The UK is graced with some pretty epic – and surprisingly diverse – scenery. Of course, there are all the quintessentially British rolling hills you’d expect, but there are also razor-sharp rocky peaks, rugged coastlines, glittering lakes, towering forests and much more besides. What’s more, with an excellent network of public footpaths threading through these gorgeous landscapes, there are ample opportunities to explore them. Intrigued? We’ve rounded up the best walking routes in the UK, all of which are achievable in a day.
While the Coast to Coast routes in the north of England and Devon might be better-known, Cornwall’s version has a significant advantage: it’s much shorter at just 11 miles (18km), so it can be completed in a day. The route is well-signposted throughout, so you just need to get to the picturesque Portreath harbour to start with. As you head east along the trail, look out for the remains of the historic 19th-century Redruth & Chasewater Railway, meander through the ancient forests (which are flooded with bluebells come spring) and follow along the Carnon river which will take you towards Devoran.
Packing in an almost silly amount of impressive views along its 3.5-mile (5.7km) route, the Lake District’s Catbells walk can easily be completed in a couple of hours. However, you may wish to leave a little more time for all the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’. As you climb the 1,480-foot (451m) tall Catbells, feast your eyes on the spectacular Derwentwater lake and surrounding mountains and valleys – it’s worth packing a picnic for the top. As you descend the fell, enjoy a charming valley flanked by verdant woodlands Finally, if the mood (and weather) takes you, finish off with a dip in the lake.
The Suffolk Coast & Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is teeming with wildlife, including waterfowl, white admiral butterflies, warblers, dragonflies and countless bird species. Explore this biologically rich region with a 7.6- or 8.3-mile (12.2 or 13.3km) circular walk. You have the option to either take the marginally shorter route through the reedbed, which is one of the largest in Britain, or take the pretty woodland route through Dunwich Forest. Whichever you choose, don’t miss a trip to Walberswick’s award-winning pub The Anchor for a refreshment at the end.
If it’s wild and rugged landscapes you’re after, the 11.25-mile (18km) Falls of Glomach walk in the far-flung Scottish Highlands is a sure winner. Be sure to don some sturdy footwear though, as the trail takes you through steep paths and boggy terrain. As a reward at the end of it, enjoy the epic sound of rushing water at the stunning Falls of Glomach, which at 370 feet (113m) tall, are some of the highest falls in Britain. Either hike back from here or park a car at Camas-luinie so you can drive back (and halve the total distance).
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Take advantage of one of the prettiest stretches of the Norfolk coastline with a 10.3-mile (16.6km) there-and-back walk between Sheringham and Cromer. Along the way, you’ll climb Beeston Bump, a panoramic viewpoint where seabirds such as gannets, skuas and shearwaters can be spotted swirling above. Be sure to make a stop at the medieval All Saints' Church, as well as keeping your eyes peeled for fossils along the West Runton cliffs, before you reach the idyllic seaside village of Cromer (pictured).
Linking two of Devon’s prettiest villages, this 6-mile (9.6km) coastal walk is a must for anyone wanting some heart-pumping hills. The route starts at the National Trust car park in the heart of Branscombe, then you stroll towards the seafront before heading up the steep path along Branscombe Mount. Take a breather here, then continue along the South West Coast Path which will take you into Beer. When you arrive, it’s pretty much mandatory to tick 'beer in Beer' off your list, so get yourself a brew at the Anchor Inn and sit in their lovely seafront garden.
Depending how much of a walk you’re after, you can take three trails up to and around Cloughmore Stone, which vary from 1.25 to 4.5 miles (2-7.2km) in length. For the shortest option, follow the trail from Cloughmore car park up this picturesque, glacier-formed hill, at the top of which you can enjoy incredible panoramas across Carlingford Lough. If you take the longer route, you’ll wander through nature-rich Rostrevor Forest, a 41-acre oak woodland filled with wildflowers, birdlife and butterflies.
Want to see the winner of English Tree of the Year 2016? What if we told you it’s located along the 2,000-year-old, World Heritage-recognised Hadrian’s Wall? What’s more, this double whammy of great scenery and historic sites can all be taken in during an easy circular walk. The five-mile (8km) route begins at Housesteads visitor centre, passing by Housesteads Roman Fort and following the wall up to the storied Sycamore Gap, where a lone tree stands in a dramatic dip. Stop here to take a photograph before crossing over the gap, then follow the Roman Military Way all the way back to Housesteads.
