The UK’s Best Hiking Routes: A 2025 Update

The UK is a hiker’s dream. From north to south, east to west, and even in the middle, there are some stunning hiking routes. In almost every corner of the UK, there’s a hiking route for all levels. 

According to a new project, Slow Ways, there are more than 10,000 registered hiking routes, and we already know there are 16 stunning national trails.

In the UK, the weather is beautiful (maybe too beautiful if you don’t like the heat). You can actually go outside without wondering if it’ll rain.

Below is our updated 2025 guide to the best UK hiking routes.

The Thames National Trail

We’ll begin with a national trail – they’re some of the most stunning and diverse national trails the country has to offer.

The Thames Trail is a long-distance walking trail more than it is a hiking trail. We wanted to start off easy. Well, we say easy; it’s a 185.2-mile-long trail (298 km) that follows the River Thames. 

Meandering through tranquil Cotswold villages and towards the London cities, this route gives you a bit of everything. It also now goes along the England Coast Path National Trail to North Kent, becoming the first source-to-sea national trail, spanning 232 miles (374 km).

You obviously don’t have to walk it all; you can pick part of it that you like. The obvious choice is the beginning, the source of the River Thames. It lies in a remote Cotswold meadow beneath an elderly ash tree. A standout part of the walk is the Cotswold Water Park, made up of 140 lakes.

Or you can start closer to London at the Shepperton to Teddington section. It’s an easy 10.9-mile (17.4 km), taking you through areas like Hurst Park and Hampton Court Palace. Near Teddington, there are cosy, comfortable B&B HOTELS that are perfect for relaxing after a long walk.

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

The Yorkshire Three Peaks takes it up a level. It’s definitely a hike, not a walk. But we’d say it’s one of the best to tick off your bucket list. The Three Peaks is a 24-mile (38.6 km) round-trip route with a total elevation of 1585 m. Most people do it in a day. It’s called a challenge for a reason.

The Peaks include Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres), and Ingleborough (723 metres). We recommend you follow this route; it’ll take you just under 12 hours.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, but you will need hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of fluids. Thousands of people come to walk this route every year, making it one of the most popular in the UK. And don’t panic; you don’t have to do it all in one day. Plan ahead and break up the route if needed.

We walked part of the South West Coast path a couple of years ago

The South West Coast Path National Trail

The South West Coast Path is simply stunning. It’s the longest national trail in the UK at 630 miles (1,014 km). The beauty of this trail is that you can dip in and out wherever you like. Every section feels different.

If you start in Somerset, you’ll walk through rolling countryside and the dramatic North Devon coastline. Or there’s the Cornwall section, with some of the most postcard-worthy views.

The trail goes through small fishing villages with restaurants that have fresh seafood and cream teas for when you need a break. Some stretches are gentle; others will have your calves burning.

We recommend the section from St Ives to Penzance. It’s 37.5 miles (60.3 km) of pure beauty with a mix of easy paths and steep climbs. There are plenty of places to stay to break up the walk.

Do you have a favourite hiking route in the UK? So many more could have made the list. And there’s never been a better time than now, when the weather is nice, to go and explore.

Have you ever hiked any of these UK trails?