mountains could be complete without the tallest peak, even for beginners. Hiking Ben Nevis (1,345 metres) is a badge of honour, especially if you have some trekking experience. It is one of the best mountains to climb in Scotland, and for good reason. 

You can climb Ben Nevis via the Pony Track (the Mountain Track). While the hike is longer, the path is well-maintained and gradual, so you only need a moderate level of fitness. 

The route begins at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and ascends steadily, requiring no technical climbing. The summit opens up spectacular views of the surrounding Highlands, but the weather can change rapidly, so come prepared with appropriate hiking clothing and gear.

Is this your first mountain hike? If so, you could use a guided trip, and which is better than Skyhook's National 3 Peaks in 3 Days which starts with an easy Ben Nevis climb on the first day? 

If you have more hiking experience, book our National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours) and climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdown in one day. Alternatively, combine your hike with some water adventure in our Hike Ben Nevis & Canoe Through Scotland trip!

Location: Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Length:  14.5 kilometres round trip via Llanberis Path

Duration: 6-7 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

If this is your first-ever hike, you can forgo the National 3 Peaks Challenge that has you trekking Ben Nevis, Snowdown, and Scafell Pike. Instead, start your hiking hobby by hiking Snowdown, also called Yr Wyddfa (1,085 metres) alone. 

The Llanberis Path is the easiest and most beginner-friendly route to the summit of Snowdon.

Beginning in the village of Llanberis, this trail offers a gradual ascent, making it the longest but easiest way up the mountain. 

You get stunning views as you climb, including the picturesque valleys and lakes surrounding Snowdon. On a clear day, reaching the summit offers stunning views that make the effort worthwhile!

Location: North Yorkshire, England

Length: 4 kilometres

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Roseberry Topping, often called the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn' due to its distinctive shape, is a popular and easy UK hike for beginners. 

Elevating up to 320 metres, the walk starts from the car park in Newton under Roseberry and offers a direct ascent through beautiful woodlands.

Though short, this hike is rewarding, with scenic views over the North York Moors and the Tees Valley from the summit. 

It's perfect for a quick, satisfying outdoor experience, a mix of scenic beauty and a gentle challenge for all ages and fitness levels.

Location: Brecon Beacons, Monmouthshire, Wales

Length: 5.5 km

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Sugar Loaf Mountain (396 m) offers a delightful climb that is perfect for beginners looking for a bit of a challenge. 

The 5.5 km route starts from the National Trust car park at Mynydd Llanwenarth and takes you through beautiful moorland and open countryside.

The incline is steady, with a few steeper sections, but nothing too strenuous. 

The summit rewards you with dramatic views across the Brecon Beacons and beyond. It's a popular hike, so you'll likely share the trail with fellow walkers, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. 

Location: Worcestershire and Herefordshire, England

Length: Up to 16 km for a circular route

Duration: 2-5 hours depending on the trail

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The Malvern Hills offer some of England's easiest and most rewarding hikes, perfect for beginners. With a variety of trails, you can tailor your hike to your fitness level, whether you want a short stroll or a longer adventure. 

The End-to-end walk along the ridge provides stunning views across the counties, with the Worcestershire Beacon being the highest point at 425 metres. 

The well-maintained paths make it easy to enjoy the rolling hills and open landscapes. It's a fantastic introduction to hiking, with plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery​!

Location: Lake District, Cumbria, England

Length: 5.6 km round trip

Duration: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Cat Bells is one of the Lake District's most leisurely hikes - at 451 metres of elevation, which makes it perfect for beginners and families. 

The route starts at Hawes End and follows a well-marked path with gentle ascents and stunning views over Derwentwater and the surrounding falls.

The climb includes some minor scrambles but nothing too challenging, making it a great introduction to hill walking. 

Despite its modest height, the summit rewards you with panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. The walk is popular, so it's best to start early to dodge the crowds and enjoy a peaceful climb.

Location: Lake District, Cumbria, England

Length: Approximately 16 km

Duration: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

The Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the best UK hikes for beginners. Starting in Ambleside, this route gradually climbs to the summit of Fairfield, the highest point at 873 metres. 

The ascent is steady, with clear paths and manageable gradients, making it an accessible hike if you want to challenge yourself without overly strenuous terrain.

The views from the ridge are just spectacular, with sweeping panoramas of the Lake District's fells and lakes.

The descent is equally scenic, so you'll get a satisfying loop that immerses you in the region's natural beauty!

Location: Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, England

Length: Approximately 8 km

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Clougha Pike is a scenic and relatively easy hike within the Forest of Bowland - the perfect introduction to hill walking. 

The trail starts at Birk Bank car park near Quernmore and steadily ascends through heather moorland, leading you to the summit at 413 metres.

From the top, you'll enjoy detailed views over Lancaster, Morecambe Bay, and even the distant Lake District Fells. 

The descent can be slightly rough, with some rocky sections, but overall, the path is well-marked and suitable if you're new to hiking. 

Location: Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

Length: 10.6 km round trip

Duration: About 3 hours 15 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Pen y Ghent, at 694 metres, is the smallest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, yet it offers a rewarding and effortless hike for beginners. 

The route from Horton-in-Ribblesdale includes a mix of gentle ascents and some steeper sections.

It's doable for most walkers, with a few areas requiring light scrambling as you approach the summit. 

From the top, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Dales, making the effort well worth it.

The hike is an excellent introduction to hill walking in the Yorkshire Dales, combining scenic beauty with a sense of achievement​.

Location: Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England

Length: 9.7 km round trip

Duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Yes Tor, Devon is one of the highest points in southern England, standing at 619 metres above sea level.

It offers a gentle climb through Dartmoor's rugged moorland, making it a great choice for beginners looking for an accessible yet rewarding experience. 

Starting from the Okehampton Camp, the route gradually ascends to the summit, where you're rewarded with dramatic views across Dartmoor and beyond. 

Ready to go hiking? These are some of the best hikes for beginners in the UK. 

The best thing about these day hikes is you can use them to prepare physically (and acclimatise) for more challenging and longer hikes like the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe. 

Remember, a good hiker always comes prepared with good gear and a sharp mental focus.