A great walk doesn't just mean it's filled with beautiful scenery, sometimes it's also about the story you're experiencing. Across the UK, footpaths snake past waterfalls said to be home to fairy queens and coastlines linked to King Arthur are steeped in centuries-old legend.
Going by user ratings from the popular walking app AllTrails, we've highlighted five top-rated routes that combine impressive landscapes with some of Britain's most enduring folklore.
Top walks at a glance
- Visit the Fairy Queen's lair - Malham Landscape Trail
- Follow in the footsteps of King Arthur - Tintagel and Barras Nose
- Discover the Devil's hilltop legend - Steyning and Chanctonbury
- See a giant's grave - Vale of Pewsey and Giant's Grave
- Step closer to a legendary warrior - Giant's Graves and Glenashdale Waterfall
- View the complete list - Legends and Folklore Trails
1. Malham Landscape Trail (Yorkshire Dales)
This walk is steeped in Yorkshire folklore, with one of its most famous landmarks, Janet's Foss, said to be the home of Jennet, the Fairy Queen of local legend. She's said to reside in the cave behind a waterfall, with 'Foss' actually meaning waterfall in old Norse. Her residence, combined with the dramatic limestone scenery of Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, helps make this one of the most atmospheric trails on this list.
2. Tintagel and Barras Nose (Cornwall)
This circular route takes you along the coastline at Tintagel on the north Cornish coast. Not only will you get spectacular views, you'll also get to walk a route closely linked to the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Expect rugged scenery, ancient ruins and a route rich in history.
3. Steyning and Chanctonbury (South Downs)
This ramble through the South Downs combines far-reaching views, rolling chalk ridges and one of southern England's most intriguing legends. The route leads you to Chanctonbury Ring, an ancient hilltop landmark long linked to local folklore, with tales claiming that anyone who runs around the ring seven times clockwise can summon the Devil himself.
4. Vale of Pewsey and the Giant's Grave Circular (Wiltshire)
A scenic Wiltshire walk sees you amble down tranquil canal-side paths and across the Marlborough Downs, but its most intriguing landmark is the Giant's Grave on Oare Hill. According to local legend, the ancient long barrow is the burial place of a giant who lost a stone-hurling contest. After following the Kennet and Avon Canal, you'll be treated to expansive views and the area's most mysterious historic site.
5. Giant's Graves and Glenashdale Waterfall Circular (Scotland)
The second giant-themed route on this list, this Isle of Arran walk is linked to one of Gaelic mythology's most famous figures. The walk passes through coastal views, woodland paths and a dramatic waterfall that plays host to one of Scotland's best-known folklore figures.
The Giant's Graves are two ancient cairns traditionally linked to Fionn mac Cumhaill, the legendary warrior of Gaelic myth, who was said to possess extraordinary size and strength. You'll also be treated to panoramic views over Whiting Bay and Holy Island before descending to the impressive Glenashdale Waterfall, making it a memorable time for any interested in landscape and legend.
Planning to try one of these walks?
Features such as offline maps and wrong-turn alerts can be particularly useful on unfamiliar routes, helping you spend less time checking directions and more time enjoying the walk.
AllTrails has a free version that grants you access to all of the routes above, among thousands of others. Walkers who want additional navigation tools can also upgrade to AllTrails Plus, which includes:
- Offline maps
- Wrong-turn alerts
- 3D maps
- Trail conditions
- Live Share for real-time activity sharing with friends and family
Looking for more inspiration? You can also explore the 10 top-rated walks on AllTrails, chosen from thousands of routes on the platform. How many have you ticked off?
