Top Hikes in the UK to Try This Summer

If you love a coastal breeze and uninterrupted sea views, South West Coast Path should be high on your list. Stretching over 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, this is England’s longest waymarked trail. But don’t worry—you don’t have to tackle it all at once!

With dramatic clifftop scenery, hidden coves, and charming fishing villages along the way, this hike offers a true taste of England’s coastal beauty. Opt for shorter sections for a relaxed day hike or turn it into a multi-day adventure with seaside camping along the route.

For those drawn to rugged landscapes, the West Highland Way is a Scottish icon. This 96-mile trail starts in Milngavie and winds its way through some of the country’s most jaw-dropping scenery, ending in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.

Expect shimmering lochs, sweeping moorlands, and towering mountains as you make your way past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the legendary Glen Coe. While some sections are gentle, others require stamina—making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers looking for a challenge.

Wales’ most famous peak, Mount Snowdon, is an unmissable hike for those eager to conquer the country’s highest point. The Watkin Path is one of the most rewarding routes to the summit, offering dramatic waterfalls and panoramic views along the way.

If a summit climb isn’t for you, Snowdonia National Park has plenty of other scenic walks, from the mystical Dinas Emrys Trail, steeped in Arthurian legend, to the gentle Gelert’s Grave Walk, perfect for a more relaxed outdoor experience.

For those planning an extended adventure, staying in a caravan in North Wales offers great flexibility, putting you close to these breathtaking trails while allowing you to soak up the region’s wild beauty at your own pace.

History lovers will relish the chance to walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers along Hadrian’s Wall Path. This 84-mile trail follows the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to guard the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

The relatively gentle terrain makes it accessible for all levels, and along the way, you’ll pass well-preserved forts, scenic countryside, and rolling Northumbrian hills. It’s a hike that offers both stunning landscapes and a deep dive into Britain’s ancient past.

For those seeking a true endurance challenge, The Pennine Way is one of England’s most demanding long-distance trails. Spanning 268 miles from Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders, it traverses some of the country’s most remote and rugged landscapes.

This legendary route takes hikers through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland National Park, offering a mix of limestone valleys, high moorlands, and historic market towns. While parts of the trail are challenging, the sense of accomplishment—combined with unbeatable views—makes it worth every step.