Take a hike: Discover Britain by foot

The South West Coast Path

Following 630 miles (1,014km) of dramatic and varied coastline, the South West Coast Path goes from Somerset to Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Starting in Minehead, Somerset, it was originally laid out for the coastguard to patrol for smugglers. Now, it’s popular with both serious hikers and day-trippers, as well as film fans following its star turn in The Salt Path. The inspirational movie follows Raynor and Moth Winn on their year-long trek along the route, taking in blockbuster backdrops like Devon’s Clovelly and Cornwall’s Padstow. 

If you did it all at once, it would take one to two months, or you could choose shorter sections, like the two-day Jurassic Coast walk, from Charmouth to Abbotsbury in Dorset. Another unforgettable journey is the five-day coastal walk in western Cornwall from the artists’ town of Marazion and St Michael’s Mount to Penzance, with its many galleries, past Mousehole to Land’s End and St Ives. 

The Pennine Way

It’s the oldest National Trail in England and the 268 mile (431km) Pennine Way is one of Britain’s most famous. The challenging but stunning route runs from the Derbyshire Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales, ending on the Scottish border. It takes around 19 days, independently or as part of an organised walking holiday. It crosses many different terrains, so there are also numerous ways to slice it into shorter sections, like Yorkshire’s striking Malham Cove cliff formation, or climbing Derbyshire’s highest point, Kinder Scout.

Stop along the way at Yorkshire’s cool, creative hub, Hebden Bridge, and the market town of Skipton, home to an 11th-century castle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

It’s a sight you’ll never forget and the ancient Roman fortification that snakes across northern England doubles as a fantastic walking trail.

Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Trail that runs for 84 miles (135km) from coast to coast, through the spectacular landscapes of the Northumberland National Park. The atmospheric route takes around a week to complete and goes through rugged moorland and rolling farmland. Museums and historic sites are dotted along the route, such as the Housesteads Roman Fort which gives you a glimpse into Roman life – even their toilets – as well as Segedunum, Birdoswald and Vindolanda forts. 

Cotswold Way

For picturesque villages surrounded by rolling green hills, try the Cotswold Way. This beautiful trail runs for 102 miles (164km), connecting the quintessential English market town of Chipping Campden to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath and takes around 10 days to complete. Highlights along the trail include the grand Sudeley Castle and Gardens, which is bursting with royal stories.  

For a smaller slice of the Cotswold Way, take the six-mile Cleeve Hill Ring walk, through limestone grassland, vast views, babbling streams and lush woodland.

The Thames Path

It’s England’s best-known river and The Thames Path runs 185 miles (298km) from the source of the River Thames in the Cotswolds right through London and ending in Woolwich. It can be walked in two weeks and the route takes you through some of the nation’s most historic locations such Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor and Hampton Court Palace, right through the heart of London.

Alternatively, anyone based in the nation’s capital can simply pick up the path and head west, for a memorable journey. And if you catch a boat for some of it, we won’t tell.

Glyndŵr’s Way

One of the most peaceful hikes in Britain is through the middle of Wales. Glyndŵr’s Way is a National Trail that runs for 135 miles (217km) through mid-Wales and takes around nine days to complete.

It starts in Knighton and ends in Welshpool and highlights include gazing out over the Cambrian Mountains and seeing the sky reflected in Lake Vyrnwy as you enjoy the peace and quiet of the Welsh countryside. Other notable stops include the Owain Glyndŵr Centre, the site where the medieval warrior was crowned Prince of Wales in 1404, and art gallery MOMA Machynlleth.

Wales Coast Path

The first country in the world to have a navigable path around its coast, you can walk the entire 870 mile (1,400km) Welsh coast from north to south, if you have the time and the energy. The Wales Coast Path goes from north Wales, through the Snowdonia (Eryri) and Pembrokeshire coasts, down to south Wales and will take you past stunning secluded beaches and bustling towns and cities. 

It would take keen walkers two to three months to walk in one go, but you can choose any of its spectacular sections, such as the 186-mile (299km) Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The West Highland Way

The wonderful West Highland Way takes you through Scotland’s most famous landscapes, including the snowy crags of Ben Lomond, great glassy expanse of Loch Lomond and the rugged peaks of Glencoe.

This 96 mile (154km) route goes from Milngavie near Glasgow, through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, to Fort William in the Highlands and takes around a week to complete. Some of the best views are during the last section of the trail, from Kinlochleven to Fort William, with scenes across Loch Leven and views of Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain.

Loch Ness 360⁰ Trail

The Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail have been joined together to create the Loch Ness 360⁰ Trail, which stretches for 80 miles (129km) and takes around six days to complete the loop.

It starts in Inverness and heads high into the hills overlooking Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, before circling back down and meandering through Foyers and Dores, ending where you started. You get bonus points if you spot Nessie.

Spring into action 

Britain is blooming in spring, and there’s no better way to see its colourful wildflowers than on a stroll. Dymock, on the Gloucestershire-Herefordshire borders in England, is famous for its ‘golden triangle’ of wild daffodils. See them on the nine-mile (14km) Daffodil Way, which snakes through woodland and fields.  

The Taynish National Nature Reserve in Lochgilphead, Scotland, is a patchwork of woods, grassland and  marshes – and it’s blooming marvellous in spring. Look out for carpets of bluebells on your hike. 

Spot bat boxes and badger setts on your visit to Penrhyn Castle – signs of its most elusive residents. Boot up to explore the estate in its springtime glory, where you’ll spot plenty of Wales’ national flower, the daffodil.