May 8, 2025
8 mins
Destination: United Kingdom
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Long Distance Hiking Trails in the UK
Walking is a deeply ingrained part of British culture. From ancient Roman roads to centuries-old sheep tracks winding through the hills, the UK offers some of the most picturesque and historically rich long-distance walking routes in the world. Whether you’re craving coastal cliffs, rolling countryside, or moody moorlands, there’s a trail to suit every kind of hiker.
This guide to long distance hiking trails in the UK highlights the major National Trails and famous routes that span hundreds of miles across England, Wales, and Scotland. Whether you’re planning your first multi-day trek or looking for your next big walking challenge, these routes offer unforgettable views and a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes of the UK.
Map of Walking Routes in the UK
Major Walking Routes in the UK – National Trails & Long Distance Routes
Coast to Coast Path (Opening 2026)
Start: St Bees
Finish: Robin Hood’s Bay
Total Mileage: 190 miles
Active England Tip: Tradition dictates that walkers should start the route on St Bees beach by getting their feet wet and collecting a pebble. The walk should end in a similar fashion, by wetting your feet and depositing the pebble on the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay.
The Coast to Coast Path is an iconic unofficial route devised by Alfred Wainwright, now finally gaining National Trail status with improvements set for a 2026 launch. It passes through three of England’s most celebrated national parks; The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North Yorkshire Moors. Hikers will walk a diverse terrain of rugged fells, open moorlands, and rolling farmland.
Highlights include climbing Helvellyn in the Lakes, experiencing the limestone scenery of Swaledale, and finishing dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. Be sure to book accommodation early to ensure you have a place to rest along the way.
Cotswold Way
Start: Chipping Campden
Finish: Bath
Total Mileage: 102 miles
Active England Tip: The trail is best enjoyed by walking from Inn to Inn and resting at the end of each day. Walk the trail in sections over approximately 10 days – 2 weeks for maximum enjoyment!
The Cotswold Way winds through quintessential English countryside, showcasing honey-stone villages, grassy hills, and charming woodlands. Highlights include Broadway Tower, panoramic views from Cleeve Hill, and the rich market town of Painswick. History buffs will love the ancient burial mounds such as Belas Knap and battle sites such as the Civil War location at Lansdown Hill. The trail finishes in the UNESCO-listed city of Bath, renowned for its Georgian architecture, Roman baths and link to the author Jane Austen.
Cumbria Way
Start: Ulverston
Finish: Carlisle
Total Mileage: 71 miles
Active England Tip: Walk south to north for increasingly dramatic scenery and easier transport at the finish. Carlisle is a major town with good onward travel connections to other parts of the UK.
Passing straight through the heart of the Lake District, the Cumbria Way offers serene lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic fells. It’s less rugged than some other Lakeland routes but still delivers amazing scenery. Highlights include the walk through the Langdale Valley, Skiddaw’s looming presence, and the remote Derwentwater shoreline. It’s also one of the more peaceful long-distance walks in the region, perfect for a quieter nature escape, you may not pass many people en-route!
Dales Way
Start: Ilkley
Finish: Bowness-on-Windermere
Total Mileage: 80 miles
Active England Tip: Try wild swimming in the River Wharfe near Burnsall on a warm day.
The Dales Way is a low level walk that links the Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District, mostly following riverside paths. It’s ideal for beginner long-distance walkers. The trail winds through limestone gorges, lush meadows, and traditional Dales villages such as Grassington and Dent. There’s rich history in the old packhorse bridges and 12th-century churches. Ending at Lake Windermere, walkers can celebrate with a cruise on the water or a delicious afternoon tea in the village. Lake Windermere prioritises electric boat-hire, making for a pleasant and calm experience on the Lake.
Hadrian’s Wall Path
Start: Wallsend
Finish: Bowness-on-Solway
Total Mileage: 84 miles
Active England Tip: If you are limited on time, walk the section near to the Roman Fort of Vindolanda to enjoy a fantastic mix of history and scenic Northumberland views.
This World Heritage Site path lets you walk the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans in AD 122. The path crosses rolling farmland, river valleys, and wild upland moors, with well preserved sections of wall, towers, and forts like Housesteads and Vindolanda. It’s a unique blend of scenic hiking and ancient history, with the added bonus of walking coast to coast in just over a week. Whichever way you choose to walk Hadrian’s Wall (East-West or West-East) the vibrant city of Newcastle provides easy transport connections to London and other parts of the UK.
Offa’s Dyke
Start: Sedbury Cliffs
Finish: Prestatyn
Total Mileage: 177 miles
Active England Tip: Invest in sturdy boots. The trail is beautiful but often muddy and uneven due to the amount of rainfall in Wales!
Following the 8th-century earthwork built by King Offa to separate Mercia from Wales, this trail spans the length of the England and Wales border. The path weaves through forested hills, patchwork fields and the spectacular Black Mountains. Noteworthy segments include the Shropshire Hills AONB and panoramic views from the Clwydian Hills. It’s an atmospheric route steeped in folklore and borderland history.