Not only is it the highest point in the Peak District, Kinder Scout also played a historic role in the formation of Britain’s national park system. It was here that a group of around 200 people staged the Kinder Scout Trespass to protest rules which forbade ordinary people from walking on private land in 1932. Thanks to their actions, the Peak District became the UK’s first National Park in 1951. Follow in their footsteps by hiking the 8.4-mile (13.5km) linear walk up to the famous peak, which also includes traversing the steep Jacob’s Ladder, passing the impressive Edale Rocks and crossing acres of unspoilt moorland.
Spellbinding though it is, the Giant’s Causeway isn’t the only beauty spot along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast. In fact, as this 4.8-mile (7.7km) stroll goes to show, there’s a treasure trove of razor-sharp cliffs, rocky coves and ancient historic sites, such as Dunseverick Castle, to be found nearby. When you do arrive at the impressive geological landmark, however, you’ll get one of the best panoramic viewpoints as you descend from Weir’s Snout. Either park a car here or take the same route back (which would make this a 9.6-mile (15km) walk in total).
Perched at the end of a tiny finger of land stretching off the Llŷn Peninsula, the fishing village of Porthdinllaen is utterly picture-perfect. And there’s no finer way to experience it than during a gentle, 2.5-mile (4km) coastal walk. Starting at the car park in Morfa Nefyn, the trail follows along the beach the whole way, where you can keep your eyes peeled for glimmering rock pools as well as the remains of 19th-century brick works, which are visible at low tide. Once at the village, grab some refreshments at the Ty Coch Inn before heading back over the headland towards Morfa Nefyn.
Known as the Lost Valley due to its hidden location between the Three Sisters of Glen Coe, this weather-beaten ravine is well worth the steep and rocky 1,100-foot (335m) ascent. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with prime views of these otherworldly, hulking mountains. Although it’s just a 2.5-mile (4km) round trip from the car park, it’ll take around two to four hours to complete, or longer if you extend the route by heading up towards Stob Coire Sgreamhach (although this challenging section should only be tackled if you have mountaineering experience).
With a name that sounds like it’s been plucked straight out of an Enid Blyton book, Roseberry Topping is at its story-book best come spring, when a vibrant carpet of bluebells covers the surrounding landscape. But whatever time of year you visit, the recognisable North York Moors peak is sure to enchant you. To take it all in, embark on this 7.2-mile (11.5km) hike from Great Ayton, which goes via pretty woodlands, a monument to Captain James Cook (who grew up on a farm near here) and ends with the challenging ascent of Roseberry Topping itself.
This family-friendly, 1.5-mile (2.4km) circular trail starts at Blackwater car park and traces the former Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, where redwoods and Douglas firs were planted in the 1850s to mark the entrance of a stately home. Today, you can find the New Forest’s two tallest trees along this route, as well as some of the oldest Douglas firs in England. If you’re after a longer walk, try the 6.9-mile (11.1km) Gritnam Loop which takes you further into surrounding woodlands and even passes a deer sanctuary.
Offering a three-mile (5km) stretch of pristine golden sands, it’s no wonder Rhossili Bay is often cited as one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches. Yet if you’re wanting to do a little more than sunbathe and swim, try this challenging five-mile (8km) hike. Starting at the National Trust shop in Rhossili, the route takes you up to the highest point on the Gower Peninsula, where you’ll get epic views in exchange for a steep climb. On the way down, wander along the beach and stop for an ice cream if it's sunny (or a hot chocolate if it’s not).
Under an hour’s drive from Glasgow, Ben Lomond is the perfect hike if you’re looking to scale a mountain in a day. The 3,193-foot (974m) ascent is undoubtedly challenging, but with well-marked paths all the way up, most walkers can complete it in four to six hours, although there are options to stray off the beaten track if you’re more experienced. At the summit, enjoy spectacular 360-degree vistas: Ben Nevis to the north, the Trossachs to the east, the hills of Galloway to the south and the Inner Hebrides to the west.
Plenty of local lore provides answers as to who the ‘Old Harry’ behind these rock formations really is. Some say it’s the devil, who took a nap at the top of the cliffs, while others suggest it’s the infamous pirate Harry Paye, who hid behind them before targeting passing ships. Whatever the origin, these awe-inspiring chalk stacks are worth seeing with your own eyes. For a gentle 3.5-mile (5.6km) stroll, start at Studland’s South Beach car park and follow the coastline, enjoying early glimpses of the rocks, before continuing to Ballard Point for more sweeping views. Once you’ve headed back to Studland, the Bankes Arms’ sea-facing beer garden is the perfect place for a pit stop.
