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!

Quick picks near the trails

• Ullswater Paddleboarding: paddleboarding lessons and tours, plus kayak and canoe hire, on Ullswater in the Lake District. A good rest day from the fells.
• Anglesey Adventures: coasteering, kayaking and climbing on Anglesey, a short drive from Eryri (Snowdonia).
• DC Outdoors: climbing, canoeing and paddleboarding from Sheffield, on the edge of the Peak District.
• Portnellan Farm Speedboat Tours: speedboat trips around the islands of Loch Lomond, close to the western end of the John Muir Way.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales

Eryri (Snowdonia) in North-West Wales is one of the busiest hiking areas in the UK, with thousands of routes to choose from. 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 on a clear day 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. For a day off your feet, there's gorge walking and coasteering to book in Snowdonia.

Edale, Derbyshire

The Peak District in Derbyshire is another popular hiking area in the UK, offering over a thousand different routes and trails. Edale is one of the most popular places in the UK to start a hike, with 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 mile moderate hike among the hills. If you’d like to try climbing or paddling nearby, DC Outdoors runs adventure days from Sheffield.

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 day walk starts at Wells Cathedral and takes you through historical sites and gorgeous landscapes to the famed Glastonbury Tor, ending in the town centre of Glastonbury. For things to do on the water, see what’s on in Somerset.

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. After a big day on the fells, you can book paddleboarding, kayaking and more in the Lake District.

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. At the eastern end, Groundswell Scotland runs surf coaching and wellbeing sessions for women in Dunbar, and near the western end you can book speedboat tours on Loch Lomond.

Before you set off

Check the mountain weather forecast before you go, carry a map and compass (or a mapping app with the route downloaded) and tell someone where you’re heading. Pack waterproofs, warm layers, food and water, even in summer. AdventureSmart UK has a simple checklist for planning a safe day in the hills.

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