The UK boasts some of the most stunning hiking trails, popular worldwide. This trail offers a versatile landscape that serves all levels of hikers.
Right from towering mountains in Scotland up to serene countryside, the UK is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you are looking for an exciting and thrilling mountain ascent or a relaxed countryside stroll, there is a perfect trails waiting for you.
The beauty of this trail is not only in its breathtaking views, as well as it is in the rich history and wildlife this trail offers.
With well marked paths and varied lands, every hike mention below presents a unique experience. Some trails challenged your stamina, while other offers a peaceful escape into nature.
In this guide, I will explore the top 10 best hiking trails in the UK, which showcase their key highlights and what makes them a must-visit trail.
Get ready and lace up your boots, and start the adventure through the UK’s most spectacular landscape.
Table of Contents
Top 10 best hiking trails UK breathtaking walk awaits
1. Snowdon Horseshoe, Wales
Snowdon Horseshoe is one of the most visited hiking trails in Wales. The fact highlighted by the notorious Crib Goch, a rock on which there is a narrow and bare ridge traverse.
For thrill seekers, the Snowdon Horseshoe has a circular route that involves scrambling along the exposed Crib Goch ridge before reaching the highest peak in Wales.
This challenge is rewarded with incredible views over Eryri National Park.
Location: Snowdonia National Park
Distance: 7 miles or 12 km
Difficulty: Hard and challenging
Highlights:
- Famous for its ridge walk on Crib Goch.
- The highest peak in Wales is about 1058 m.
- Stunning views across Snowdonia.
2. West Highland Way, Scotland
West Highland is one of the most famous long-distance trails in Scotland. This trail takes hikers through dramatic highland scenery.
The trail starts with Milngavie near Glasgow and finishes in Fort William. This trek covers moorlands, lochs, and majestic mountains.
This world-renowned trail is set against the Scottish highlands, incorporating Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, and some of the mountains. It is a hit among those who want some time off and venture on for a few days.
Location: Milngavie to Fort William
Distance: 96 miles.
Highlights:
- Scotland’s most famous hiking route.
- Ideal for a long-distance trek.
- Passes through Loch Lomond and Glen Coe.
3. The Pennine Way, England
The Pennine Way is one of the toughest long-distance hiking trails in the UK. The Pennie Way crosses a wild and remote landscape.
The trail passes through three national parks, which make it an incredible adventure for experienced hikers.
The village of Edale is a launch pad for walks on Kinder Scout, the plateau is the spiritual home of UK hillwalking.
From the village, follow the Pennine Way west, ascending the stone steps of Jacob’s Ladder until the lakes and woods of the Dark Peak unfurl beneath you.
Location: Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, Scottish Borders.
Distance: 268 miles
Highlights:
- Pennine Way all the way Scottish border
- The path heads southeast across the moorland.
- The trail follows the gurgling brooks back to Edale and the station.
4. South West Coast Path, England
This trail of the South West Coast Path Walk starts deceptively easy. From the gourmet hub of Padstow to the village of Rock.
Thereafter follows 2 days of intensive walking along the Cornish coast at its wildest and most wonderful, next look out for bobbing fishing boats at Port Isaac, nesting seabirds on the cliffs, and paddling surfers beyond the breaks. Finish at Tintagel Castle.
While most hikers choose to complete a section rather than the entire route, every mile offers breathtaking coastal vistas as well as charming fishing villages.
Location: Jurassic Coast, Cornish beaches, rugged cliffs, wildlife spotting.
Distance: 630 miles
Highlights:
- The trail finishes at Tintagel Castle, associated with King Arthur.
- It has towering medieval walls that rise above Atlantic tides.
5. West Highland Way, Scotland
The Way Highland way is an epic 96-mile hike across Scotland, you can, however, tune in for the edited highlights, join the path on the final dramatic section from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William.
On the first day of the windswept mountains of Glen Coe rise out of the desolate expanse of Rannoch Moor.
You can rest at Kingshouse before climbing up over snow-flecked summits to Kinlochleven.
On the last day, the trail moves northward until Ben Nevis rears up among the treetops.
Location: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Ben Nevis.
Distance: 96 miles
Highlights:
- The trek starts with Milngavie near Glasgow and finishes at Fort William.
- Trek covers morlands, lochs, and majestic mountains.
6. The Cotswold Way, England
This unsung southern part offers the ore stirring and some of the best hiking trails in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Way is perfect for those who prefer a gentle and scenic walk.
Starting from Chipping Campden to Bath, this beautiful trail zigzags through classical English countryside, Past honey colored villages as well as historic landmarks.
Join the Cotswold Way just outside the bohemian Stroud, the escarpment soon rises over the landscape, with the Severn Estuary and the Welsh borders on the horizon as oak woods hug the slope below.
Location: Rolling hills, charming villages, historic sites.
Distance: 102 miles
Highlights:
- Uley village and its biscuit-hued houses.
- Market town of Dursley.
- Historic sites.
7. Scafell Pike, Lake District
Hiking trail at Scafell Pike at Lake District is the highest point is a great idea for mountain enthusiasts like you.
The sudden and rocky free rides serve the glorious panoramas of the Lake District hiking trails, with the vast stretching to Scotland and Wales on good days.
Location: Cumbria, Lake District.
Distance: 6 miles
Highlights:
- Steep rocky land for experienced hikers.
- The highest mountains in England
- Best views in the Lake District.
8. The Lizard Coastal Walk, Cornwall
The Lizard Coastal Walk is around the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly tip of mainland Britain. The trail takes you to the dramatic cliff scenery, rare wildflowers, and an interesting coastal history.
This path serves as a delightful escapade for nature lovers, offers stunning cliffs, hidden coves, and exciting seal and sea bird spotting possibilities.
Location: Lizard Peninsula
Distance: 7 miles
Highlights:
- Spectacular sea cliffs and coves.
- One of the UK’s most scenic coastal walks.
- Wildlife spotting opportunities.
9. Hevellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District
Hevellyn Via Striding Edge is one of the most exhilarating hikes in England.
This route up Helvellyn via Striding Edge offers a stunning climb and unparalleled views of the Lake District fells and lakes. This track serves as an observation platform for experienced hikers.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a popular and challenging hiking trail that involves a grade 1 hike with exposed, steep, and rocky terrain, which offers stunning views from the peak.
Location: Cumbria, Lake District.
Distance: 8 miles.
Highlights:
- One of the UK’s most famous peaks
- Perfect for experienced hikers
- Exciting ridge walk with dramatic views
10. Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northern England
Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84-mile-long National Trail in northern England, following the line of the Roman defensive structure.
Hadrian’s Wall, from Wallsend near Newcastle on the east coast to Bowness on Solway near Carlisle on the west coast.
Sit in the footsteps of the great Romans and follow Hadrian’s Wall in England, a unique walking interest which will take you through the valleys, past the ruins of ancient buildings.
Location: Wallsend to Bowness on Solway.
Distance: 84 miles
Highlights:
- Stunning views of Northumberland’s landscape.
- Great for history lovers.
- Walk along an ancient Roman frontier.
Conclusion
The UK’s hiking scene serves an unparalleled combination of adventure, scenery, and history.
Right from the peaks of Scotland to the picturesque side of England and the coastline of Northern Ireland, there is a different trail according to the taste of the explorer.
Whether you are looking for a short scenic trail or a multi-day difficult challenge, all the trails mentioned above promise breathtaking views and a memorable experience.
So grab your gear, cuddle the adventure, and set off on a journey via some of the most spectacular hiking routes in the UK.
