The UK’s Best Walks

From rugged mountain ridges and sweeping coastal paths to peaceful woodland trails, historic city routes and gentle lakeside circuits, the UK offers an incredible variety of places to explore on foot.

This collection brings together some of the best walks across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each route has been selected for its scenery, character and overall walking experience, with options ranging from accessible countryside strolls to challenging full-day mountain adventures.

Every guide includes a detailed route description, practical information, maps and a downloadable GPX file to help you plan your walk with confidence. The collection is still growing, with new routes being added regularly as I work towards creating a complete guide to 100 of the best walks in the UK.

Whether you are searching for your next weekend walk, planning a hiking holiday or simply looking for inspiration, explore the routes below and discover some of the finest landscapes the UK has to offer. I am adding walks to this list on a regular basis, so please check back to discover more choices.

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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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  Stac Pollaidh Circular Walk – East Summit, Loch Lurgainn & Assynt Mountain Views, Northwest Highlands, Scotland
  This short but spectacular Stac Pollaidh circular walk starts from the car park near Loch Lurgainn and climbs anti-clockwise towards the ridge and East Summit before looping back around the mountain on the Stac Pollaidh trail. It may only be around 4.5 miles, but this is a walk that massively over-delivers.
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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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  Cwm Llwch Horseshoe Circular Walk from Cwm Gwdi – Pen y Fan, Llyn Cwm Llwch & Tommy Jones Memorial
  This is one of the best circular mountain days in the whole of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Starting quietly from the hidden Cwm Gwdi Car Park, the route climbs steadily onto the long ridge beneath Pen y Fan before looping around the dramatic glacial bowl of Cwm Llwch and dropping past the beautiful waters of Llyn Cwm Llwch.
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  Solva to St Davids, Wales Coast Path Walk – 11 km Pembrokeshire Coast route finishing at UK’s Smallest City.
  This superb section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (approx. 11 km / 7 miles) follows rugged cliff-tops, sheltered coves, and sweeping bays between the charming harbour village of Solva and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. Rich in history and natural beauty, this route combines wildlife spotting, dramatic geology, and one of the most culturally important destinations in Wales.
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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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  Rhossili Bay Coastal Walk – 10 km Gower Peninsula Loop from Rhossili Village. Best Beach in Wales Award Winner.
  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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  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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  Ben Nevis Mountain Track from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre – Out-and-back ascent of the UK’s Highest Peak, near Fort William
  The Ben Nevis walk from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is the classic route up the UK’s tallest mountain. Following the Mountain Track (also known as the Tourist Path), this 15km circular takes you from sea level at Glen Nevis to the summit at 1,345 metres. The path is well-maintained, but it’s still a serious mountain day with steep sections, exposure, and changeable weather.
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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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  Ben Macdui Circular Walk – 29km Cairngorms Hike to Scotland’s Second Highest Peak. Remote, Wild and incredibly Scenic, this route rewards Strong Hikers.
  The Ben Macdui Circular is one of the most epic high-level hikes in the Cairngorms. At 29km, it’s a full mountain day that takes you across vast plateaus, past alpine lochans, and up to the summit of Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the UK. Remote, wild and incredibly scenic, this route rewards strong hikers with an unforgettable experience in one of Scotland’s true mountain heartlands.
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  Pen y Fan & Corn Du Circular Walk – 8km Brecon Beacons Hike from Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park. Highest Points in South Wales.
  The Pen y Fan Circular is one of the most popular hikes in the Brecon Beacons. This 8km loop from Pont ar Daf offers wide-open views, a steady climb to the highest point in South Wales, and a memorable ridge walk that’s great for all levels of walkers.
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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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  Tryfan South to North Route, Ogwen Valley, Eryri (Snowdonia) – Part of the Glyderay Group. Famous for the Adam & Eve Stones.
  Tryfan is one of the most iconic peaks in Wales, and is in the Eryri(Snowdonia) National Park. Tryfan is a jagged, rocky mountain that offers a proper hands-on scramble from the very start. This is a route for experienced walkers with a good head for heights. If you’re after a challenge beyond your typical hillwalk, Tryfan delivers – big views, boulder-hopping, and the legendary Adam and Eve stones on the summit.
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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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  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Walk – Up the Pyg Track, Down the Miners’ Track Circular Walk from Pen-y-Pass.
  Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales, standing proud at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet). This classic circular walk from Pen-y-Pass takes you up the rugged and scenic Pyg Track before descending via the gentler Miners’ Track. It’s a fantastic way to tackle the mountain, combining dramatic landscapes, epic views, and a real sense of adventure, all within a manageable 7.5-mile loop. A great option for fit walkers wanting a big mountain day without tackling technical ridges.
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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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  Llyn y Fan Fach, Llyn y Fan Fawr and Fan Brycheiniog Circular Walk, discover the legend of ‘The Lady of the Lake’.
  Llyn y Fan Fach, Picws Du, and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning walk through some of South Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. This 9-mile route takes you past glacial lakes and along rugged ridgelines, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable connection to the natural beauty of the region.
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  Blaen-Y-Glyn Waterfalls Circular Walk, Wellington Bomber Memorial & Fan-Y-Big Diving Board – Bannau Brycheiniog.
  The Brecon Beacons Blan-y-Glyn Waterfalls has many circular walks you can follow, and this is right up there with one of the best, and is also I’d say in the difficult range, especially if you are doing this in winter. This loop takes in a large number of waterfalls at the start and at the end, a World War 2 Canadian Wellington Bomber memorial, the diving board at Fan-Y-Big then glacial ridge walks most of the way around, it’s a challenging walk, but so rewarding and beautiful.
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  Horseshoe Ridge Walk Circular – Brecon Beacons – Fan-Y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-Y-Fan & Corn-Du from Neuadd Car Park.
  The best place to start for the Horseshoe Ridge Walk is in my opinion the Neuadd Car Par, it has the same postcode as the others, but if you’re using Google Maps to drive there, then use Neuadd Car Park Brecon Beacons