If you’re looking for an adventure, then there is nothing better than hiking up mountains and exploring unknown territory. Better yet, you do not have to fly across the world for this adventure. The UK has a huge amount of hiking trails so there will never be a shortage of adventure. Whether it’s a stroll through the countryside or a determined trek with a lot of ups and downs, chances are you’ll find exactly the trail you want without having to get on a plane to a different continent.
The Coast to Coast Walk
Length: 182 miles
Average time to complete: 12-14 days
Highlights: Lakeland Valleys, Richmond, North Yorkshire Moors
If you’re looking to go exploring why not try the Coast to Coast Walk in Northern England. It is a 182 mile trek which takes you from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bays in North Yorkshire where you have the opportunity to pass through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors. This is one hike you would not want to do alone so why not make it interesting by bringing a group of your friends. The Coast to Coast Walk is one of the UK’s popular hikes and is highly recommended if you’re looking to complete an ultimate bucket list.
The West Highland Way
Length: 96 miles
Average time to complete: 7-9 days
Highlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe
The West Highland Way takes you from Milngavie which is on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William. The West Highland Way has been described as one the most beautiful places to go hiking as you will pass remote locations by the Rannoch Moor and bask in the inspiring sights of the Western Highland mountains. Though there are accommodations in the area it is best to camp out as you will fully explore and experience nature at its finest.
The Thames Path
Length: 184 miles
Average time to complete: 12-14 days
Highlights: Following the most iconic river in the UK
Though the Thames Path may not be the most exciting trek or the most challenging in the UK, it offers an ultimate walking experience as you follow what can be said to be the most iconic river in the UK. This path starts from London but ends at the Kemble in Gloustershire. There’s plenty of accommodation and restaurants along the way making this is one hiking trip best done alone or with a partner. This is a calm and relaxing hike which allows you to take in the scenery.
Glyndwr’s Way
Length: 135 miles
Average time to complete: 9-11 days
Highlights: The trek into Machynlleth, views over the Cambrian Mountains, Llyn Clywed
Named after Owain Glydwr; the last Prince of Wales, Glyndwr’s Way is a 135 hike that shall take you through what can be said to be the most magnificent scenery in Wales. The hike starts in Kingston on the English border and cuts through the farmland and forests of Montgomeryshire Canal in Welhpool. Make sure you are fully equipped as this hike has numerous hill climbs so would be best for the most experienced hikers.
Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Length: 600 miles
Average time to complete: 9-11 days
Unfortunately unlike the name you will not be seeing any lizards; however you shall be experiencing what can be said to be Britain’s most spectacular coastline, complete with exotic plants, rugged caves and an endless blue sea. You will have an amazing trek down the Lizard Peninsula which makes up 600 miles of South West Coast Path.
Helvellyn, Lake District
Length: 9.8 miles
Average time to complete: 5-6 hours
Highlights: Lake District
Helvellyn is not the highest peak in the Lake District but it has been called the most romantic. If you looking for a hike made for just two this is the place to be as it is a popular location for walkers across all walks of life and love birds. Helvellyn not only has beautiful sites it has been said to be for those who are much more experience hiker as the hills and edges are sharp needing skill and precision.
Tryfan, Snowdonia
Length: 3.3 miles
Average time to complete: 2 hours
Highlights : Llyn Ogwen ,Bochlwyd Buttress Snowdonia can be said to be one of the most difficult hikes however its serrated, slate-lined peaks are said to carter for a range of abilities. Most importantly Tryfan is home to the only mountain on the British mainland. This famous north ridge route is far less intimidating once you arrive at the top as there is a five foot leap between the iconic Adam and Eve Rocks but once completed, you will feel like true mountaineer.
>South West Coast Path
Length: 630 miles
Average time to complete: 8 weeks
Highlights: Jurassic Coast, Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape
Last but not least, the South West Coast Path can be said to be the longest trail in England. The South West Coast Path is known to be a rough route for any hiker however it presents many awesome views into the many coves and bays. The beginning of this hike starts in; Minehead, Somerset and finishes in Poole Harbour, Dorset and take you through two World Heritage sites: The Jurassic Coast and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscapes, making this an ultimate adventure for any explorer. The trail is quite difficult walking with plenty of ups and downs and it has been calculated that the total height gain over the 630 miles is 35,031 meters which is almost four times the height of Mount Everest !
If you’re planning on coming to the UK to take on a hike, or visiting the UK to study or just for a holiday, check out StudentUniverse for student and youth discounts on flights, hotels and tours to ensure your trip is as cheap as possible.
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