Top 10 Best Places To Go Hiking In The UK
When people think of the UK, they may think of big cities such as London and Oxford. What people don’t know is that the UK is one of the best places to go hiking in the entire world. We have so many amazing landscapes and areas of countryside to explore. It breaks my heart that people don’t know about these wonderful places because I think everyone should experience them at least once in their lives. So, I’m here to help and point you in the right direction.
Introduction to hiking in the UK
Hiking in the UK is one of the best ways to explore the country. It is an extremely popular pastime here. There are even specific routes that are linked to various writers such as Dylan Thomas, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and C.S. Lewis. The hikes these writers took influenced their famous works as they found themselves inspired by the stunning UK landscapes. There are so many different places to visit with a variety of rich histories. From mountainous climbs, to hilly walks, to coastal paths there is a beautiful hike for everyone.
Why should you go hiking in the UK?
As I mentioned before, hiking is a great way to take in the beautiful and impressive landscapes of this island. Also, there is so much variety here, and the impressive landscapes served as a source of inspiration for many wonderful artists. Hiking is a great way to improve your health – especially, your mental health.
For me, hiking changed my life. For many years I have struggled with feelings of anxiety and depression that I have struggled to shift. Hiking has had a genuinely positive impact on my mental health. Taking in the fresh air and moving your body starts those endorphins going. Focusing on the sights and sounds around you is a shortcut to mindful thinking. Most important for me was hiking in beautiful places. When you’re feeling down, it’s really easy to think negatively about the entire world. Taking a trip to a breathtaking place with fascinating wildlife and wonderful views can help tip the balance and help you to feel more positive about the world. For me, it allows me to appreciate the fact that I am here to experience this wonderful planet, and helps me to put all of my problems into perspective.
Check out this great post to discover why hiking is so good for your mental health.
I have found the UK’s stunning landscapes to be really healing. So, I’m here to help you find the perfect place to go to find your little part of paradise to discover too.
Top 10 Best Places To Go Hiking In The UK
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1. Snowdonia
- Snowdonia is based in North Wales and is my favourite place in the world to go hiking!
- It’s home to the second largest and most populous mountain in the UK – Mount Snowdon.
- Legend has it that this is where King Arthur lived and there are many locations linked to the stories about him. You can read all about them in my post here.
- There are amazing beaches in Snowdonia, as well as lakes and rivers to go kayaking in.
- Snowdonia is home to a large population of Red Kites – a stunning bird of prey that’s been reintroduced here.
- There are many scrambled and hillside paths to discover.
2. Highlands
- The Highlands are found at the very north of Scotland
- They are home to the iconic Highland Cattle with long orange fur and big horns.
- Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK is found here.
- The Highlands are home to many bothies – wild shelters that are free to camp in.
- You can visit Loch Ness here and see if you can spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
- The abundance of castles here make it a great spot for history lovers.
3. Cardigan Bay
- This is another spot in Wales – can you tell I’m a fan? This location is found along the west coast.
- Cardigan Bay is home to one of the most popular coastal cliff paths in the UK.
- It has amazing views over the Welsh cliffs and into the Irish Sea.
- Cardigan Bay is a great spot for wildlife watching, and you can see dolphins, seals and many times of marine birds. Check out my post on it here.
- In New Quay you are able to take dolphin-watching trips out to sea.
- One section of this coastal path was a favourite walk of esteemed writer Dylan Thomas.
4. Lake District
- The Lake District is found in Cumbria in the North West of England.
- It is the largest national park in England.
- It is also home to England’s largest mountain – Scafell Pike.
- This location has inspired many poets such as Coleridge and Wordsworth, who wrote the famous “I wander lonely as a cloud” about this very spot.
- As the name suggests, it is famous for its amazing and beautiful lakes.
- It is home to the only Golden Eagle remaining in England.
- I like using illustrations and images to break up the monotony of a long list post.
5. Yorkshire Dales
- The Dales are found in between some of Yorkshire’s beautiful historic cities and contain many adorable villages.
- It has some great castles for history fans to visit.
- Its rolling moorlands make for great views across stretches of fields.
- The white limestone found here gives the landscape a unique and dramatic appearance.
- It is home to some spectacular waterfalls including Hardraw Falls, the tallest waterfall in England.
- There are many amazing cave systems for the adventurous types to explore.
6. Brecon Beacons
- Another amazing Welsh location! This time found in Mid Wales.
- Rolling hills make up a landscape that seems to go on forever.
- The fantastic Green Man Festival is held here annually – you can read about this in my Guide to UK Indie Festivals.
- The large River Usk runs through the mountains, creating stunning and dramatic scenery.
- There are many lovely market towns to be found between the large stretches of mountainous landscapes.
- It is a dark sky reserve, making it perfect for star gazing.
7. Malvern
- The Malvern Hills are found in the West Midlands, England.
- Home to many freshwater springs, it was once the home of a healing water cure. Even the Queen drinks Malvern water!
- It was once home to famous composer Edward Elgar, as well as inspiring writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein.
- Its tallest hill – The Beacon – allows you to see all the way to the Welsh Black Mountains.
- You can find the Malvern Priory in the town centre and is a great place to explore.
- This is a great option for those who prefer a slightly easier hike whilst still enjoying gorgeous views.
8. Peak District
- The Peak District covers a wide portion of the UK, spanning areas of Yorkshire, Manchester and Staffordshire.
- It is less than a 4 hour drive away for 80% of the UK.
- You can explore many historic buildings here, including Pride and Prejudice’s Chatsworth House.
- The Pennine Way is one of the most popular hiking trails in the whole country.
- It is split into the White Peak and the Dark Peak. The White Peak is home to rolling hills, while the Dark Peak’s landscape is wilder and more dramatic.
- The local town of Bakewell is home to the delicious Bakewell Tart – an absolute must-try.
9. Cotswolds
- For longer but flatter walks, the Cotswolds are the place to go.
- Many know the Cotswolds for their adorable, quaint villages. Discover the top 10 by reading my post here.
- Lacock is home to filming locations for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey
- The Cotswolds sheep are famous for their wool, you are sure to see many here on your walks.
- Cotswold Farm Park allows you to see and interact with many of the lovely local species.
- It is one of the top spots to experience the traditional idea of England we associate with the countryside.
10. Cornish Coast
- Home to jagged cliffs and sandy beaches, Cornwall has one of the greatest coastal paths in the world.
- Lands End is the most southerly point in the UK.
- This is a great spot for marine wildlife watching, especially dolphins and seals.
- Pirates are linked closely with The Cornish Coast, with many caves linked to stories of buried treasure.
- Cornwall has one of the mildest and sunniest climates in the entire UK.
- It is the home of surfing in the UK, which is a must-do for the more adventurous types.
Conclusion
As you can see there are so many amazing places to go hiking in the UK. There are a real variety of landscapes to be found across the UK, in a variety of different locations. Discover and explore distinct histories and cultures in all of these locations. There is something to suit everyone here, from those looking for a challenge to those looking for something a bit easier. A trip to any one of these places will do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing, with nature encouraging positivity and relaxation.
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed my post and that you come back to visit soon. All the best, and happy hiking.
Ta-ta for now!
