Discover Britain’s 10 Best Walks

Britain is full of fantastic scenery, with some of the best views nestled among the countryside beauty of the nation’s many National Parks. Every year, millions of us lace up our boots and embark on a journey of discovery. But where are Britain’s best walks? We’ve put together a list of Britain’s 10 best walks to inspire your next staycation.

1. Helvellyn, Lake District

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amanda (@trails___)


Voted number one in ITV’s Britain’s 100 Favourite Walks by more than 8,000 walking enthusiasts, it’s hard to say no to the stunning Helvellyn route in the heart of the Lake District. Rising 950 metres high between the lakes of Ullswater, Thirlmere and Grasmere, Helvellyn rewards walkers with breathtaking views across the Lake District and beyond at the summit. Traversing Helvellyn needn’t be daunting, there is a route for every ability but the most popular by far is the Striding Edge and Swirrel Edge route which is said to be a worthwhile challenge. Each route will take around 3 hours to complete depending on your fitness (and how long you spend admiring the amazing views).

Stay Nearby

Penrith

Kendal

Workington

2. Snowdon

Standing at 1085 metres high, Snowdon is the tallest mountain in Wales. It’s also the first mountain you ascend when you attempt the famous ‘National 3 peaks challenge’ with Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis being the next two on the list. Over 350,000 people make their ascent every year and with fantastic views on offer, and a path to suit every walking ability there’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular walks in Britain. The most popular route is the Llanberis Path and is known as the easiest route to take to the summit, while the most challenging is Crib Goch. Snowdon also plays host to the world famous International Snowdon Race. Started back in 1976 by a curious walker and runner, it quickly gained the reputation of being one of Europe’s toughest endurance races with runners from more than ten different countries taking part every year.

Stay Nearby

Porthmadog

Caernarfon

Bangor

3. Pennine Way

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nadine (@nadine_walks)

Known as the ‘backbone of Britain’ and loved by many an adventurous walker, The Pennine Way is the UK’s oldest and most iconic National Trails in the UK opening in 1965. Spread over 400km, the full pennine route spans from Edale in the Peak District, to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border and takes you through the Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines and Hadrian’s Wall where you’ll not only pass some of the UK’s best views, but you’ll also get a chance to come face to face with some UK record holders including the UK’s highest pub, the 17th Century Tan Hill Inn which stands over 1,700 feet above sea level in the Yorkshire Dales and the UK’s highest market town of Buxton in the Peak District which sits at just over 1,000 feet above sea level. There are also many towns and villages to explore if you plan on breaking up the journey including Skipton, Hebden Bridge and Malham.

Stay Nearby

Glossop

Skipton

Berwick upon Tweed

4. Thames Path

If mountainous terrain isn’t your thing, why not follow one of the UK’s best-known rivers? While the 184 mile route itself is a fair distance to do in one go, it’s more of a gentle route that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. The river Thames will often conjure up images of central London, but in fact, it starts much further afield in the peaceful pastures of the Cotswolds. The Thames Path route follows the river from its source in Kemble, Gloucestershire through various water meadows, historic towns, villages and cities all the way into the heart of London at the Thames Barrier at Woolwich. Most of the path has a quiet rural feel with peaceful countryside lining the route, but you’ll pass many iconic sights along the way. These include the city of Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and Kew Gardens with the last part of the path ending in London’s Docklands area.

Stay Nearby

Cirencester

Oxford Abingdon Road

Marlow

5. South West Coastal Path

Boasting some of the finest coastal views that can be found anywhere in the world, the South West Coastal Path is one of the longest coastal paths in England spanning over 630 miles. The areas that make up the path have picked up many designations over the years including five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO designated Biosphere reserve and a National Park. Starting in Minehead in Somerset, the trail takes you on a tour of the south west’s most dramatic coastline, following the whole of Cornwall’s coastline and finishing spectacularly at Poole Harbour. Walk through the dramatic scenery from BBC’s Cornish historical drama, Poldark, gaze down at the jaw-dropping Jurassic Coast- a UNESCO site steeped in over 185 million years of history, and be impressed by England’s highest seas cliff, Great Hangman, in Devon. Whether you’re an experienced trekker, or a more casual rambler, the South West Coastal Path offers a stunning experience for everyone- and what’s more the path is situated along a well-loved part of the country with Cornwall and Devon being a top pick for staycations.

