20 Best Hikes in the UK: Beautiful UK Hiking Trails

Looking for the best hikes in the UK? In this guide, we’ll show you incredible UK hiking trails from popular hikes to off-the-beaten-track hikes in the United Kingdom.

The UK is home to so many underrated hiking trails. We’re very excited to share with you some of the best hikes in the country and recommendations from us and other travellers.

As we were both born in the UK, we always try to appreciate our home country and the beautiful UK hiking trails around. The country has pretty good public transport and it’s possible to reach some of these hikes by train and bus, although we do recommend driving.

The UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and we’ve included hikes from all of these beautiful areas. So if you’re looking at hiking in the UK or you want to find some new UK hiking routes, this guide is for you!

On this list, we’ve also included hikes for all levels from beginner to hard and a mix of short to long hikes. Most of these hikes in the UK are well known, but we’ve added a few not-as-popular hikes to this list.

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20 Best Hikes in the UK: Beautiful UK Hiking Trails

If you love hiking, there’s no better feeling than tying up your walking boots and hitting a trail early in the morning or sunset time. Here’s a few helpful tips before you start hiking in the UK:

• Where to stay in the UK? Use Booking.com & Hostelworld
• Need to rent a car? Compare prices online on Discover Cars!
• Weekends & bank holiday weekends are the busiest time to explore UK hikes!
• Book your train tickets in advance on Trainline!

Now in no particular order, here’s the best hikes in the UK!

1. Arthur’s Seat in Scotland

Location: Edinburgh City Centre (Scotland)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Length of the Hike: 4 km
Elevation Gain: 260 m

We’re starting off this list of hikes in the UK with Arthurs Seat, an Edinburgh classic! Rated as an easy to moderate hike, Arthurs Seat sits right in Edinburgh’s City Centre and is one of the best spots in the city for great views.

Arthurs Seat is an ancient volcano, similar to the one that Edinburgh Castle was built on. The hike is only a short 1-2 hours and the best time to visit is in the evening to admire the sunset. However, if you can make it for sunrise, you’ll be rewarded!

The trail to the summit isn’t paved and the rocks get really slippery whether it’s dry or wet. It can also get very muddy when it rains, which is why it’s best to wear good footwear and be prepared.

Due to its easy accessibility, the trail can get busy, especially on weekends. It’s definitely worth checking out during an Edinburgh trip, as it’s one of the best UK hiking trails.

Looking for a trip outside of Edinburgh without hiring a car? Here’s an amazing Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour!

Where to stay in Edinburgh for hiking – Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

2. Halnaker Windmill Trail in England

Location: South Downs National Park (England)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: around 1 h 45 mins
Length of the Hike: 6.4 km
Elevation Gain: 177m

The Halnaker Windmill Trail is a beautiful path close to Chichester that follows an old Roman road and leads up to a beautiful windmill, on top of a hill. The trail starts in the village of Boxgrove, where you can park for free at the village community hall. If you are travelling by bus, then you will have to take number 55 from Chichester, towards Boxgrove and Halnaker.

Halnaker trail is a circular path, stretching over 5 miles, with an ascent of 300 meters. It is marked as moderate, but it is fairly easy, except for the final ascent, which is quite steep. The path passes through Tinwood Estate, where you will walk between the vines.

This trail is one of the best hikes in the UK due to the charming tree tunnel that covers the old Roman road that used to connect London to Chichester. The best time to hike the Halnaker Windmill Trail is Autumn when the trees are changing colours and the entire path is covered with green, yellow, and red leaves.

At the top of the hill, you can enjoy a wonderful 360 panoramic view over the South Downs, all the way to the sea. You’ll also find the windmill which has been recently restored but originally dates back to 1540. On a clear day, you can even spot Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

Recommended by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

3. Pendle Hill Circular Route in England

Location: Forest of Bowland, near Manchester (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1.5 – 2. 5 hours
Length of the Hike: 8km
Elevation Gain: 340m

Located in the Forest of Bowland AONB, there are several routes to take up Pendle Hill depending on your hiking experience and ability. The Pendle Hill Circular Route is the shortest route up this hill in Lancashire, made famous by the Pendle witch trials in 1612. 

Although this trail is the shortest, at 557 metres above sea level, the Circular Route is also one of the steepest routes, with a distance of 6km and an elevation gain of 340m. It takes 1.5-2.5 hours to complete depending on your fitness level with an out-and-back route starting at Barley Lane.

