Top 9 Hikes in the UK For You To Explore

The UK is famous for being a hub for partying, fashion and food, but there is so much more to explore than the pubs and the stores. The hikes in the UK are famous for their picturesque views and low climes, which help beginners start their journey into hiking. The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The geological formations in the UK are some of the best for hiking during the summer season. Get your boots on, pack your haversack and get your raincoat because these hiking trails across Scotland and other isles will truly fill your body with energy to leave for your next adventure. Here are the top 8 hikes in the UK. Also, check out this blog to explore the best road trips in the UK.

1. HADRIAN’S WALL PATH (CHOLLERFORD TO BIRDOSWALD FORT), NORTHUMBERLAND AND CUMBRIA

Spanning over a wide 73 miles, Hadrian’s Wall was made by the Roman Emperor (Between AD 122 to 128) to separate himself and his countrymen from the barbaric people of Scotland. The 73-mile running path beside it also is dotted with ancient settlements, forts and museums. The wall is also a UNESCO world heritage site now. The best part about this hike is that it can be done over the weekend, and one can have a peaceful hike as there are not many people in every stretch of the Hadrian wall. This is also one of the best hikes in the UK for beginners. The best section to walk is the 20-mile patch between Chollerford (near Hexham station) to Birdoswald Fort (east of Carlisle). This stretch is also one of the highest points in the hiking trail and has amazing views of the Lake District and Pennies. It is also one of the best places to hike in the UK.

2. THE QUIRAING, ISLE OF SKYE

The Quiraing is an amazing rock structure in the wild terrains of northern Skye. Due to these bizarre formations of the rock, the Quiraing is one of the most popular hikes in the UK and is also popular between geologists and photographers. One of the best ways to appreciate this landscape is to climb the 4-mile short climb and enjoy the views. The hike is not that long and is one of the best UK hikes for beginners. The views are quite famous and have been captured by many photographers. The trail starts at the village of Staffin or Uig and has amazing views from the island of Raasay and Rona. The hike refreshments are quite popular among the hikers here. Scottish chowder and homemade treacle bread are quite popular at the Staffins Columbia Centre.

3. SOUTH WEST COAST PATH (THE LIZARD), CORNWALL

Cornwall is quite famous for having many secluded beaches, and if you are a lucky individual, you can also have the whole sea to yourself and that too in the peak season. The South West Coast Path is originally a 630-mile walk, but as we also have many beginners joining the community, the 4-mile stretch of the rugged tip of the lizard is the mainland southern tip. You can also continue walking on the beach, enjoying the turquoise waters and the sand of Housel Bay beach, which is also a quiet and serene beach to be on, even in the summers. The walk offers magnificent views of the sea, and one can even spot dolphins underwater or playing near the shore.

4. SCAFELL PIKE, LAKE DISTRICT

Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in the UK. It is extremely famous for its hikes in the UK, as it has so many approachers and even has amazing scenic views. The Scafell Pike is quite popular among UK hikers to climb from Wasdale, in the western part of the Lake District, heading for the shortest route to the top. Scafell Pike’s summit is quite famous among hikers because being on top of the UK is an amazing feeling. There is a lesser-known climbing route located on the north side, which is more scenic, and requires less climbing. After climbing for 9 miles from the valley, you reach Scafell Pike’s boulder park, where the summit is just a couple hundred metres away. This is certainly one of the best places to hike in the UK.

5. SOUTH DOWNS WAY, HAMPSHIRE TO EAST SUSSEX

There is wildlife and the famous white cliffs, and the amazing sea breeze. It starts from the old capital of Winchester and ends in East Sussex. This famous route covers the english countryside; in the end, you reach the white cliffs of Eastbourne. One might need around eight days to cover this hike filled with excitement and adventure. It is advised not to walk on the edge of the cliffs as there are frequent landslips and no fences. There are many highlights and sights to see on the way. There are quite a few pubs to rest at, and grab a quick refreshing drink to help start your journey with new energy. 

6. ABERGLASLYN GORGE AND CWM BYCHAN, SNOWDONIA

This hike is one of the best UK hikes for beginners. As it has the same starting and ending point, one can rest assured not to get lost. The hike of Aberglaslyn Gorge and Cwm Bychan is circular and is just a small hike of six miles starting from the little footbridge of Beddgelert. One crosses spectacular views of the calm waters at Llyn Dinas to the  Aberglaslyn Gorge with the turbulent Glaslyn River raging along the path. You will also pass an pulley system of an old copper mine left behind, and one can surely explore it at their own risk as mines are infamous for having caving ceilings. In the end, this is one of the best hikes in the UK.

7. WEST HIGHLAND WAY, GLASGOW TO THE HIGHLANDS

The West Highland Way can be considered one of the best hikes in the UK. It is also considered one of the most popular hikes in the UK. The amazing views of the West Highland Highway are considered to be majestic and jaw-dropping. The Whole route is 96 miles but can also be covered in shorter sections. The West Highland Highway hike also passes through the country’s biggest loch (Lomond) and the grandest moor (Rannoch). One of the best parts, yet quite a bit tedious, is the section between Kingshouse to Fort William. This is a 22-mile stretch towards Ben Nevis and has the most impressive views with beautiful skylines as you walk through the highland.

8. YORKSHIRE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE, YORKSHIRE

If you are short on time but want a challenging yet quick hike, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is for you. The Three Peaks Challenge is one of the best hikes in the UK. These three peaks are the highest in the area. With a climb of 1600m and a 24-mile hike, you are in for a sweet challenge. One goes up and over Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in about 12 hours which makes it a quick hike. There are immaculate views and fascinating geology in the area, which is made up of limestone and slowly changes to gritstone which is also quite fascinating to geologists. 

9. CAUSEWAY COAST WAY, COUNTY ANTRIM

This amazing sea-sprayed hike is along the Causeway Coast Way. It is said that a mythic Irish Giant made the famous causeway, and only the huge basalt columns are the remains of it. This is a 33-mile hike which runs through multiple towns, so you don't have to worry about food or refreshments, as there will be plenty. There is a lot of sightseeing, too, as this hike passes through the famous whiskey distillery town of Bushmills, where the famous Irish whiskey is made. There are amazing views of the sea, and the terrain is grassy with a couple of stretches of rock and lichens. It is also considered one of the best hikes in the UK for its amazing views.

The Hikes in the UK are quite popular between the locals and tourists who wish to see the english countryside. One should make sure to be careful while hiking in the UK and one should try not to walk along the edge. Also, check out this blog to know the top places to visit in UK.