The UK is home to some fantastic walks. Far too many for me to fit in one list that’s for sure. What I have tried to do is include the 50 best walks in the UK for beauty that are accessible to most people. I have left out some of the more challenging walks such as Ben Nevis. 

My focus is more on the beauty of the scenery and in some cases the historical significance of the route. Finally, this website is about travel photography so I’ve come at this with that angle in mind. 

The walking times are estimates using the average walking speed, the terrain and any ascents.

As we work through the COVID-19 pandemic a lot of the walks listed may not be available or open. Some walks might be too far away for you to travel too because of the restrictions put in place. This list is meant to be motivation for when we can return to these areas of beauty.

For full details visit the government websites advice on access to green spaces.

Here are the 50 best walks in the UK

Scotland

West Highland Way

In 1980 the West Highland Way became Scotland’s first designated long-distance trail. The route starts in Milngavie (just outside Glasgow) and ends at Fort William (the stepping off point for Ben Nevis). 

In total it covers 96 miles but for it is split into 8 sections, the longest being 15 miles. The elevation really starts to climb after the first 3 sections and does top out at over 500 metres. 

Along the way, you can enjoy the picturesque Loch Lomond and the peaceful wilderness of Rannoch Moor making it one of Scotland’s most popular walks.

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Kintyre Way

Rugged and remote spring to mind when you think of the Kintyre Way. Despite the tough terrain, this is a walk of outstanding beauty. 

While the whole walk is 100 miles long it can be split into small sections. There are 7 different stages available so even beginners can enjoy the Kintyre Way.

The walk starts in Tarbet and finishes in Machrihanish taking in all of the sights of the Kintyre peninsula. 

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Burns Trail, Ayrshire

Starting and finishing in Alloway, the trail is named after Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous literary figure. In fact, this part of the world is considered sacred ground by many because of its connection to the writer.

The walk covers 12 and a half miles and covers a mix of country roads and paths. The outbound route takes you past Newick Castle before heading into the Carrick hills. As the trail loops back it passes along the coast and back to Alloway via the Burns Monument. 

The Burns Trail is very manageable at 12 ½ miles but it can be split into 8 stages if you so wish. 

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John Muir Way

One of Scotland’s flatter walks works as good practice for some of the more famous treks. The John Muir Way’s highest point is the Kilpatrick Hills and is only 401 metres. Despite the relatively flat terrain this coast to coast walk still covers 143 miles over 10 stages. 

Starting in Helensburgh you will head east passing through historic sites of Scotland’s industrial past as you make your way through the capital Edinburgh to the west coast finish at Dunbar. As you’d expect from Scotland the route is picturesque as it is varied. 

You will trek past the expansive Loch Lomond, canals, castles as well as tiny finishing ports. As a photography treat you may want to stay a couple of days in Edinburgh as it’s one of Europes most distinct capitals and full of wonderful photography spots.

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Arthur’s Seat

For the ultimate view of Edinburgh, the Scottish capital head to Arthur’s Seat. The summit of this hill towers over the beautiful city.

Measuring in at 279 metres high it takes between 2 – 3 hours to make the 3-mile walk to the top. There is some rough terrain in some spots but this is mostly a kind walk towards a beautiful viewpoint. 

Arthur’s Seat is actually an extinct volcano which is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park. The route starts and ends at Holyrood Palace.

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Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche

One of the most popular walks in Scotland includes the beautiful sight of the Fairy Pools. Early in this pleasant 4.5-mile walk are the sparkling pools made by the photogenic waterfalls. 

The route sits at the bottom of the imperious Black Cullin Mountains which contain some of the most challenging walks in Scotland. By sticking with this shorter walk you are treated to the beauty of the flowing waterfalls.

This route has received much media attention so the car park at the start of the route is often busy in the peak seasons. The route starts at the road to Glenbrittle and loops back around to finish there.

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Stac Pollaidh

This is one of the tougher walks on the list but the reward is stunning views from the summit. It’s those views that make Stac Pillaidh one of the most visited peaks in the Western Highlands.

The route is only 2.75 miles but it involves a taxing climb and a short but simple scramble to reach the ridge. It is from there you will enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views of the Western Highlands.

The walk starts in a gathering of small lochs before you start the ascent. Starting at the Stac Pollaidh car park the route climbs up the hill before you make your way back down along the same route.

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Wales

Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail

A walk offering some of the most beautiful coastline scenery in Wales. Totalling at 186 miles the whole walk averages out at around 12 days in total. By walking the whole trail you’ll experience ascents and descents totalling a staggering 35,000 km. 

Starting in the north at St Dogmeals and finishing in the south at Amroth the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail delivers every kind of coastal view you can think of. The trail is not just a stunningly beautiful walk it’s also a journey through English history itself.

There are more manageable shorter sections for those wanting the views but not the toll of the 12-day trek.

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Glyndŵr’s Way

Wales has plenty of famous walking trails but if you are hankering for a walk in the middle of nowhere and where you could walk the entire 135 miles with a good chance of not seeing anyone else head to mid-Wales for Glyndŵr’s Way. 

Although it’s not a well-trodden route it boosts forest, lakes, high moors, rolling hills and even the odd mountain or two. In total, Glyndŵr’s Way is made up of 9 different stages which range between 12-18 miles. 

The route can be split into shorter stages but they can be logistical challenging to get to and from the start and endpoints. The total route starts at Knighton and ends at Welshpool, and both can be accessed by national train routes.

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Snowdon

Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and one of the most famous mountains in Britain. That is mainly down to how accessible Snowdon is. There are seven official routes to the top of the mountain. The most popular of those routes is the Llanberis Path.

Leaving from Llanberis village it is the most gradual but also the longest route to the summit. The start is the most challenging section, starting on a steep but thankfully tarmac road. 

The views of Snowdonia throughout the route are beautiful. As you reach the summit the low slung clouds, kissing the other mountain peaks make from some beautiful photos.

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Pen y Fan

Pen y Fan is one of the best-known peaks in the Brecon Beacons. This walk is only 4 miles but it is still a testing walk. 

There are many routes up to the summit of Pen y Fan (including the SAS favourite the ‘lungbuster’ but the most popular is the Pen y Fan and Corn Du circular walk. When you reach the top of Pen y Fan your reward is a view that seemingly never ends. 

The plateaued summit gives the Beacons a unique look and feel which will make your photos feel different to other hill climbs. This looped route starts and ends at the Pont ar Daf car park making it extremely accessible.

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Rhosili Headland Walk

It is hard to believe that so much varied beauty can be found in a short 3.5-mile walk. Rhossili lies within an area designated as the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom.

You are surrounded by beaches with Fall Bay and Mewslad Bay to the south while Rhosili Bay sits to the west. The walk takes you out from Rhosili village towards the wonderfully named Worm’s Head.

On the way back the route takes you back through the Vile, the remains of ancient strips of small fields stretching out to sea. These are the last collection of a forgotten style of farming now only found in a handful of places in the UK.

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Anglesey Coastal Walk

This coastal patch navigates around the whole Isle of Anglesey. The loop begins and ends at the Holyhead. This is the most beautiful part of the coastal path as you walk Holyhead Mountain. 

Continuing along the route you will pass an old fort built back in the Iron Age. Beyond the fort is the well known South Stack Lighthouse and Twr Elin, a short castellated tower now used for bird watching. 

In total, the route covers 130 miles taking in the pretty villages and beautiful beaches of Anglesey. Check the route details before you travel as they differ through the year.

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Northern Ireland

Causeway Coast Way

Made famous by the popular tourist attraction, the distinctive Giant’s Causeway, this trek along the northern coast of Northern Ireland comes in at 33 miles. However, it is 33 of the most stunning miles you are likely to walk. 

The Causeway Coast Way travels through areas of outstanding beauty and designated areas of Special Scientific Interest. The views include soft sandy beaches, striking cliffs and inviting bays. 

Starting in Portstewart and ending in Ballycastle this Causeway Coast Way is a bucket list item for many walkers.

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Cave Hill Trial at Belfast Castle

Although this walk is only 4.5 miles it is still a challenging route. The start point is the impressive and picturesque Belfast Castle. 

As you walk away from the Castle you can start to enjoy the sights of the Cave Hill Country Park. This route takes you past a set of caves as well as McArt’s Fort. As you continue on the route you will pass the delightfully named Devil’s Punchbowl, a large bowl (or punchbowl) like crater. 

Cave Hill County Park has many other routes but this one includes the most beautiful parts of the area.

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Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains

One of the more unique walks on the list as you start at sea level and then ascend to the peak of Slieve Donard. Making up part of the Mourne Mountains this is the highest peak in Northern Ireland and the ascent is 850 metres.

At the summit of Slieve Donard, the views are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Isle of Man and even parts of Scotland and Wales. As it’s less than 2 miles from the coast you also get a view of Newcastle Beach, which is unusual for most mountains.

The route is about 5.5 miles and although it’s strenuous because of the climb the terrain is not challenging. The route starts at Donard and takes you up Slieve Donard before taking you back down and finishing in Newcastle.

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North West England

Striding Edge, Helvellyn

Helvellyn is the highest point of the Helvellyn range in the Lake District. It is the 3rd highest peak in England so this is a very challenging walk. 

Ask anyone and they will tell you the best route to the top is the challenging Stridge Edge. The 4-mile walk takes around 3 hours starting from the village of Glenridding. 

The views are spectacular and worth the challenging scramble across the Stridge Edge. The 3 hours of trekking pays off with breathtaking views from the summit of the unique landscape.

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Dovedale to Milldale

This area of the Peak District is best known for the limestone gorge of Dovedale. This 3.1-mile walk leads along the River Dove before you climb the Thorpe Cloud knoll. 

The route ends at the Stone village of Milldale but of course, nothing stops you lopping back on yourself and heading back towards Dovedale. 

The stepping stones across the River Dove are beautifully photogenic especially when the light is sparkling off the water. The Peak District is one of England’s most beautiful areas and Dovedale is a big reason why.

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Coffin Route

Despite the name, this is in one of the easiest walks on this list. Although it contains an ascent of 184m you will be able to enjoy beautiful views without overtaxing your legs. 

The start point is in the village of Ambleside. The route gets its name as you’re walking the journey used to carry coffins on to their final resting place at St Oswald’s Chruch in Grasmere. 

The views include beautiful flowing streams while you will pass two former homes of the poet Willam Wordsworth. As with many of these walks, it blends history together with beautiful views.

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Stanage Edge

This route is just 4.8 miles but it’s over rough terrain so it’s not for beginners. The views over the peak district are worth the extra demands of the route, though. 

The highlight of the route is Stanage Edge, a popular rock climbing spot. The route takes you up onto the edge itself where you can enjoy some most scenic views in the Peak District.

The route starts and ends at Hollin Bank car park as it repeats back on itself. In total, you should be able to complete this walk in 2 hours.

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Mam Tor

This is one of the Peak Districts most popular walks mainly down to the striking view at the top of Mam Tor. There are other routes involving Mam Tor if you want a longer walk than this 3-mile circular walk. 

Starting and finishing at Mam Nick car park this 2-hour walk shows off the beautiful scenery of the peak district. 

If you want to continue on past Mam Tor you can join the route that continues over The Great Ridge and ends in Castleton. Whichever route you take, make sure you reach the summit of Mam Tor for those spectacular views.

