New Yorkshire Coast Cycle Routes
29.04.2024A network of 12 new cycling routes and film have been launched on the Yorkshire Coast to help visitors create...
15th January 2024
The UK’s Best Walking Trails for Nature Lovers
The UK is a paradise for walkers, with its diverse landscapes, rich history and stunning scenery. Whether you are looking for a short stroll, a challenging hike or a multi-day adventure, there is a trail for you. Here are some of the best walking trails in the UK that will take you through beautiful countryside, rugged coastlines and ancient monuments.
Coast to Coast Walk
This long-distance trek is not one of the UK’s official trails, but it is a popular one, taking hikers from the Irish Sea on the sands of St Bees in Cumbria to the North Sea as it rolls into historic Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. Following local footpaths, the route, which was first published by walker and writer Alfred Wainwright in the 1970s, takes you through three UK National Parks: the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. You will encounter hill-and-vale scenery, sandy bays, historic features and steep valleys, all in a manageable but picturesque length that is not too taxing or crowded. It is the perfect taster of the UK’s diverse landscapes.
Wales Coastal Path
© VisitBritain/Nadir Khan
Wales is unique in that it is the only country in the world that has an official walking path covering the entirety of its borders. The Wales Coastal Path is a footpath stretching 870 miles from Chester to Chepstow, while the Offa’s Dyke Path roughly covers the inland stretch between those two spots. Walking the whole thing might be a little excessive, but there are plenty of stretches that can be enjoyed over a day or two. There is no better way to experience the natural beauty of Wales, with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wildlife reserves, castles and villages. You will also discover the rich culture and history of Wales, from its Celtic roots to its industrial heritage.
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Hadrian’s Wall Path
© VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton
We have Emperor Hadrian to thank for this frankly ridiculous wall, which he (or more accurately, his team of 15,000 men) started building in 122 AD. The wall was meant to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and to keep out the barbarians. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating trail that follows the remains of the wall for 84 miles from Wallsend in Tyne and Wear to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. Along the way, you will see forts, milecastles, turrets and museums that tell the story of the Roman occupation and the people who lived along the wall. You will also enjoy the scenic views of the Northumberland countryside and the Solway Firth.
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Pilgrims’ Way
© VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
This ancient route traces the footsteps of pilgrims who travelled from Winchester in Hampshire to Canterbury in Kent to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in 1170. The route is based on the one described by Geoffrey Chaucer in his famous work, The Canterbury Tales, which features a colourful cast of characters who tell stories along the way. The Pilgrims’ Way is a mix of country lanes, woodland paths and historic landmarks, such as churches, castles and crosses. You will also pass through charming villages, such as Lenham, Charing and Wye, where you can stop for a pint or a bite.
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Visit The British Pilgrimage Trust
West Highland Way
© VisitBritain/Nadir Khan
This is Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail, and for good reason. The West Highland Way covers 96 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The trail showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands, with its dramatic scenery, wild landscapes and rich culture. You will walk along the shores of Loch Lomond, cross the Rannoch Moor, climb the Devil’s Staircase, and marvel at the views of Glencoe and Glen Nevis. You will also encounter plenty of wildlife, such as deer, eagles and otters, and learn about the history and legends of the area, such as Rob Roy, the Jacobites and the Massacre of Glencoe.
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South Downs Way
© VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
This is one of the easiest and most accessible trails in the UK, as it follows a well-maintained path along the chalk hills of the South Downs in southern England. The South Downs Way stretches for 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne, passing through rolling countryside, picturesque villages and historic sites. You will see the Iron Age hillforts of Old Winchester Hill and Chanctonbury Ring, the Norman cathedral of Chichester, the Roman villa of Bignor, and the white cliffs of Beachy Head and Seven Sisters. You will also enjoy the views of the English Channel, the Isle of Wight and the Weald.
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Causeway Coast Way
© D Gabriel
The Causeway Coast Walk is one of the most spectacular coastal walks in the UK, as it follows the northern coast of Northern Ireland for 33 miles from Portstewart to Ballycastle. The trail offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Antrim Plateau and the Scottish islands. You will also see some of the most iconic attractions of Northern Ireland, such as the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder of hexagonal basalt columns, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, a thrilling crossing over a 100-foot-deep chasm, and the Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin perched on a cliff edge. The trail is also rich in wildlife, such as seals, dolphins and seabirds, and in culture, as it passes through the towns of Portrush, Bushmills and Ballintoy.
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These are just some of the best walking trails in the UK that will inspire you to lace up your boots and explore this amazing country. Whether you are looking for a short break or a longer adventure, there is a trail for you. Happy walking!
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