Where’s the Best Place for a Walking Holiday in Britain?
If you’re looking for your next adventure, uncover our top destinations for walking holidays in Britain and find out how to prepare for your trip.
Celebrated for its natural beauty and varied landscapes, Great Britain is the perfect place to traverse on two feet.
With a bounty of location choices, ranging from idyllic coastal paths to lush countryside trails, we’ve put together a list of our very favourite walking holidays in Britain. We’ve also gathered a few tips and tricks for you to use along the way, including what you’ll need and what time of year you should set off.
So, whether you’re a solo traveller or looking for the perfect group jaunt, carry on reading to discover the best walking holidays in Britain.
Best Places in Britain for a Walking Holiday
From dramatic coastlines to tranquil countryside treks, Great Britain is teeming with walking trails for every kind of walker.
So, what’re you waiting for? Let’s get walking.
- The Cotswold Way
Joining the historic Roman city of Bath with the quintessentially English countryside town of Chipping Campden, this 102-mile-long route gives walkers the chance to explore some of England’s most beautiful towns and villages, including Stroud, Cheltenham and Winchcombe.
What’s more, this route passes through a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, fantastic stately homes, historic battlegrounds, and even Neolithic burial sites.
So, if you’re looking for a walking trail that’s as rich in history as it is in breathtaking views, the Cotswold Way is a wonderful option.
- The West Highland Way
If you’re looking for steep climbs and panoramic payoffs, this 92-mile walking trail is as good as it gets.
Stretching from Milngavie to Fort William, this route features incredible views of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles.
Choose from a range of accommodation sites along the way or make the most of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which permits wild camping along the route!
- The South West Coast Path
For walkers in search of a stunning coastal getaway, the South West Coast Path is an obvious choice.
Spanning 630 miles of breathtaking seaside scenery, this National Trail can be enjoyed in segments or – for experienced and patient walkers – as a whole.
Discover the rugged terrain of Cornwall’s coastline, as well as the beautiful stretches of Dorset and Somerset.
- Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon)
Otherwise known as Mount Snowdon, this North Walian mountain is the highest peak in England and Wales and offers hikers a choice of routes.
Choose from the beginner-friendly 9-mile Llanberis Path, or opt for the more challenging Pyg Track, which features a steep final ascent and a 750m incline.
- Malvern Hills
Defined as both a biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Malvern Hills are the perfect place for your next walking holiday in Britain.
Covering over 100 square kilometres across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, this scenic landscape offers walkers a wide variety of treks, ranging from short, gently graded inclines to long, challenging uphill climbs.
It’s not just the stunning vistas that draw walkers to the Malvern Hills; the town itself has a rich history to uncover, as well as countless hotspots for delicious meals and family-friendly activities.
- Coast to Coast Walk
Continuing with another seaside wander, this 300km walk leads from the Irish Sea in the west of England to the North Sea in the east.
This walk covers some of the UK’s most outstanding natural beauty, including two of its main national parks, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
Begin your journey in either St. Bees in Cumbria or North Yorkshire’s Robin Hood Bay and make your way to the other over a leisurely 16 days.
- Cairngorms: Scotland
Otherwise known as the UK’s largest national park, the Cairngorms is a walker’s paradise.
Spanning 4528 square kilometres of mountains, lochs and wilderness, this stunning area is filled to the brim with possible walks and hikes.
The Cairngorms are ideal for walking holidays year-round, but if you want to see something special, visit in the winter to scale snow-topped mountains!
What to Pack for a Walking Holiday in Britain
Once you’ve settled on a location, it’ll soon be time to start packing! Take a look at our tried and tested checklist to find out what you need for your next walking holiday in Britain:
- Walking boots – ideally, these should be waterproof & in tip-top condition
- Small rucksack – big enough to carry daily supplies, but not so big that it impedes your stroll
- Water bottle
- Waterproof coat/jacket
- Suncream
- Insect repellent
- Small first aid kit
- Mobile phone
- Portable phone charger
- Compass
- Waterproof map
- Torch
- Quick-dry clothing
- Sunglasses
- Multiple pairs of socks
- 2 hats – one sun cap and one warm hat
- Gloves
What’s the Best Time of the Year to Go on a Walking Holiday?
Most walking holidays in Britain are fine to explore throughout the year, whatever the weather. However, some locations are better suited to certain seasons than others.
For example:
- The South West Coast Path is sunniest in July and August, but these months also see its busiest days. So, if you want to enjoy a warm, dry walk without the crowds, visit in early September.
- The West Highland Way is best enjoyed in the months of May, June, September, and October, when the weather is good and the routes are quiet.
- The Malvern Hills are at their most beautiful in the spring when the flora and fauna are at their peak and the weather is mild enough to face the hills’ steep inclines.
So, although most of our country’s walks are doable throughout the year, it’s important to do your research to maximise your experience.
No matter what time of year you embark on your walking adventure, remember to check weather forecasts in advance and prepare for all eventualities!
Start Planning Your Next Walking Holiday in Britain
It’s never a bad time to start thinking about your next adventure!
Although we may not be entirely impartial, we believe Malvern is the crème de la crème of walking holiday destinations.
With a wide variety of trails suited to dog walkers, seasoned pros, and beginners alike, there’s something for everyone in the Malvern Hills.
If you do land on Malvern for your walking holiday, there’s no place better to put your feet up and enjoy a delicious meal than at our very own restaurant, The Mulberry Tree.
Want to combine your active getaway with a relaxing overnight stay? We have everything you need for an unforgettable trip here at Mount Pleasant.
Book your room online today or call our team on 01684 561837 to find out more.