The UK might not have the highest mountain in the world or even in Europe but it sure has breath taking views. The UK, the birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles, has more to it than culture and music, but also extraordinary nature. Ranging from mountain hikes to historical walking routes, along coastal cliffs or just a scenic detour, the UK will have you fall in love with Mother Nature.
Hiking is the ultimate outdoor exercise, putting nature and fitness together to bring out a whole different meaning to the term workout. For those that have a fitness app and are counting your calories burning (like myself): one mile of hiking burns approximately over 500 calories (which is pretty awesome).
As we know, England is known for its rainy days, so packaging good and checking the weather prior is always a good idea! This post will give you the best places to go hiking in the UK, whether you’re looking for something challenging or an easy stroll to make amazing memories and take great photos. This leaves us with the million dollar question, which hike would you choose?
St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall, South West England
Timing: 4 hours Distance: 7 mile
A beautiful walk down the coastal path of St Ives to Zennor, a popular route for hikers or those looking for a lovely walk, although some parts of the route can be tricky with some clambering over rocks. This route provided extraordinary views of the sea the entire way along you would think you’re in the Caribbean! This section of the South Coast follows the ins and outs of the inlands and headlands having you experience life on the edge.
Starting your route from the west side of Porthmeor Beach, St Ives. The walk can be commenced climbing up rocks from the beach or following the path around, further down the route you might have to tackle some up and down but don’t let this distract you from the view. As you approach Zennor you’ll be tackled by large boulders making it a great experience and good chat at the local pub. There are busses from Zennor back to St Ives for those considering a seated journey to relax and observe out the window.
I recommend a bite to eat prior to the journey from any of the lovely pasty shops down town or even better grab a takeaway and enjoy it somewhere up the coast overseeing the sea and if lucky have the opportunity to see a shark.
Scaffell Pike, Lake District, Cumbria, North England
Timing: 3-5 hours. Distance: 7 miles
The highest mountain in England, at 978m, makes this a must climb mountain on most hikers “to do list”. It also has extraordinary views and is known as a war memorial, cared for by the National Trust. Scaffell Pike is very popular with charity events and is part of the popular Three Peaks Challenge[AA4] which also includes Snowdown (1085m) and Ben Nevis (1345m).
Scafell Pike is located at Lake District, North West of England, an area well known for its stunning scenery and wonderful hikes. It is recommended that you set out in the morning (a little before 10am) to give you enough time to arrive back down for lunch.
There are a few different routes up the mountain, but the shortest and most popular one is from Wasdale Head, which is a route that the majority take – and not just for the free parking which is available. The walk starts with a wander alongside the river, (therefore its near enough impossible you’ll make it with dry feet so a good pair of walking shoes goes a long way.. literally) leading to views of stunning valleys, lakes and mountains.
Scaffell Pike is a popular climb, so I would recommend the following:
- Starting early to avoid the crowd and finding car parking space.
- Climbing during the summer for good weather and avoiding the atmospheric fog
- Travel light with minimal people (hard to keep track of a large group when ascending).
- Stick to the recommended paths provided, to avoid getting lost and damaging the landscape
Mam Tor, Peak district, North England
Timing 1-2 hours. Distance 5mile
Those travelling from London with limited time on there hands might prefer travelling to Peak District rather than Lake District due to the nearer distance. Don’t let this sadden you, Peak District [AA5] is the first national park created in the UK and stretches to more than 1,800miles, providing extraordinary hiking locations for those looking for a hilly adventure or scenic walking destinations.
Those looking for stunning views and a good old-fashioned walk would enjoy the 5mile stretch to the top of Mam Tor [AA6] (which originated from the term Mother Hill) and known by the locals as the “The Shivering Mountain”, one of the most popular walks in the region. This iconic mountain standing tall at 517m sits on the edge of the Dark Peak and the White Peak and the gorge at Winnats Pass.
