8 UK Hiking Routes Worth Planning a Weekend Around

Discover eight of the UK's best hiking routes, from gentle lakeside walks to mountain adventures, and find inspiration for your next active weekend break. 

There is something satisfying about exploring a destination on foot. A landscape doesn’t just lead to a good view at the end - it uncovers wildlife, history and sights that are easily missed when just driving past. All over the UK there are trails for every experience, from gentle walks to challenging mountain climbs, each offering a new perspective on places.

Whether you are just looking for a day hike during a weekend break, or wanting to plan an active holiday, these eight routes are definitely worth adding to the list.

1. Cat Bells, Lake District

The Lake District is famous for its beautiful scenery, and few hikes capture its beauty quite like Cat Bells. Rising just above the western shore of Derwentwater, Cat Bells is often a recommended hike to introduce fell walks in the Lake District. The route is deemed easy and suitable for families as it is relatively short, but the 360° summit rewards walkers with sweeping views across Derwentwater towards Keswick.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.5 miles

Time: 2 - 3 hours

2. Seven Sisters, East Sussex

Stretching between Seaford and Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters hike is a 13-mile coastal trail, offering stunning chalk cliffs, sea views and iconic landmarks such as Belle Tout Lighthouse. Walking between Seaford and Eastbourne takes approximately 6 and a half hours, however a shorter route is possible. Walks from Birling Gap to Cuckmere Haven are available for those seeking a shorter hike, taking approximately 2 - 3 hours.

While there aren’t any steep mountain ascents, the repeated climbs make this walk challenging. Along the hike, you’ll get to view the dramatic coastline of the South Downs National Park, with the opportunity to stop at viewpoints overlooking Beachy Head Lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Distance: 13 miles

Time: 3 - 6.5 hours

3. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Old Man of Storr is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Located on the Trotternish Ridge, the Old Man of Storr is a striking 55-metre-high rock pinnacle formed by ancient volcanic activity and landslides. The climb is steady throughout the hike, but the reward is high with spectacular views across the Isle of Skye and the surrounding mountains. The site is visible from miles around, including from the mainland, making it a prominent feature for people in the surrounding area.

Arriving early in the morning often rewards hikers with quieter paths and a beautiful sunrise across the landscape, making it a favourite for photographers.

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

Distance: 1.5 - 3 miles

Time: 1.5 - 3 hours

4. Pen y Fan, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Wales

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain and one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK. This makes it a favourite for walkers looking to complete their first mountain summit.

On the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, hikers can get to see beautiful sights such as Henrhyd Falls. This waterfall cascades for 90 feet and people have access to walk behind it. Fans of the film Batman may recognise the setting as the lead actor in the film, Christian Bale, can be seen disappearing behind this waterfall to enter the bat cave.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4 - 7 miles

Time: 2.5 - 4 hours

5. The South West Coast Path, England

The South West Coast Path is the country’s longest National Trail, stretching for 630 miles. Whether you want to walk the full route, taking roughly 6 - 8 weeks, or do just one section, you’ll get some striking views regardless of the section you walk. Stretching from Minehead in Somerset to Poole on the Jurassic Coast, this hike passes through some of the country’s best coastal spots.

Hikers can experience dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, fishing villages and some of the finest coastal scenery that England has to offer. The stretch between St Ives and Zennor is particularly popular for its Atlantic views and rugged coastline.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Distance: 630 miles total

Time: Dependent on the route chosen

6. Glencoe Lost Valley, Scottish Highlands

Hidden between steep mountains, waterfalls and incredible scenery, the Lost Valley hike is a popular short but rewarding hike. The trail is mostly uphill making it challenging for beginners but is only moderately difficult as it is done usually in less than 3 hours.

According to local history, Clan MacDonald once used the secluded valley to hide stolen cattle, giving the route its memorable name.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.5 miles

Time: 2 - 3 hours

7. Tryfan, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Tryfan is known as one of the most recognisable peaks in Britain, standing at over 3,000 feet. During this hike, there is a lot of hands-on scrambling across exposed rocks due to being no straightforward path to the summit, making it an exciting trail for experienced hikers.

Making your way up the summit, don’t forget to take the opportunity to take the scenery in. It is not unusual to spot wildlife such as mountain goats strolling their way over the rocky slopes

The summit is marked by the famous Sion a Siân, translated to Adam and Eve, which presents people with the challenge of leaping from one to the other in order to gain ‘the free of Tryfan’ - please be aware this should be done at your own risk and undertake carefully if doing so.

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 7 - 9 miles

Time: 3 - 5 hours

8. Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Linking Ballycastle and Portstewart, the Causeway Coast Way is a scenic hike featuring sights like the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, depending on the section you choose. People looking for an easier trail can walk just a section of this such as doing Ballycastle to Ballintoy which takes around 3 hours 20 minutes.

This hike is a perfect choice for those looking to combine stunning scenery with some of Northern Island’s most famous sights.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Distance: 33 miles total

Time: 2 - 3 days

Packing Essentials for Any Hike:

• Appropriate walking boots with good grip
• Sun protection
• Extra layers, even in the summer
• A first aid kit
• Offline navigation such as a map
• Water and snacks
• A phone with a portable power bank

Staying nearby your chosen route gives you the opportunity to start early to avoid rushes and spend more time enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether you heading up to the Scottish Highlands or the Welsh Mountains, Book It Please makes it easy to find accommodation to some of the UK’s most rewarding walking routes.

Find your hotel at bookitplease.com

Looking for more travel guides? Check out our complete guides to things to do throughout the year, plus insider tips on the best neighbourhoods to stay in, top restaurants, and discover areas only locals know about.