Walks in England

Walks in England are packed with incredible hikes, from gentle countryside rambles to dramatic coastlines and rugged hill climbs. This page brings together some of the best walking routes across the country, whether you fancy a peaceful wander through the Cotswolds, a lakeside trail in the Lake District, or a windswept hike along the South West Coast Path. Each walk includes practical details like distance, estimated time, terrain, and downloadable GPX files to help you plan your day out with confidence.

Whether you’re a weekend walker or a seasoned hiker ticking off iconic trails, you’ll find something here to inspire your next adventure. I’ve included a mix of well-known favourites and hidden gems, with route photos, personal tips, and nearby recommendations to make the most of your trip. Just pick a walk, lace up your boots, and enjoy the best of England on foot.

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  Roseberry Topping Circular Walk – Captain Cooks Monument, Roseberry Common & North York Moors Summit Hike
  This 10 km circular walk up Roseberry Topping starts in Great Ayton, then heads anti-clockwise towards Roseberry Common before climbing to one of the most recognisable hills in northern England. Roseberry Topping may only stand at around 320 m, but its sharp, broken profile gives it a proper mountain feel and has earned it the nickname the Yorkshire Matterhorn.
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  Kinder Scout Circular Walk from Edale – Peak District Plateau, Jacob’s Ladder & Kinder Downfall Hike
  This Kinder Scout Circular Walk is one of the classic Peak District adventures and a route that every UK walker should experience at least once. Starting from the village of Edale, the walk climbs steadily onto the vast plateau of Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District National Park.
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  Lizard Peninsula Circular Walk – Lizard Point, Kynance Cove, Cadgwith & Housel Bay Coastal Hike, Cornwall
  This 12 km circular walk around the Lizard Peninsula is one of those routes that feels properly Cornish from start to finish. You begin near Polpeor Cliff and Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain, before following the coast north towards the famous turquoise water and serpentine rocks of Kynance Cove. From there the route heads across quieter inland paths towards Cadgwith, a traditional fishing village that still feels full of character, before returning along the coast past Housel Bay.
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  Old Harry Rocks & Studland Peninsula Circular Walk – 10 Miles / 16 km Dorset, Jurassic Coast Hike
  Hiking to Old Harry Rocks is one of the finest coastal walks in southern England. Starting from the dunes and beaches of Studland, the route combines dramatic chalk cliffs, ancient heathland, peaceful woodland, nature reserves and some of the most famous sea stacks in Britain.
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  Tall Trees Trail, Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk – Ancient Giant Redwoods and Douglas Firs Trees in the New Forest
  This is one of the easiest and most accessible walks in the New Forest, and it’s very special. The Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater Arboretum takes you through a section of forest packed with enormous Douglas firs, redwoods and ornamental trees planted here over a century ago. Some of them absolutely tower above the path, giving parts of the walk a real Pacific Northwest sort of feel, not something you expect in southern England.
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  Burley to Whitten Pond Circular Walk – New Forest Heathland Loop via Shappen Bottom
  This is a walk that shows off the New Forest at its best, it has wide open heathland, ancient woodland edges, wild ponies roaming freely, and that feeling of space you don’t always get in the south of England. Starting from the village of Burley, the route heads straight out onto the common before drifting into quieter areas like Shappen Bottom and Whitten Pond. It’s not a tough walk, but it’s one you’ll remember for the atmosphere alone.
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  Kew Gardens to Hammersmith Thames Walk, Starting at Kew Gardens Tube Station – Tube Trekking West London
  This Tube Trekking Thames walk from Kew to Hammersmith is one of those routes that quietly surprises you. It’s very London, but without the hustle and bustle. It’s calmer, greener, and far more local than the big-ticket central stretches of the river, you feel like you are one of the locals on this walk.
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  Tube Trekking: Monument to Westminster via London Bridge along the South Bank Queens Walk. Inc. The Golden Hinde, The Globe, Tate Modern, London Eye & Big Ben.
  This Tube Trekking route follows the Thames Path from Monument to Westminster, linking together some of London’s most important historic and cultural landmarks. It’s flat, easy and packed with stories — Roman trade routes, Tudor theatres, Victorian industry and modern London all stitched together by the river.
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  Tube Trekking: Shoreditch & Brick Lane Street Art Loop (Liverpool Street Circular). Free Self-Guided Tour.