The hike starts fairly flat until you reach the base of the hill, follow the steep steps up the north side of Pendle Hill, then a short walk across the peak, followed by a descent down a loose gravel path on the south side and back along the farmland path.

Pendle Hill Circular is a well-marked route and one of the most popular walks in the Forest of Bowland. You’ll find plenty of other countryside walks in the nearby Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland itself. Don’t miss the official centre of England at Dunsop Bridge or the charming Lancashire villages of Downham, Waddington and Sawley. Nearby Clitheroe has plenty of activities and restaurants to choose from too.

Recommended by Helena from Helena Bradbury

4. Rannerdale Knotts in the Lake District, England

Location: Lake District National Park (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
Length of the Hike: 6.6km
Elevation Gain: 355m

Rannerdale Knotts is a low-lying yet scenic peak in the north of the Lake District National Park. Superbly situated overlooking Buttermere and Crummock Water, this rocky mountain offers striking panoramic views to all who make it to the 355m summit.

The circular route is around 3 miles and takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on how many times you stop for photos or a breather. It’s fairly strenuous in places, with a few steep rocky scrambles, but anyone of reasonable fitness and a head for heights will be able to tackle this trail.

Park in Buttermere village, before following the path down to Crummock Water. Before beginning the steep climb up Rannerdale Knotts, you can hike into the adjacent valley to see the glorious Rannerdale bluebells in spring. They’re at their best during May when the hillsides are carpeted in blue.

After returning to the trail, continue climbing until you reach the top of Rannerdale Knotts. The views from here are some of the best in the national park. You then just follow the ridge and continue back down into Buttermere. It’s a rewarding hike in return for relatively little effort.

Once you’ve finished the walk, you can enjoy lunch or a cream tea in one of the traditional cafés in Buttermere. Or, for shops, museums and restaurants, head into nearby Keswick which makes a great base if you’re staying in the area.

Recommended by Heather from Conversant Traveller

Where to stay in the Lake District – The Hive at Poppi-Red

5. Snowdon in Wales

Location: Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park (Wales)
Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
Duration: around 5 hours
Length of the Hike: 10.8km
Elevation Gain: 717m

Snowdon (also known as Yr Wyddfa) is one of the best hikes in the UK for any type of hiker. There are various trails to the top of the peak (including a train) so it’s one of the hikes, you can visit again for a different experience.

We highly recommend climbing up the Pyg Track from Pen-y-Pass and descending down the Miners Track – both trails offer incredible views of the lakes and the surrounding areas. Both of these tracks join together closer to the peak and a small amount of scrambling is involved, but it’s not too hard!

Although it takes around 5 hours to complete, it feels like an accomplishment to make it to the top. Snowdon is also part of the 3 Peaks Challenge in the UK and we’ve also mentioned the other two hikes in the UK on this list.

We recommend staying or parking in Betws-Coed and catching the Sherpa us to Pen-y-Pass. Parking is very limited and quite expensive! We have also created a full guide on How to Climb Yr Wyddfa from Pen-y-Pass: Snowdon (2024)!

Where to stay in Snowdon for hiking in the UK (Betws-y-Coed) – Gwydyr Hotel

6. Hadrian’s Wall Trail in England

Location: Newcastle area (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: around 6 to 8 days
Length of the Hike: 137.6km
Elevation Gain: 2,410m

The Hadrian’s Wall is one of the best bucket list hikes in the UK. It crosses the country from the east coast to the west coast through the stunning northern countryside. The trail follows the track of the historic Roman Hadrian’s Wall, which protected Roman England from the marauding Scots.

This hike is 84 miles (135 km) long and starts on the east coast from Wallsend, tracking the old route of the wall all the way to Bowness on Solway on England’s west coast. 

The trail is relatively easy (and there are also several companies that you can use to pack your bags between overnight stops to make it even easier. There are few climbs, and the trail’s highest point is just 345 meters above sea level, however, the route can be exposed to weather and you’ll find mud and more often than not, reasonable amounts of rain, so take waterproofs, decent boots and layers.

You’ll want to stop at some of the famous Roman forts on the way, like Birdoswald, Chesters, or Housesteads. These are the reasons the wall was built after all, and visiting them is a must. If you’re not a hiker, then you can head to a variety of places to see Hadrian’s Wall.

If you plan well, then you can split this hike into about 14 mile days, which allow you to stay in some glorious country inns and really see this stunning part of the world. Do NOT miss the Roman sites along the way, even though you’ll need a few detours to see them Vindolandia and the Roman Fort at Corbridge are fabulous.