Looking almost as if it were carved from the landscape with a knife, the steep ridge of Pen y Fan is every bit as enchanting as you’d expect. The simplest route up to its 2,907-foot (886m) summit starts at the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre, providing a fairly gentle path which can even be tackled by small children, although bear in mind this route can get busy. For a bigger challenge, try the Beacons Circuit, which begins from the same point but also involves summiting the nearby peaks of Corn Du and Cribyn – cue even more incredible views.
At just 1.24 miles (2km) long and 1,848 feet (570m) wide, dinky Buttermere offers one of the prettiest and most accessible hikes in the Lake District. The simplest option is to take the 4.2-mile (6.7km) path around its perimeter. Along the way you’ll encounter the sound of rushing water at Sourmilk Gill, the moody black peaks of the Haystacks in the distance and – if you’re lucky – maybe even a red squirrel, which can be spotted in the woodlands around the mere. The walk can easily be completed in a couple of hours, but leave time for tea and cake at the Syke Farm Tearoom in Buttermere.
The 100-mile long (161km) South Downs Way is so full of impressive scenery that many people choose to walk the whole thing. But if you’ve only a day to spare and want to hone in on the most beautiful section, opt for the final 12 miles (19km). Starting at the quaint village of Alfriston (which is well worth a visit if you have enough time), the route traces along the Cuckmere River towards the dainty villages of Westdean and Exceat, before joining the final stretch: the Seven Sisters. Once you’ve conquered these heart-pumping headlands and taken in all the impressive views, you’ll be more than ready to take off those walking boots.
What if we said you could climb a volcano near one of the UK’s biggest cities? Admittedly, it might be an extinct one that last erupted 350 million years ago, but it’s a volcano nonetheless. Arthur’s Seat is a must-do if you’re visiting the Scottish capital and the three-mile (4.5km) hike can be completed in a couple of hours, although you’ll want to leave more time to enjoy the views. You can see all of Edinburgh’s most famous sights – Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace – from the top, although be sure to dress warm to protect yourself against the bracing winds.
As far as unspoiled beaches go, East Head is one of the south coast’s finest. The sand-and-shingle spit which branches off from the main beach, West Wittering, is only accessible on foot or by boat, so in summer it’s an excellent spot for those wishing to escape the crowds. But all year round it’s perfect for leisurely seaside strolls, so don a warm coat (the winds can pack a punch) and take this four-mile (6.4 km) circular route, enjoying the swaying grasses on the dunes, lapping waves and wetlands of Ella Nore along the way.
Recognise this crescent-shaped rail bridge? That’s probably because it features in several of the Harry Potter movies – it’s crossed by the Hogwarts Express on the way to the wizarding school. But whether you’re a Potter fan or not, this 2.5-mile (4km) walk is completely magical. Beginning at Glenfinnan, the trail takes you right under the famous bridge and continues up the hillside, where you can enjoy incredible views across Loch Shiel. Other highlights include crossing a path made of old train carriages and popping into the Glenfinnan Station Museum en route, where you can learn about the history of Scotland’s rail network.
You might want to make a beeline straight for Robin Hood’s Bay, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and charming seafront. But the surrounding coastline is not to be missed and this six-mile (9.7km) circular walk ticks all the boxes. Beginning at the train station car park, you’ll join the Cleveland Way along the coast, where you can look out for kittiwakes, herring gulls and other seabirds as you approach Maw Wyke. From here, it’s back inland, where you’ll follow the Cinder Track, an old railway between Whitby and Scarborough, before heading back into Robin Hood’s Bay for some hard-earned refreshments.
Home to northern Europe’s biggest man-made lake and England’s largest forest, it goes without saying that Kielder Water is a nature lover’s paradise. While it’s possible to trek the entirety of the lake’s 27-mile (43km) perimeter, a more manageable (and equally picturesque) option is this 8.5-mile (13.7km) loop from Falstone. From here, you can wander through acres of tranquil woodlands, look across the water to Bull’s Crag Peninsula and keep an eye out for red squirrels – Kielder has the largest population of this protected species in the country.
If it’s stunning shorelines you’re after, look no further than this scenic stretch of the Kent coast between Ramsgate and Margate, which takes in 11 beaches during a 6.8 mile (11km) hike. With so many to choose from, it may be difficult to decide where to stop. We’d recommend taking breaks at Broadstairs, a historic town filled with ice cream stands and fish and chip shops, as well as Kingsgate Bay (pictured) and adjacent Botany Bay, where you can feast your eyes on stunning chalk stacks.
