A Complete Guide to the Best Solo Walking Holidays in the UK
Explore our top picks for solo walking holidays across the UK – from scenic strolls to challenging treks, there’s something for every solo traveller.
With 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the UK is a dream destination for solo walking holidays. From dramatic coastlines to tranquil countryside trails, it’s a walker’s paradise.
To help you plan your perfect escape, we’ve pulled together the best solo walking holidays in the UK. Whether you’re searching for guided group tours or peaceful paths less travelled, this guide covers the most scenic and safe options out there.
We’ll also touch on solo travel tips – including the average age of walkers and recommendations for women exploring solo.
Ready to discover your next solo adventure? Let’s get walking.
What is the Average Age for Solo Walking Holidays?
Solo walking holidays in the UK have long been a favourite among travellers aged 50 to 75, with many routes and walking groups originally designed around this demographic. For example, Ramble Worldwide specialises in solo walking holidays for those over 60.
But that’s changing.
In recent years, solo walking holidays have seen a surge in popularity among younger travellers thanks to a cultural shift toward wellness, mindfulness and slow travel.
Lifestyle brands and influencers are playing a big role in reshaping perceptions. Activewear giants like Nike and Lululemon have spotlighted walking and hiking in recent campaigns, while social platforms like Instagram and TikTok are packed with solo travellers sharing their scenic treks, gear hauls and walking playlists.
Even brands like Sweaty Betty and North Face have embraced walking as a lifestyle (not just a sport), leaning into the mental health benefits and freedom that come with hitting the trails alone.
The result? Solo walking holidays are no longer just for retirees. They’re part of a wider movement toward self-led adventure, mindful travel and reconnecting with nature – no matter your age or experience level.
Where is the Safest Solo Walking Holiday for Women?
Whilst most of the UK’s walking trails are pretty safe, we know how important it is for women to feel as safe as possible on their solo trips.
In general, the safest walking holidays for solo travellers:
- Are popular or have a relatively high pedestrian traffic
- Have well-maintained paths
- Include stops in populated areas
- Are established and official routes
If you’re looking for a walking trail that ticks all those boxes, consider exploring the following:
- The South West Coast Path passes through multiple charming towns, making it a very popular trail choice.
- Hadrian’s Wall Path offers safety in large numbers due to its historic appeal.
- Cotswold Way provides solo walkers with well-looked-after paths.
- The Malvern Hills offer an array of routes for all difficulty levels, including those with gentle ascents for less experienced solo walkers.
Many of the UK’s walking holidays will tick all the boxes when it comes to ensuring your solo trip is safe, but make sure you do your research and plan for all eventualities in any case. For more inspiration, take a look at the following locations.
5 of the Best Solo Walking Holiday Locations
- The South West Coast Path – St. Ives to Penzance
At over 1,000km long, this self-guided walking holiday takes around 8 days to complete. But boy, oh, boy, is it worth it. Along the way, you’ll discover Cornwall’s iconic Land’s End, beautiful fishing villages, coves, castles, and more.
This trail is recommended for well-seasoned walkers, due to its moderate-to-strenuous terrain and varying elevation levels. Of course, beginners and pros alike have the option to plan their own holiday and walk part(s) of the path in place of the whole thing!
- The Lake District – Three Routes
For something a little less intense, consider exploring the lovely Lake District. Choose between three scenic routes and opt for either a 4- or 5-day holiday. These trails have a difficulty rating of moderate, making them ideal for those looking to enjoy themselves more than a challenge!
In terms of scenery, the Lake District has it all. These routes wind through thick forests, up rocky mountains – like Scafell Pike – and, of course, alongside beautiful lakes and water features.
- Pennine Way – Yorkshire Dales
This National Trail is no mean feat to complete, spanning over 22 days and 21 nights. Recommended for very experienced long-distance solo walkers due to its difficulty, this trail follows 268 miles of ancient packhorse routes, drovers’ roads and new bridleways.
The trail joins Edale to the Peak District, but can be split into two sections between North and South if you only want to explore a section of it.
- Ceredigion Coastal Path – Welsh Coast Path
Part of the Welsh Coast Path, the Ceredigion Coastal Path has 96km of unadulterated and varied natural beauty. The path stretches through farmlands, across fields, alongside rivers and, of course, the beautiful Welsh coastline.
With views of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire, you’ll never tire of Wales’s beauty on this mixed-difficulty path.
- Malvern Hills – Multiple Routes
Home to some of the best countryside views the UK has to offer, the Malvern Hills hold endless opportunities for solo walkers.
Known for its mountain-like hills and unbeatable panoramas, the Malvern Hills have a wide range of walking trails, including those which venture through the historic town of Malvern and scale the Worcestershire Beacon.
The variety of routes on offer makes Malvern an ideal location for solo walkers of all ages and abilities, as long as they’re prepared to face more than a little incline!
Your Dream UK Solo Walking Holiday Starts at The Mount Pleasant Hotel
As you can see, the UK is bursting with areas of natural beauty, all waiting to be explored.
Although our perspective is not entirely impartial, to us, the Malvern Hills are home to some of the best solo walking holidays in the country. The area offers the variety, safety, and unbeatable views that every solo traveller is looking for.
When you book your trip to explore the beauty of our historic town and its surrounding countryside, you’ll need a place where you can relax and put your feet up at the end of the day.
Our luxury Georgian hotel offers travellers an upscale retreat with elegantly furnished rooms and an award-winning onsite restaurant. Visit our website to find out more.