Wandering about where to go walking in the UK? Here are some of the best places to go hiking in the United Kingdom to experience scenic views from the summits of National Parks and Nature reserves in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Lake District - Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
The UK’s top National Parks for Scenic Walks
Are you looking for the best places to walk in the UK? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best national parks and nature reserves in the UK, perfect for a day of hiking or exploring. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy the wilderness.
1. Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is one of the most popular nature reserves in the UK, with visitors from around the world flocking to its lush, unspoilt landscape. The park, which covers nearly 900 square miles of land in the Northwest of England, is a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike – it’s no wonder they say that the great outdoors improves your mental health, with the views that can be experienced from here.
Home to the largest nature park in England, it is a great destination for scenic walks. From rolling hills to dramatic mountain peaks, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the area on foot. If you’re looking for a challenge, why not take on one of the tallest hills and mountains in the UK? Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and is a popular destination for experienced hikers.
The park is also home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Lake Windermere is England’s largest lake and is surrounded by beautiful fells, forests, and villages. There are many trails to explore, both easy and challenging, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or a more strenuous hike, there’s something for everyone in the Lake District National Park.
2. Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the best hiking places in the UK and is home to some of the tallest hills and mountains to be discovered in England. It's a huge area of unspoilt nature with vast areas of meadows, limestone pavement, and waterfalls. This national park is an ideal destination for scenic walks and provides some of the most popular nature reserves in the UK.
The most impressive landscapes in the park are the limestone gorges that stretch out through the rugged countryside. Within the park, there is a wide range of activities available, such as mountain biking, pony trekking, canoeing, and fishing. There are plenty of small villages within the park which offer a range of accommodations, pubs, and cafes.
For walkers, there is an abundance of paths leading to stunning views of the hills and valleys, making it one of the best places to go for a nature-filled walk. There are trails suitable for all ages and abilities, so you can explore this beautiful part of the country at your own pace.
This national park is one of the best places to visit in the UK during summer if you're looking for stunning views and unspoilt natural areas in the UK. With its impressive limestone gorges and a plethora of activities, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is an ideal destination for a peaceful and memorable trip.
3. Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park is in the Northeast of England and is one of the largest national parks in the UK. This park is full of rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and mountains, making it an ideal spot for those looking for some peace and tranquillity.
The highest point in the park is the Cheviot Hills, standing at 815 metres, which makes it one of the tallest hills and mountains in the UK. It's also home to Hadrian's Wall and Kielder Forest, making it a great place to explore history as well as nature.
The park is one of the best places to go for scenic walks in the UK, with its unspoilt nature areas offering plenty of opportunities to get out into the wild. Whether you want to take a stroll along Hadrian's Wall or hike up a mountain peak, you'll find something here to suit all tastes.
For those who prefer a more relaxed day out, Northumberland National Park offers plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax in its many quiet corners. From peaceful lakeside strolls to forest walks and picnics by the river, this national park has something for everyone, especially if you’re seeking that slow-living lifestyle.
4. Peak District National Park
Situated in the heart of England, Peak District National Park is one of the most popular national parks and unspoilt natural areas in the UK and is one of the best summit hikes in the West Midlands to experience. Home to a wealth of ancient monuments, it is also one of the most visited sites in the country, with over 8 million people visiting each year. It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, horse-riding, orienteering and climbing.
The Peak District is particularly known for its stunning scenery and panoramic views. Its varied terrain and landscapes make it an ideal location for scenic walks and hikes, with opportunities for a variety of different experiences. There are plenty of well-marked trails to explore, as well as off-the-beaten-track paths for more adventurous visitors.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Peak District also has a wealth of cultural attractions to explore. From picturesque villages and historic sites to lively markets and vibrant towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is also home to some of the UK's most famous attractions, such as Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, so there are plenty of things to do near the Peak District National Park if you are exploring the area.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, Peak District National Park is a great place to go for scenic walks in the UK. With its stunning landscapes and diverse attractions, it's no wonder it's one of the most popular national parks in England.
5. Snowdonia National Park
One of the most popular national parks in the UK for tourists and locals alike is Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. This spectacular area is a great place to go for scenic walks and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United Kingdom. With towering mountain peaks, picturesque lakes, and lush forests, it is easy to see why so many people come here to explore.
The highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon, is located within the park and offers stunning views from the summit. There are many other trails available to explore, from gentle strolls along the coastline to more challenging hikes up Mount Snowdon. There are also several small villages within the park where you can get a taste of local Welsh culture.
If you're looking for a great place to spend a day exploring nature, then Snowdonia National Park is the place to go. If you’re visiting on a staycation, there are many things to do in North Wales to keep you entertained besides hiking to experience the magnificent panoramic views.
6. Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park is in Wales and is one of the most beautiful places to go for scenic walks in the UK. Covering 520 square miles, it includes the Black Mountain, Fforest Fawr and the Brecon Beacons Mountain range. The highest point is Pen y Fan at 886 meters. This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild ponies, red kites, and otters. The landscape is also full of amazing historical sites such as Iron Age hillforts, standing stones and Bronze Age burial cairns.
There are plenty of activities to do in Brecon Beacons National Park, whether you are a beginner or an experienced outdoor enthusiast. You can enjoy walking trails, horse riding, cycling, and kayaking. You can even explore caves, rock-climbing routes, and high-level trails, perfect for an adventurous day out.
If you're looking for something a little different, you could go on a star-gazing tour or attend one of the many events held in the park throughout the year. With its dark skies, the Brecon Beacons National Park is an ideal place for stargazing and night photography.
For those looking for a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campsites and holiday cottages in the area to choose from. From majestic mountains to peaceful meadows and rolling hills, Brecon Beacons National Park offers something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a tranquil escape or an action-packed adventure, this is one of the best national parks in England to visit.
7. Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park is one of the most popular places to go for scenic walks in the UK. Located in the southwest of England, this national park is an upland area that covers an area of 368 square miles and contains some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. It is home to stunning rolling hills, craggy moorland, and dramatic tors (rock formations) that make up a unique landscape that is rich in culture and history.
The park is full of interesting wildlife, making it a great place for nature enthusiasts. Bird watchers can spot birds like peregrine falcons and skylarks, while keen-eyed observers might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of wild ponies and Dartmoor sheep. The landscape also hosts many archaeological sites, including some Neolithic stone circles and Bronze Age settlements.
For those who want to explore on foot, there are plenty of walking routes to choose from. Popular routes include Two Moors Way, a long-distance path that stretches between Devon and Dorset, and Dartmoor Way, a circular trail around the perimeter of the park. For something shorter, take a stroll across the open moors or traverse some of the wide tracks and paths through the lush valleys. Dartmoor also offers some excellent cycling routes, with plenty of options for experienced and novice cyclists alike.
8. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
One of the most beautiful places to go for scenic walks in Wales is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This breathtaking park spans over 200 miles of coastline and is a haven for wildlife. It is a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs, spectacular beaches, and secluded bays, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
Several coastal paths take you around the park and offer views of the dramatic sea cliffs, as well as stunning views of the Irish Sea. The park also boasts some fantastic trails in the interior, including heathlands, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. Visitors can also explore the historical remains of St David's, an ancient monastery located within the park.
With its incredible natural beauty, it's no wonder that this park is one of the top-rated places to go for scenic walks and is considered one of the best beach staycation destinations in the UK.
9. Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is a stunning place to visit for scenic walks in the UK. From the winding, craggy hills to the pristine lochs, this is a place of unrivalled beauty. Whether you’re after gentle strolls or more strenuous hikes, there are plenty of trails to explore in the region.
One of the most famous destinations for a Highland walk is Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. You can take the well-marked mountain path to the summit and marvel at the rugged landscape below. Alternatively, take a stroll along one of the many lochside paths, where you can enjoy tranquil waters and stunning views.
The Cairngorms National Park is also an ideal spot for those looking for where to go for scenic walks in the UK. With several trails weaving through pine forests and across rugged terrain, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your tastes. The park is also home to a wealth of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, wildcats, and ospreys!
The Great Glen Way is another top option if you’re looking for an adventure in Scotland. This long-distance walking trail runs for 79 miles between Fort William and Inverness. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque lochs, mountains, and forests.
No matter where you decide to travel in the Scottish Highlands, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. So don’t miss out on the chance to explore this incredible area.
10. New Forest National Park
Another top hiking site in the UK to add to the list that can be found in Southern England is the New Forest National Park. This protected area is more than 220 square miles in size, and it features a variety of heathland, woodland, and wetland ecosystems and spans several counties, including Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset.
In 2005, the area now known as the New Forest was officially recognised as a national park, making it one of the youngest in the United Kingdom. The New Forest, despite its name, was established by William the Conqueror more than 900 years ago as a royal hunting ground, and so there are many interesting facts about the New Forest in Hampshire to be discovered. There is also a diverse array of animals, from deer and ponies to birds and reptiles, living in the park.
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching are just some of the things that visitors to New Forest National Park can do. The park features several quaint villages, historic sites, and cultural attractions, such as the Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Buckler's Hard Maritime Museum.
The New Forest is known for its semi-wild ponies, which are free to roam the park. These ponies originate from the same breed of horse that served in William the Conqueror's army during the Norman Invasion.
To sum up, the New Forest National Park is a stunning and historically significant area of England that welcomes tourists to explore its pristine wilderness and rich history and should certainly be considered when you are craving scenic places to hike in the UK.