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You could be forgiven for thinking you have to lug yourself to the remotest countryside to experience Britain’s most scenic walks. But thankfully, there’s plenty of natural beauty to be found near large cities too. Starting in Bristol’s city centre, this eight-mile (12.8km) walk traces the River Avon down towards the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, before taking you over the river and into Leigh Woods. In this ancient forest, keep your eyes peeled for rare Bristol whitebeam trees, fungi (there are more than 300 species here) and the Iron Age fort of Stokeleigh Camp.
At 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest of London’s eight Royal Parks and it has the most diversity in terms of scenery and wildlife. For the best all-round experience, trek the 7.3-mile (11.8km) Tamsin Trail, which (loosely) follows its perimeter, taking in the Victorian woodlands of Isabella plantation, great views of London from King Henry’s Mound and plenty of opportunities to spot the park’s herd of 650 deer. Along the way, there's a good smattering of ice cream vans and cafés where you can stop to refuel.
This 4.5-mile (7.2km) hike up Helvellyn is touted as the ‘easy route’, although fair warning: you’re still climbing England’s third-highest mountain. But if you’re up to the challenge, head to the Swirls car park at Thirlmere and enter the Helvellyn Gill path, which will take you directly to the summit via a series of stone steps. At the top you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas across the Lake District, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Pennines and the hills of southwest Scotland. Not bad for a few hours’ toil.
It’s easy to see why 18th-century artist John Constable was so inspired by these landscapes. To enjoy them at their fullest and learn a little about the painter along the way, start this seven-mile (11.2km) circular walk at Manningtree Station and join the path along the Cattawade Marshes, following along the River Stour until you reach Flatford Mill (pictured). Stop for tea and cake by the river in the delightful tea rooms, then head on through Dedham Vale, another stunning landscape immortalised in many of Constable’s paintings.
For far-flung beaches and jewel-bright waters that look like they belong in the Mediterranean, Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula is the place to go. The most southerly point on the British mainland can be explored via this seven-mile (11.2km) hike, which includes challenging hills, wildflower-covered fields and the chance to explore the 1752 Lizard Lighthouse. Ending on a high, you’ll get to kick off your boots at the beautiful Kynance Cove (pictured).
It’s hard to believe these bizarre and beautiful rock formations were sculpted by Mother Nature rather than human hands. Created by the gradual weathering of a former mountain range over thousands of years, along with glacial activity, Brimham Rocks are one of northern England’s finest geological wonders and attract thousands of visitors each year. To explore the site in all its wonder, try this 3.5-mile (5.6km) circular route which starts at Brimham car park, passing through silver birch forests, heather moorland and rushing springs along the way.
Even if you’ve never climbed it, you may recognise the views from the top of Mam Tor, as it’s one of the most popular spots in the Peak District and attracts many photographers. To enjoy the spellbinding hill in all its glory, head out on this three-mile (5km) circular walk. Beginning at Mam Nick car park, the route takes you straight up to the summit, before heading down past Blue John Cavern – an intriguing show cave where you can see 14 types of Blue John stone – and past another cave, Windy Knoll (don’t attempt to go in, as there have been recent rock falls near the entrance).
The Malvern Hills, which straddle Herefordshire and Worcestershire, are a walker’s paradise with plenty of rolling hills and awe-inspiring scenery to enjoy. If you’re only able to visit for a short period or need a relatively easy route with plenty of great views, check out this 2.5-mile (4km) North Hill walk. Starting in the centre of Great Malvern, you’ll walk up a zig-zagging path and around North Hill, gaining some 656 feet (200m) in elevation, taking in views of Worcestershire Plain to the east and the Black Mountains of Shropshire to the west.
Many are drawn to the Isle of Skye for its incredible hills and Quiraing doesn’t disappoint. The best way to experience this ancient glacier-formed peak is by doing a four-mile (6.5km) circuit around it, which takes in hidden glens, wind-beaten trees and intriguing rock formations with names like ‘The Prison’ and ‘Needle Rock’. There are panoramic viewpoints aplenty here, but the best is at the top of a large, flat hill called the Table, from where you can gaze out across the sea and towards the surrounding Torridon Mountains.
Next, discover the incredible story of a man walking the British coastline for charity