This well organised path with solid foundations makes it easy to navigate your way around, keeping in mind works within this vicinity has been going on since the Bronze Age! Making it possible to during the warmer and colder days. If you have the time take a detour from Mam Tor to enjoy Castleton and visit the caves such as Cliff Cavern, Blue John Cavern, and Peak Cavern.
Snowdon, Snowdonia, Wales
Timing: 5-7hours. Distain 8miles.
Snowdonia National Park may not be the largest National Park in the UK but it sure has the largest lake in Wales and it has Snowdon, the largest mountain in both England and Wales. Snowdonia[AA7] , where you can find paths to lead you towards mountains, lakes, rivers, estuaries, ancient woodland, historical built villages and so much more.
Its no surprise that the 1,085m mountain has a numbers paths for you to reach the top, these being the Watkin Path, Miners’ Track, Llanberis path(that follows the railway line), Pyg Track, Rhyd-Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path. [AA8]
The Miners track which was originally built to carry to carry copper, is the most popular route. The 8 mile route starts by Pen-y-Pass car park and eases its way up through the gravel path providing a scenic journey of Snowdonia’s nature. The route starts with views of lakes and carefully laid out stone to eventually a tougher path of larger rocks and a higher gradient but no need to worry as no hands are required!
Interesting fact: You can find a rare flower on Snowdon, The Snowdon Lily. Classified as London rarest plant is an Arctic–alpine flower of the lily family.
Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pennine Range
Distance: 24miles Time: 11-12 hours
If you’re looking for a challenge, look no further than the 3 peaks \of Yorkshireis, taking on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough (usually in that order), located in Yorkshire Dales National Park, includes a walk that ascents over 1600m, classifying it as a tough hike.
Hadrian’s Wall Path (Chollerford to Birdoswald), Northumberland and Cumbria
Distance: 23miles Time: 6-8 hours.
One of Britain’s ancient and spectacular monuments, spanning approzimately 84miles! Originally built by the Romans to separate them from the “barbarian” Scottish Picts. Now classified as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site[AA9] .
The most popular (and best section) to walk in this path is the 20-mile stretch between Chollerford to Birdoswald Fort. This path is hilly, with high gradients but the outcome is surreal leading to views of Pennines and Lake District. This path is worth doing over a weekend and make sure to visit (if you have the time) the Roman Army Museum at Carvoran.
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Hike
Timing: 2hours. Distance: 1.5miles
Durdle Door a beautiful rock formation and one of Dorset’s iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site[AA10] . Lulworth Cove, a beautifully horseshoe shaped beach caused overtime by the forces of the sea and also part of the Jurassic Coast.
A weekend away to Lulworth Cove makes it a perfect gateway, the 1.3mile walk commences from Lulworth Cove car park rising gradually to the top of the cliffs to Durdle Door. During the walk you’ll be able to view beautiful limestone cliffs from a distance, secret beaches within coves and field with stretch for miles, making it a unique walk like no other.
Within 30-45mins you’ll find yourself emerging over the five-star image of the natural arch of the Jurassic Coast, formed from erosion by the sea and winds over time. Then you can decide whether you want to stay on top of the cliffs, or head down to Durdle Door Beach to look up on the cliffs, o if you’re feeling spontaneous you can take a jump in the water!
West Highland Way – Scotland
Distance: 96miles. Time: 5-10days (averaging 7 days for most)
The West Highland Way is well recognised as not only one of the best hikes in Scotland but in the UK, the beauty of the West Highland Way is on a different kind of level. It goes through some of the most iconic landscapes in the Scottish Highlands from Milngavie, north of Glasgow, to Fort William.
The West Highland Way is a serious hike that runs at 96mile so its good to have hiking experience under your belt as you will most likely experience rough weather on rocky terrain.
The hike usually takes a max of 10 days, although most people tend to finish it in a week. This hike can be split to sections for ease. The most rewarding route within the sections is the toughest route, this being Kingshouse to Fort William at 22miles finishing by stunning mountain Ben Nevis. Those interested in breaking the trips in segments, can follow the guide to here; Hiking in Glasgow.
