Discover the finest day walks in the UK, from rugged mountain trails to serene coastal paths and riverside rambles.
Whether you're after dramatic ridges, tranquil lakes or historic landscapes, our collection offers something for every walker. Each route can be completed in a day and showcases the wonder of the UK countryside.
Best walks in the UK
1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District
This iconic Lake District route includes a thrilling ridge walk and rewarding summit views. The scramble over Striding Edge offers an adrenaline-filled challenge, followed by a broad summit plateau. On clear days, expect unforgettable vistas stretching across the fells. Not suitable for beginners or poor weather conditions.
2. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Pyg Track, Eryri (Snowdonia)
A classic ascent of Wales’ highest peak, this trail combines mountain grandeur with accessibility. The Pyg Track begins at Pen-y-Pass and winds through rugged scenery with expansive views. A popular yet demanding route, it’s often busy in peak season. Suitable for fit walkers with good footwear and preparation.
3. Cat Bells, Lake District
This modest fell near Keswick offers excellent views with relatively little effort. The short, steep ascent leads to a well-defined ridge and panoramic sights across Derwentwater. A firm favourite for families, Cat Bells provides an ideal introduction to hillwalking in the Lakes. The descent is gentle and scenic.
4. Mam Tor and Great Ridge, Peak District
A striking ridge walk starting from Castleton. Mam Tor, meaning 'Mother Hill', rewards early effort with wide-ranging views. The route follows a well-maintained ridge path across several minor summits. Popular for sunrise walks, it’s a great half-day option for anyone visiting the Peak District.
5. Buttermere Circular, Lake District
A flat, family-friendly loop around Buttermere, surrounded by rugged fells. The path passes woodland, meadows and dramatic waterfalls, with frequent benches for rest or a picnic. It’s a tranquil walk, best enjoyed early or late in the day when reflections on the water are particularly beautiful.
6. Pen y Fan via Corn Du, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
The highest point in southern Britain, Pen y Fan offers a striking profile. The walk from the Storey Arms takes in neighbouring Corn Du, adding extra interest. The well-marked path climbs steadily and rewards walkers with spectacular panoramas. Popular and often busy, it remains a must-do for many walkers visiting Wales.
7. Seven Sisters, East Sussex
This spectacular coastal path traces white chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne. It’s undulating, breezy and endlessly scenic. The full Seven Sisters route is long but manageable in a day, with options for shorter sections. The views over the English Channel and back inland to the South Downs are breathtaking.
8. Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head, Lake District
England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, can be reached via a tough rocky trail from Wasdale. Though short in mileage, it’s physically demanding, particularly in wet weather. Expect incredible views and a sense of achievement at the summit cairn. A bucket-list walk for any serious UK hiker.
9. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales
A circular walk starting in Malham village, this route includes limestone pavements, cascading waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. Highlights include Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar’s gorge and Malham Cove’s towering cliff face. It’s a varied and photogenic trail with geological wonders around every turn.
10. Portballintrae to Ballintoy, Causeway Coast
This breathtaking clifftop walk passes Giant’s Causeway, Dunseverick Castle and white-sand beaches. Basalt columns, sea stacks and dramatic Atlantic views accompany you along the rugged coast. A mix of grass paths and cliffside trails, it's a great advert for Northern Ireland’s iconic natural beauty, especially under changing coastal light.
11. St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall
One of the very best walks in Cornwall is on the South West Coast Path from St Ives to Zennor. This 6.5-mile (10.5 km) stretch offers jaw-dropping coastal views, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and wild moorland beauty. It's challenging in parts but incredibly rewarding.
12. Old Man of Coniston, Lake District
A steep hike from Coniston village leads to this rugged fell with industrial mining history. The trail is well-worn but challenging in places. From the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, enjoy expansive views over the southern Lakes. Return via Goat’s Water for a satisfying circular route.
13. High Cup Nick, North Pennines
A remarkable geological formation, High Cup Nick is a glacial valley in the North Pennines. Starting from Dufton, there's a popular out-and-back route that follows the Pennine Way. The climax is the dramatic head of the valley, offering vast views and a real sense of wilderness.
14. Cadair Idris, Eryri (Snowdonia)
A mountain steeped in myth, this walk offers spectacular views and a glacial lake near the summit. The Minffordd Path is steep and demanding but passes through woodland, streams and eventually open ridges. Cadair Idris is considered one of Wales’ finest hikes, ideal for those seeking a quieter alternative to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
15. Loughrigg Fell, Lake District
A short, varied climb from Ambleside, Loughrigg offers rich rewards for modest effort. Paths wind through woodlands and past Rydal Cave before climbing the rocky summit. From the top, admire stunning views of Windermere, Grasmere and surrounding peaks. A perfect half-day fell walk.
