From peaceful countryside footpaths to coastal trails and mountain hikes, there are walking routes in the UK for every age and ability.
You could spend a weekend following a long-distance trail, plan a gentle family walk or simply step outside your accommodation and see where the nearest footpath takes you.
For those looking to explore walking holidays in England, Scotlan and Wales, Farm Stay offers countryside accommodation that provides the perfect base for a walking holiday. Many properties are close to established routes, while local hosts can often point you towards quieter walks, memorable viewpoints and good places to stop along the way.
Walking Routes in the North of England
The North of England is home to some of the country’s best-known walking destinations.
Walking routes in the Lake District range from gentle lakeside paths to challenging fell walks. Yorkshire also offers plenty of choice, with the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds all providing routes through open countryside, valleys and traditional villages.
For walking routes in Cheshire, the Sandstone Trail is a popular choice. The route runs for 34 miles from Frodsham to Whitchurch, following Cheshire’s Sandstone Ridge and passing woodland, farmland, historic sites and elevated viewpoints.
Long-distance walkers could also explore sections of the Coast to Coast Path, which travels through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
Walking Routes in the South of England
The South Downs Way is one of the most popular walking routes in southern England. It runs between Winchester and Eastbourne, crossing rolling chalk hills before reaching the white cliffs of the Sussex coast.
Further north, the North Downs Way passes through Surrey and Kent, while the New Forest offers woodland paths, open heathland and shorter circular walks.
These routes can be enjoyed in individual sections, so you do not need to complete an entire long-distance trail to experience the scenery.
Walking Routes in the East of England
The East of England is ideal for walkers looking for flatter routes, open skies and coastal landscapes.
The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path combines an old Roman route with walks through villages, saltmarshes and stretches of the Norfolk coastline. Suffolk also offers peaceful coastal paths and countryside walks around its market towns and nature reserves.
Further north, walking routes in Lincolnshire include the rolling countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds, with quiet lanes, valleys and farmland to explore.
Walking Routes in the West of England
The West of England offers everything from hill walks to dramatic coastal routes.
The Cotswold Way passes through countryside and historic villages between Chipping Campden and Bath. Nearby, the Malvern Hills offer ridge walks with far-reaching views across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
Walking routes in Shropshire include the Shropshire Way, which travels through rolling hills, wooded valleys and historic market towns.
For coastal walking, the South West Coast Path follows the coastline through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Walkers can choose a short section for an afternoon or build several stages into a longer holiday.
Walking Routes in Wales
Wales combines mountains, valleys and an extensive coastline, making it a natural choice for a walking break.
Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, offers everything from accessible lakeside paths to challenging mountain routes. In South Wales, Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, is known for its open hills, waterfalls and countryside trails.
The Wales Coast Path follows the country’s coastline, with sections suitable for day walks and longer adventures. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is particularly popular for its cliffs, beaches, wildlife and sea views.
Walking Routes in Scotland
Scotland offers a huge variety of walking landscapes, from woodland paths to remote mountain routes.
The West Highland Way is one of the best-known walking routes in Scotland, passing lochs, moorland and mountain scenery. The Cairngorms also has a wide network of routes, including short woodland walks, riverside paths and more challenging hill walks.
Further south, the Scottish Borders offers gentler countryside, riverside routes and walks connecting historic towns. Coastal routes can also be found across areas such as Fife, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
Find Walking Holiday Accommodation with Farm Stay
Farm Stay offers self-catering cottages, farmhouse B&Bs, lodges and glamping accommodation in rural locations across England, Scotland and Wales.
Some properties have walking routes close to the doorstep, as well as useful facilities for muddy boots, wet clothing and outdoor equipment. Farm Stay hosts know their local areas and may be able to recommend routes suited to your interests and ability.
Dog-friendly accommodation is also available for walkers who want to bring their four-legged companion. Always check the individual property’s rules and keep dogs under control around livestock.
Whether you are searching for walking routes in Cheshire, a coastal path in Wales or a mountain break in Scotland, Farm Stay can help you find the perfect countryside base.
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