Long Distance Walks UK: Best Trails, Maps & Planning Tips
Long Distance Walks UK: Best Trails, Maps & Planning Tips
You’re ready to go beyond day walks, but picking the right UK long-distance route—and planning it well—can be daunting. Coast or mountains? Three days or two weeks? How hard is it really, which maps or apps do you need, when’s the best season, and what about accommodation, baggage transfers and safety? If you’re short on time and want clear, trusted guidance to choose a trail that fits your fitness, calendar and love of scenery, this guide is for you.
Below you’ll find a curated shortlist of standout UK long-distance walks (National Trails and classic LDPs), each with distance, difficulty, highlights, “who it’s for” and essential links. Then we’ll cover how to choose the right route and timing, navigation made simple with OS maps and GPX, plus logistics, training and safety. We finish with a practical kit checklist and handy links to gear that goes the distance. Ready to plan your walk? Start here.
1. Take a Hike UK: gear to go the distance
What it is
Take a Hike UK is your one‑stop kit room for multi‑day adventures, blending outdoor gear, smart trail tech and comfortable activewear for long‑distance walking. Get free delivery over £50, 12/6 support and 14‑day returns, so you can order with confidence.
Who it's for
We kit out first‑timers and seasoned walkers tackling long distance walks UK, from weekend sections to full National Trails. If you prefer reliable basics plus lightweight gadgets that genuinely earn their place in your pack, you’re in the right spot.
Essentials and links
Start with these trail essentials, then browse Camping, Tech and Gear on site.
- Backpacks & layers: Dialled fit, weatherproof shells, quick‑dry tees.
- Sleep & camp: Warm sleeping bags, compact mats, portable showers.
- Trail tech: Smart water bottles, mini cameras, phone gimbals.
- Hydration & safety: Smart bottles, first aid and emergency items.
2. West Highland Way, Scotland
Scotland’s signature long-distance walk with big scenery. A classic among long distance walks UK that delivers Highlands drama without faff.
What it is
At 155 km/96 miles, it links lochside paths with old droving and military roads. You’ll pass the shores of Loch Lomond and finish beneath Ben Nevis.
Who it's for
Ideal for a first Scottish multi‑day without scrambling. Also suits confident hikers chasing a swift, iconic point‑to‑point with reliable services en route.
Essentials and links
Key facts to plan quickly. Keep it simple.
- Distance: 155 km / 96 miles
- Best time: Late March to early October
- Highlights: Loch Lomond, historic routes underfoot, views toward Ben Nevis
3. Coast to Coast Path, England
A legendary sea‑to‑sea crossing and one of the most loved long distance walks UK offers. Coast to coast, it strings iconic landscapes together without technicalities.
What it is
309 km/192 miles, originated by Alfred Wainwright. It links the Irish Sea to the North Sea through the Lake District, Pennines and North York Moors.
Who it's for
For fit walkers after a first cross‑England trail on varied ground. You’ll need decent stamina for back‑to‑back days.
Essentials and links
Key facts to plan quickly.
- Distance: 309 km / 192 miles
- Best time: Late spring–early autumn
- Highlights: Lake District, Pennines, North York Moors; Wainwright heritage
4. South West Coast Path, England
England’s longest coastal trail and a giant of long distance walks UK, serving clifftops, coves and characterful seaside villages day after day.
What it is
A 1,014 km/630 mile National Trail famed for Cornwall’s beaches, rugged cliffs and the ever‑present Atlantic.
Who it's for
For coast lovers trading mountains for sea air; walk a classic Cornish section or tackle the full multi‑week end‑to‑end.
Essentials and links
- Distance: 1,014 km / 630 miles
- Best time: Late March–October
- Highlights: Cornwall’s beaches, rugged cliffs, fishing villages, pirates/shipwrecks, roaring sea; scenery can feel ‘tropical’.