  This Tube Trekking loop from Liverpool Street Station is a relaxed, self-guided wander through some of the best street art in Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Instead of hills and trig points, you’ve got murals, paste-ups, graffiti battles and ever-changing walls.
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  Hindhead Common & Devil’s Punch Bowl – The National Trust’s Highcombe Circular Hike, Surrey, South East England.
  This classic loop on Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punch Bowl is the National Trust’s Highcombe Hike – a short but punchy circuit that packs in big views, deep woodland and a cracking bit of history. You start on open heath above the Punch Bowl, looking across one of Surrey’s wildest natural amphitheatres, then follow the rim left towards Gibbet Hill, a high point with huge views over the Weald and all the way to the South Downs.
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  Blagdon Lake Circular Walk – Mendip Hills, lakeside paths, wooded tracks, open farmland, and plenty of Somerset charm.
  This is a proper countryside wander: lakeside paths, wooded tracks, open farmland, and plenty of Mendip charm. Blagdon Lake was created in 1898 as part of Bristol’s water supply system, and today it’s a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, brilliant for birdwatching. The route follows the shore for a good chunk before looping back through fields and quiet lanes, with cracking views across to the hills.
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  Hadrians Wall Circular Walk – 11km Loop from Steel Rigg, visiting Housesteads Roman Fort Museum and Vindolanda Roman Garrison.
  This rewarding 101km Hadrian’s Wall circular takes you through one of the most iconic sections of the UNESCO-listed frontier — including the dramatic ridge near Steel Rigg, the famed Sycamore Gap (made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), and atmospheric Roman ruins at Housesteads Fort.
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  Fun Things to do in London. Hidden Gems and 20 of the BEST things to Do and More. You can’t not love London!
  Looking for fun things to do in London? You’re in the right place. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, London never runs out of surprises. From iconic landmarks and quirky museums to street food markets, rooftop bars, and hidden green spaces, the capital is packed with exciting things to see and do.
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  Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk – 11km Dramatic Clifftop Trail Along the Yorkshire Coast
  The Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk is a spectacular 11km (7 mile) trail that hugs the dramatic Yorkshire coastline along a section of the Cleveland Way. You’ll start at the historic Church Street in Whitby and finish in the impossibly charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
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  York Minster Circular Walk – 5km Self-Guided City Trail Through Roman Walls and Medieval Streets
  This York Minster Circular Walk is a self-guided 5km city loop that explores the best of this beautifully preserved medieval city. With towering gothic cathedrals, timber-framed streets, Roman ruins, and some of England’s finest city walls, York is made for walking, and this route captures it all in a compact, easygoing circuit.
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  Bath City Circular Walk – 5km Self-Guided Trail Through Georgian Streets, Parks and Roman Heritage.
  The Bath City Circular Walk is a relaxed 5km trail through one of Britain’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. With Georgian architecture, Roman ruins, elegant crescents, and sweeping park views, this self-guided route is perfect for first-time visitors or return explorers.
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  Oxford City Centre Circular Walk – 5km Historic Trail Through Colleges, Quads and Spires. A Majestic City Walk.
  The Oxford City Centre Circular is a beautiful 5km self-guided walk through the city of dreaming spires, perfect for those who want to soak up centuries of history, admire grand architecture, and wander among college quads, riverbanks, and cobbled streets.
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  Cambridge City Centre Circular Walk – 5km Historic Trail Through Colleges, The Backs, Religious Sites and Riverside Views.
  The Cambridge City Centre Circular is a relaxed 5km self-guided walk through the heart of one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities. With grand university buildings, hidden alleyways, riverside paths, and ancient chapels, this route offers a perfect blend of heritage, green space, and charm, all without needing to leave the city.
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  Mam Tor Circular Walk – 10km Peak District Hike from Castleton in Derbyshire, with Big Ridge Views
  The Mam Tor Circular is one of the most iconic ridge walks in the Peak District. This 8km loop from Castleton offers unbeatable views, steady climbs, and dramatic landscape shaped by landslides and geology. It’s a classic hike that packs in a lot without needing a full day out.
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  Dunstanburgh Castle Circular Walk – 7km Coastal Hike from Craster via Embleton Bay in Northumberland
  The Dunstanburgh Castle Circular Walk is a stunning stretch of Northumberland coastline linking the fishing village of Craster with the medieval ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the wide, sandy expanse of Embleton Bay. It’s a mostly flat, easy-going hike, but packed with coastal drama and historic atmosphere.
