Lantic Bay, near Fowey in South Cornwall

10 Spectacular Hikes in the UK

These tried-and-true and hidden gem hikes will tantalize your inner explorer!

Hiking Moderate, Difficult, Severe, Extreme

Description

Looking for great hikes in the UK is like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner – but even better. There’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. Looking for a long-distance trek? No problem. A more wild route that isn’t crawling with tourists? Got you covered. What about a landscape where you’d swear you’ve seen a hobbit? Yup, it’s all here! These epic routes range from day hikes to multi-day treks and from moderate to difficult levels. Some of them are widely known, like the Wales Coast Path or the Scottish National Trail, while others, like the Skiddaw hike, offer a different take on the area’s well-trodden paths.

Hikes range in terms of how remote they are, so if you’re looking to escape humanity for a little while, you’re bound to find something here. But you also don’t have to look far for a route that ends with a well-deserved pint (or two). If you’re looking for a bit of both, the Scottish National Trail follows more established roads in the Lowlands and becomes more wild and difficult as you make your way up through the Highlands.

While these routes lean towards the moderate and higher levels of difficulty, it will be worth the hard work – trust us. You’ll discover all kinds of hidden gems on these routes: like soaking in both impressive views and Welsh culture by ambling through small towns and countryside along the Wales Coast Path or exploring spectacular views of the Lake District in lesser-known spots. Read on to daydream about future hikes or get started on planning your next adventure!

Author: Emily Lennon

Routes included

Scafell Pike and Great End by the Corridor Route

This stern, stony mountain sprawls over a large area, its many impressive corners offering some of the grandest mountain scenery in the Lake District.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 931 m
Descent: 969 m

Beinn Alligin Traverse

One of the true jewels of the north west, Beinn Alligin gives a stunning scrambly horseshoe that takes in two Munros and some exciting ground on the famous Horns of Na Rathanan.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 1.2 km
Descent: 1.2 km

Central Peaks of the Brecon Beacons

A high level mountain walk from the Storey Arms on the A470 onto the highest mountain (Pen-y-Fan 886 metres) in southern Britain for views, weather permitting, of the Usk Valley to the north and the valleys of the south wales coal fields to the south.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 927 m
Descent: 930 m

Skiddaw: Up the Quiet Side

For a completely different day out head round to the hill's wilder northeastern side, where the wide open spaces of the Skiddaw Forest have plenty to offer lovers of remote country.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 745 m
Descent: 582 m

Ben Macdui from Linn of Dee

Crag-walled corries and beautiful high lochans; rolling plateaux crusty with late-lying snow; lower glens green with native Scots pine woods; a wild, spacious, big-country feel - this classic circuit from Deeside has the lot.

Extreme Hiking