Top 5 Best Long-Distance Hikes in England: Epic Trails for Every Adventurer
As a seasoned hiker who's tackled the Salkantay Trek in Peru, the Lost City jungle trek in Colombia, and the full Camino de Santiago across Spain, I'm thrilled to share my expertise on England's premier long-distance walks. This year, my hiking companion Kate and I are gearing up for one of these iconic routes. With backpacks packed and boots laced, the only decision left is which trail to conquer.
England boasts an impressive array of world-class walking trails. After extensive research, I've curated the top five long-distance hikes, offering inspiration for your UK walking holiday. These range from quick five-day escapes to ambitious eight-week epics, spanning coasts, hills, and countryside idylls.
1. Coast to Coast
Location: Northern England – Cumbria to North Yorkshire
Length: 309 km / 192 miles
Duration: 15 days (excluding rest days)
What to expect: Begin at St Bees on the Irish Sea's west coast and finish at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. West-to-east is preferred, keeping wind and rain at your back and avoiding the evening sun.
Highlights: Traverse three national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors. Enjoy quaint villages with cozy pubs, heather-clad moors, medieval castles and abbeys, and the Lake District's stunning vistas. This is one of England's most legendary hikes.
Difficulty: Strenuous – requires experienced hikers in peak condition due to hills and mountains.
2. Cotswold Way
Location: South-Central England, Gloucestershire to Somerset
Length: 164 km / 102 miles
Duration: 5–7 days
What to expect: Wander through idyllic villages of honey-colored stone cottages and traditional pubs, across rolling limestone hills, farmlands with grazing sheep and cows.
Highlights: Charming hamlets in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sudeley Castle, scenic viewpoints, and a finale (or start) in Bath's Georgian splendor and Roman baths.
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for less experienced hikers.
3. Pennine Way
Location: Northern England (Derbyshire) to Scotland
Length: 431 km / 268 miles
Duration: Minimum 21 days
What to expect: Follow England's 'backbone' – the Pennine Hills – through remote moors, bogs, wildflower meadows, and varied terrain. Plan accommodations carefully; check The Guardian for stays, eats, and drinks.
Highlights: Conquer 432 stiles, 287 gates, and 204 bridges amid panoramic views, pristine scenery, Hadrian’s Wall, and England's highest pub.
Difficulty: Tough – demands long-distance experience and excellent fitness.
4. Dales Way
Location: Northern England – West Yorkshire to Cumbria
Length: 125 km / 81 miles
Duration: 5–6 days
What to expect: Well-signposted path along river valleys, farms, and fields into the Lake District foothills, through Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.
Highlights: Spectacular moors, valleys, hills, farmland, and stone villages in the Yorkshire Dales.
Difficulty: Moderate – accessible to novices.
5. South West Coast Path
Location: Southwest England – Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset, Devon
Length: 1,014 km / 630 miles
Duration: About 8 weeks
What to expect: The UK's longest trail hugs dramatic coastlines with relentless ups and downs. Tackle in sections if needed; total ascent rivals four Everests (114,931 ft / 35,031 m).
Highlights: UNESCO sites like the Jurassic Coast and Cornwall Mining Landscape, Exmoor’s cliffs (including mainland Britain's highest), beaches, castles, harbors, and Land’s End.
Difficulty: Very challenging – for seasoned walkers with proper gear.
Which of these English long-distance hikes have you tried? Share your favorite below!