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  Buttermere Circular Walk – One of the Lake District’s Best Lake Walks, beneath Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and High Stile Ridge.
  If you’re looking for an easy, photogenic walk in the Lake District, Buttermere is a solid gold classic. This circular lake route is suitable for all abilities and has everything you could want from a short low-level walk – mountain views, waterfalls, woodland, and reflections galore.
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  Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk – 11km Coniston Lake Hike passing Brown Pike, Buck Pike & Dow Crag
  The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake District — and for good reason. This route gives you big views, mountain tarns, and a real summit feel without being too technical. It’s a proper day out in the fells, ideal for walkers looking to step up from the lower-level routes.
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  Richmond Park Circular Walk – The Tamsin Trail & King Henry’s Mound has Wild Deer, Views & Woodland in the Heart of Greater London.
  Richmond Park is one of the best urban walking spots in the UK. Despite being just 30 minutes from Central London, it feels like a true escape – with open grasslands, ancient oak trees, and hundreds of free-roaming deer. For other Greater London walks, check out my Tube Trekking section, for other off the main tourist area routes, which start and end at various Tube Stations.
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  Scafell Pike Walk, Lake District – England’s Highest Mountain at 978m, Offering a Strenuous but Rewarding Hike
  At 978m (3,209ft), Scafell Pike is the highest point in England and a bucket-list mountain for walkers across the UK. Most people tackle it from Wasdale, a direct but demanding route with a steady, rocky climb that leads to unforgettable summit views, on a clear day! This isn’t just a walk; it’s a serious mountain hike with some rough terrain, but it’s well worth the effort.
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  Cat Bells Walk, Lake District – A Classic, Short, Circular Ridge Walk with Big Views over Derwentwater.
  Cat Bells is a small but iconic fell standing proud above Derwentwater. It’s one of the most walked routes in the Lake District, and with good reason. It’s a short walk, it’s accessible, and it rewards you with classic Lakeland views across lakes, fells and valleys. If you’re looking for a perfect half-day hike, this is it.
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  Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Walk, Yorkshire Dales – Limestone Cliffs, Waterfalls, and Wild Scenery
  Malham Cove is one of the most spectacular short walks in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting from the pretty village of Malham, this circular route takes in dramatic limestone scenery, including the mighty Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss waterfall, and the iconic Malham Cove, a huge curved limestone cliff featured in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*.
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  Helvellyn via Striding Edge Walk – 8 Mile Circular Walk from Glenridding in the Lake District, Cumbria, North England.
  Helvellyn is the third highest peak in England and has become a favourite for walkers thanks to the stunning views and its legendary ridges — Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. This 9 mile circular walk starts from Glenridding and follows a classic route up via Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn, before looping back down via Swirral Edge and past Red Tarn.
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  Sloane Square along Kings Road to home of The Chelsea Pensioners, Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Park Walk to Battersea Power Station.
  This Sloane Square ‘Tube Trekking‘ walk takes you through some of London’s most stylish and historic areas, starting at Sloane Square Tube Station, the gateway to Chelsea’s most fashionable and exclusive shops… Read more: Sloane Square along Kings Road to home of The Chelsea Pensioners, Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Park Walk to Battersea Power Station.
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  Places to stay in Richmond upon Thames, a list of accommodation to discover Kew Gardens, Richmond Park and it’s Eclectic Shops & Cafes.
  10 places to stay in and around Richmond Upon Thames, an affluent residential district on the River Thames. Each one offers unique amenities, great locations, and a range of prices to suit… Read more: Places to stay in Richmond upon Thames, a list of accommodation to discover Kew Gardens, Richmond Park and it’s Eclectic Shops & Cafes.
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  Tower of London Tickets and Review, plus the closest Tube Station & Hotels near London & Tower Bridge
  Tickets Sell Fast – Get Them Here Recommended: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket Recommended: Best hotels near Tower of London & London Bridge The Tower of London is one… Read more: Tower of London Tickets and Review, plus the closest Tube Station & Hotels near London & Tower Bridge
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  10 Best Hotels near Tower Bridge, London Bridge & the Tower of London + Tower of London tour Tickets, Prices & Availability.
