April 17, 2025
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Destination: United Kingdom
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Hiking in England: A Definitive Guide to the Best Hikes, Paths & Trails
England may be a small country, but its hiking opportunities are nothing short of extraordinary. Walking is woven into our nation’s DNA, with a rich heritage of rambling groups, breathtaking Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an extensive network of National Trails. Whether you’re trekking across dramatic moorlands, following scenic coastal paths, or strolling through lush countryside, England offers something for every kind of walker.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, historic country estates, majestic royal castles, and ancient Roman ruins provide the perfect setting for a relaxed amble, blending history with nature. Meanwhile, vibrant cities like Bath, Oxford, Liverpool, and Newcastle offer captivating urban walks, where cobbled streets, grand architecture, and cultural landmarks make every step an exploration.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a bit of both, hiking in England promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Let’s explore what we think are some of the best hikes, paths and trails.
What is Hiking in England like?
From the gentle rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged peaks of the Lake District, and from dramatic coastal cliffs to vast open moorlands, the variety of landscapes is extraordinary. Each region has its own character, history, and charm, whether you’re wandering through ancient woodlands, crossing windswept fells, or tracing the footsteps of the past.
A leisurely countryside stroll or a challenging multi-day trek, England’s trails offer something for all abilities. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a true English hiking experience without a pub (or two) along the way! Often trails connect villages and towns so you’re never too far from civilization and the opportunity for a rest and refuel stop. Inn to inn walking is increasingly popular, giving hikers the opportunity to hike during the day and then rest up each night at a local bed and breakfast or similar locally run accommodation, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of each location.
The terrain across England ranges from gentle meadows to rugged fells, so whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned trekker, you’ll find a path to match your pace. Just be prepared for a bit of rain, it adds to the charm! And if you’re lucky, you might even experience all four seasons in one afternoon. It’s all part of the famous Blighty weather!
Best Walking Regions in the UK
The type of scenery you seek will determine the best location for your walk. England is broadly divided into North and South, with the Northern regions stretching from Birmingham up to Scotland, while the South includes cities like London, Oxford, and Bath, extending to the southwestern tip in Cornwall.
Coastal walks are a favourite among hikers, offering dramatic cliff-top views, rugged dunes, and sandy paths. On warmer days, you might even wade across estuaries or dip your toes in the sea. Further inland, the Cotswolds attract walkers eager to explore the famous Cotswold Way National Trail or enjoy a leisurely Inn-to-Inn hike through the region’s storybook villages.
Heading north, the Peak District and Lake District provide more challenging climbs, rewarding hikers with breathtaking landscapes. The most Northern counties boast vast, untamed moorlands stretching as far as the eye can see and extending to the border with Scotland.
Popular Walking Regions in England
England can roughly be divided into four definitive regions: The South, which includes Devon & Cornwall and the Southern counties of England, Middle Englan,d where you’ll find The Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s home of Stratford-upon-Avon.
As you venture North, Yorkshire is the largest county that encompasses the Yorkshire Dales and a large section of the Pennines mountain range, often referred to as the ‘backbone of England.’ Bordering Yorkshire to the West is Cumbria, which houses the Lake District National Park, and finally, the northernmost section of the country is Northumberland, where you’ll find Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Forest, which borders Scotland.
Let’s explore some of these regions and what they offer for walking and hiking.
The Cotswolds
Think rolling hills, charming villages, and dry-stone walls stretching as far as the eye can see. The Cotswolds are a dream for those who prefer their walks with a side of history and afternoon tea. And if you time it right, you might just stumble into a village fête, complete with homemade cakes and a dog show. You are almost guaranteed to see fields of sheep and crops patchworked across the countryside.
Don’t let the scenery deceive you, however, there are plenty of trails that provide challenging inclines and long-distance walks for an invigorating adventure. If you were to complete the entire Cotswold Way, it could take you two weeks, averaging 7 miles a day.
