Looking for the best hikes in the UK? Whether you're after a challenging mountain adventure or a scenic coastal path, the UK is packed with incredible walking routes for all levels. From iconic ridge scrambles in the Lake District to long-distance coastal trails in Wales and Cornwall, theres something for every kind of hiker.In this guide, youll discover the best hikes UK-wide, with practical tips, highlights, and links to further information. Jump to Best Day Hikes in the UKBest Multi-Day Hikes in the UKBest Hiking Spots in the UK Best Day Hikes in the UK These are some of the best one-day hikes in the UK, perfect for weekend walkers and adventure seekers alike 1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake DistrictStart/Finish: GlenriddingDistance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)Walking Time: 67 hoursDifficulty: HardBest for: Ridge scrambling and iconic viewsOne of the best hikes in the UK, Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a thrilling route with unforgettable ridgeline views. Not for the faint-hearted, but a must-do for confident hikers. Helvellyn Route 2. Y Garn via Devils Kitchen, SnowdoniaStart/Finish: Ogwen CottageDistance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)Walking Time: 34 hoursDifficulty: Moderate to HardBest for: Dramatic mountain sceneryA rugged Snowdonian classic with steep climbs, rocky paths, and panoramic views over Cwm Idwal. A favourite among locals and a great intro to hiking in the UKs mountains. Y Garn Route 3. Old Man of Coniston, Lake DistrictStart/Finish: Coniston villageDistance: 5.3 miles (8.6 km)Walking Time: 45 hoursDifficulty: ModerateBest for: Beginner mountain ascentsA classic Lake District route with far-reaching views over the fells and Coniston Water. A manageable challenge with a rewarding summit. Old Man of Coniston Route 4. Ben More, Isle of MullStart/Finish: DhiseigDistance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)Walking Time: 56 hoursDifficulty: HardBest for: Remote hiking and solitudeBen More is the only Munro on Mull and offers spectacular island views. Its steep, wild, and quieter than its mainland counterparts. Ben More Route 5. The Yorkshire Three Peaks ChallengeStart/Finish: Horton-in-RibblesdaleDistance: 24 miles (38.6 km)Walking Time: 1012 hoursDifficulty: HardBest for: Endurance and bucket-list tickingTake on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in one go. A tough but popular challenge through some of the best walking trails in the UK. Yorkshire Three Peaks 6. The Brecon Beacons Horseshoe (Pen y Fan Loop)Start/Finish: Taf Fechan Forest car parkDistance: 10 miles (16 km)Walking Time: 56 hoursDifficulty: Moderate to HardBest for: Sweeping views and wild landscapesExplore South Wales highest peaks with this circular route taking in Corn Du, Pen y Fan and Cribyn. One of the best walks in the UK for mountain views. The Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Best Multi-Day Hikes in the UK If youve got more time and love a long-distance adventure, these are the best places to hike in the UK over multiple days 1. Anglesey Coastal Path, WalesDistance: 130 miles (209 km)Time: 1014 daysHighlights: Sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and views of SnowdoniaA stunning way to explore Angleseys dramatic coastline. This is one of the best hikes in the UK for sea views and coastal wildlife. Anglesey Coastal Path 2. South West Coast Path, EnglandDistance: 630 miles (1,014 km)Time: 30+ daysHighlights: Cornwalls beaches, Devons cliffs, charming villagesThe UKs longest national trail and a coastal dream. You dont need to do it all - walk shorter sections for a taste of this spectacular route. South West Coast Path 3. The West Highland Way, ScotlandDistance: 96 miles (154 km)Time: 68 daysHighlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Ben Nevis viewsA Scottish classic that takes you from the lowlands to the Highlands. One of the top hiking trails in the UK. West Highland Way 4. North Downs Way, EnglandDistance: 153 miles (246 km)Time: 912 daysHighlights: Chalk ridges, woodlands, historic towns, Pilgrims' WayA peaceful trail through the Kent and Surrey countryside, perfect for walkers who love scenic views and cultural landmarks. Ideal for a quieter, less strenuous alternative to other National Trails. North Downs Way 5. Hadrians Wall Path, EnglandDistance: 84 miles (135 km)Time: 68 daysHighlights: Roman ruins, rural landscapes, historyFollow the ancient Roman frontier across northern England. A unique walk that blends scenery with stories. Hadrian's Wall Path 6. The Pennine Way, England to ScotlandDistance: 268 miles (431 km)Time: 1621 daysHighlights: The Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, NorthumberlandOne of Britains toughest national trailsand one of the best. Its wild, windswept and wonderfully remote. The Pennine Way Best Places to Hike in the UK Looking for inspiration on where to lace up your boots next? From dramatic coastlines to wild mountain landscapes, the UK is packed with incredible hiking destinations. Whether youre after a gentle countryside stroll or a full-on mountain adventure, these are some of the very best places to hike in the UK - each offering its own unique charm, trails, and views worth the effort. 1. Snowdonia National Park, North WalesSnowdonia is my absolute favourite place to hike in the UK - and its easy to see why. Home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales and England, this National Park offers some of the best hikes in the UK. But theres so much more than Snowdon: think rugged peaks, serene lakes, and coastal trails on the nearby Llyn Peninsula. From legendary walks to quiet corners, its an outdoor lovers dream. Discover walks in Snowdonia, epic challenges (such as the Welsh 3000s), and things to do in the area. Walks in Snowdonia National ParkCadair Idris via Minffordd Path | 8km | 5 hoursSnowdon via the Miners Track | 13km | 6 hoursMoel Siabod | 7.5km | 3-4 hoursCwm Idwal Circular Walk | 4.8km | 2-3 hoursRhaedr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk | 3.5km | 1 hour 30Aber Falls Circular Walk | 4.5km | 1.5 hoursFor more adventure inspiration in and around Snowdonia National Park, check out my favourite walks in North Wales! 2. The Lake District, North West EnglandA UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District is one of the best places to hike in the UK, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain scrambles. Home to Scafell Pike, Englands highest peak, its a dream for walkers of all abilities. I spent many childhood holidays here - usually moaning on the climbs - yet its now my favourite place to hike. From family-friendly walks to epic summits, the Lake District has it all. Explore more Lake District walks or plan a route up one of the highest peaks in the Lakes. Walks in the Lake DistrictHelvellyn via Striding Edge | 13km | 6hoursScafell Pike via the Corridor Route | 13km | 6-7hoursThe Langdale Pikes | 13km | 5-6hoursBlancathra via Halls Fell Ridge | 3km | 1.5hoursButtermere and Rannerdale Knotts | 12km | 4hours 3. The Peak District National Park, EnglandJust an hour from home, the Peak District is one of my go-to hiking spots and a true UK gem. As the countrys oldest National Park, it might not boast the tallest peaks, but its moorland plateaus, rolling hills, and dramatic dales make it one of the best places to hike in the UK. From gentle family routes to challenging climbs, theres something for everyone. Explore these Peak District walks, family-friendly trails, or check out the highest points in the Peaks. Ive completely fallen for its rugged beauty - you might too. Walks in the Peak DistrictKinder Scout, from Edale | 14km | 5 hoursMam Tor Circular Walk | 5km | 2 hoursThe Tissington Trail | 21km | 5-6 hoursStanage Edge Walk | 10km | 3-4 hoursDerwent Edge Hike | 12km | 3-4 hoursShining Tor Walk | 6.5km | 1.5-2 hoursDiscover more routes in my guide to the best walks in The Peak District National Park. 4. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, EnglandWith craggy peaks, sweeping moorlands and lush green valleys, the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most rewarding places to hike in the UK. Famous for its dramatic limestone landscapes and extensive cave systems, this National Park is full of natural wonders and historic charm. Walk through picture-perfect villages, cross ancient stone walls, and soak up views that stretch for miles. If youre after a real challenge, why not tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks? Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours - its firmly on my bucket list! Walks in the Yorkshire DalesIngleborough via Gaping Gill | 14.5km | 4 hoursThe 12 Apostles Circular Walk | 10km | 3-4 hoursAysgarth Falls | 3.5km | 1-2 hoursHawes to Sedbusk | 7km | 2 hoursPen-y-Ghent from Horton | 12km | 3 hours 5. The Brecon Beacons, South WalesThe Brecon Beacons National Park is a walkers paradise, known for its wide open landscapes, rolling hills, and dramatic peaks. The Central Beacons range is home to Pen y Fan, South Wales highest summit, and Corn Du, both offering rewarding climbs and panoramic views. Elsewhere, Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountains provide quieter, equally stunning trails. With miles of scenic paths and varied terrain, its one of the best places to hike in the UK. Whether youre up for a steep ascent or a peaceful valley stroll, the Brecon Beacons wont disappoint. Walks in the Brecon BeaconsPen y Fan - The Beacons Horseshoe | 16km | 5-6 hoursBlorenge Circular Walk | 10.5km | 4 hoursWaterfall Country, Four Falls Trail | 8.5km | 2 - 2.5 hoursThe Dragons Back | 12km | 3.5 hours 6. Cairngorm National Park, ScotlandThe Cairngorms National Park is a true Highland adventure - ideal for both gentle rambles and challenging climbs. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, its one of the best places to hike in the UK, with peaceful lochs, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The park is home to five of the UKs six highest peaks and over 50 other Munros, making it a dream for mountain lovers.Whether you're exploring wild glens or aiming to bag your first Munro, the Cairngorms offer something unforgettable. Looking for a wild escape? This vast, rugged landscape is the perfect place to start. Walks in The Cairngorms National ParkBen Macdui (1309m) | 29km | 9-11 hoursLoch Morlich | 5km | 2 hoursMorrone | 12km | 4-5 hoursLoch an Eilein | 14km | 4 hoursGlenmore Forest Park, The Ryvoan Trail | 6km | 2.5 hours 7. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, ScotlandWith towering peaks, shimmering lochs, and peaceful woodland trails, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of the most scenic places to hike in the UK. Home to the largest lake in Great Britain, the area offers breathtaking views and diverse walking routes for all levels.From gentle shoreline strolls to challenging mountain ascents, theres something for every kind of hiker. Snow-dusted peaks, dramatic ridges, and quiet glens combine to make this a truly magical hiking destination - perfect for escaping into nature and soaking up the wild beauty of Scotland. Walks in Loch Lomond and the TrossachsBen Lomond | 12km | 5 hoursThe Callander Crags | 4km | 2hoursInversnaid RSPB Nature Trail | 2.5km | 1-1.5 hoursBen More | 12km | 7-8 hoursThe Aber Trail | 2 hours 8. The Causeway Coast, Northern IrelandThe Causeway Coast is a dramatic and rugged stretch of Northern Irelands coastline, best known for the world-famous Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. But this region offers far more than just one landmark. With nine wild glens, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and miles of unspoilt trails, it's one of the most captivating places to hike in the UK.Walk along clifftop paths, explore ancient ruins, and soak in sweeping sea viewsperfect for those who love combining nature, legend, and unforgettable landscapes. Walks Along The Causeway CoastThe Causeway Coast Way | 50km | 2-3 daysSlemish Mountain | 2km | 1 hourPortballintrae Causeway Loop | 9km | 2 hours From wild ridge walks to peaceful coastal strolls, the best hikes in the UK showcase the countrys incredible variety of landscapes. Whether youre setting out on a short trail or embarking on a multi-day trek, youre sure to find a route that leaves you inspired.Where will you hike next? Other Posts You Might LikeThe UKs Highest MountainsHiking for Beginners: Top Tips and Easy Walks9 of the Best UK Hikes for Beginners