Get ready to embark on a breathtaking adventure as we unveil the 10 most scenic hiking trails in the UK. From rugged hills to enchanting woodlands, these trails offer a fascinating glimpse of the country’s diverse landscapes. With each step, you’ll be greeted by picturesque views, tranquil lakes, and ancient ruins. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a weekend escape, these trails are sure to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. Lace up your boots and let’s discover the unparalleled beauty that awaits you in the UK’s most stunning hiking destinations.
1. South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and is considered to be one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the UK. Stretching over 630 miles, this epic trail takes you along the entire coastline of the southwest of England.
1.1 Cornwall Section
The Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path is a hiker’s paradise. With its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and charming fishing villages, this part of the trail offers breathtaking views at every turn. From the picturesque town of St Ives to the dramatic landscapes of Land’s End, you’ll encounter a diverse range of scenery along this captivating section.
1.2 Devon Section
As you continue along the South West Coast Path, you’ll enter the Devon section. Here, you’ll be treated to stunning sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and lush green countryside. The famous fishing village of Clovelly and the charming town of Dartmouth are just some of the highlights on this part of the trail.
1.3 Dorset Section
The Dorset section of the South West Coast Path showcases the natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you hike through this area, you’ll have the opportunity to explore dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and unique rock formations such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
1.4 Somerset Section
In the Somerset section, the South West Coast Path takes you through the Exmoor National Park and offers stunning views of the coastline and the moorland beyond. You’ll have the chance to spot wildlife, such as red deer and Exmoor ponies, as you traverse this serene and picturesque landscape.
1.5 Exmoor National Park Section
The Exmoor National Park section of the South West Coast Path offers a unique combination of coastal beauty and rugged moorland. As you hike through this area, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the sea, rolling hills, and deep wooded valleys. This section truly showcases the diverse landscapes of the South West Coast Path.
1.6 North Devon Section
Continuing along the trail, you’ll reach the North Devon section. Here, you’ll encounter dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. The iconic seaside resort of Ilfracombe and the picturesque village of Lynmouth are just some of the highlights along this part of the trail.
1.7 North Cornwall Section
The North Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path is famous for its wild and rugged beauty. From the towering cliffs of Tintagel to the golden sands of Bude, this section offers unforgettable views and a sense of raw natural power. Exploring this part of the trail will leave you in awe of Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline.
1.8 Pembrokeshire Coast Path
While technically not part of the South West Coast Path, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a coastal trail that is worth mentioning. Located in Wales, this trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. With its stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a must-visit for any hiking enthusiast.
1.9 Gower Peninsula
Another Welsh gem, the Gower Peninsula is a stunning area of natural beauty. The Gower Peninsula section of the South West Coast Path takes you along this rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the famous Worm’s Head. As you hike through this area, you’ll discover beautiful sandy beaches and secluded bays.
1.10 South Wales Valleys
The final section of the South West Coast Path takes you through the South Wales Valleys. While not directly along the coast, this part of the trail offers a unique and contrasting landscape. As you hike through the valleys, you’ll encounter rolling hills, lush green countryside, and charming villages, providing a peaceful and picturesque end to your journey.
2. Hadrian’s Wall Path
2.1 Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall
2.2 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
2.3 Chollerford to Once Brewed
2.4 Once Brewed to Twice Brewed
2.5 Twice Brewed to Gilsland
2.6 Gilsland to Walton
2.7 Walton to Carlisle
3. West Highland Way
3.1 Milngavie to Drymen
3.2 Drymen to Rowardennan
3.3 Rowardennan to Invernarnan
3.4 Invernarnan to Tyndrum
3.5 Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
3.6 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse
3.7 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
3.8 Kinlochleven to Fort William
4. Cotswold Way
4.1 Chipping Campden to Broadway
4.2 Broadway to Winchcombe
4.3 Winchcombe to Cheltenham
4.4 Cheltenham to Painswick Beacon
4.5 Painswick Beacon to Dursley
4.6 Dursley to Wotton-under-Edge
4.7 Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury
4.8 Old Sodbury to Bath
5. Pennine Way
5.1 Edale to Torside
5.2 Torside to Crowden
5.3 Crowden to Standedge
5.4 Standedge to Mankinholes
5.5 Mankinholes to Hebden Bridge
5.6 Hebden Bridge to Cowling
5.7 Cowling to Malham
5.8 Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale
5.9 Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes
5.10 Hawes to Keld
5.11 Keld to Bowes
5.12 Bowes to Middleton-in-Teesdale
5.13 Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton
5.14 Dufton to Alston
5.15 Alston to Greenhead
5.16 Greenhead to Once Brewed
5.17 Once Brewed to Bellingham
5.18 Bellingham to Byrness
5.19 Byrness to Uswayford
5.20 Uswayford to Windy Gyle
5.21 Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm
6. The Ridgeway
6.1 Overton Hill to Ogbourne St George
6.2 Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs
6.3 Sparsholt Firs to Letcombe Bassett
6.4 Letcombe Bassett to Goring-on-Thames
7. The West Highland Railway Extension
7.1 Çaarmarthen to Llanelli
7.2 Llanelli to Gowerton
7.3 Gowerton to Swansea
7.4 Swansea to Briton Ferry
8. Ben Nevis
8.1 Mountain Track
8.2 Carn Mor Dearg Arete
8.3 CMD Arete
8.4 Ledge Route
9. St. Cuthbert’s Way
9.1 Melrose to Harestanes
9.2 Harestanes to Morebattle
9.3 Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm
10. Isle of Skye
10.1 Old Man of Storr
10.2 Fairy Pools
10.3 Quiraing
10.4 Black Cuillin Ridge
As you can see, the UK is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore the rugged beauty of the South West Coast Path, experience the history of Hadrian’s Wall Path, or immerse yourself in the majestic landscapes of the West Highland Way, there’s a trail for every hiking enthusiast. From the stunning coastline to the rolling hills and dramatic mountains, the UK offers a diverse range of landscapes that will leave you in awe. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful UK countryside. Happy hiking!