Famous Walks in the Cotswolds:
Cotswold Way – A long-distance trail from Chipping Campden to Bath, offering stunning views of the Severn Valley. Walk sections of the trail or tackle the entire route over a couple of weeks as part of a bigger challenge.
Broadway Tower Walk – A short circular walk leading to the famous folly with breathtaking panoramic views.
Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold via Upper and Lower Slaughter – A picturesque riverside stroll through some of the prettiest villages in England. The best way to explore a popular area of the Cotswolds without getting stuck in traffic.
Devon and Cornwall
Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages define this stunning region. Coastal paths here offer some of the most spectacular sea views in the UK. Plus, there’s always a pasty or a cream tea waiting at the next stop! The walking opportunities are not limited to the coast. Inland sees rugged moorlands and ancient stone circles such as Scorhill.
Famous Walks in Devon & Cornwall:
South West Coast Path – A 630-mile epic adventure along the entire coastline. Walk sections of the trail with particular highlights in and around Padstow and further south from St Ives to Carbis Bay.
Lizard Peninsula Walk – Rugged cliffs and stunning coves in one of Cornwall’s most beautiful areas.
Dartmoor’s Tors Walk – Hike through the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park, spotting granite tors and ponies along the way.
The Lake District
A hiker’s playground with towering peaks, mirror-like lakes, and trails that inspired the poetry of Wordsworth. Expect breathtaking scenery, regional Herdwick sheep, and a solid workout.
Famous Walks in the Lake District:
Scafell Pike – England’s highest peak, with jaw-dropping views from the top.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge – A thrilling ridge walk with panoramic Lake District scenery.
Catbells – A relatively short but rewarding hike with views over Derwentwater.
Northumberland
Home to vast landscapes, ancient castles, and the legendary Hadrian’s Wall. Northumberland’s walking routes are peaceful, wild, and utterly captivating. You might not see another soul for miles but you will encounter a castle or castle ruins frequently!
Famous Walks in Northumberland:
Hadrian’s Wall Path – Walk the length of the famous Roman wall from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast. Of course you can just enjoy smaller sections of the walk such as the area with Sycamore gap and Vindolanda Roman Fort.
Kielder Forest – A hidden gem, immersed in nature as you hike through the forest. Best enjoyed with an overnight stay to make the most of the International Dark Sky Park for a spot of star gazing.
Bamburgh to Craster Coastal Walk – A stunning seaside hike with a stop at the legendary Dunstanburgh Castle.
National Trails & Long-Distance Routes
England boasts some of the best long-distance trails in the world. These trails are carefully maintained and pass through some of the most stunning landscapes, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. And completing one is a huge achievement and will provide one epic adventure.
The Cotswold Way
Description: A picturesque route through rolling hills, charming villages, and historic landmarks, following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills.
Start: Chipping Campden
Finish: Bath
Total Mileage: 102 miles
Highlights: Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle, and the stunning views over the Severn Valley.
Active England Tip: Stop for a cream tea in one of the many delightful villages along the way, and don’t rush the final stretch into Bath, its Roman baths and Georgian architecture are worth exploring.
Hadrian’s Wall Path
Description: Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers along the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to guard the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
Start: Wallsend
Finish: Bowness-on-Solway
Total Mileage: 84 miles
Highlights: Housesteads Roman Fort, Sycamore Gap (made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), and breathtaking views over the rugged Northumberland countryside.
Active England Tip: Bring sturdy boots, some sections can be muddy, especially after rain. Also, don’t miss Vindolanda, an active archaeological site with incredible Roman artifacts.
Pennine Way
Description: England’s oldest and most challenging National Trail, stretching through the country’s wild backbone, the Pennines.
Start: Edale
Finish: Kirk Yetholm (Scotland)
Total Mileage: 268 miles
Highlights: Kinder Scout, Malham Cove, High Cup Nick, and the Cheviot Hills.
