The UK has a rich history of walking and Hiking. Due to the landscape and proximity of towns and villages to mountains, parks, moors and lakes, ramblers have been marking routes for centuries. Walking long distances is not a new-aged trend. It has literally been a thing we do since we could do…well… anything! But now long-distance walking is a pastime which is enjoyed the length and breath of the United Kingdom. While there are thousands of long-distance paths in the UK, we have selected the following based on what users of HiiKER are enjoying.
1. The Pennine Way
High Force Waterfall on the Pennine Way
Known as the backbone of England, the Pennine Way stretches for about 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. This is the first official National Trail in England, and it takes you through the scenic Pennine mountains, crossing through 3 National Parks – The Peak District, The Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park.
2. Coast to Coast Walk
Devised by Alfred Wainwright, the Coast to Coast Walk is a 182-mile trail stretching across Northern England, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. It winds through three national parks – Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors – ensuring a diversity of landscapes and breathtaking views throughout. While this is not yet officially one of the UK’s National trails, as of August 2022, the Secretary of State approved Natural England’s proposals to upgrade the Coast to Coast to a National Trail
3. South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked footpath and a National Trail, stretching for 630 miles. It runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. This coastal journey boasts of some of the most stunning and dramatic cliff scenery in Europe.
2023 is the 50th anniversary of the South West Coast Path. Find out all about the events and activities to mark the celebration over at their website – https://southwestcoastpath.org/
4. West Highland Way
Scotland’s first official long-distance route, the West Highland Way, stretches for 96 miles from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William. It offers a variety of landscapes, from lowland moors to dense woodland, from steep mountain terrain to loch shores, from rolling hills to towering munros.
Summer is a popular time to hike this trail. But make be warned that summer is also the peak season for the dreaded Scottish Midge!
5. Offa’s Dyke Path
Spanning 177 miles along the English-Welsh border, the Offa’s Dyke Path is named after the impressive Offa’s Dyke, an earthwork commissioned by King Offa in the 8th century. It takes you through changing landscapes of high wild moorland, ancient woodland, and beautiful river valleys.
6. The Ridgeway National Trail
One of the oldest ‘roads’ in England, the Ridgeway, stretches for 87 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury, Wiltshire, to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Walking along this ancient trackway takes you back in time, revealing a wealth of historical sites and serene landscapes.
7. Thames Path
Following the course of the mighty River Thames, the Thames Path National Trail stretches for 184 miles from the river’s source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in London. This flat, easy trail takes hikers through peaceful water meadows, historic towns, and the heart of London, revealing the river’s ever-changing character and centuries-old relationship with the settlements along its banks.
8. The Great Glen Way
Scotland’s Great Glen Way stretches for 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, following the major natural fault-line of the Great Glen. The trail traverses a series of dramatic landscapes, including loch shores, river paths, forest tracks, and high moorlands, not to mention it takes you along the world-famous Loch Ness.
9. The Rob Roy Way
Named after the legendary Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, The Rob Roy Way offers an adventure through the beautiful scenery of central Scotland. Stretching 79 miles (127 kilometers), the trail starts from Drymen near Loch Lomond and finishes in Pitlochry.
The Rob Roy Way takes hikers across a diverse landscape of moorland, forests, lochs, and glens, with an option to climb Ben Vrackie, a 2,759 ft mountain for expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll journey through history, encountering quaint villages, and historic sites. You can also indulge in Scotland’s famous whisky at distilleries along the trail.
10. Glyndwr’s Way
Named after Owain Glyndwr, the last Welsh Prince of Wales, Glyndwr’s Way is a 135-mile circuitous trail that delves into some of the most remote parts of Mid Wales. Starting in Knighton and ending in Welshpool, the trail offers hikers an immersion into the area’s history, its tranquil countryside, and vibrant, welcoming communities.
These may not be THE best trails in the UK. But they are what most people are looking at on HiiKER. Users are also taking advantage of all the accommodation and amenity information available on HiiKER. If you’re planning a long distance walk in the UK, make sure you plan your hike using HiiKER.
What do you think? Any trails that we are missing from this list?
