The 13 most breathtaking hikes in the UK

Where is it? From the coast of Cumbria to the coast of Yorkshire 

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

Length of hike? 12 days for experienced hikers, 14 days if you prefer to explore the area a little 

Where is it? The Perthshire and Angus glens, Scotland

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 

Length of hike? Around five days 

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Where is it? Bath (clue’s in the name for this one)

For hikers that don’t want to stray too far from civilization the Circuit of Bath could be the route for you. This circular route takes in both the beautiful city of Bath and the picturesque countryside around it, with rivers, canals, and aqueducts scattered all along the route. It’s a super flexible hike as it can be started from anywhere along the route and you can complete it in either direction.

How far in total? 20.5 Miles

Length of walk? One to two days, but it’s broken into four sections if you really want to take your time 

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Where is it? Somerset to Dorset

You’re going to need a fair amount of annual leave to tackle this in one go. Currently the longest walking route in England, 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

Length of hike? 52 days is the recommended itinerary but the current record is the whole thing in 10 days!

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Where is it? Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire

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

Length of hike? Around a week 

Where is it? Wales (obviously) 

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

Length of hike? Seven weeks to do the full Coastal Path and 12 days to complete the Offa’s Dyke Path (so nine weeks if you want to do a full circuit of the Welsh border!)

Where is it? North Yorkshire (the Dales)

If climbing one peak isn't enough for you, why not tackle all three of Yorkshire's most well known peaks in one circular route? This hike will take you up and over Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside resulting in a total of 5000 ft of vertical ascent but also some spectacular views of the Yorkshire countryside. The ‘challenge’ is to complete the route in 12 hours and there are many organised or sponsored walks that do so but it is easy to break up and complete in your own time as well. The route is well signposted and there is even a Three Peaks app to keep you on track.

How far in total? 24 Miles 

Length of walk? 12 hours if you’re quick, or it can be easily spread across two more leisurely days 

Where is it? Eastbourne to Winchester

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

Length of hike? Seven to nine days

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Where is it? Newcastle upon Tyne to Cumbria

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

Length of hike? Six to nine days depending on walking speed and whether you stop off to have a closer look at the ruins

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Where is it? North Yorkshire 

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

Length of hike? Around nine days