Following on from our massively popular article last year on the “Best Long-Distance Hiking trails in the UK“, we wanted to take a fresh look at our data in 2024 to list the trails that our community are hiking the most.
The UK is home to some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes, making it a prime destination for long-distance hiking. Whether you’re traversing rugged coastlines, exploring dense woodlands, or hiking through historic countryside, the UK offers trails that cater to every type of hiker. This year, we take a fresh look at the most popular long-distance hiking trails in the UK, each offering unique experiences and stunning scenery.
1. West Highland Way
Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Overview: The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail, stretching from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. This trail takes you through some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the dramatic Glencoe valley. Expect a mix of serene lochs, ancient woodlands, and rugged highlands.
2. South West Coast Path
Distance: 630 miles (1,014 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Overview: The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, running from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. This trail offers dramatic coastal scenery, charming fishing villages, and beautiful beaches. Highlights include the Jurassic Coast, Exmoor National Park, and the Cornish peninsula. Ideal for those who love the sea, the South West Coast Path offers a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife.
3. Pennine Way
Distance: 268 miles (431 km)
Difficulty: Hard
Overview: Known as the backbone of England, the Pennine Way stretches from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm just over the Scottish border. This iconic trail takes you through the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Northumberland National Park. It’s a challenging route with stunning moorlands, waterfalls, and remote valleys. The trail is rich in history and offers a true sense of adventure.
4. Hadrian’s Wall Path
Distance: 84 miles (135 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Overview: Following the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, this path runs from Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. The trail offers a journey through Roman Britain, with impressive ruins and forts along the way. It’s relatively easy to access and perfect for history enthusiasts looking to walk through time.
5. Offa’s Dyke Path
Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Overview: Offa’s Dyke Path follows the ancient earthwork built by King Offa in the 8th century. The trail runs along the England-Wales border, from Sedbury in the south to Prestatyn in the north. This route offers a blend of picturesque countryside, historic sites, and quaint villages. Hikers can enjoy the changing landscapes of the Wye Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Clwydian Range.
6. Coast to Coast Walk
Distance: 192 miles (309 km)
Difficulty: Hard
Overview: Devised by Alfred Wainwright, the Coast to Coast Walk takes hikers from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. This recently appointed national trail traverses three national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. It’s a diverse and challenging route, offering a mix of rugged mountains, rolling hills, and scenic valleys.
7. Southern Upland Way
Distance: 212 miles (341 km)
Difficulty: Hard
Overview: The Southern Upland Way is Scotland’s coast-to-coast route, running from Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east. This trail takes you through the rolling hills and forests of southern Scotland, offering a remote and tranquil hiking experience. Highlights include St Mary’s Loch, the Lammermuir Hills, and numerous historic sites.
8. The Ridgeway
Distance: 87 miles (139 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Overview: Often referred to as Britain’s oldest road, The Ridgeway runs from Overton Hill near Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. This ancient trail offers sweeping views of the countryside, passing through the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns. It’s dotted with historic sites, including Avebury Stone Circle and the Uffington White Horse.
9. Great Glen Way
Distance: 79 miles (127 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Overview: The Great Glen Way follows the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness. This trail takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, with stunning views of Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. It’s a relatively gentle hike, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
10. The Cotswold Way
Distance: 102 miles (164 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Overview: The Cotswold Way runs from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south. This trail offers a quintessential English countryside experience, with rolling hills, charming villages, and historic sites. Highlights include Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle, and the city of Bath.
The UK offers a wealth of long-distance hiking trails, each with its own unique character and challenges. Whether you’re looking for dramatic coastal paths, historic routes, or remote highland trails, there’s something for every hiker.
HiiKER can help you plan and navigate these incredible journeys, ensuring you make the most of your hiking adventures. With end-to-end route information, stages breakdown, points of interest and waypoints as well as the best maps for available, HiiKER is the ultimate hiking toolkit for your next UK long-distance hiking adventure.
Have we missed a trail that should be in the top 10? Let us know in the comments
