Image – John Millen: The trails on England’s famous Coast to Coast walk

By Angela Parajo of Walkers’ Britain

5 Iconic UK Trails for Walking or Cycling Enthusiasts

From windswept coastal paths to British countryside lanes, here are some top UK trails to walk this summer.

Ever noticed how almost every trail in the UK is tied to a great literary piece or legend? It certainly sets the stage for a path of rich histories and stories of adventure when exploring its windswept coastal ways and charming countryside lanes.

And with those long summer days stretching between June and August, it’s an ideal time to explore on foot UK’s national parks and remote landscapes where moors are adorned with vibrant bell heather.

Explore five iconic UK walking trails on your next European holiday.

The Coast to Coast, England

Hike the width of England on Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk, dubbed one of the World’s Great Walks.

Traversing three national parks, there is so much variety to this British National Trail with historic sites, moorland ridges, woodland footpaths, limestone crags and quaint towns in between.

The classic 190+ mile (309.3km) route generally takes over two weeks to walk, making it a commendable challenge, but it can be completed in sections. Starting from the Irish Sea coast, walkers are invited to dip their boots in the sea to mark the beginning of their journey. While you’re there, grab a stone to later drop in Robin Hood’s Bay as a traditional conclusion to the trail’s end before heading to Bay Hotel Pub for a celebratory pint and bite.

While some days are long and steep, you can enjoy a pack-free walk with active holiday specialist Walkers’ Britain, who take care of luggage transfers, route logistics, and organise cosy B&Bs stays.

South West Coastal Path, Cornwall

Image – John Millen: Hike along Cape Cornwall on the Cornish Coastal Path

Wildflowers, sea stacks and the potential to encounter fascinating fauna keeps the UK’s longest National Trail endlessly interesting.

Also known as England’s ‘Salt Path’, the 1014 km trail officially starts at Minehead, though it is common to split the path into bite-sized sections; completing one or two legs at a time or selecting some of the finest segments to walk or cycle.

A magnet to incredible views, the South West Coastal Path offers something for every kind of walker. From famous Cornish pasties to beaches, roaring seas to shipwrecks, and the chance to witness the north coast painted with vibrant hues of heather and gorse over summer. It’s no surprise that it’s voted Britain’s favourite holiday region.


Cycling North & South Lake District

Explore the first National Park in the UK to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status on two wheels, allowing you to travel further and take in the north and southern areas in less than a week.

Between market villages, you’ll find forest hills, rugged moorland, Georgian architecture, and numerous opportunities to enjoy tranquil lakeside views, including one of the Lake District’s most stunning spots, Ullswater Lake.

Take a circular route on a unique e-bike itinerary devised by Walkers’ Britain.

An e-bike is a great way to discover the Lake District scenery in a manageable way with ample time to visit sights, take a walk and enjoy leisurely lunch breaks.

Hadrian’s Wall

There’s the classic Camino de Santiago, the Japanese Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and then there’s England’s unofficial pilgrimage along the world’s largest Roman artefact, Hadrian’s Wall.

Stretching over 84 miles (135km) across Northern England, completing this historical journey on foot or by bike allows you to uncover the remnants of Roman history and remarkable archaeological sites such as the intriguing “Milecastles” through pastoral scenes.

Considered one of the best ways to explore a British cultural icon, visitors can’t ignore the warm hospitality of country B&Bs infused with their own unique charm and personality.

The Cotswold Way

Image – Jay Houhlias: The distinct limestone brick of the Cotswolds

For those seeking to travel at a more relaxed pace, the picturesque countryside of rural England beckons. The Cotswold’s landscape is quintessentially English and an easy reach from London, with gentle hill walking options to take in the day’s sights. The scenery has captivated writers for generations, stirring the imagination of Jane Austen, and has been celebrated by poets such as T. S. Eliot.

Picture rolling hills meet with Roman villas, and unspoilt woodland meets Iron Age hill forts. This UK National Trail offers opportunities to walk in history’s footsteps, indulge in British fare, and explore scenic towns.

Feeling inspired? Find your next active UK escape at https://www.walkersbritain.co.uk/. Walkers’ Britain is a UK and European active holiday specialist with more than 50 decades of experience developing self-guided and escorted hotel based itineraries in over 25 countries.