12 of the best spots for hiking in the UK

Home to some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the UK, Wales also has its own culture and Welsh language, distinct from those of neighboring England.

 

4. Brecon Beacons National Park

From elevated ridgelines above sweeping valleys to rolling hills and ancient woodland, the 519-square-mile Brecon Beacons National Park in south Wales is a fantastic destination for easy, accessible hiking and walking. Discover highlights of the national park and region on long day hikes as part of our Black Mountains and Wye Valley Walking Tour center-based in the market town of Abergavenny.

 

5. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Lovers of coastal landscapes come from around the world to experience the hiking trails and walking routes of the Pembrokeshire Coast in southwestern Wales. With wide sandy beaches, rugged towering cliffs, and meandering estuaries, the most popular route through the area is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which runs for 186 miles along the coast. Discover shorter sections of the path along some of Britain’s most spectacular coastline as part of our Pembrokeshire Coast Walking tour.

 

6. Snowdonia National Park

Arguably the most famous national park in Wales, Snowdonia is a colossus of jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and glacier-carved valleys that are criss-crossed in hiking and mountain biking trails. With hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, a highlight is ascending Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. Climb it, and discover Welsh culture and history in nearby villages like Llanberis as part of our Snowdonia Walking Short Break Tour.

If you're ready to tackle more demanding challenges than day hikes, the UK has you covered with some of the finest long-distance footpaths and walking routes in the world.

 

10. West Highland Way

Stretching 96 miles from Fort William to the northern outskirts of the city of Glasgow, the West Highland Way walking route leads hikers through sweeping Scottish mountain and valley landscapes with the possibility of encountering native wildlife including red deer and Highland cows.

 

11. South West Coast Path

The South West Coastal Path extends along 630 miles of the English south coast from Minehead in Somerset, along the coastlines of Devon and Cornwall to Poole Harbor in Dorset. This awe-inspiring coastal walk rewards hikers with sweeping views of rolling meadows, rocky cliffs, stone arches, and expansive sandy beaches.

 

12. Hadrian's Wall Path

Extending 84 miles coast-to-coast from the North Sea in Northumberland to the Irish Sea in Cumbria, the Hadrian's Wall Path runs alongside the remains of the ancient Roman fortification dating from the 2nd century. Walking this easy and popular long-distance path includes stops at ruined forts and ancient settlements. Our Walk Northumberland Tour includes day hikes along some of the most scenic stretches of the wall.