Recommended by Sarah Carter from Northumberland’s Best

7. Old Man of Storr or Quiraung Loop on the Isle of Skye 

Location: The Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Duration: around 2 hours
Length of the Hike: 5.5km
Elevation Gain: 357m

The Old Man of Storr hike is perhaps the epitome of Scotland’s rugged beauty, with jagged basalt formations jutting out of the earth and sweeping views of the dramatic coastline. The landscape here looks so otherworldly, that it’s been featured in a number of movies, including Snow White and the Huntsman and Prometheus. It’s one of the best UK hikes!

The trail is challenging, rising 1,171 feet in just 1.7 miles (3.4 miles roundtrip). While the trail is quite steep in some sections, the hike is not technically challenging and doable for hikers of any skill level, with plenty of places to stop and take a breather and enjoy the surrounding views.

Be sure to budget at least two hours for the hike – and you’ll probably want a bit longer. You’ll surely be stopping plenty to take photos of the jaw-dropping landscape! 

The trail is located on the Isle of Skye, along Scotland’s western Atlantic coastline. There are plenty of things to do in Skye, from exploring the charming fishing village of Portree and hiking any of the other amazing trails on the island, including the Quiraing Loop or the Fairy Pools to taking a wildlife cruise from the town of Dunvegan to see seals and even whales.

Recommended by Jess from Uprooted Traveler

Where to stay near the Old Man of Storr – Tor View Guesthouse

8. Seaford to Eastbourne in England

Location: Seaford to Eastbourne, near Brighton (England)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Duration: around 5 – 6 hours
Length of the Hike: 21.7 km
Elevation Gain: 482m

Hiking in the UK can be adventurous, interesting and full of amazing views, just like the Seaford to Eastbourne trail in the south of England.

The trail starts from Seaford train station and takes you over the famous Severn Sisters hills. Once you reach Eastbourne, simply catch the train in Eastbourne back to your home or car. If you’re hiking in the UK by public transport, there are also buses from Brighton! Alternatively, you can take a group tour to the Severn Sisters.

A few beaches along the way are Hope Gap, Cuckmere Beach and Birling Gap. You’ll have to descend down steps for most of them, but they make the perfect spots for swimming on a hot day. You can also spot the lighthouse at Beachy Head whilst hiking this UK trail.

This trail is very popular, especially in the warmer months and follows the coastline on the beautiful hills. It’s very exposed, so it can get very windy! Sadly when we visited, it rained the whole time – but luckily there is a cafe near Birling Gap to warm up and dry off a little.

Visiting more of the UK? We have itineraries to York, Edinburgh, Brighton, the Scottish Highlands and hiking in Snowdonia!

9. The Teesdale Way in England

Location: near Durham (England)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: around 7 days
Length of the Hike: 147km
Elevation Gain: 600m

Another long hike in the UK is The Teesdale Way, a 147 km (92) mile route in the North East of England. The trail follows the route of the River Tees from where it begins on Cross Fell, Dufton in Cumbria to the end where it goes into the North Sea close to Middlesborough.

The route, which can be done in both directions, but is best starting at the source, takes about 7 days and goes from the gloriously empty and somewhat desolate fells, you’ll then find superb waterfalls like Cauldron Snout, High Force and Low Force. You’ll even get to follow part of the much more famous Pennine Way for part of the hike.  

This is a great route to take if you want to live like a local while hiking in the UK. The reaches of Upper Teesdale are glorious, and following the river down to the old market town of Barnard Castle is a fabulous walk. 

This part of the world has lovely farmhouse guesthouses and pub B&B’s where you’ll meet locals and tourists. As you reach the lower parts of the River Tees, you’ll cross into more urban territory and then reach the much more industrialized areas of Middlesborough and Redcar. 

You can map this route using paper maps from the Ordnance Survey OS Explorer Maps 26, 31, 304 and 306 or use the OS Maps app, however, it’s well signposted!

Recommended by Sarah Carter from A Social Nomad

10. Dunkery Beacon Hike in England

Location: Exmoor National Park (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: around 3 – 4 hours
Length of the Hike: 10km
Elevation Gain: 270m

Dunkery Beacon is the highest peak in the south of England outside of Dartmoor National Park and is the highest point in Somerset and Exmoor National Park. The hike is circular from the National Trust car park at Horner Village. (There is the option of a short 4km walk from Dunkery Gate to the summit, but it is much better to take the 10km scenic route).

