The UK is one of the best places in the world when it comes to hiking and walking holidays, and you would not really need to look elsewhere to get your walking fix. Of course, if you are going to go on a UK walking holiday, you’ll need to know about some of the best places that you can go, and with so many destinations to choose from, that can be quite tricky to get right and to figure out. Nonetheless, with the right approach and with an awareness of which places you might want to aim for, you should be able to find some great places to walk.
Here are some of the best UK destinations if you are keen hiker and you want to do lots of walking. You’ll find the following all really worthwhile thinking about and making good use of.
The Lake District
If you think of walking in the UK, one of the very first places that will usually come to mind is the Lake District. This is a truly stunning part of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the hiking capital of the UK. The Lake District offers some incredibly dramatic natural scenery, and trails range from gentle lakeside strolls to full-day ascents such as Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
If you are planning on a visit to walk the Lake District, do your research before you go – there is so much to see and so many ways to see it that you will need to have a decent plan in place first and foremost. However you do it, though, you are bound to have a great time and see some of the country’s very best views.
Snowdonia (Eryri)
Perhaps the next most important place to consider is Wales’ national pride, Snowdonia National Park. What you’ll find here is a combination of rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and serene lakes. Mount Snowdon itself is a very popular spot, attracting thousands of walkers every year, but there’s much more to explore as well, including some quieter routes like the Rhinogs or the dramatic Glyderau.
However you do it, you’ll want to make sure that you are making it as comfortable for yourself as possible. That means finding some of the best hotels in Llanberis or similar regions, so you can ensure that you are ready for each day of walking or climbing. Also, be prepared for the weather, which can be very wet and cold depending on the time of year. As long as you are prepared, however, you’ll likely find Snowdon to be one of the most beautiful sights you’ve ever seen.
The Scottish Highlands
We couldn’t really talk about hiking in the UK without giving Scotland at least a mention, and in particular the famously rugged and various Scottish highlands. This is the kind of place for those who want a raw, remote adventure, and there is just so much there that you are going to benefit from and to see. Towering Munros, ancient glens and endless lochs are the very definition of this vast wilderness, and despite its popularity you may go entire days without seeing another human. As such, it’s perfect for those who love to walk alone and enjoy the solitary peace.
One of the best approaches to the highlands is to walk the West Highland Way, which should take you about a week at a leisurely pace, and where you will see some truly amazing classic Scottish landscapes. Of course, if you are feeling brave, you could also take on Ben Nevis for the ultimate summit experience in the UK. Whatever you do, Scotland will not disappoint.
The Peak District
On a par with the Lake District is the Peak District, easily accessible from major hubs like Manchester and Sheffield and Britain’s first ever national park. It remains a firm favourite for walkers of all kinds, and it certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world to go for a hike of any length. Part of the charm is the contrasting nature of the landscapes that you come across here, including gritstone edges and rolling limestone dales. This means that it’s a perfect spot for beginners as well as more seasoned hikers, so whatever your experience level you’ll be able to enjoy something of the Peak District’s wonders.
The Isle Of Skye
Back to Scotland now to consider one of the famously beautiful parts of the country. The landscapes of Skye are the stuff of legend, and the kind of thing that you probably picture when you imagine the mountainous and cliff-faced sheer beauty of Scotland. The Cuillin Ridge is one of the UK’s more demanding scrambles, but a challenge that you are probably going to love if you are a keen hiker and you are fit. You can also enjoy plenty of surreal and slightly out-there sights with the Old Man of Storr, and this is the kind of cinematic view that you can get to without needing a helmet. All in all, Skye is a tremendously beautiful place to hike, and you should certainly consider it.
Yorkshire Dales
Perhaps you would rather have a different kind of wilderness, however – maybe you are more attuned to rolling green hills, dry stone walls and charming villages. This is the kind of thing you’ll find in spades in the Yorkshire Dales, and there is a very good reason that it remains one of the UK’s most popular hiking areas. You can do both short and much longer walks here, and there is just so much beauty to imbibe that you are going to find it incredibly breathtaking every single time. You’ll find it busier than a lot of trails, so it’s great if you are happy to meet people along the way as well.
Those are just some of the best spots in the UK for walking and hiking. Any of them could be your next trip.