Rambling has been a passion in the UK for centuries. Today, as a result, we walkers benefit from the most intricate network of walking paths on the planet.
Those paths cover walking terrain that ranges from the remote and challenging to the gentle and bucolic.
The UK countryside is also rich in history and culture and its walking paths are the ideal means of experiencing it. Walking provides intimate access to the ancient sites, historic architecture and picturesque villages that abound beyond city perimeters.
On this page, the United Kingdom’s iconic walks are listed by reference to the region in which the walk is located. Click on the region name to skip to that section, or just scroll down.
Note that our iconic walk summaries refer to the whole walk - it is always possible to do part only.
Southern England
Cotswold Way
One of the most celebrated National Trails in Britain wends its way through glorious, undulating countryside.
⏱ Duration: 9 days
🗺 Distance: 166 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Nov
Cotswold Way North
The northern half of the Cotswold Way runs from historic Chipping Campden to Painswick.
⏱ Duration: 5 days
🗺 Distance: 73 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy
🗓 Best Time: March - Nov
Cotswold Way South
The southern section of the Cotswold Way runs from Painswick to the ancient and elegant Bath.
⏱ Duration: 5 days
🗺 Distance: 88 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Nov
Cotswold Circuit
A circuit walk combining quintessential English countryside and Britain’s most beautiful villages.
⏱ Duration: 5 days
🗺 Distance: 80 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Nov
Windrush Circuit
A shorter walk in the Cotswolds through Bourton-on-the-Water and the scenic Windrush Valley.
⏱ Duration: 2 days
🗺 Distance: 42 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy
🗓 Best Time: March - Nov
Land’s End Circuit
Stunning coastal walk including Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, Penzance and buzzing St Ives.
⏱ Duration: 5 - 7 days
🗺 Distance: 92 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Oct
Jurassic Coast
Dorset’s coast offers unique rock formations, fossils and the famous Durdle Door rock arch.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 8 days
🗺 Distance: 130 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Oct
Isle of Wight Coast Path
Discover why this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was Queen Victoria’s favourite retreat.
⏱ Duration: 5 - 7 days
🗺 Distance: 112 km
⛰ Grade: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
South Downs Way
Follow the stunning South Downs featuring verdant hills and the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.
⏱ Duration: 8 - 10 days
🗺 Distance: 163 km
⛰ Grade: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Nov
Northern England
Cumbria Way
Explore the heart of the Lake District with its breathtaking lakes, valleys and peaks and charming towns.
⏱ Duration: 5 - 8 days
🗺 Distance: 115 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Oct
Dales Way
Walk through the heart of the idyllic Yorkshire Dales and into the resplendent Lake District.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 8 days
🗺 Distance: 126 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
Northumberland Coast Path ⠀
An under-rated coastal walk offering historic castles, quaint fishing villages and wide beaches.
⏱ Duration: 5 - 6 days
🗺 Distance: 102 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Sept
Pennine Way South
Traverse the southern portion of the famous Pennines - the backbone of England.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 8 days
🗺 Distance: 144 km
⛰ Difficulty: Hard
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
Lake District Circuit
Enjoy the dramatic mountain and lake scenery plus charming lakeland towns and villages.
⏱ Duration: 6 days
🗺 Distance: 119 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Oct
Cleveland Way
A much-loved National Trail that traverses wild moors and a spectacular heritage coastline.
⏱ Duration: 9 days
🗺 Distance: 176 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Apr - Nov
Coast to Coast
An historic path that crosses England via the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
⏱ Duration: 14 - 18 days
🗺 Distance: 300 km
⛰ Difficulty: Hard
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Nov
Hadrian’s Wall Path
National Trail that follows the world’s largest Roman artefact through classic English countryside.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 8 days
🗺 Distance: 135 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Nov
Scotland
The Great Glen Way
A “coast to coast” walk that follows the Great Glen and features the mighty Ben Nevis and Loch Ness.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 7 days
🗺 Distance: 126 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
East Highland Way
The splendour of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, plus scenic Loch Laggan and Aviemore.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 8 days
🗺 Distance: 144 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
West Highland Way
Scotland’s most famous and arguably best loved long distance trail features Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor.
⏱ Duration: 6 - 9 days
🗺 Distance: 153 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
Wales
Pembrokeshire Coast Path (South)
This path follows the far south-west coast of Wales and boasts ancient castles and historic walled towns.
⏱ Duration: 6 days
🗺 Distance: 95 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
Offa’s Dyke Path (South)
Ancient earthworks plus castle and abbey ruins lie amongst the Brecon Beacons and the Wye River valley.
⏱ Duration: 7 days
🗺 Distance: 128 km
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best Time: Mar - Oct
Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast Way
Northern Ireland’s best known walk follows the dramatic Causeway Coast, including Giant’s Causeway.
⏱ Duration: 2-3 days
🗺 Distance: 51 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Oct
Moyle Way
From coastal Ballycastle, delve into the vivid green Glens of Antrim and iconic Glenariff Forest Park.
⏱ Duration: 2 days
🗺 Distance: 44 km
⛰ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🗓 Best Time: March - Oct