Our Favourite UK Walks

The UK is packed with incredible walking routes, from wild Scottish peaks to gentle English ridges, and each one has its own unique charm. Some walks are all about the challenge, others are perfect for a relaxed day out with friends, and a few are simply made for soaking up jaw-dropping views.

We are sharing a selection of our absolute favourite mountain and hill walks from all corners of the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just fancy stretching your legs somewhere new, there’s a route here to inspire your next adventure. So grab your walking boots, fill your flask, and let’s dive into some of the best walks our beautiful countryside has to offer!

• Location → Southern Highlands, Scotland
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; steep ground and wildlife)
• What’s Special → Known as the “Queen of the Scottish mountains,” Ben Lui boasts five dramatic ridges, a spectacular corrie, and breathtaking summit views.
• Nearby → Beinn a’ Chleibh, Glen Lochy, and rich wildlife.

Ben Lui is a majestic sight, rising gracefully above the surrounding glens. The walk to the summit is a true Highland adventure, with a mixture of forest paths, open moorland, and a final climb up the mountain’s impressive corrie. The views from the top are simply staggering, making it a favourite for walkers who want a real sense of wilderness and grandeur.

• Location → Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; sensitive wildlife and exposed plateau)
• What’s Special → Britain’s second highest mountain, set in a wild, arctic-like plateau with panoramic vistas and rare wildlife.
• Nearby → Cairngorm plateau, Loch Etchachan, possible sightings of golden eagles, ptarmigan, and the legendary “Old Grey Man.”

Ben Macdui sits at the heart of the Cairngorms, surrounded by a vast, open wilderness. The walk is long and remote, crossing high plateaus where you might spot rare mountain birds or even catch a glimpse of the mythical Old Grey Man. On a clear day, the summit panorama is among the finest in Britain, stretching across the wild heart of Scotland.

• Location → Central Highlands, Scotland
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; rare plants and wildlife)
• What’s Special → Highest mountain in the Central Highlands, famous for its rare alpine flora and scenic ridges.
• Nearby → Loch Tay, Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, sightings of red deer and rare birds.

Ben Lawers is a botanist’s dream, home to a remarkable collection of rare mountain plants. The ascent offers sweeping views over Loch Tay and the surrounding peaks, and the ridges are a delight to walk. With wildlife all around and the chance to spot unique flowers, it’s a walk that’s as rewarding for nature lovers as it is for summit baggers.

• Location → Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
• Dog Friendly → Not recommended (scrambling and exposure)
• What’s Special →  Iconic jagged summit, hands-on scrambling, and the famous “Adam and Eve” stones.
• Nearby → Ogwen Valley, Llyn Ogwen, Glyderau range.

Tryfan is a true classic for adventurous walkers, with its rugged, rocky profile and the need for hands-on scrambling. Reaching the summit is a rite of passage, and those brave enough can attempt the leap between the “Adam and Eve” stones. The views are spectacular and the sense of achievement is immense, but it’s a route best saved for those with a head for heights.

• Location → Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
• Dog Friendly → Not recommended (exposed ridges and scrambling)
• What’s Special → The most dramatic way to climb Wales’ highest mountain, featuring the knife-edge Crib Goch ridge.
• Nearby → Llyn Llydaw, Glaslyn, Snowdon summit café.

The Snowdon Horseshoe is an unforgettable circuit for experienced walkers, combining thrilling ridge walking with jaw-dropping scenery. The route over Crib Goch is exposed and airy, offering a real sense of adventure. With multiple summits and spectacular views throughout, it’s a day out that will live long in the memory for those with the skills and confidence to tackle it.

• Location → Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; busy paths and livestock)
• What’s Special → Highest point in southern Britain, with big skies and sweeping green landscapes.
• Nearby → Corn Du, Cribyn, Fan y Big, Taf Fechan Forest.

Pen y Fan is the crowning glory of the Brecon Beacons, and the horseshoe route is a firm favourite among walkers. The paths are well maintained, making it accessible for most, and the views from the summit are simply stunning. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the rolling hills and valleys of South Wales.

• Location → Berwyn Mountains, North East Wales
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; boggy terrain and livestock)
• What’s Special → Highest point in the Berwyns, quieter than Snowdonia, with wild, boggy hills and the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall.
• Nearby → Pistyll Rhaeadr (240ft waterfall), panoramic views over Cheshire, Brecon Beacons, and Snowdonia.

Cadair Berwyn offers a wilder, quieter alternative to the busier peaks of North Wales. The walk takes you through heather moorland and past the dramatic Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The summit views are expansive, and the sense of solitude is a real draw for those looking to escape the crowds.

• Location → Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; steep ground and livestock)
• What’s Special → Distinctive jagged summit, part of the Mourne Wall walk, with views across Ulster.
• Nearby → Mourne Wall, views to the Sperrin Mountains, Narnia inspiration.

Slieve Bearnagh is one of the Mournes’ most recognisable peaks, with its rocky summit tors and sweeping views. The walk follows part of the historic Mourne Wall, adding a sense of history to the adventure. On a clear day, the vistas stretch across Northern Ireland, and the rugged landscape feels truly magical.