16. The Quiraing, Isle of Skye
This 4-mile circuit through Skye’s surreal rock formations includes pinnacles, cliffs and high plateaus. The path is boggy in parts but the landscape is magical. Expect misty views, dramatic backdrops and encounters with sheep. The Quiraing is a photographer’s dream and one of Skye’s most iconic walks.
17. Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains
Climbing Northern Ireland’s highest peak offers a rewarding challenge. The most popular trail follows the Glen River, through pine forest and past waterfalls, rising onto the Mourne Wall. At the summit, panoramic views span sea, valleys and mountains. Slieve Donard is a classic hillwalk, steep but manageable, with unforgettable vistas on clear days.
18. Ditchling Beacon to Lewes, South Downs
A rolling 7-mile stretch along chalky ridges with expansive views over the Sussex Weald. Wildflowers abound in spring and summer, and the historic town of Lewes offers a lovely finish. It’s a peaceful countryside walk with gentle ups and downs, suitable for most fitness levels.
19. Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, Lochaber
A short, rewarding trail from the visitor centre to a viewpoint overlooking the famous viaduct. Known from the Harry Potter films, it’s popular when steam trains cross. Extend the route up into Glenfinnan for loch views and Highland atmosphere. A fine half-day walk with cinematic charm.
20. Steel Rigg to Housesteads, Northumberland
A moderate walk along some of the best-preserved sections of the Roman Hadrian's Wall. The undulating trail crosses dramatic escarpments and provides expansive views of the Northumberland countryside. Visit Housesteads Roman Fort for added interest. It’s a walk that blends natural beauty with 2,000 years of history.
30. Coledale Horseshoe, Lake District
A superb fell circuit from Braithwaite, taking in peaks such as Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head. The ridge offers continuous high-level walking with minimal scrambling. Quiet, scenic and satisfying, it’s a full-day outing for fit walkers seeking a classic Lakeland round.
31. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
A coastal walk along dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. From Rhossili village, head out to Worm’s Head at low tide, then return along the beach or clifftop path. Seabirds and other wildlife abound. Rhossili Bay offers one of the finest walks in Wales, with dazzling seascapes and natural beauty.
32. Haytor to Hound Tor, Dartmoor
The Dartmoor Tors walk from Haytor to Hound Tor includes some of Dartmoor National Park's most majestic scenery. Granite outcrops rise from sweeping moorland, with panoramic views, ponies and prehistoric remains. Ideal for walkers seeking solitude and stunning landscapes.
33. Castle Crag, Lake District
The smallest Wainwright, Castle Crag offers a brief but engaging walk from Rosthwaite. The path climbs past quarry remnants and slate screes to a rocky viewpoint. Though low in height, the summit rewards with classic views of Borrowdale and Derwentwater. A lovely short outing.
34. Walla Crag, Lake District
An easy circular walk from Keswick, Walla Crag offers fine views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. The path is well-marked and passes through mixed woodland and open fell. Ideal for families or a relaxed half-day, especially at sunset when the lake glows gold.
35. Great Gable via Green Gable, Lake District
This challenging walk starts in Seathwaite and climbs via Sty Head and Green Gable. Great Gable’s summit commands one of the best viewpoints in the Lakes. The return over the Gables offers a superb mountain experience. Steep in parts but unforgettable for seasoned walkers.
36. Crib Goch and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Horseshoe, Eryri (Snowdonia)
An exhilarating and exposed ridge walk only for experienced hikers with a head for heights. Crib Goch’s knife-edge traverse is followed by ascents of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Garnedd Ugain and Y Lliwedd. A full-day mountain adventure, demanding and dangerous in poor weather but truly world-class in fine conditions.
37. Roseberry Topping, North York Moors
Often called Yorkshire’s ‘Matterhorn’, Roseberry Topping offers a short, steep climb from Newton-under-Roseberry. The summit views stretch across moorland and Cleveland plain. It’s popular with families and great for a quick fix of high ground. Combine with nearby woodland trails for a longer outing.
38. Loch Muick Circular, Cairngorms
A gentle 8-mile walk around Loch Muick near Balmoral. The route includes forest tracks, open moorland and potential wildlife sightings, including deer and eagles. Flat and accessible, it offers Highland atmosphere with little elevation gain. A good choice for low-level winter walks.
39. Bidean nam Bian via Lost Valley, Glencoe
A dramatic ascent through the hidden Lost Valley, then a steep climb to Glencoe’s highest peak. The ridge offers jaw-dropping views and rugged terrain. Navigation and mountain experience are essential. This route blends natural wonder with Highland drama in one unforgettable walk.
40. Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham, Norfolk Coast
A gentle, sandy stroll between two charming seaside towns. Holkham's beaches, pinewoods and salt marshes dominate the scenery. Seabirds and seals are frequent visitors. A flat and relaxing walk ideal for nature lovers and coastal fans. Best done with ice cream or fish and chips to finish.
41. Simonside Hills, Northumberland
A circular moorland walk from Rothbury taking in the rocky Simonside Ridge. The heather-clad hills offer wide views over the Cheviots and coast. Good paths and quiet surroundings make this an enjoyable half-day in Northumberland’s peaceful interior. Especially lovely during late summer bloom.
42. Meall a' Bhuachaille, Cairngorms
A straightforward Munro in the Cairngorms with excellent views and a steady path. Starting from Glenmore, the route passes Lochan Uaine and climbs through forest and open hillside. Ideal for a less crowded hillwalk with big rewards. Can be extended into Ryvoan Pass.
43. Suilven, Assynt
A legendary walk into Scotland’s wildest landscape. The approach to Suilven is long but flat, followed by a steep final push to the ridge. The views from the summit are otherworldly, stretching across lochs, sea and isolated peaks. Remote and unforgettable, this is a walk for serious adventurers.
44. Skiddaw via Ullock Pike, Lake District
A less-travelled route to Skiddaw’s summit, beginning at Bassenthwaite. Ullock Pike offers a fine ridge approach and increasingly wide views. Though long, the ascent is gradual. It’s a scenic alternative to the busy tourist path, with sweeping panoramas across northern Cumbria.
45. Dunstanburgh Castle Walk, Northumberland
An easy coastal walk from Craster to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Clifftop paths, sea birds and rugged shoreline characterise this gentle stroll. The medieval castle provides dramatic photo opportunities. Ideal for families or history lovers. Return via the same path or a short inland loop.
46. Fleetwith Pike via Honister Pass, Lake District
A steep but rewarding climb from Honister Slate Mine up to Fleetwith Pike. The ascent is direct but offers immediate views, culminating in a dramatic lookout over Buttermere. Combine with Haystacks for a longer round. Compact yet deeply scenic.
47. Arnside Knott, Cumbria
A short circular walk with surprising views over Morecambe Bay. The low limestone hill hosts rare wildflowers and butterflies in summer. Woodland trails lead to a breezy summit with sea and Lakeland views. An excellent low-level option with unique coastal character.
48. Llyn Idwal Circuit, Eryri (Snowdonia)
A short loop around this glacial lake beneath the Glyderau peaks. Easy paths and stunning rock scenery make this ideal for families or wet-weather days. The surrounding cliffs and hanging valleys are geologically rich and visually dramatic. Llyn Idwal is a classic Eryri (Snowdonia) walk with minimal effort.
49. Hampsfell and Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
A gentle hill walk above Grange-over-Sands with wide views of Morecambe Bay. A unique summit shelter offers a poetic guide to the panorama. Return via limestone escarpments and woodland paths. Quiet, quirky and accessible. A great lesser-known route in southern Cumbria.
50. Beinn an Lochain, Arrochar Alps
This steep but accessible Corbett rises sharply above Loch Restil. The path is direct but rough in places, rewarding walkers with superb views across Argyll. Wild and quiet, it’s a great option for experienced hillwalkers seeking solitude without venturing too deep into the Highlands.
51. Blencathra via Sharp Edge, Lake District
This dramatic ascent involves a narrow scramble over Sharp Edge, followed by a steep climb to Blencathra’s summit. The ridge is exposed and requires surefootedness. Once atop, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views and a quieter alternative to better-known peaks such as Helvellyn.
52. Ben A’an, Trossachs
This 'mini mountain' is a short, steep climb to one of Scotland’s best viewpoints. The rocky summit offers sweeping views over Loch Katrine and surrounding forests. Though just 2.5 miles, the ascent is vigorous. A great introduction to Scottish hillwalking with dramatic results.
53. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
An extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat offers a short, steep climb from the city centre. The summit gives commanding views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Ideal for a spontaneous urban escape, it’s often windy but easily accessible for all fitness levels.
54. The Cobbler (Ben Arthur), Arrochar Alps
A steep hike from Arrochar leads to this rocky peak famed for its summit ‘needle’. The route is popular but steep in places. Views across Loch Long and surrounding hills are dramatic. An iconic Scottish hill for those ready for a hands-on final ascent.
Main image: The Quiraing, Isle of Skye. Credit: Getty