5 Best Places to Hike in the UK (+ 4 Long Distance Trails)

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The UK is an incredible place for hiking. With over 100,000 miles of public footpaths and trails, there are endless options for hiking throughout this beautiful country.

This post describes some of the best places to hike in the UK. I grew up in England and have hiked extensively in all of these destinations. While some are more accessible than others, all can (at least theoretically) be accessed via the UK’s extensive public transport network.

But in truth, wherever you choose to visit – from the picture-postcard countryside of southern England to the remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands – you will find amazing scenery and hiking trails to suit all ages and abilities.

So pack your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

The Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the UK and it’s easy to see why. With its gorgeous scenery, quaint little villages, cozy pubs, and an abundance of local wildlife, there really is something for everyone.

The Lake District is famous for its 16 picturesque lakes, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in England. It’s the second largest National Park in the UK and spans over 900 square miles. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, you’ll find it here.

There are literally hundreds of hiking trails in the Lake District. Some of the best include:

• Scafell Pike: Standing at 978 metres above sea level, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England.  The hike to the summit is rocky and tough, but the views are incredible.  On a clear day, you can see all of the Lake District and even across to the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales (see below).

• Helvellyn: There are several routes up to the summit of this mountain, ranging from moderate to hard.  If you’re looking for a challenge, consider tackling the famous Striding Edge route, which involves an exhilarating ridge walk and a bit of scrambling.  (Only to be attempted in good weather conditions, and not in the winter unless you have the necessary experience and equipment.)

• Buttermere Lake Loop: This is an easy, flat hike around Lake Buttermere.  This is one of the less-visited, quieter parts of the Lake District, but it’s my favourite.  The scenery is beautiful and (outside of weekends…