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Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

The trail follows along a footpath and runs along the edge of the two rivers, Rivers Doe and Twiss, which meet at Ingleton where the walk begins and ends. In total the lopped route is 4.3 miles but there are plenty of steps along the way.

The trail is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest so there are many rare plants and trees as well as wildlife to look out for. To add to the varied scenery the initial section of the walk is in the shadow of a large Victorian railway viaduct.

This beautiful walk is capped off by the many waterfalls that line the two rivers. To help with the upkeep of the area there is a small charge for walking the trail.

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North East England

Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail

Hadrians Wall stretches 84 miles from coast to coast across the narrow neck of England. In its entirety, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes between 6-8 days to walk. 

There is a slightly shorter walk starting at Chollerford and ending in Carlise. That section covers 41 miles and would likely take 4 days to finish. 

Of course, there are smaller sections of the whole route that you can enjoy for a few hours as you take in one of the oldest sights in Britain.

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Pennine Way (Section 1)

The whole of the Pennine Way, which weaves its way from the Yorkshire Dales right up to the Scottish Borders, is beautiful. However, at 268-miles it’s a full-on trek, and the spirit of this list is for manageable and beautiful walks. 

So to enjoy the Pennine Way without having to travel 268 miles I suggest you take the starting leg between the villages of Edale and Crowden. 

It is still a challenging walk but the views from the Kinder platform are more than worth it. You will also get to enjoy the panoramic beauty of the Peak District along the 16-mile route.

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St Cuthbert’s Way, Northumberland

St Cuthbert’s Way bridges the border between England and Scotland. The total route measures 62.5 miles but there are plenty of long and short distance options if you don’t want to complete the whole walk.

Not only is this walk incredibly beautiful, with varied views and landscapes, it also covers historical and cultural areas. 

Walking the full journey starts off at Melrose and ends at Holy Island. The full route can be broken into 5 stages (or smaller options) which range from 6 miles to 17.5 miles.

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Bracken Way

The Bracken Way is a recent creation. It was designed by Jonathan Smith of Where2Walk as a way to show of the best the Yorkshire Dales can offer. The 95-mile route loops around the dales all the way back to Settle. 

Along the way, you will experience some beautiful views, such as the limestone pavement of Malham Cove or the Gordal Scar, a steep ravine. On stage 4 you will see Hardraw Force, the highest single-drop waterfall in England. 

The walk is quintessential Yorkshire Dales and is designed to be enjoyed in daily stages, each no longer than 16.5 miles.

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Craster to Low Newton Coastal Walk

It’s the variety of photography styles that makes this walk so appealing. Starting and finishing at Craster the first half of the walk covers coastal grasslands that lead the way to Dunstanburgh Castle. 

The Castle itself is a unique photography subject. The view of the ruins changes greatly as you approach from different angles. On the second half of the walk, you at greeted by the sweeping beach of Embleton Bay. It’s from here that you will get the best views of Dustanburgh Castle.

At just 6 miles this is a very manageable route that can be enjoyed all year round. For wildlife photographers, the walk is overflowing with different types of wildlife. In the water are seals and braces of eider ducks as well as seabirds populating the cliffs.

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Roseberry Topping

This unique looking hill has a short, steep route to the top. The route recommended by the National Trust is just 2 miles put still packs in plenty of photo spots. 

Starting at the car park near Roseberry Lane this route leads you to the top of Roseberry Topping and then takes you back through Newton Wood.

There are wonderful views from the top of the hill as well as plenty of nature to be enjoyed. Make sure to get plenty of shots of the distinctively shaped hill before you set off.

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Whitby to Robin’s Hood Bay

Stretching out for 6.8 miles this short walk is part of the longer Cleveland Way. Starting in the picturesque seaside town of Whitby it leads off towards the famous Whitby Abbey. The ruins are framed beautifully by the surrounding coast and countryside. 

From there the route will take you to sights such as Saltwick Bay and the Whitby Lighthouse. The endpoint is at the fishing village Robin Hood’s Bay. This spot is a snapshot of the traditional fishing villages that used to dot the coast. 

Smugglers play a large part in the history of Robin Hood’s Bay and there are lots of information available in the village to find out more about its chequered past.

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High Force Durham Dales

This is a short, easy walk in the Teesdale area highlighted by two spectacular waterfalls. The route starts at Bowlees and quickly arrives at the first waterfall, the Low Force. 

At the end of the outward journey, you arrive at the second waterfall. The High Force waterfall is where the River Tees plunges 70 feet over the cliff edge. This route takes you to the summit of High Force a beautiful viewpoint.

The route then loops back around on the side of the River Tees. In total, this route is just 8.6 miles and is a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of two of England’s best-known waterfalls.

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Midlands

South West Coast Path

England’s longest trail is also perhaps it’s most challenging. Not only is it 630 miles long the ascents across the route total 35,000 metres. That is over 4 times the height of Everest. It’s worth it for some of the breathtaking views from the wind-swept and rocky cliff tops.

Completing the whole route would take 40 days, although some more experience walkers will be able to combine some of the stages to bring down that number. Whether you want to settle for a few of the smaller stages or take on the whole 630-mile behemoth your trip will be worth it. 

The South West Coast Path takes in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery you will ever see. With the cliffs of North Devon or the enticing coves of Cornwall, the opportunities for photographers are endless. Don’t forget you have the powerful Atlantic Ocean for company as you walk creating even more photo possibilities.

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Great Missenden

Britain is known for its writers and this walk is located in the area where Roald Dahl lived. Walking through this area will bring to mind many of his books. This circular route sets off and finishes at Great Missenden the village he lived in.

The route is 9.5 miles in total and initially heads into Misbourne Valley before leading you through farmland and then the woodlands of Angling Spring Wood. 

The route leads you up Coombe Hill the highest point in the Chilterns. From here you can see the famous Prime Ministry retreat, Chequers. The varied scenery makes for a lovely blend of photography opportunities.

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East England

Blakeney Point Coastal Walk

Best known for being England’s largest grey seal colony, Blakeney Point is a nature reserve on the coast of Norfolk. 

Walking across beaches that go from shingles to luscious sand the 7-mile walk is perfect for nature photographers. Blakeney Point nature reserve is home to a colony of over 500 seals. There are fenced off sections from the end of October until the middle of January, so plan accordingly.

Starting at Cley beach, Norfolk Wildlife Trust car park you will walk between the beach and the nature reserve all the way till you meet the sand dunes. Here you turn back on yourself and enjoy the route in reverse.

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Flatford and Constable Country Walking Trail

Setting off from Manningtree station this 7-mile route feels like heading back to the 18th century. For it was then that British painter John Constable made this area famous with his rich, dutiful landscape paintings.

John Constable painted many of idyllic views you will enjoy along this walk through Stour Valley and Dedham Vale. Highlights of the route include Flatford Mill, Willy Lott’s House, the site of The Hay Wain painting.

This accessible route is popular amongst painters and photographers alike. The landscapes and vistas perfectly encapsulate the English countryside.

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South East England

Seven Sisters

You don’t have to go to Dover for White Cliff walks. In neighbouring Sussex, the Seven Sisters form part of this route from Seaford to Eastbourne. 

This is a classic coastal walk which is often accompanied with the blustery winds blowing in off the English Channel. The route also takes in the famous Beachy Head, the tallest chalk cliff in the UK at 162 metres high. 

The total route is 13.6 miles but as with most of the other walks, there are smaller stages available. The cliff edges are crumbly due to erosion so make sure to stay away from the edges as you follow the route.

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South Foreland Lighthouse Walk

At just 4 miles, this is one of the shorter walks but the scenery is breathtaking. Because the South Foreland Lighthouse walk is across the distinctive White Cliffs of Dover.

It is a perfect walk for any new or less experienced ramblers but I recommended it to all because of its sheer beauty. Starting at the White Cliffs visitor centre you head towards your finish at the distinctive South Foreland Lighthouse.

Along the way, you will pass through the delightfully named Langdon Hole and Fan Point. The former playing a vital role during World War 2 as a radio command centre.

Regent’s Canal

The Regent’s Canal is often overlooked in London tourists guides so it makes it a bit of a hidden gem. The colourful narrowboats and quirky stalls make for a different slice of London life. 

The path runs from Little Venice passing through Regent’s Park and on to the River Thames. The 8.6-mile walk is a reminder of what London life was once like. 

Along the way, you can enjoy the sights of Regent’s Park that include the London Zoo. When walking this path you will find it hard to believe you are near the heart of one the world’s busiest capital cities.

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South Downs Way

For an idea of how beautiful the English South Coast can be head to the South Downs Way, a walk stretches over the 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne. 

I’ve already included the Seven Sisters walk that includes Beachy Head because that is well worth doing by itself. However, the rest of the South Downs Way includes beauty spots such as the wonderfully named Devils Dyke, Jack and Jill Windmills, Ditching Beacon and Chantonbury Ring. 

The South East of England often gets overlooked when talking about photogenic walks but there is a lot of wonderful views to be enjoyed along the South Downs Way.

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Thames Path – Thames Barrier to Putney Bridge

The Thames Path National Trail is 213 miles in total but the focus of this walk is the initial 5 sections, from the Thames Barrier to Putney Bridge. Together they total 16 miles and take you from through the heart of London. 

Setting off from the Thames Barrier you will head through famous Greenwich to the London Eye and then onto the finish at Putney. Along the way, you will see some of London’s most famous sights.

The route also gives plenty of opportunities to shoot the skyline of the English capital. By following the full Thames Path you can capture the full journey of this famous river.

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South West England

Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula Coast

Down at the most southern point of England is the Lizard Peninsula Coast. It is one of the most picturesque parts of the country. 

The Lizard coastal walk is 7 miles long but the terrain can be quite challenging in places. As shorter walks go this might be the most scenic 3-hour walk you ever take. 

Starting and finishing at Kynance Cove the looped route takes in the best sights the Lizard Peninsula has to offer.

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Cotswold Way National Trail

From Bath to Chipping Camden the Cotswold National trial covers 100 miles. The whole walk following the full itinerary takes 11 days. 

While it can’t offer some of the coastal beauty of some of the other walks on the list this is a trail steeped in history. It winds its way through quint picturesque villages and through the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap as well as Sudeley Castle, Hailes Abbey and many other churches and historic houses. 

The start point of Bath is a world heritage site in itself, home to the oldest remaining Roman public baths.

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Kerry Ridgeway

This walk straddles the border between England and Wales. Starting at Cider House Farm you walk for 15 miles to the finish point at Bishops Castle, a small market town.

What marks the route out is its history as an important trade route between Wales and the English markets. The trail follows a ridgetop with Wales on one side of you and England on the other.

Because the route stays above 1,000 ft throughout, it results in some stunning 360-degree views. The route is also suitable for cycling and horse riding.

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The Mineral Tramways Trail

This is a collection of 6 different trails but I will focus on the coast to coast trail that comes in at 11 miles long. Walking the path takes you from the north coast of Cornwall to the south.

This trail follows the path of two early horse-drawn tramways. In the past, they were used to transport tin and copper along the peninsula. You can find out more about the area’s history as boards are fitted along the trail giving insights into Cornwall’s mining roots. 

The trail is popular with walkers and cyclist. It starts at the historic mining harbour of Portreath on the North coast and finishes at the port of Devoran on the South coast.

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Catbells

This is a steep and sharp walk but thankfully also a short one. It only covers 3.5 miles but the ascent means it will take you 3 hours. This walk is all about the gorgeous panoramic views over Keswick, Derwent Water and Borrowdale. Add in the views to the west of Newlands Valley and you are in one of the most beautiful spots in England. 

Then there is the Cat Bells itself, one of the most popular fells in the Lake District. It is 451 metres high so despite the short distance of the walk, it is still a taxing climb. 

The looped route starts and ends at Hawes End Landing Stage with the climb up Catbells the highlight. Which is where you will enjoy the most spectacular views on the walk.

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Old Harry Rocks

The Jurassic Coast should be on the travel list for any landscape photographer in the UK. The highlight of this beautiful area is Old Harry Rocks. 

This 10-mile walking route is becoming one of the most popular ways to enjoy the sights of the Jurassic Coast and the impressive Old Harry Rocks. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the views out to the Needles and the Isle of Wight as you trek along the Dorset coastline. 

The looped route starts and ends in Studland allowing for beautiful views out into Studland Bay and will likely take between 2-3 hours.

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St Ives to Zennor

This walk makes up part of the greater South West Coast Path but is a such a popular stage it deserves it’s own section. The 12-mile circular walk takes you from St Ives to Zennor and back again. 

The going can be challenging at times with some steep ascents but for the most part, this is a beautifully scenic walk. The variety is striking with towering cliffs that reach up over 100’s of feet as well as inviting beaches and beautiful coves.  

St Ives is a wonderful fishing harbour town and the views of the craggy cliffs at Zennor are impressive. This is a perfect walk for a man with seven wives.

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Stonehenge

One of England’s most famous landmarks is also one of it’s most puzzling. Its origin is a mystery just like where the large stones came from. 

There are a few different walks to Stonehenge but the National Trust recommends the circular route from Durrington Walls to Stonehenge. This is a moderate 5-mile walk which includes the historic Durrington Walls as well as the more famous Stonehenge.

The walk is mostly over open plain so it gives you plenty of different views of Stonehenge as you approach. Please check admission and closing times if you want to get up close to Stonehenge.

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St Mary’s Circuit

The Isles of Scilly are a group of islands off the southwest coast of England. The largest of those islands is St Mary’s and this route takes you around the island most beautiful spots. 

The 10-mile walk is very easy going but has some of the most picturesque scenery in the UK. St Mary’s is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and when you visit you will understand why.

A full 30-mile route goes around the whole Island but this smaller section includes the scenic Peninnis Head. Here you will find a viewing tower and automatic lighthouse. This 10-mile route loops around from Porthcressa Bay in Hugh Town.

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Mawgan Porth to Harlyn

One of the most popular sections of the South West Coast Path is this 10-mile stretch. Starting at Mawgan Porth beach you follow the craggy Cornwall coastline to Harlyn Bay.

This is a tough but rewarding route as you travel through challenging cliff-top terrain as well as adorable sandy beaches. All the while you have the blue glint of the Atlantic Ocean as a companion.

As you’d expect from a coastal walk there is plenty of birdlife. Razorbills and guillemots highlight the cliff section of the walk while as you head further inland you are meet by numerous corn buntings.

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Tennyson Down

The Needles lie off the coast of the Isle of Man and are the highlight of the Tennyson Down Walk. The iconic group of rocks cap a walk that is immersed in beauty and history.

The 7-mile looped route starts and ends at the High Down Chalk Pit car park. The route guides you through the intriguing history of the island. You will pass by a fort and a rocket testing site from the Cold War.

Leading off towards the Needles this is where you will find the routes most spectacular views. The initial part of the route takes you to the Tennyson Monument that gives the walk its name.

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Summary

This is by no means an exhaustive list. The UK is blessed with hundreds, if not thousands of wonderful walking trails. In my opinion, these are the 50 best walks in the UK because they are the most beautiful and accessible walks. 

I would love to hear your opinion on your favourite walk, especially if it didn’t make the list, please let me know why I should add your walk to the list in the comments below.