Popular walking routes

If you’re not sure where to hold your walking event, or you and your friends are looking for something a bit different, then we’ve put together a list of popular walks that we hope will inspire you.

Walks in England

Cotswold Way

Running between Chipping Campden and Bath, the 102 mile long Cotswold Way passes picturesque villages and historic sites as it travels along the Cotswold escarpment.

Find out more about Cotswold Way

Purbeck Plod, Dorset

A strenuous circular route from the sea front in Swanage - great views along the coast going west and panoramic views of the valley back down to Swanage.

Find out more about Purbeck Plod

Macmillan Way, Lincolnshire to Dorset

Walk across Britain coast-to-coast or just the section nearest to where you live, following the course of the oolitic limestone belt.

Find out more about Macmillan Way

Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales

See an awe-inspiring collection of vistas as you pass the dramatic Gordale Scar, climb up to Malham Tarn (Britain’s highest lake), and take in the simple beauty of Janet’s Foss waterfalls.

Find out more about Malham Cove

Offa's Dyke Path, Anglo-Welsh border

Walk part of the 177 mile / 285 km Offa's Dyke Path to explore both spectacular landscapes and the history of the Anglo-Welsh border.

Find out more about Offa's Dyke Path

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Take in the breath-taking scenery of the North Norfolk coastline. This route includes a Roman road, unique Brecks, rolling open farmland, low cliffs, extensive sandy beaches, dunes, and fabulous salt marshes over 93 miles of the two trails.

Find out more about Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

South Downs Way

Running 100 miles between historic Winchester to the white cliffs at Eastbourne, this route takes in the beautiful scenery of the newly-created South Downs National Park. This route provides walkers with the perfect opportunity to get away from it all.

Find out more about South Downs Way

North Downs Way

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims as you journey through inspirational countryside on the North Downs Way National Trail. Steeped in history, this 153-mile route offers spectacular views and peaceful landscapes along the North Downs in Surrey and Kent.

Find out more about North Downs Way

Lane End to Henley, Oxfordshire

A moderately hilly walk through some of the best of the Southern Chilterns scenery, red kite country, visiting three picturesque villages, and finishing down the Hambleden Valley to the Thames, with an optional 3-mile (5 km) riverside extension to Henley.

Find out more about the Lane End to Henley route

Timberland Trail, Bedfordshire

Enjoy a 13-mile circular walk starting at the Forest Centre of Marston Vale and Millennium Country Park; one of the best parks and green spaces in the country. The walk takes you through Marston Moretaine, Lidlington, Milbrook, Ampthill, and Stewartby.

Find out more about the Timberland Trail

Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland

Tackle the most dramatic part of the Great Wall of the North and educate yourself on Britain’s most famous Roman Fort. The views are best admired in the morning sunlight, but avoid the area when it’s raining as the route can be slippy and boggy.

Find out more about the Hadrian's Wall path

Walks in Scotland

The West Highland Way Scotland

Opened in 1980, The West Highland Way is Scotland’s first official long-distance route. This hike, which starts in the outskirts of Glasgow in the lowlands of Scotland and leads walkers to the foot of Ben Nevis in the North of Scotland, is a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Find out more about the West Highland Way

Fife Coastal Path

This fantastic walk runs 117 miles (188 km) along the Scottish east coast. From Kincardine in Fife to Newburgh up on the banks of the River Tay. You can go for the full epic, or take on one of many brilliant sections of this trail.

Find out more about the Fife Coastal Path

Borders Abbeys Way

This 107km circular walk takes in the famous ruined abbeys of The Borders of Scotland. Suitable for all hiking skill levels, the route passes through picturesque towns and crosses some of the best salmon fishing rivers in Scotland.

Find out more about the Borders Abbeys Way

Walks in Wales

Brecon Beacons National Park

This spectacular area of southern Wales is home to some of the best walking you can find. And there are routes for all levels of experience and fitness so you can find one that suits you.

Find out more about walking routes in Brecon Beacons

St David’s Head

This coastal path is the best way to experience the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast on the southwestern tip of Wales. Check out the island-dotted seascape, prehistoric monuments, and a fantastic array of coastal wildlife on this rugged circular walk.

Find out more about the St David's Head coastal walk

Walks in Northern Ireland and Ireland

Causeway Coastal Walk, N.I.

The longer version of the Causeway Coastal Walk is a beautiful 33-mile route along the northern coast of Northern Ireland, from Portstewart to Ballycastle.

Find out more about the Causeway Coastal Walk

The Wicklow Way, Ireland

This fantastic 130km trail runs from Dublin to Clonegal in County Carlow. Passing through mountains, lakes, steep-sided glacial valleys, and forests.

Find out more about The Wicklow Way

Walks in Europe

Pyrenees GR 10 trail, France

This trail is an excellent way to experience the diversity and beautify of the French Pyrenees. There's almost 1,000km  of the trail, so pick a section(s) and adventure your way across the epic route.

Find out more the Pyrenees GR 10 trail

Camino de Santiago

Take on some or all of this legendary pilgrimage route. It's one of the most famous hiking routes in the world and should be considered by anyone looking for hiking trips abroad.

Find out more about the Camino de Santiago

Westweg, Black forest, Germany

One of Germany's most popular walking routes, the Westweg is a 174-mile trail through the northern Black Forest. Take on one of the 12 stages or perhaps an even bigger trip.

Find out more about the Westweg trail

You can find more routes on the National Trail website (England and Wales) or on Walking Scotland.