5. Hadrian’s Wall Path, England
A history‑soaked favourite among long distance walks UK, this trail pairs gentle, rolling walking with big Roman storytelling. Expect milecastles, forts and open country stitched together with lively city bookends.
What it is
A 133 km/83 mile National Trail in Northern England, mixing rural heights in Northumberland with parkland and town paths, plus excellent heritage stops.
Who it's for
Perfect for first multi‑day walkers and history lovers who want varied but manageable stages with plenty to see between stops.
Essentials and links
Key facts to plan quickly.
- Distance: 133 km / 83 miles
- Best time: April–early October (June often the sunniest)
- Highlights: Roman forts and museums; variety from Newcastle cityscapes to Carlisle; rugged moorland to the green Eden Valley
6. Offa’s Dyke Path, Wales/England
An ancient-border classic, this Wales–England traverse blends farmed valleys, airy ridges and ruins—a timeless pick among long distance walks UK for variety and history without technical terrain.
What it is
285 km/177 miles following Offa’s Dyke across fields, windswept ridges, infant rivers and historic sites, threading rural paths with characterful border towns.
Who it's for
For walkers with solid fitness seeking quieter days, steady ups and downs, and rich heritage over a multi‑week journey.
Essentials and links
- Distance: 285 km / 177 miles
- Best time: April–September
- Highlights: Patchwork fields, open ridges, border market towns; hedgerows, oak woods and hay meadows; castles and abbeys
7. Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
Wave‑cut cliffs, sweeping beaches and colourful harbours make this one of the most photogenic long distance walks UK fans can choose. Expect big sea views, seabirds and a fresh horizon around every headland.
What it is
A celebrated Welsh coastal route tracing cliff tops and coves through Pembrokeshire’s classic seaside scenery. Waymarked paths link sandy bays, rugged headlands and characterful towns with regular opportunities for short, memorable stages.
Who it's for
Perfect for coast lovers, photographers and wildlife spotters who prefer rolling, non‑technical terrain. Good for first multi‑day coastal trips or section walkers building stamina with undulating ups and downs.
Essentials and links
- Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, pocket harbours, wide sea vistas
- Terrain: Undulating cliff paths with steps; exposed to weather
- Good to know: Easy to split into shorter day sections between coastal towns
8. Pennine Way, England/Scotland
The original National Trail and a rite‑of‑passage among long distance walks UK. Wild, windy, wonderfully remote.
What it is
Stretching 268 miles (429 km) from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, it links the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. It grazes Hadrian’s Wall and crosses the Cheviots into Scotland.
Who it's for
Best for experienced hikers ready for long, exposed upland days and some bog. Often rated one of the hardest National Trails; solitude and big‑sky moorland repay the effort.
Essentials and links
- Distance: 268 miles / 429 km
- Best time: Late spring–early autumn
- Highlights: Peaks, Dales, North Pennines, Hadrian’s Wall, Cheviots
9. South Downs Way, England
Gentle chalk downs, skyline paths and a breezy coastal finish make this one of the most approachable long distance walks UK hikers can choose. Expect big horizons, spring flowers and heritage underfoot as ancient trackways thread dew ponds, ring forts and quiet villages across a rolling, waymarked ridge.
What it is
A 161 km/100 mile chalk downs traverse on old droving roads and bridleways with far‑reaching views and a white‑cliff finale around the Seven Sisters. The walking is steady rather than technical, with frequent access points and services.
Who it's for
Perfect for first‑timers, fast‑packers and anyone chasing longer days on forgiving terrain. Well‑spaced towns, rail links and clear waymarking make section‑walking or a swift through‑hike refreshingly simple.
Essentials and links
Key facts to plan quickly.
- Distance: 161 km / 100 miles
- Best time: Mid‑March to October (longer days, generally drier spells)
- Highlights: Rolling chalk ridges, Seven Sisters views, dew ponds, prehistoric earthworks, classic South Downs villages
10. How to choose the right route and best time
What it is
A simple framework to match your fitness, calendar and interests to the right long-distance route. Use the seasons, terrain and services to shortlist, then sanity‑check against official sources for distances, waymarking and maps before you book.
