The Best Destinations for a UK Walking Holiday

By Tony Maniscalco

Edge of the Kinder Plateau (Peak District) from the Pennine Way
© Copyright Peter Barr

With worldwide trekking growing ever more popular, it's easy to forget that some of the world's finest walking country and most beautiful peaks are located just on your doorstep. The mountains of the UK may not be able to match the Alps or the Himalaya for size and sheer spectacle, but they provide breathtaking vistas and enjoyable routes for walkers of all levels of experience.



Profiled below are four of the best regions to take a UK walking holiday. Whether you are looking for gentle day walks or tough peak-to-peak challenges, each of these regions provides some of the finest hiking in the United Kingdom.

Scottish Highlands

Ben Nevis from Corpach
© Copyright TheTurfBurner

Harsh and rugged, the Scottish Highlands are also home to the biggest peaks and toughest challenges for a UK walking holiday. Adventurous walkers and climbers are often drawn to the Munroes, a series of almost 300 mountains in the Highlands that are over 3000 feet in height, but walkers of all levels can enjoy excellent walking in the highlands. Fort William and Aviemore are centres of hiking and climbing in Scotland, with most of the major peaks and routes accessible from one or the other.

Highest Peak: Ben Nevis (1,344 metres)

Best Route: The West Highland Way is the classic walking route in Scotland, running from Milngavie to Fort William and taking in innumerable Highland highlights along the way.

Lake District

The Scafell Range and Great Gable (Lake District)

© Copyright Peter Skipworth

The Lake District is perhaps the most beautiful destination for UK walking holidays. Located in the North West of England, the mixture of mountains, valleys and deep lakes has been beloved by hikers and poets alike for centuries, most notably providing inspiration for William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets. It also contains the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike.

Highest Peak: Scafell Pike (978 metres)

Best Route: The Wainwright Memorial Walk. Designed by Arthur Wainwright, this spectacular, 102 mile walk hits every highlight in the Lakes; a classic UK walking holiday.

Click here to read our separate blog post on Walking in the Lake District

Peak District

Despite the name, the Peak District is a landscape of gentle hills rather than dramatic peaks, and is perfect for light hiking in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of England, the Peak District is also notable for its accessibility from Manchester and Sheffield.

Highest Peak: Kinder Scout (636 metres)

Best Route: The High Peak Trail. Following the line of an old railway, this 17 mile trail offers enjoyable walking and outstanding views out across the Peak District.

Snowdonia

The Llanberis Path, Snowdon
© Copyright Jeff Beck

The adventure playground of Wales, Snowdonia is a truly stunning place to visit on a UK walking holiday. Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, stands at the centre of this region, but it is a treasure trove of outstanding peaks that includes Tryfan, Cader Idris and Cnicht amongst the highlights. For a balance of high peaks and dramatic scenery, it is hard to beat Snowdonia.

Highest Peak: Snowdon (1085 metres)

Best Route: The 15 Peaks. Not one for the faint hearted, this challenging walk takes in every Welsh peak over 3000 metres high. It can be completed in a single day, though you'd be better advised to tackle it in a couple of stages to enjoy the scenery along the way.

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About the Author
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest UK walking holidays at the best value prices.

The photographs in this post are licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence