WALK COLLECTION / TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Best Long-Distance Walks in the UK: Compare 12 Routes
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.
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Why these places are worth exploring
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, West Highland Way and Northern Ireland’s wild Causeway Coastal Trek — with links to deeper guides already on Days Out Now.
Walk collection
19 walks worth making time for.
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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.If you like what I do, please leave us a Google
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.
If you like what I do, please leave us a Google review by following this link https://g.page/r/CfXH5X8XxFdaEBk/review
02Travel Inspiration
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,
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.
03Travel Inspiration
Coast to Coast Walk (190 miles)
St Bees → Robin Hood’s Bay | Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, North York MoorsThe 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
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.
04Travel Inspiration
Cotswold Way (102 miles)
Chipping Campden → Bath | Cotswolds AONBThe 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
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.
05Travel Inspiration
South West Coast Path — Jurassic Coast Section (65.3 km)
Dorset & Devon | Jurassic CoastThe 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
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.
06Travel Inspiration
West Highland Way (96 miles)
Milngavie → Fort WilliamFor one of the most iconic long‑distance routes in the UK, the West Highland Way delivers a mix of loch‑shore paths, moorland crossings, ancient military roads and dramatic Highland scenery. Starting in Milngavie and
Milngavie → Fort William
For one of the most iconic long‑distance routes in the UK, the West Highland Way delivers a mix of loch‑shore paths, moorland crossings, ancient military roads and dramatic Highland scenery. Starting in Milngavie and finishing in Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, this 96‑mile trail showcases some of Scotland’s most impressive landscapes.
Expect the climb over Conic Hill, the rugged eastern shore of Loch Lomond, the wide glens around Crianlarich and Tyndrum, the vast openness of Rannoch Moor, the Devil’s Staircase above Glencoe, and a final approach through Glen Nevis to the finish in Fort William.
07Travel Inspiration
Causeway Coastal Trek (Northern Ireland)
Carrickfergus Castle → Limavady / Binevenagh ViewpointFor 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 → 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.
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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
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.
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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
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?
What is the best long distance walk in the UK for beginners?
How long does it take to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path?
Is the Coast to Coast Walk difficult?
Is the Cotswold Way suitable for beginners?
How long is the Cotswold Way?
Where does the Causeway Coastal Trek start and finish?
What is the most scenic long-distance walk in the UK?
Which long-distance walk is best for history lovers?
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What is the longest walking trail in the UK we recommend?
Our 190 mile cost to coast walk
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long is the Cotswold Way?
The Cotswold Way is 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, usually completed in 7–10 days.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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?
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