This moderate-level hike typically takes around 3 to 4 hours and will initially head through a deep wooded valley along the banks of the River Avill before looping back to open moorland. The elevation gain is 270 metres with just a few very steep sections.

From the summit of Dunkery Beacon, it is possible to see out across the Bristol Channel and on a clear day the views can be across Wales to the north and south towards Dorset.

One of the highlights of this hike is the opportunity to encounter Exmoor ponies in their natural habitat. These hardy, ancient horses can often be spotted grazing peacefully along the path.

In addition to the hike, the area around Dunkery Beacon offers several things to do, including Tarr Steps, Valley of the Rocks and Lynton and Lynmouth villages.

Recommended by Suzanne from Meandering Wild

Where to stay in Exmoor for hiking – Northfield Hotel

11. Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Location: Mourne Mountains (Northern Ireland)
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: around 4 – 5 hours
Length of the Hike: 8.9km
Elevation Gain: 850m

Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in the Mourne Mountain Range and indeed in Northern Ireland, so it is definitely worth climbing so that you can boast that you’ve reached the country’s highest point! 

The mountain gives incredible views across the coastline and the rest of the mountain range. Sitting at 850 metres tall, the summit does require a good amount of effort to climb, particularly as the hike is only 4.6 km each way.

Although it isn’t a particularly tough climb, there are some very steep sections and a lot of unsteady ground. Slieve Donard is also renowned for having its own weather system. One minute you could be sweating in the sun and the next you’ll be shivering with two coats on in the pouring rain.

Make sure to pack your car with plenty of layers so that you can decide what’s best to wear when you reach the car park at the bottom of the summit. Whilst hiking in the UK, take a visit to the beautiful Giant’s Causeway and see Game of Thrones filming locations.

Recommended by Charlotte from The Geo Room

12. Pen-y-Fan in Wales

Location: Brecon Beacons (Wales)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Duration: around 3 hours
Length of the Hike: 7.4km
Elevation Gain: 537m

Pen Y Fan, pronounced Pen er Van, is the highest peak in South Wales and a popular hike in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (also known as the Brecon Beacons).

There are five routes to the peak; however, the most commonly used trail leads from the Pont ar Daf car park straight up the side of the mountain and takes around 60 – 90 minutes each way, depending on fitness levels.

Rising to 886 metres above sea level, reaching the peak may be challenging for some but relatively easy for others, so understanding how to hike Pen-Y-Fan as a novice before setting out is worthwhile.

The scenery during the ascent and from the summit is breathtaking! On a clear day, 360-degree views across South Wales of the Gower Peninsula, the Black Mountains and Exmoor can be seen; it’s worth the effort and one of the best UK hikes in the area!

The weather can be changeable during a Pen-Y-Fan hike, so be sure to bring warm clothes to wear as you get closer to the summit. If you are a sunset seeker, the incredible views of the sun going down over the landscape are fabulous and attract quite a crowd.

Recommended by Angie from Where Angie Wanders

13. Scafell Pike in the Lake District, England

Location: Lake District National Park (England)
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: around 3 – 4 hours
Length of the Hike: 9.3km
Elevation Gain: 914m

One of the best hikes in the UK is Scafell Pike, located in the Lake District National Park. Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, reaching an impressive height of 978 meters. The hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and lakes, making it a favourite among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The path to the top can be challenging, with steep ascents and rocky terrain, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The duration it takes to hike Scafell Pike can vary depending on several factors.  On average, it takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the standard route from Wasdale Head Car Park. The route to the summit includes different paths, providing hikers with options based on their preferences and abilities.

On average, the distance to Scafell Pike can be between 3 to 10 miles, depending on the chosen trail. The most popular routes include the Corridor Route, which begins at Wasdale Head and covers approximately 4.8 miles. Regardless of the starting point, reaching the summit of Scafell Pike offers breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience.

Recommended by Paulina from UK Every Day

Where to stay for hiking Scafell Pike – The Wilson Arms

14. Shining Tor and Cats Tor Circular, England

Location: Peak District National Park (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: around 3 hours
Length of the Hike: 9.8km
Elevation Gain: 427m

Nestled in the picturesque High Peak region of Derbyshire, the Shining Tor and Cats Tor Circular is a gem among the best hikes in the UK. This 9.8-kilometer circular trail offers a delightful adventure for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing hikers from near and far.