Who it's for
Perfect for first‑timers stepping up to long distance walks UK and experienced hikers optimising comfort, scenery and logistics. It helps you choose between coast, upland or heritage‑rich trails and pick a realistic window to walk them.
Essentials and links
Start broad, then get specific with trusted planning resources.
- Pick your theme: Coast views, mountain drama or Roman/medieval history.
- Match the season: Most routes run well late March/April to early October; southerly trails often open earlier.
- Check difficulty signals: Daily ascent, remoteness, exposure, surface (moor, cliff path, track).
- Confirm waymarking: Many National Trails are shown with OS map “diamonds” (LDWA flags routes not marked).
- Verify distances and stages: Use National Trails and the LDWA LDPs database for official route info and map lists.
- Plan access: Rail/bus to start/finish; consider section‑walking if time is tight.
- Book ahead where popular: Busy coastal stretches and holiday weeks fill fast.
- Support options: Baggage transfer and frequent towns make some routes beginner‑friendly.
11. Maps, apps and waymarking: navigation made simple
What it is
A no‑nonsense navigation setup for long distance walks UK: paper OS maps for context, trusted GPX for accuracy, and clear expectations about waymarking. Use official route map lists and track logs so you’re never guessing between junctions.
Who it's for
Beginners who want confidence from day one and experienced hikers who like belt‑and‑braces. Section walkers using public transport get the most from reliable GPX and offline mapping when timings are tight.
Essentials and links
Set up your nav before you leave, then carry a simple backup. The LDWA LDP database and National Trails sites list maps; LDWA members can download many track logs for routes not marked with OS “diamonds”.
- Paper + compass: Carry the relevant OS sheets; route pages include map lists.
- Offline GPX: Import official tracks; LDWA offers members’ track logs for many routes.
- Waymarking check: Many trails are mapped with OS “diamonds”; verify status before you go.
- Power plan: Airplane mode, a power bank and a weatherproof phone pouch keep nav alive.
12. Logistics, training and safety: plan for success
What it is
A practical blueprint to turn inspiration into a smooth trip: build a realistic itinerary, sort beds and bags, train smart for back‑to‑back days and carry a simple safety plan. It works for National Trails and classic LDPs across the long distance walks UK scene.
Who it's for
Ideal for first‑timers who want fewer unknowns, and experienced hikers chasing stress‑free miles. Solo, duo or group—use this to keep your days repeatable and your decisions simple when the weather turns.
Essentials and links
Lock in the moving parts early, then control the controllables with a short checklist you actually use.
- Itinerary reality check: Set daily distances you can repeat; add a buffer day.
- Beds and bags: Pre‑book busy stages; consider baggage transfer to lighten the load.
- Transport: Confirm start/finish rail or bus times; have a Plan B exit point mid‑route.
- Training: Do back‑to‑back hikes with your pack; practise fuelling, pacing and foot care.
- Weather and tides: Check forecasts; on coastal routes, note tide times for beach/estuary sections.
- Navigation backup: Carry OS paper maps plus offline GPX and a charged power bank.
- Safety basics: Tell someone your plan, time‑check turn‑backs, pack first aid and warm layers.
- Route updates: Use National Trails and the LDWA LDPs pages, and confirm key items with route promoters as some data can date.
Ready to plan your walk
With the routes, seasons, nav and logistics sorted, you’re a decision or two away from lacing up. Choose your trail, pencil realistic daily distances, book beds (and bags if you like), grab the right OS sheets/GPX, and do a couple of back‑to‑back practice days. Then pack light, check the forecast and go make the miles. For kit that earns its place in your pack—packs, layers, sleep systems and smart trail tech—browse Take a Hike UK. Free delivery over £50 and friendly support make getting trail‑ready simple. See you out there.