Pennine Way
Start: Edale
Finish: Kirk Yetholm
Total Mileage: 268 miles
Active England Tip: Don’t miss High Force Waterfall near Barnard Castle. One of the most Spectacular waterfalls in England.
The Pennine Way is Britain’s first official National Trail and remains one of its most challenging. It follows the rugged ‘spine of England’ through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and North Pennines, ending in the Scottish Borders. With exposed moorland, peat bogs and windy ridgelines, it’s a serious test for hikers. Highlights include the dramatic High Cup Nick, the ascent of Pen-y-Ghent, and the historic village of Hawes. It’s a true wilderness experience.
South Downs Way
Start: Winchester
Finish: Eastbourne
Total Mileage: 100 miles
Active England Tip: Start early in the day, sections of this ridge trail can be exposed to heat and wind in the summer months.
The South Downs Way offers sweeping views over Sussex and Hampshire, with gentle ascents across rolling chalk hills. It’s one of the most accessible trails, with charming pubs and B&Bs along the way. Highlights include the Seven Sisters cliffs, Devil’s Dyke, and ancient hill forts like Old Winchester Hill. It’s rich in both natural beauty and archaeological interest.
South West Coast Path
Start: Minehead
Finish: Poole
Total Mileage: 630 miles
Active England Tip: Use local buses or ferries to skip inland detours or extra-tough headlands.
The UK’s longest National Trail is epic in every way. Length, scenery and variety of terrain. It follows the coast through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. The route is tough but rewarding, with constant sea views, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. It features in The Salt Path, the memoir by Raynor Winn, which brought renewed interest to this journey. Highlights include Tintagel Castle, the Jurassic Coast, and the quaint fishing villages of Padstow in Cornwall. Expect plenty of ups and downs and some of England’s best beaches!
Thames Path
Start: Thames Head (near Kemble)
Finish: Woolwich (London)
Total Mileage: 184 miles
Active England Tip: Stop in Goring & Streatley for a riverside pub lunch, it’s a scenic halfway point.
Following the River Thames from its source to the sea, this trail is gentle and perfect for relaxed walking. You’ll pass through rural countryside, historic towns such as Oxford and Windsor, and eventually into the heart of London. Look out for landmarks like Hampton Court Palace, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. It’s one of the most accessible long-distance routes with good public transport links along the way.
The Ridgeway
Start: Overton Hill
Finish: Ivinghoe Beacon
Total Mileage: 87 miles
Active England Tip: Schedule breaks at historical sites. Avebury Stone Circle is a fantastic alternative hidden gem to the infamous Stone Henge.
Often called “Britain’s oldest road,” The Ridgeway has been in use for over 5,000 years. It follows a chalk ridge used by traders and invaders alike. Walkers are treated to Iron Age forts, Bronze Age barrows, and white chalk horses carved into the hills. The trail is rich in prehistoric atmosphere and links up with ancient sites like Avebury stone circle and Uffington White Horse. A lot of the walk passes through surprisingly remote areas of Southern England, offering true peace and tranquility amongst quintessential English countryside.
Wales Coast Path
Start: Chester
Finish: Chepstow
Total Mileage: 870 miles
Active England Tip: Focus on one region at a time. Pembrokeshire and the Llŷn Peninsula are ideal for first-time visitors with stunning scenery and excellent facilities.
This groundbreaking Wales Coast Path is the first in the world to follow a country’s entire coastline. It offers endless variety from golden beaches and castles to cliffside trails and seaside towns. Highlights include Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the dramatic cliffs near Aberystwyth, and the colourful village of Portmeirion. Whether you hike a weekend section or take on the full challenge, it’s an awe-inspiring journey.
West Highland Way
Start: Milngavie (near Glasgow)
Finish: Fort William
Total Mileage: 96 miles
Active England Tip: Take a rest day in Kinlochleven or Glencoe, perfect for exploring or simply recharging. If you enjoy Whiskey, the region has renowned distilleries for tasting.
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s premier long-distance trail showcases some of the most rugged and romantic landscapes in Britain. You’ll pass through Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Nevis, all the way to the foot of Ben Nevis. It’s well-marked and popular, but remote enough to offer real solitude. Watch for red deer, osprey, and soaring eagles and be ready for four seasons in one day. B&Bs are dotted along the way so rest and refueling is never far from reach.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape, short walking holiday or a life-changing expedition, the UK’s long-distance hiking trails offer something for every kind of walker. These routes aren’t just about the miles, they’re journeys through time, culture, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Britain.
With well-marked paths, welcoming villages, and plenty of historical intrigue along the way, hiking across the UK is both accessible and deeply rewarding. So lace up your boots, grab a map, and start planning your next adventure, there’s a trail out there waiting for you.