With a moderate level of challenge, this route typically takes about 3 hours to complete. The 360-meter elevation gain adds an exciting dimension to the trek, offering a satisfying workout without excessive strain. 

The appeal of this hike lies in its breathtaking vistas of the Peak District National Park. As you ascend the rolling hills, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside.

Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, rewards your efforts with commanding views of the Cheshire Plain and the distant mountains. Cats Tor, an adjacent peak, adds its own charm to the landscape. One of the standout features of this hike is the steep drop with overhanging rocks, offering not only great photo opportunities but also a sense of adventure.

Beyond the hike, the Shining Tor and Cats Tor area is like a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Fancy a picnic amidst the heather-covered moorlands? Or perhaps some birdwatching in this feathered paradise? A short drive will whisk you away to the delightful market towns of Buxton or Bakewell, famous for its scrumptious tarts and charming historic market square (and yes a vegan Bakewell exists)! 

Recommended by GG from Goya Galeotta

15. Bamford Edge in the Peak District, England

Location: Peak District National Park (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: around 2.5 – 3 hours
Length of the Hike: 8.7km
Elevation Gain: 307m

Located in Northern England, the Peak District is home to some of the best hikes in the UK and one of the most famous ones is Bamford Edge.

This overhang rock has become one of the most photographed spots in the Peak District and for good reason, it’s stunning.

The hike to Bamford Edge starts in the village of Bamford which is easily accessible by car or from Manchester and Leeds by train.

There are several routes that will lead you to Bamford Edge. The shorter hike is a 2k return walk from New Road in Bamford. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. This one goes uphill which makes it a bit harder but it’s also the quickest option.

Another popular choice is the circular Bamford Edge Ladybower Reservoir walk. It’s 5k long and takes you to Bamford Edge and all the way down to the beautiful reservoir where you can see the unique plug holes. The elevation for this walk is 271 m and it takes 2 hours to complete.

Finally, if you have a bit more time ahead of you, it’s highly recommended to do the 8k circular walk which includes both Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge. While it is longer, it’s also more scenic and you will get to enjoy even more views of Ladybower Reservoir and the Hope Valley. The elevation is 307 m and you will need between 2h30 and 3h to complete the hike.

Recommended by Pauline from Manchester Pocket Guide

16. Ben Nevis in Scotland

Location: Fort William, Scottish Highlands (Scotland)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: around 6 – 7 hours
Length of the Hike: 16km
Elevation Gain: 1342m

As hikes in the UK go, they don’t get any higher than the Iconic Ben Nevis! Situated on the West Coast of Scotland, Ben Nevis towers over the surrounding countryside and the bustling tourist town, Fort William, where you will find plenty of shops and restaurants.

At over 4,000 feet and around 11 miles, you must have a decent level of fitness and mobility. However, it’s still possible to hike Ben Nevis as a family! The round-trip from the Visitor Centre at the base of the mountain takes between 7 and 9 hours and is straightforward but arduous.

In good weather, you will see many other hikers, all hoping to get a clear view from the summit. It is worth noting that the weather can change rapidly, even on a sunny day, and it is always worth having some waterproofs… just in case!

The path climbs quickly and you will soon be crossing a couple of footbridges over some small streams as you get closer to ‘Loch Meall an t-Suidhe’. This is often called the ‘halfway lochan’, but be warned, this is a tad optimistic! Stop here and take a moment to rest while you savour the views of hiking in the UK; you might think that they can’t get better, but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.

As the path continues, you will cross scree and boulder fields before approaching the summit plateau. If the weather is clear, enjoy unparalleled views before returning via the same route.

Recommended by Tom & Katie from Trekking The Dream

Where to stay to hike Ben Nevis – Alexandra Hotel in Fort William

17. Camel Estuary in Cornwall, England

Location: Cornwall (England)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: around 1 – 2 hours
Length of the Hike: 5.5km
Elevation Gain: 110m

It’s no secret that one of the top activities in Cornwall is hiking, but it pays to visit some of the lesser-known trails, particularly in the peak summer season!

Away from Cornwall’s dramatic northern coastline, you’ll find an immensely underrated walking trail that’s ideal for getting away from the crowds. The Camel Estuary spans from Polzeath all the way down to Wadebridge, following the northernmost point of the Camel River.

The trail is virtually flat, leading into the sea with very little elevation. It’s an easy route – much less challenging than the North Coast sections – which makes it ideal for families or people who don’t want anything too taxing.