• Location → Jurassic Coast, Devon
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; cliffs and livestock)
  What’s Special → Highest point on the south coast, with spectacular coastal views.
• Nearby → Lyme Bay, Chesil Beach, South West Coast Path.

Golden Cap is a stunning coastal walk, with the reward of far-reaching views over the Jurassic Coast. The climb is steep in places, but the panorama from the top is well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Dartmoor and beyond, making this a real highlight of the South West Coast Path.

• Location → Lake District National Park, Cumbria
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; exposed ridges)
• What’s Special → Famous for Striding Edge, one of the UK’s most iconic ridges, and sweeping Lakeland views.
• Nearby → Red Tarn, Glenridding, Ullswater.

Helvellyn is a classic Lakeland fell, and the route via Striding Edge is a rite of passage for many walkers. The ridge is narrow and exposed, offering a real sense of adventure, but the summit rewards you with breathtaking views across the Lake District. It’s a walk that combines drama, beauty, and a real sense of achievement.

• Location → Surrey Hills, South East England
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; woodlands and wildlife)
• What’s Special → Highest point in South East England, with a historic tower and woodland walks.
• Nearby → Leith Hill Tower, Leith Hill Place (historic house), views to London and the Channel.

Leith Hill is a gentle but rewarding climb through beautiful woodlands, especially colourful in autumn and spring. The summit is crowned by Leith Hill Tower, where you can climb the spiral stairs for even wider views. It’s a peaceful spot, rich in history, and perfect for a family day out.

• Location →  Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; livestock and steep ground)
• What’s Special → Highest summit in North Yorkshire, part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and views of Ribblehead Viaduct.
• Nearby → Ribblehead Viaduct, Settle-Carlisle railway, Ingleborough.

Whernside’s long, whale-backed ridge offers a steady climb with fantastic views over the Dales. The route often passes the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, and if you’re lucky you might see a steam train puffing across it. It’s a classic Yorkshire walk, with a real sense of space and history.

• Location →  Lake District National Park, Cumbria
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; popular with families)
• What’s Special → Compact yet rewarding walk, with superb views over Derwentwater and Keswick.
• Nearby → Derwentwater, Keswick, Borrowdale.

Cat Bells is a small mountain with a big reputation. The walk is short and straightforward, making it perfect for families and those new to hill walking. The summit views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells are simply stunning, and the friendly atmosphere on the path makes it one of the Lake District’s most loved walks.

• Location →  Northumberland and Scottish Borders
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; livestock and boggy ground)
• What’s Special → Highest point in Northumberland, historic uplands with far-reaching views and wartime relics.
• Nearby → Remains of a WWII B-17 bomber, views to Lake District and Edinburgh.

The Cheviot is a remote and windswept summit, offering a real sense of solitude. The walk takes you over heather moorland and peat bogs, with views that stretch for miles on a clear day. The remains of a wartime bomber near the summit add a poignant touch to this wild and historic landscape.

• Location →  North Pennines, Cumbria
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; steep drops)
• What’s Special → Dramatic U-shaped glacial valley, known as the “Grand Canyon of the North.”
• Nearby → Pennine Way, Dufton village.

High Cup Nick is a geological marvel, with its vast, steep-sided valley carved out by ancient glaciers. The walk in from Dufton is a steady climb, but the first sight of the valley is truly breathtaking. It’s a wild and windswept spot, perfect for those who love dramatic landscapes and a sense of discovery.

• Location →   Dartmoor National Park, Devon
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; livestock and ponies)
• What’s Special → Granite tor with 360-degree views, rich in archaeology and wildlife.
• Nearby → East Dart River, Bellever Forest, Dartmoor ponies.

Bellever Tor is a classic Dartmoor walk, starting from the peaceful Bellever Forest. The route takes you past ancient archaeological sites and through open moorland, with the chance to spot Dartmoor ponies along the way. The views from the top are wide and wild, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or a moment of quiet reflection.

• Location → Shropshire Hills, West Midlands
• Dog Friendly → Yes (on lead; livestock and wildlife)
• What’s Special → Expansive heathland plateau, sea of purple heather in late summer, and abundant wildlife.
• Nearby → Carding Mill Valley, picnic spots, streams, panoramic views.

The Long Mynd is a vast, rolling plateau, offering a real sense of open space and tranquillity. The walk from Carding Mill Valley is a gentle climb, with streams to splash in and plenty of spots for a picnic. In late summer, the heather turns the hills purple, creating a truly magical scene.

• Location →  Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
• Dog Friendly →  Yes (on lead; livestock and exposed edges)
• What’s Special → Striking rock formations, sweeping views over Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs.
• Nearby → The Wheel Stones, The Salt Cellar, Cakes of Bread, Ladybower Reservoir.

Derwent Edge is a walk through a natural sculpture gallery, with weathered rocks that have been named for their unusual shapes. The route offers panoramic views over the reservoirs and surrounding moorland, making it a real highlight of the Peak District. It’s a walk that combines wild beauty with a sense of fun and discovery.