Active England Tip: The weather here can be unpredictable so it’s best to layer up! Also, take the time to stop in friendly villages like Hawes for a hearty meal
South West Coast Path
Description: The longest and one of the most beautifully varied National Trails, tracing the spectacular coastline of the southwest peninsula. There’s more than 115,000 ft of ascent and descent on the South West Coast Path. Completing it is equivalent to climbing Snowdon 48 times, Ben Nevis 26 times and Everest 4 times.
Starting at Minehead in Somerset it runs along the coastline of Exmoor, continuing along the coast of North Devon and into Cornwall. It follows the entire coastline of Cornwall, goes across the mouth of the River Tamar and continues into Devon. After running along the south coast of Devon it then follows the Dorset coastline before finally ending at Poole Harbour.
Take it in sections, it would take 7-8 weeks to complete the entire route.
Start: Minehead, Devon
Finish: Poole, Dorest
Total Mileage: 630 miles
Highlights: Exmoor’s wild cliffs, the turquoise waters of St. Ives Bay, Durdle Door, and the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast.
Active England Tip: Penzance is a mecca for swimmers and Battery Rocks is where all the locals swim. Head around the back of the Penzance Lido (which is also well worth a visit with its geothermal 35 degrees pool) and pop in the water via the steps. It’s better at high tide and only when it’s relatively flat (don’t try it when the sea is bouncy). There are marked buoys to the left and right, so stick within them. It’s a great place right in the heart of Penzance.
What’s the Best Walk in England?
This is comparable to asking a parent to pick their favourite child, impossible! If you want to experience walking through classic English countryside then head for the Cotswold Way. The scenery and the villages are film and fairy-tale worthy for a reason, they ooze quintessential English charm.
History buffs should tackle Hadrian’s Wall and enjoy the Roman artifacts along the way. Of course you’re never too far from a castle in the Northumberland region either.
If you love the fresh sea air and dramatic coastal cliffs then The South West Coast Path is for you.
But if scrambling and a challenging hike is more your thing, head to the Lake District for serious climbs and rewarding views. Sunrise hikes are worth the early start to watch the day break over the Lakes and valleys below.
Places to stay when walking the UK
Accommodation options are as varied as the trails themselves. You’ve got everything from quaint B&Bs and country inns to camping spots and luxurious manor houses. Many places cater specifically to walkers, offering hearty breakfasts and boot-drying rooms. During the summer months accommodations do get booked up so we recommend planning ahead where you can to ensure you have somewhere guaranteed to rest your legs.
In the cities and larger towns there are hotels with more rooms but for the most authentic hospitality we recommend asking locals or choosing an independent lodging where the hosts will look after you like family.
Weather in England
England’s weather is as famous as its red telephone booths! And it is renowned for its unpredictable nature and changing conditions from one county to the next. It can be glorious sunshine, and then you’re battling horizontal rain an hour later. We say, embrace it! Pack layers, always carry a waterproof, and keep a sense of humor handy. A little drizzle just makes the countryside look even more dramatic.
From November to March you’ll experience more rainy days and chilly conditions particularly the further North you go. However a crisp and sunny winters day is beautiful and glorious for walking. The bonus is everywhere will have fewer crowds than the warmer months.
During the months of April to September the weather stays consistently warmer and the peak summer months can reach highs of 32 degrees Celsius. This may make it less desirable for long walks. We certainly recommend heading to the coast if you are likely to experience an ‘English heatwave’ when you’re visiting. The breeze from the sea will be a welcome relief from the heat.
The extremely hot weather is uncommon and usually only persists for a few days. The optimum weather is a balmy 20 degrees, which will allow you to cover some distance comfortably and enjoy inner towns, cities and countryside at a more favourable temperature.
When to Go Hiking in England
The best time to go hiking really coincides with the weather and what you find most appealing. The summer months which see the dry, warmer weather also bring more crowds. Spring (March–May) is a fantastic time to explore. Nature is blooming and the summer peak hasn’t arrived yet.