  The best 10 Hotels near London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Each one offers unique amenities, prime locations, and a range of prices to suit every traveler. My post dedicated to the ‘Tower of London’ talks about the great day we had there, and I have included information about buying tickets early and jumping the cues.
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  Kew Gardens London Walk, Royal Botanical Gardens Trail from Kew Gardens Station. 50,000 Living Plants from Around The World.
  Kew Gardens, located in southwest London, is one of the world’s most renowned botanical gardens, with its vast collection of plants and its role in scientific research and conservation. Spanning over 300… Read more: Kew Gardens London Walk, Royal Botanical Gardens Trail from Kew Gardens Station. 50,000 Living Plants from Around The World.
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  Beacon Batch on Black Down Hill, Circular Hike through Rowberrow Warren Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset
  Cheddar Gorge has so much to offer, we walked the ‘Cliff-Top Circular Walk’, had magnificent views of the Mendips & Somerset and beyond, climbed the ‘Lookout Tower, descended Jacobs Ladder’ then enjoyed ice cream, shopping and some beautiful water gardens in ‘Cheddar Gorge’ town, which is nestled between the gorge cliff sides.
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  Kensington Gardens, Italian Gardens, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, The Serpentine & Hyde Park, finishing in Knightsbridge
  This walk through some of London’s most famous parks begins in Kensington Gardens and continues through Hyde Park. We started by exploring the beautiful Kensington Palace then walked to the Italian Gardens,… Read more: Kensington Gardens, Italian Gardens, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, The Serpentine & Hyde Park, finishing in Knightsbridge
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  Cheddar Gorge Cliff-Top Circular Walk, Jacob’s Ladder & Lookout Tower overlooking the Mendips.
  Cheddar Gorge has so much to offer, we walked the ‘Cliff-Top Circular Walk’, had magnificent views of the Mendips & Somerset and beyond, climbed the ‘Lookout Tower, descended Jacobs Ladder’ then enjoyed ice cream, shopping and some beautiful water gardens in ‘Cheddar Gorge’ town, which is nestled between the gorge cliff sides.
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  Paddington, Little Venice, Regents Canal walk to Camden and it’s amazing food market, shops & fun!
    Region: Regents Canal, Paddington, Westminster, London Place To Stay: Paddington is the closest spot to the start, Notting Hill is pretty close, but you could walk it backwards and stay in… Read more: Paddington, Little Venice, Regents Canal walk to Camden and it’s amazing food market, shops & fun!
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  Richmond upon Thames – Royal Palace, River Thames, Shops, Pubs & Cafe’s, Richmond Park and it’s Deer, Gardens & Lakes.
  All of my walking guides and adventures are free to read, and always will be. To help keep them coming, I’ve partnered with a few carefully chosen affiliate sites — including Booking.com,… Read more: Richmond upon Thames – Royal Palace, River Thames, Shops, Pubs & Cafe’s, Richmond Park and it’s Deer, Gardens & Lakes.
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  Chiswick Outdoor Market Walk + William Hogarth – Turnham Green to Chiswick Park Tube Stations
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  City of London Walk – Sky Scrapers, Monuments, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and River Thames. Tickets & Hotel Info Below.
  Tower of London Tickets Sell Fast – Get Them Here Welcome to the magnificent City of London Walk! Starting at ‘Monument‘ Tube Station, get ready to immerse yourself in a blend of… Read more: City of London Walk – Sky Scrapers, Monuments, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and River Thames. Tickets & Hotel Info Below.
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  Symonds Yat Circular Walk – King Arthurs Cave, Biblins Bridge, Hearkening Rock, Symonds Yat Rock & the River Wye
  At Symonds Yat the views and the natural beauty are the star attractions, but there are also many points of interest, and for us that included King Arthurs Cave, Biblins Bridge, Near… Read more: Symonds Yat Circular Walk – King Arthurs Cave, Biblins Bridge, Hearkening Rock, Symonds Yat Rock & the River Wye
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  Bristol – Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods, the Rock Slide, River Avon & Clifton Observatory Circular
  Region: Clifton, Bristol, England Places To Stay: Base yourself in Clifton for bookshops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and easy access to Clifton Bridge or stay anywhere in Somerset if you want to have… Read more: Bristol – Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods, the Rock Slide, River Avon & Clifton Observatory Circular