Walking Routes in the UK: The Definitive Guide

There’s nothing better than pulling on your walking boots and disappearing into the Great British landscape. Whether you fancy yourself as an intrepid explorer or you love a gentle amble in the rolling countryside, the UK has so many possibilities. We’ve put together a list of the best walking routes and hikes for each region of England.

• Walking Routes in South East England
• Walking Routes in North West England
• Walking Routes in East of England
• Walking Routes in West Midlands
• Walking Routes in South West England
• Walking Routes in North East

Walking Routes in South East England

• Where: Leith Hill, Surrey
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Rating: Easy

Suitable for young families, this pleasant stroll introduces a number of habitats and landscapes. Explore the Rhododendron Wood and enjoy a gradual climb up to Leith Hill Tower. Located in Surrey, Leith Hill is the highest point in South East England and reaches 294 metres above sea level.

• Where: Weardale walk, Kent
• Distance: 5 miles
• Time: 3 hours
• Rating: Easy

The Weardale walk begins at Chartwell House, which was once the home of Sir Winston Churchill. This peaceful woodland walk takes you on a journey that offers spectacular views of the rolling countryside and farmland. Follow the well-marked path through Toys Hill and Hosey Common which eventually lead to Emmetts Garden.

• Where: Isle of Wight Coastal Path, Isle of Wight
• Distance: 67 miles
• Time: 4-7 days
• Rating: Moderate

If you’re planning a walking holiday in South East England then the Isle of Wight Coastal path is a hiking route that’s worth considering. The route follows public footpaths and minor lanes offering a spectacular circular coastal walk. Beginning in Ryde, the route meanders along the island’s coastline and includes towering white cliffs, historical monuments and charming seaside villages.

Walking Routes in North West England

• Where: Scafell Pike, Cumbria
• Distance: 10 miles
• Time: 8 hours
• Rating: Challenging

There are two main walking routes that will take you to the summit of England’s highest mountain. The first route begins at Wasdale Head and second starts at Seathwaite in Borrowdale. The route from Wasdale covers a slightly longer distance but you’ll reach the same gradient whichever route you take. It’s probably no surprise that the route is fairly steep and challenging on the legs and knees. While climbing Scafell Pike is a challenge, there is plenty of stunning scenery to stop and admire.

• Where: Pendle Hill from Barley, Lancashire
• Distance: 5 miles
• Time: 2.5 hours
• Rating: Moderate

Starting in the picturesque Lancashire village of Barley, this route tours the historical Pendle Hill. It’s a medium length walk that includes slightly rocky terrain and a steep climb, although the laid path makes navigation much easier. Once you reach the trig point at the summit you can admire fantastic views across the Pennines and the Forest of Bowland.

• Where: The Sandstone Trail, Tarporley to Burwardsley, Cheshire
• Distance: 5 miles
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Rating: Moderate

The Sandstone Trail runs north to south for 34 miles, joining Frodsham in Cheshire to Whitchurch in Shropshire. Walking the whole route would take you three days or so but you’ll find plenty of shorter walks that incorporate the Sandstone Trail. If you head to the quaint village of Tarporley, there’s a lovely walk that you can do which incorporates Beeston and Peckforton Castle. The majority of the route winds across level fields, country lanes and woodland tracks. If you choose to climb to the top of Beeston Castle, the route becomes a little more strenuous. However, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments on the way such as Shady Oak, Wharton’s Lock, Beeston Castle Hotel and the Pheasant Inn.

Walking Routes in East of England

• Where: The Norfolk Coastal Path, Norfolk
• Distance: 63 miles
• Time: 4-5 days
• Rating: Moderate

Running from Hunstanton in west Norfolk to Sea Palling which is situated on the northeast Norfolk coast, this glorious route is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Admire the red and white chalk cliffs as you leave Hunstanton, walk along Blue Flag beaches and explore the nature reserves. Walking from Hunstanton to Sea Palling will take you 3-5 days but you can easily pick up the route and walk a distance that suits you.

• Where: The Thetford Forest Fir Trail, Suffolk
• Distance: 4 miles
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Rating: Easy

On the border of Suffolk and Norfolk stands Thetford Forest. Take the circular walk through looming fir trees and keep your eyes peeled for squirrels, rabbits and deer. As well as looking out for wildlife, there are also carved wooden structures along the route, a perfect distraction for younger children. Apart from a few gentle slopes, the trail is flat and easily accessible for young families with pushchairs.

• Where: St Ives and The Hemingfords Walk, Cambridgeshire
• Distance: 5 miles
• Time: 2 hours
• Rating: Easy

This riverside walk is perfect for families and those who are after a gentle stroll. Following the River Ouse towards St Ives, you’ll venture through the pretty villages of Hemingford with its thatched roofs and charming pub, which is well worth a pit stop. You’ll also come across river locks, Houghton Mill and Holt Island Nature Reserve.

Walking Routes in West Midlands

• Where: Gunby Hall to Bratoft Manor Walk, Lincolnshire
• Distance: 4 miles
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Rating: Easy

Made up of grassy fields and tracks, the Gunby Hall to Bratoft Manor route runs along the disused East Lincolnshire railways line. In the summer months, be sure to keep an eye out for butterflies. The painted lady and common blue are common species on this particular walk. The circular route ends at Gunby Estate, hall and gardens, a National Trust property. Make sure you spend some time ambling in the beautiful gardens. You might also want to take a picnic to enjoy in the grounds or visit the tea room.