Autumn (September–November) is also a sweet spot with mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery with the changing colours of Autumn foliage.
Finally Winter can be magical, but short daylight hours and muddy paths make it a trickier time for long-distance hikes. Incorporate Christmas markets and cosy pubs within your itinerary and Winter can be one of the most underrated seasons to explore the UK. As long as you have the appropriate clothing, these cooler months make for a fantastic time to explore.
What to Wear
Layers, layers, layers! A good waterproof jacket, sturdy walking boots, and breathable clothes are essential. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and energy snacks. And if you’re planning to hike near villages then some cash is a good idea to pick up some locally sourced, handmade treats along the way.
Things to See Along the Way
With the UK there is never a dull walk. If you’re in remote countryside, the views and scenery will be stunning. Immersed in nature, you’ll hear the wildlife and admire the foliage as you go. From peaceful woodland trails and open rolling fields to wildflower meadows, river valleys, and windswept hilltops, every walk reveals something new.
Castles, ancient ruins, wildlife, and villages straight out of a storybook are equally common. Keep your eyes peeled for everything from red squirrels in Northumberland to fossil strewn beaches in Dorset. And, of course, always make time for a good tea shop.
We recommend looking up points of interest in the area you are in. We also have a list called the ‘Hidden Hundred’ which is 100 hidden gems throughout England that sometimes only the locals know. So take a look at our suggestions and see if you can reach some of the locations listed. They are often harder to reach, off the beaten track but well worth the slight detour to experience a wondrous natural beauty as you explore.
Hiking Tours in England
Want the full experience without the stress of planning? Join a hiking tour!
Active England offers walking tours across England. We visit many of the places covered in this blog and our specialty is the Cotswolds. With local guides, based in the regions we will take you on a tour like no other. If there are areas of interest of specific landmarks you want to visit, a private tour brings you the perfect combination of an Active England Guide on a uniquely created itinerary just for you and your party.
Of course if time is limited there are many tour guides and companies across the UK that will help you explore an area or city within a shorter time. Whether that be a day or just a couple of hours, head to the tourist information points or research before you arrive to ensure you maximise your time. A guide often brings insight and knowledge of an area and takes the stress out of navigating and planning where to go.
Guided Walking Tours in England
Guided walking tours are erfect for those who enjoy expert insight, a bit of company, and the assurance that someone else is in charge of directions. Guides share fascinating history, local legends, and ensure you don’t accidentally wander into a farmers field.
At Active England our guides are at the heart of what we do. With homegrown local wisdom and a genuine passion for exploration, our extraordinary local guides will show you the UK in all its glory.
From Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds to Hadrian’s Wall and the Cornwall coast, find the hidden treasures enjoyed only by those who know them best and immerse yourself in the UK’s iconic culture and heritage.
Rest up in local accommodation and have handy food recommendations throughout your trip. Everything is taken care of from transfers and baggage to route mapping and accommodation booking.
Self-Guided Walking Tours in England
Prefer to go at your own pace? Self-guided tours provide maps, routes, and luggage transfers so you can focus on the joy of the walk without worrying about dragging your suitcase over a stile.
On an Active England Self-Guided tour you can be as active as you like, with varying distances available each day for the novice walker through to the experienced cyclist. We’ll take care of access, suggest historical points of interest and highlight any tricky bits you might encounter, so that you can be confident your route is well thought out and perfectly safe. Along the way, we’ll tell you where to find the most stunning views and point out the best local pubs, cafes and restaurants. We’ll even take into account the daily weather forecast and prevailing winds.
With the start of our tours all sitting within easy reach of major cities and transport hubs, and all luggage transfers, accommodation, maps and GPS instructions provided, you’ll be free to explore without any of the hassle. From the Cotswolds to Cornwall, hiking along the coast to cycling through leafy valleys and woodlands, there’s an Active England tour for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a short scenic stroll or an epic multi-day trek, England has a hiking adventure for you. So lace up your boots, grab your waterproof, and hit the trails!
