The UK is packed with hiking routes, from rugged mountain paths and dramatic coastal trails to peaceful woodland walks and long-distance countryside routes. You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy them either. There are the best hikes in UK destinations for almost every ability level, whether you want a challenging summit, a scenic half-day walk, or an easy route through beautiful countryside.
One of the best things about hiking in Britain is the variety of landscapes. You can walk beside lochs in Scotland, cross open moorland in England, explore mountain valleys in Wales, or follow dramatic coastlines in Northern Ireland.
This guide brings together some of the best hikes in the UK, covering different regions and experiences so you can choose a route that suits your plans.
Why is hiking in the UK worth doing?
Hiking is one of the simplest ways to experience the British landscape. Instead of seeing a national park or countryside destination from a car window, walking lets you spend time among the hills, forests, rivers, and villages.
The scenery changes dramatically from one part of the country to another. The Lake District is known for its mountains and lakes; the Scottish Highlands offer vast open landscapes, while the Yorkshire Dales provide rolling hills, valleys, and stone villages.
There are also plenty of routes that can be reached without traveling deep into the countryside. Some of the UK’s most rewarding walks are close to towns and cities, making them practical for day trips.
10 Best Hikes in the UK
1. Helvellyn, Lake District
Helvellyn is one of the Lake District’s best-known mountains and a popular choice for experienced walkers looking for a more demanding day in the hills.
The route offers impressive views across the surrounding fells and lakes, but conditions can change quickly at higher elevations. Walkers should choose their route carefully and check the weather before setting out.
For anyone looking for a proper mountain experience in England, Helvellyn is an excellent option.
Best for: experienced hikers and mountain scenery.
2. Scafell Pike, Lake District
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, making it an obvious choice for anyone building a list of major UK hiking challenges.
The climb involves steep and rocky sections, so it requires preparation rather than being treated as an ordinary countryside walk. Good footwear, weather awareness, and enough food and water are important.
The reward is a memorable mountain day surrounded by some of the UK’s finest upland scenery.
Best for: experienced walkers and summit challenges.
3. Ben Nevis, Scotland
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and one of Scotland’s most famous hiking destinations.
The route from Glen Nevis provides a serious challenge, with a substantial climb and changing mountain conditions. Reaching the summit can be demanding, particularly when visibility is poor.
For hikers who want to take on one of Britain’s major peaks, Ben Nevis belongs high on the list.
Best for: challenging mountain hikes.
4. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr offers one of Scotland’s most recognizable landscapes.
The walk is considerably shorter than some of the mountain routes on this list, but the unusual rock formations and views across the surrounding landscape make it particularly rewarding.
It is a good choice if you want dramatic Highland scenery without committing to a full-day mountain expedition.
Best for: dramatic scenery and shorter hikes.
5. Snowdon, Wales
Yr Wyddfa, commonly known in English as Snowdon, is the highest mountain in Wales and one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations.
Several routes lead towards the summit, allowing walkers to choose according to experience, conditions, and available time.
The mountain can become very busy, particularly during peak periods, so planning ahead is worthwhile.
Best for: mountain hiking and panoramic Welsh scenery.
6. Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
Pen y Fan is another excellent Welsh mountain walk and a popular introduction to higher-level hiking.
The route provides broad views across Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and offers a rewarding summit without requiring the same commitment as some of Britain’s highest mountains.
It is particularly attractive for walkers exploring South Wales.
Best for: scenic mountain walks and national park exploring.
7. Yorkshire Three Peaks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks route is a serious challenge covering Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
Completing all three in one outing requires stamina and good preparation, but the route provides a fantastic way to experience the Yorkshire Dales.
You don’t have to complete the entire challenge in one go either. Individual peaks can be explored separately if you prefer a shorter adventure.
Best for: experienced hikers and long-distance challenges.
8. Hadrian’s Wall Path
Hadrian’s Wall Path provides a completely different hiking experience.
Instead of concentrating on a single summit, the route combines walking with Roman history as it crosses northern England.
You can tackle sections as day walks or plan a longer journey along the route. This flexibility makes it suitable for walkers who want history and countryside together.
Best for: history lovers and long-distance walking.
9. Southwest Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is one of Britain’s most impressive long-distance walking routes, following much of the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset.
You don’t need to walk the entire route to enjoy it. Individual sections can provide excellent day hikes, with cliffs, beaches, coves, and coastal villages along the way.
For anyone searching for the best places to hike in the UK with sea views, this should be near the top of the list.