• Where: Castleton to Mam Tor, the Shivering Mountain, Derbyshire
• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Time: 4 hours
• Rating: Moderate

It’s one of the most famous walks in the Peak District and you’ll definitely want to cross it off your list. This superb ridge walk offers spectacular views of Edale and Hope Valley. Starting in the village of Castleton, the route passes through two of the Peak District’s popular tourist attractions, Treak Cliff and Blue John Cavern.

• Where: Kinder Scout, Derbyshire
• Distance: 8 miles
• Time: 5 hours
• Rating: Challenging

Climb to the highest point of the Peak District National Park and conquer Kinder Scout. Walk across rugged moorland where you’ll come across gentle streams and admire the beautiful Kinder Downfall. The terrain and navigation of the moorlands can be challenging, so make sure you wear sturdy walking boots and take a map and compass with you.

Walking Routes in South West

• Where: Cheddar Gorge Walk, Somerset
• Distance: 4 miles
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Rating: Moderate

As England’s largest gorge, it is one of England's most iconic landscapes and Somerset’s best-known attractions. Cheddar Gorge offers diverse wildlife, from rare great crested newts and dormice to horseshoe bats. Standing 900ft across sea-level, it’s to be expected that there are steep sections.

• Where: Old Harry Rocks, Dorset
• Distance: 3-4 miles
• Time: 2 hours
• Rating: Easy

Head to Dorset and admire spectacular views of the Jurassic coast as you enjoy this pleasant circular walk. This gentle stroll has plenty of pub-stops and follows an easy terrain underfoot. In places, you should watch out for sheer cliff edges, so if you’re walking with children or dogs, keep them under close control.

• Where: Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth, Cornwall
• Distance: 5 miles
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Rating: Moderate

On this route, there’s every chance that you’ll catch a glimpse of dolphins and seals basking in the sea. This enjoyable walk along cliff-top footpaths offers fantastic views of the Cornish coastline. In the distance, you’ll also be able to see St Ives Bay. There is rocky terrain in places and as you’re up high, you need to be aware of the cliff edges.

Walking Routes in Yorkshire and the Humber

• Where: Aysgill Force, North Yorkshire
• Distance: 4 miles
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Rating: Moderate

Starting in the small market town of Hawes in North Yorkshire, this scenic walk follows the Pennine Way part of the way to Aysgill Force. On your way, look out for kestrels and buzzards swooping over the hillside. This is the perfect walking route for cheese lovers, as you’ll be able to visit the Wensleydale Creamery as you pass.

• Where: Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales
• Distance: 9 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Rating: Challenging

If you’re looking for a challenging walking route in the Yorkshire Dales, you should definitely consider the Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn circular. This route is best completed in good weather conditions due to the steep ascent of Gordale Scar, which involves scrambling and climbing. The walk is best avoided by those who do not like heights and is not very suitable for small children. However, for those who take on the challenge of climbing Gordale Scar, a heavenly view awaits in the shape of Malham Tarn.

• Where: Humber Bridge County Park, Cliff Trail, Humberside
• Distance: 2 miles
• Time: 1 hour
• Rating: Easy

This is one for the kids or a lazy Sunday afternoon! The Humber Bridge is a famous spot in the UK and you can admire it by heading to Humber Bridge County Park. This pretty nature reserve has three different trails, with the Cliff Trail being the longest. There are meadows, a pond and chalk cliffs to explore and a great view across the River Humber.

Walking Routes in East Midlands

• Where: A Battlefield Walk, Bosworth, Leicestershire
• Distance: 8 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Rating: Moderate

Navigating through a country park, back lanes and canal towpaths, this popular walk is one to remember if you’re ever in the Leicestershire area. Centred around Market Bosworth, this picturesque walk will take you to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, where you can learn all about the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

• Where: A Canal Walk around Braunston, Northamptonshire
• Distance: 4 miles
• Time: 2 hours
• Rating: Easy

Starting at The Green in Braunston, this easy routes starts along the High Street. Very quickly, you’ll join the canal towpath. The walk follows the towpath, where you can enjoy spotting the various wildlife and narrow boats. There’s plenty of picnic areas on the way and a few nice pubs in Braunston to visit once you’ve finished.

• Where: Kings Clipstone Walk, Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
• Distance: 6 miles
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Rating: Moderate

Starting at Vicar Water Country Park this leisurely route will take you across rolling countryside and the beautiful Sherwood Forest. While not completely flat, the terrain is easy to navigate and suitable for families with younger children.

Walking Routes in North East

• Where: Alnmouth to Warkworth, Northumberland
• Distance: 7 miles
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Rating: Easy

While 7 miles may seem like a long distance, the walk itself is pleasant and doesn’t pose much of a challenge. Starting at Alnmouth Station, the walk follows the Northumbrian coastline. It trundles through a quaint seaside town, across flowery dunes and a windy beach. It ends with the historic Warkworth Castle. It’s a fabulous walk in a beautiful part of England.

• Where: Durham Coastal Path, Durham
• Distance: 11.2 miles
• Time: 6-7 hours
• Rating: Moderate

The Durham Coastal Footpath is hugely popular, especially with nature-lovers. Spanning from Seaham to Crimdon, the path undulates over breathtaking clifftops and will lead you through pretty coastal villages. The whole walk is decorated with a vast array of wildflowers such as bluebells, snowdrops and wild garlic. The grasslands provide an ideal habitat for deer, foxes, badgers and bats.

• Where: The Cheviot, Northumberland
• Distance: 9.3 miles
• Time:5-6 hours
• Rating: Challenging

The Cheviot is the highest point in Northumberland at 815 metres. Located on the Pennine Way, this long train of hills sits between the border of England and Scotland. On a clear day, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Lake District in the far distance and even Edinburgh. It’s steep inclines and tricky descents make it a challenging route.