The best long distance walks in the UK include the Hadrian’s Wall walk, the 190‑mile Coast to Coast Walk, the Cotswold Way, the South West Coast Path (Jurassic Coast section), and the Causeway Coastal Trek in Northern Ireland.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic long‑distance walking routes — from rugged coastal paths and ancient Roman frontiers to rolling countryside and dramatic national parks.
Below, you’ll find legendary trails including Hadrian’s Wall, the classic Coast to Coast Walk, the beautiful Cotswold Way, the dramatic South West Coast Path, and Northern Ireland’s wild Causeway Coastal Trek — with links to deeper guides already on Days Out Now.
The Best Long Distance Walks in the UK
Here are the top long‑distance walking routes across the UK, each offering something unique — from coast‑to‑coast challenges to scenic countryside rambles and dramatic clifftop adventures.
Hadrian’s Wall Path (84 miles)
Coast to coast | Northern England
Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of the UK’s most famous long‑distance walks — an 84‑mile journey following the line of the Roman frontier across northern England. Expect rolling moorland, craggy escarpments, ancient forts, and some of the most atmospheric landscapes in the country.
👉 Click here for our Hadrian’s Wall walking guide
Coast to Coast Walk (190 miles)
St Bees → Robin Hood’s Bay | Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors
The legendary Coast to Coast Walk stretches 190 miles from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. Created by Alfred Wainwright, this iconic route crosses three national parks:
- The Lake District
- The Yorkshire Dales
- The North York Moors
It’s a true bucket‑list adventure — rugged fells, peaceful valleys, charming villages, and big‑sky moorland all in one epic journey.
👉 Click here for our Coast to Coast walking guide
Cotswold Way (102 miles)
Chipping Campden → Bath | Cotswolds AONB
The Cotswold Way is one of the most beautiful long‑distance walks in England, weaving through honey‑stone villages, rolling hills, woodland trails, and historic market towns. It’s perfect for walkers who want a gentler, scenic route packed with viewpoints and classic English charm.
👉 Click here for our Cotswold Way walking guide
South West Coast Path — Jurassic Coast Section (65.3 km)
Dorset & Devon | Jurassic Coast
The South West Coast Path is the longest national trail in the UK — but one of its most spectacular stretches is the 65.3 km section along the Jurassic Coast. This dramatic route includes:
- towering chalk cliffs
- fossil‑rich ledges
- hidden coves
- tidal pools
- abandoned villages
- iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks
It’s one of the most breathtaking coastal hikes in England.
👉 Click here for our South West Coastal walking guide
Causeway Coastal Trek (Northern Ireland)
Carrickfergus Castle → Limavady / Binevenagh Viewpoint
For something truly unforgettable, the Causeway Coastal Trek delivers a mix of clifftop paths, castle ruins, basalt columns, sandy beaches, and sweeping Atlantic views. Starting at Carrickfergus Castle and finishing near Limavady and Binevenagh Viewpoint, this route showcases the very best of Northern Ireland’s coastline.
Expect dramatic headlands, Game of Thrones filming locations, and the world‑famous Giant’s Causeway just off the main trail.
👉 Click here for our Causeway Coastal walking guide
How to Choose the Right Long-Distance Walk
Each trail offers something different:
- For history: Hadrian’s Wall
- For a true challenge: Coast to Coast (190 miles)
- For countryside charm: Cotswold Way
- For dramatic scenery: South West Coast Path
- For wild coastal drama: Causeway Coastal Trek
Think about your fitness level, how many days you want to walk, and whether you prefer mountains, countryside, or coastline.
Summary
Whether you’re drawn to dramatic coastlines, peaceful countryside or iconic national trails, these truly are the best long distance walks in the UK has to offer. From the historic Hadrian’s Wall Path to the epic 190‑mile Coast to Coast Walk, the gentle beauty of the Cotswold Way, the rugged Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coast Path, and the wild Atlantic scenery of the Causeway Coastal Trek, each route delivers its own unforgettable adventure. These long‑distance walking routes showcase the very best landscapes in Britain and offer something for every type of walker — from beginners to seasoned hikers. If you’re planning your next multi‑day hike, these trails are the perfect place to start.
FAQ’s
What is the longest walking trail in the UK we recommend?
Our 190 mile cost to coast walk
What is the best long distance walk in the UK for beginners?
Hadrian’s Wall Path is well‑waymarked and ideal for first‑time long‑distance walkers.
How long does it take to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path?
Most walkers complete Hadrian’s Wall Path in 5–7 days, depending on pace and daily mileage. It’s well‑waymarked and ideal for first‑time long‑distance walkers.
Is the Coast to Coast Walk difficult?
Yes — the Coast to Coast Walk is considered a challenging long‑distance route, especially the Lake District section. Expect steep climbs, long days, and varied terrain across 190 miles.
Is the Cotswold Way suitable for beginners?
Yes — the Cotswold Way is one of the most accessible long‑distance walks in the UK, with gentle hills, clear paths, and plenty of villages for food and accommodation.
How long is the Cotswold Way?
The Cotswold Way is 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, usually completed in 7–10 days.
Where does the Causeway Coastal Trek start and finish?
The Causeway Coastal Trek typically runs from Carrickfergus Castle to Limavady / Binevenagh Viewpoint, covering some of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic coastline.
What is the most scenic long-distance walk in the UK?
Many walkers consider the South West Coast Path (Jurassic Coast) and the Causeway Coastal Trek to be the most scenic, thanks to dramatic cliffs, sea views, and iconic landmarks.
Which long-distance walk is best for history lovers?
Hadrian’s Wall Path is the top choice, following the Roman frontier with forts, milecastles, and archaeological sites along the way.
Explore More UK Walks & Road Trips
Days Out Now is packed with guides to help you plan your next adventure — from short scenic walks to full multi‑day routes and road trips across the UK and Europe.
👉 Want to explore somewhere new?
- Lake District adventures
- Peak District adventures
- Scottish adventures
- Welsh adventures
- Cornish adventures
- Cotswolds adventures
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