Best for: coastal scenery and multi-day walking.
10. Mournes, Northern Ireland
The Mourne Mountains provide some of Northern Ireland’s most rewarding mountain scenery.
Routes around the Mournes range from shorter walks to more demanding mountain days. The combination of open hills, stone walls, and expansive views gives the area a distinctive character.
It is a great choice for hikers who want to explore beyond Great Britain’s most familiar national parks.
Best for: mountain scenery and exploring Northern Ireland.
Best Places to Hike in the UK
Choosing the right destination can be just as important as choosing the individual trail.
Lake District
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most famous hiking regions, with mountains, lakes, valleys, and countless walking routes.
It offers everything from gentle lakeside paths to serious summit days, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers.
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands are ideal if you want dramatic landscapes and a sense of space.
There are mountain routes, coastal walks, lochside paths, and shorter trails, with scenery that changes dramatically throughout the region.
Snowdonia
Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, is one of the best destinations for the best hiking in the UK searches because of its combination of mountains, lakes, and valleys.
While Yr Wyddfa attracts much of the attention, there are many other routes worth exploring.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales provide a gentler alternative to Britain’s highest mountains.
Expect limestone landscapes, waterfalls, valleys, stone walls, and traditional villages. There are plenty of walks suitable for different abilities.
Peak District
The Peak District is particularly convenient for walkers living in or visiting central England.
Its moorlands, valleys, and rocky edges provide a wide range of routes, including shorter walks suitable for a day outdoors.
Hiking Tips for Exploring the UK
Check the Route Before You Leave
Know the distance, elevation, expected duration, and terrain before starting.
Start Early
An early start gives you more daylight and can help avoid the busiest periods on popular trails.
Respect the Countryside
Keep to appropriate paths, take your rubbish home, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Check Access Restrictions
Some areas can have temporary closures or restrictions. Check current information before traveling.
Don’t Underestimate Distance
A route may look short on a map but take much longer because of steep climbs, rough ground, or weather.
Have a Backup Plan
If conditions become unsafe, turning around is better than continuing simply because you have planned to reach a particular viewpoint or summit.
Final Thoughts
The best hikes in the UK aren’t necessarily the longest or most difficult. A great walk is one that matches your experience, fitness, weather conditions, and the kind of scenery you want to see.
For dramatic mountains, head towards the Lake District, Wales, or Scotland. For coastal scenery, explore the South West Coast Path. If you prefer history alongside walking, Hadrian’s Wall offers a completely different experience.
If you’re planning more UK adventures between hikes, you can also explore the best waterfalls in the UK, browse the best Christmas markets in London, find inspiration with places to visit near London, or plan longer weekend trips from London.
Whether you’re an experienced hill walker or simply looking for a beautiful trail for your next day out, the UK offers an extraordinary range of landscapes to explore on foot. The key is choosing a route that suits you, preparing properly and giving yourself enough time to enjoy the journey rather than focusing only on reaching the end.
FAQs
What are the best hikes in the UK?
Some of the best hikes in the UK include Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Snowdon, Pen y Fan, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Hadrian’s Wall Path, and sections of the South West Coast Path.
What are the best hiking trails in the UK for beginners?
Beginners should start with shorter routes on well-defined paths and avoid challenging mountain summits until they have gained more experience. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Peak District all offer routes at different difficulty levels.
What are the best places to hike in the UK?
The Lake District, Scottish Highlands, Eryri, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Bannau Brycheiniog, and the South West Coast are among the UK’s strongest hiking destinations.
What is the hardest hike in the UK?
There is no single hardest hike because difficulty depends on distance, elevation, weather, and route conditions. Long challenges such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks and major mountain routes can be demanding for experienced hikers.
Is hiking in the UK suitable for families?
Yes. Many UK hiking destinations have short and relatively easy trails suitable for families. Choose routes based on children’s ages, weather conditions, and the terrain.
What should I take hiking in the UK?
Essential items include suitable footwear, waterproof clothing, food, water, navigation equipment, and a charged phone. Longer or remote walks require more preparation.
Can you hike in the UK during winter?
Yes, but winter hiking requires additional preparation. Mountain conditions can include snow, ice, strong winds, and poor visibility, so inexperienced walkers should choose lower-level routes or go with experienced hikers.
Which UK hiking destination has the best scenery?
This depends on personal preference. The Lake District is famous for lakes and mountains, the Scottish Highlands for dramatic landscapes, Wales for rugged peaks and valleys, and the South West for spectacular coastal scenery.
