From mountain edges to simple, breezy coastal walks, there’s a multitude of routes to discover, whatever your preference and level of fitness. So, lace up your walking boots, pack the Kendal Mint Cake and try out one of our top 10 picks!
A 24-mile walk with a 5,200ft ascent, book in for the official challenge or tackle it peak by peak on different days. Made up of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, which form part of the Pennine range, you will feel a great sense of achievement when it’s completed. Though the fastest recorded time is under three hours, we don’t expect you to get running – take it at your own pace and reap the rewards.
Beginning at the Town Clock in Knighton and ending at the canal in Welshpool, marvel at the rolling farmland and forest of Mid Wales whilst taking on hills and valleys. We suggest taking a map to navigate, especially if it is a misty day. Re-live the adventures of Welsh ruler, Owain Glyndwr – although if you want to go for the whole 135-mile trail, it can take around nine days, so not for the casual walker! Find out more at: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/glyndwrs-way.
Part of the South Downs Way journey, this beautiful eight-mile coastal walk will take you through the Seven Sisters Country Park. If you dare to take a peek over the edge, there’s plenty of opportunity for nature spotting with various birds and wildlife to see on the beach or in the lagoon. Look out for the old lighthouse at Beachy Head from the ridge whilst admiring the cliffs from over 200ft above sea level.
A combination of two long distance trails, much of this gentle walk runs through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Brecks, an exceptional area of forest, moorland and low river valleys. It only takes a little extra time to walk the shingle bank from Cley to Weybourne, but it’s a great chance to capture views of Hunstanton Cliffs and Holkham Nature Reserve and beach which are breath-taking.
Centred roughly on Barnstable in North Devon and running to Exeter, this 180-mile route is one of the country’s longest traffic-free walking and cycling paths, forming part of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route. With so much to explore, split the route - we recommend Braunton to Meeth which gives lovely views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary and with its flat and easy-to-navigate terrain, makes it simple for all the family.
Starting off in Craster, marvel at the view of Dunstanburgh Castle, then follow the shore-skimming path up to its ruins. Discover the sea creatures in the rock pools or, if visiting in the summer months, make sure you go behind the castle ruins to hear the kittiwakes calling from Greymare Rock. Don’t forget to pack a beach picnic and head a little further south to the hidden cove of Rumbling Kern, once home to whisky smugglers bootlegging their supplies along the coastline. Heading back to Craster, you can refuel again.
Strictly for those with a sense of adventure, this tough mountain walk has plenty of rugged terrain to negotiate. Making your way up the Forcan Ridge is challenging, but it can be avoided if scrambling isn’t your thing. Either way, the ascent is worth it for the sense of achievement and views alike. This is one of the best of the Kintail peaks in the Highlands.
Made a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Roman army on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian after his visit to Britain in AD 122. Stretching coast-to-coast across northern England, the full trail of Hadrian’s Wall Path is 84 miles from Wallsend, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway. Most of the path is grass, however there is a section with numerous climbs and descents. Pass through forts, the archaeological site of Vindolanda and museums, taking in the history of the Romans.
The most southerly point of the UK is a great place to spot seals and, if you’re lucky, the Cornish national emblem - a chough (red-billed crow), on this moderate coastal path along the South West Coast. Fans of Poldark might recognise the Lizard as it was used in a few scenes throughout the series. A number of events are also held throughout the year around Lizard Point, so check it out and get the most out of your visit.
From Grange to Castle Crag, discover the amazing views of the “finest square mile in Lakeland” as described by legendary fell-walker and author, Alfred Wainwright. Passing through the Peace How war memorial you will see the flat valley bed of an Ice Age lake. Walk amongst the volcanic rocks and marvel at the multiple roche-moutonee (French for ‘rock sheep’) of Holmcrag Wood, which were sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago. A truly humbling experience.