Of course, you can walk the entire route if you’d like, but most opt to tackle a segment. Most popular is perhaps the Polzeath to Rock walk.

At only 4km/ 2.5 miles each way, this hike takes in the beautiful Daymer Bay – one of the most underrated Cornish beaches – and journeys to the pretty village of Rock, famous for its ample restaurants.

Then, you can walk back or take the Rock to Padstow ferry over the river to check out one of Cornwall’s most popular towns. On the Padstow side, the trail is a hiking and cycling trail – so you can have a multitude of adventures all in one place!

Recommended by Claire from Go South West England

18. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, England

Location: Yorkshire Dales National Park (England)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: around 3 – 5 hours
Length of the Hike: 12.2km
Elevation Gain: 484m

The Malham Cove circular hike in the Yorkshire Dales is one of the best short hikes in the U.K. It offers a variety of features and traverses some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Dales. 

The walk starts from Malham village (park in the fee-paying National Park car park) which is a 1.5-hour drive from York or 1 hour 20 from Leeds. 

The hike initially crosses flat fields before heading into a woodland where you will soon reach Janet’s Foss waterfall, a perfect stop for a paddle on a summer’s day. 

The trail continues for 500 metres to reach Gordale Scar, an imposing gorge with cliffs reaching up to 100 metres tall. From here you have a choice to climb the waterfall in the middle of the gorge and complete a longer trail to Malham Cove via Malham Tarn. Alternatively, follow the signs to the left of the gorge for a less adventurous – but equally scenic – route.

When you arrive at the top of Malham Cove, you’ll see the impressive natural stone amphitheatre! It’s 80 metres high and provides fantastic panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales. You may recognise this otherworldly location from ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’. Check out our 1 Day York itinerary, if you’re visiting the historic city before hiking!

Recommended by Sinead from York Travel Expert

19. Mam Tor in the Peak District, England

Location: Peak District National Park (England)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: around 4 – 5 hours
Length of the Hike: 12.7km
Elevation Gain: 568m

Mam Tor is one of those hikes in the UK that is worth hiking at sunrise! The climb to the best viewpoint will only take 20 minutes from the parking area. As it’s a popular hike in the Peak District, it can get pretty busy – especially with families, but it’s one of the most beautiful trails in the area.

This hike will take you through Winnats Pass (which is full of sheep) and across the green hills of the countryside. The panoramic views from Mam Tor is the most popular spot, and you’ll see why! There are multiple places to start this hike, such as Mam Tor, Winnats Pass and Castleton.

We recommend checking out Castleton for a snack or lunch during your hike, it’s a lovely local town filled with pubs, cafes and ice cream shops!

20. Beinn Dhubh Circular Walk in Scotland

Location: Outer Hebrides (Scotland)
Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
Duration: around 5 – 6 hours
Length of the Hike: 11km
Elevation Gain: 928m

Beinn Dhubh is a hill in Scotland on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, which is a group of islands west of mainland Scotland. The Outer Hebrides is a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors given the islands have many good hikes and fantastic beaches.

Out of all the possible hikes in the Outer Hebrides, the one not to miss is the 11km long circular walk which includes the summit of Beinn Dhudh. This UK hike takes 5 to 6 hours. 

Beinn Dhubh is only 506 metres high so it is not the height of the climb that makes this a medium difficulty hike. It is the fact that there is no clear path or way markings along the route so you need to be comfortable finding your way based on landmarks.

Start the hike at Luskentyre since it is easier to park here and try to time the start for low tide so you can walk along Luskentyre Bay before climbing. From the top of the ridge, the views are out to the Harris Hills on one side and down over the beaches and Taransay on the other.

After admiring the views from the top head back down to the beach. It is a very steep decline back down to the car park so take care going down. This is definitely one of the more unique UK hikes on this list!

Recommended by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored

Popular activities alongside hiking in the UK – Oxford University and City Walking Tour & Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in London

More guides in the United Kingdom:

• How to Climb Yr Wyddfa from Pen-y-Pass: Snowdon
• The Best 1 Day York Itinerary: Things To Do (2024)
• Edinburgh Itinerary: The Best 3 days in Edinburgh
• The Best 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary: Things To Do (2024)
• The Best 1 day Highlands Road Trip from Edinburgh
• A Weekend in Brighton – 8 Great Things To Do
• Browse more English or Scottish posts!