5 of the best places to go hiking in the UK
The UK has so many absolutely stunning places to go hiking, biking and camping. Here we’ve listed a few of the most popular areas, routes and trails in the UK for the ultimate hiking experience. No matter if you’re up for just a couple of hours of walking ending with a cold pint at a picturesque countryside pub, or a multi-day hiking adventure in the wilderness, these are all great areas to explore!
Mount Snowdon, Wales
The busiest hiking area in the UK is Snowdonia in North-West Wales, offering a whopping 2,370 hiking routes. Climbing Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, takes around 6-8 hours and can be a challenging hike, though the amazing view from the top where you can see across the sea all the way to Ireland does make it worth it. The entire area around Snowdonia National Park is stunning and offers a whole network of hiking trails as well as more than 100 lakes and peaks, so there's definitely something for everyone.
Edale, Derbyshire
The Peak District in Derbyshire is another popular hiking area in the UK, offering over a thousand different routes and trails. Edale has been named the most popular place to start your hike in the entire UK, featuring many different routes and impressive views. One great route is the Kinder Walk, a round trip starting and finishing at the Edale rail station which takes you on a 9 miles moderate hike among the hills.
Glastonbury, Somerset
Although it might be most recognised for its summer festival these days, Glastonbury is actually unparalleled for its history and culture, making it one of the best places to hike in the UK. A great route is the 11 miles long Mendip Way, starting from Wells Cathedral, taking you through historical sites and gorgeous landscapes to the hill of the famed Glastonbury Tor, ending in the beautiful town centre of Glastonbury.
Scafell Pike, Cumbria
If you haven’t visited the Lake District before this is definitely a must. This beautiful area has even become a World Heritage Site, joining locations like Stonehenge and the Great Barrier Reef. The areas with the most hiking routes and trails to choose from are Allen Crags, Long Pike and Scafell Pike. If you want a real challenge you can have a look at climbing Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.
John Muir Way, Scotland
The John Muir Way in Scotland is a 134 miles long coast-to-coast trail for the more committed hikers, and is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. It takes around 9-11 days to walk the entire route, running between Helensburgh in west through to Dunbar on the east coast. The trail leads you across many stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks. You can also bike along this route, it usually takes 4-6 days to bike the entire trail.
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