Stay Nearby

Torquay

St Austell

Poole

6. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

 If you want to see more of Mother Nature’s marvels, a trip to Northern Ireland for a walk around its beautiful causeway coastline is definitely worth considering. Giant’s Causeway is the coastline’s star attraction drawing in over a million visitors every year. It’s well known for its unique look, boasting a curious arrangement of 40,000 basalt columns and a breath-taking backdrop of the North Atlantic. There are a few ways to see the Causeway Coast. Blue Trail is the shortest and most direct route to the famous stones, the Red Trail that takes you over the cliff top down the Shepherds Steps to the Grand Causeway, and the Runkerry Trail, a quieter, more tranquil alternative that offers a bird’s eye view of the stones, while allowing you to take full advantage of the cliff top grassland and its wildlife.

Stay Nearby

Belfast Central

7. Four Falls Walk, Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons in Wales is an immensely popular National Park attracting over 4 million outdoor enthusiasts to its beautiful rugged landscape every year. Tucked away in the southern slopes of Fforest Fawr massif, just west of Merthyr Tydfil is a place affectionately known as ‘Waterfall Country’. As its name suggests, this circular walk takes you round some of the prettiest woodland with even prettier waterfalls. The waterfall spectacles get more and more impressive as you meander round the tree lined route with the last of the waterfalls being the most spectacular of all- Sgwd-yr-Eira. To add the thrills to its waterfall spills, there is a path just behind the curtain of water to add an extra immersive experience to your walk.

Stay Nearby

Merthyr Tydfil

Caerphilly

8. Hadrian’s Wall Path

Arguably one of the most iconic sites in Britain, Hadrian’s Wall has stood for millennia and has no doubt featured in many a Brits’ travel bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans along the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at some of the best views in northern England. From the exciting cities of Newcastle and Carlisle, to the vast rugged landscapes in between, the whole path stretches for 84 miles coast to coast. While some die-hard explorers may choose to trek the whole path in one go, more relaxed ramblers may wish to choose from one of the easier walking routes. The Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall route covers the start of the route and is perfect for those wanting to mix the cityscape experience of Newcastle, with a countryside retreat. The most challenging route to traverse is at the midway point from Steel Rigg to Walton where the path reaches its highest point at over 1,000 metres above sea level. However, committed walkers are rewarded with fantastic views of the north Pennines and southern Scotland, and also a peek of the finishing point in the west- Bowness on Solway.

Stay Nearby

Newcastle Central

Carlisle

9. Mam Tor, Peak District

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laura Crabtree (@laura_a.c)

Nestled between the Hope and Edale Valleys, Mam Tor (‘Mother Hill’) is the perfect choice for a family-friendly (and dog friendly) walk in the Peak District thanks to it’s forgiving terrain. The circular route takes you up and around the 517 metre tall hill via woodland, grassland and even a show cave that you can have a peek into. While the ascent to the summit is a little steep, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a breather and take in the luscious surroundings, and of course, all your hard work is richly rewarded when you reach the summit to find breath-taking panoramic views across the Valleys and beyond.

Stay Nearby

Sheffield Central

Glossop

Chesterfield

10. Stonehenge

While some may stop off at this Wiltshire wonder for a quick selfie or two, a walking tour of Stonehenge’s hidden gems can make your experience even more memorable. Explore the lesser-known areas surrounding the world famous site on this 3.5 mile pilgrimage to the ancient stone monument that has captivated the hearts and minds of visitors for thousands of years. The walking route is suitable for all ages and abilities and takes you on a journey from the Visitor Centre through woodland and grassland to your final destination- the fascinating prehistoric monument itself. On your journey you’ll have the chance to come face to face with the local wildlife such as Roe Deer who graze around the Stonehenge area, as well as butterflies that flutter around the pretty wild flowers.

Stay Nearby

Amesbury Stonehenge

Andover

Warminster