Best Places to Hike in England and the UK for Scenic Outdoor Adventures

Recent outdoor surveys show that millions of people across Britain head for the hills and coast each year, yet many still overlook some of the finest trails on their doorstep. Instead of exploring nearby landscapes, you might spend hours researching flights abroad while world-class scenery sits just a short drive away.

In this post, you will discover the seven best places to hike in England and beyond, along with practical tips that help you plan rewarding days out in the countryside.

4 Best Places to Hike in England

England has an impressive range of landscapes for walkers. The terrain changes quickly from north to south, which makes it one of the most varied hiking destinations in the UK. 

Let us move through a series of breathtaking destinations, beginning where the landscape feels most dramatic.

The Lake District

If you want to enjoy hill walking in England, the Lake District is the perfect place to start. The mountains rise sharply from the lakes. The paths climb fast, and the views are amazing. 

For your first visit, Catbells offers the right balance between challenge and accessibility. The ascent is steady and clearly marked, making it manageable for most walkers. From the summit, you look across Derwentwater and see a wide sweep of surrounding fells.

This route works particularly well in spring and early autumn. The reason is that visibility is clearer in these seasons, and paths are less crowded than in peak summer.

Once you feel comfortable on uneven ground, Helvellyn becomes a natural next step. The Striding Edge ridge narrows in places. So, you need balance and attention. When you reach the top, you stand above a chain of lakes and fells that you have just crossed.

For those ready to push further, Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, offers a different reward. The Wasdale route is demanding and steady, but the top places you to the highest point in England. 

From there, you can look across layered mountain ridges and down to Wastwater below, recognising how much height you have gained. Here you can lose yourself in the scenery and carry the memories with you long after the walk ends.

Yorkshire Dales

Heading east, the Yorkshire Dales feel broader and calmer than the Lake District. Instead of steep, rocky ascents, you move through long valleys edged by limestone cliffs and divided by dry stone walls. The walking here is less about dramatic height and more about covering ground. The scenery feels peaceful and spacious, perfect for walkers who enjoy long views and fresh air.

One of the best routes to explore the Dales is the Malham Cove circular walk. The route takes you along a stream to Janet’s Foss waterfall, then through the dramatic Gordale Scar, and finally onto the limestone pavement above Malham Cove. Each part of the walk flows naturally into the next, so you enjoy a real sense of the area’s variety.

For those looking for a bigger challenge, the Yorkshire Three Peaks covers around 24 miles in a single day. You’ll climb:

• Pen y Ghent
• Whernside
• Ingleborough. 

This route tests your stamina more than your technical skill. The reward is not just the summit views, but the feeling of linking three separate mountains on your own. It is considered one of the classic best hiking routes UK for endurance walkers.

If you attempt this route, begin at dawn and pace conservatively during the first peak to preserve energy for the final ascent.

Peak District

The Peak District is another strong choice, especially if you want open space without committing to high mountain terrain. Even though it’s close to major cities, the trails still feel spacious and full of discovery.

Mam Tor is a perfect place to begin. The climb from Castleton is steady and easy to follow. Once you reach the ridge, you can continue toward Lose Hill. As the path rises and dips gently, you settle into a rhythm while looking across the Hope Valley.

From that ridge, it feels natural to look toward higher ground. Kinder Scout sits above the surrounding valleys and brings a more rugged feel underfoot. This is also where the 1932 mass trespass took place, an important event in the history of public access to the countryside. Walking here, you can imagine how that history shaped the trails we enjoy today. 

For photography, birdwatching, or simply breathing in the landscape, there’s always something new to discover in the Peak District.

Cornwall

Another great place to explore is Cornwall. At England’s far south-west edge, the landscape changes completely. Instead of inland hills and valleys, you walk along rugged sea cliffs with open ocean stretching to the horizon. 

Start with a section of the South West Coast Path. It climbs out of small coves, dips again toward the sea, and repeats this rhythm throughout the day. Even a short stretch will show you why it’s one of the UK’s best hiking routes. 

Try the walk from St Ives to Zennor. The narrow cliff path keeps the sea in constant view, and the sound of waves follows you for miles. Further along the coast near Tintagel, the path rises toward castle ruins, set high above the water. Here, the combination of history and coastline gives the walk a unique kind of depth.

Before setting out, keep a few practical points in mind:

• Wear sturdy boots for uneven sections
• Carry water, as shade is limited
• Stay on marked paths to protect fragile cliff edges

3 Best Places to Hike in the UK Beyond England

After exploring England, the shift into Wales and Scotland feels immediate. The peaks grow higher, and the terrain becomes rougher. These next landscapes show you a wilder side of the UK:

Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia remains one of the best places for hiking in the UK if you want true mountain terrain without technical climbing. The scenery is dramatic, and the walks range from steady climbs to exciting scrambles.

On Snowdon (1,085 metres high), you can choose the Llanberis Path for a steady, easier climb, or the Pyg Track if you want something steeper and more challenging.

Whichever route you take, the views from the summit are incredible. From the top, a vast landscape of rugged peaks and deep valleys unfolds in every direction, making the climb truly rewarding.

If you are looking for something more adventurous, try Tryfan. Instead of simply walking, you will scramble over rocks to reach the top. It’s a route that asks for confidence and dry conditions, but you will enjoy the thrill and sense of accomplishment as you reach the top.

Scottish Highlands

Another must-visit hiking destination is the Scottish Highlands. Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak at 1,345 metres, means a long ascent. The final stretch over loose stones can be tiring, but at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of rugged mountains and deep glens stretching as far as you can see.

For a more immersive experience, try the West Highland Way over several days. You’ll walk along Loch Lomond, cross open moorland, and pass through quiet glens where the landscape feels incredibly beautiful. 

Each day brings new views and gives you time to fully soak in the wild beauty of the Highlands.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a stunning destination that has dramatic landscapes packed into one compact island. Just off the mainland Highlands, it offers rugged cliffs and beautiful coastal views.

Hike to the Old Man of Storr for a short but impressive climb with its famous jagged peak. Explore the Quiraing for unique rock formations and narrow ridges that reward careful walkers with incredible scenery.

If you prefer something gentler but equally scenic, visit the Fairy Pools, where clear blue pools and waterfalls create a perfect photo spot. 

Finish your day at Neist Point, a cliff-top lighthouse with wide ocean views that are especially beautiful at sunset.

Some hiking tips for Skye include:

• Start early at Storr or Quiraing to avoid crowds and catch softer light.
• Check tide times before walking near coastal paths like Neist Point.
• Bring a map or GPS, as phone signal can be unreliable in remote areas.
• Wear waterproof layers as sudden rain showers are common even in summer.

Conclusion

You don’t need to travel far to find incredible landscapes. Across the UK, from the Lake District to Cornwall and from Snowdonia to the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find hiking routes suited to every experience level. All of them offer stunning scenery. Pick trails that suit your experience, and enjoy every step.

With a little preparation and the right gear, any hike can be a memorable day outdoors. For clothing that feels at home on British trails, Game Clothing offers practical, durable pieces made to handle unpredictable weather while keeping you comfortable on every adventure.