The best long-distance walks in Britain

With warmer weather here, it’s a great opportunity to get out on a walk or hike. Why not try a long-distance route in England, Wales or Scotland when the weather is fine? From the Coast to Coast to the West Highland Way, there are loads of walks to explore. We’ve rounded up five of our favourites.

Wales Coast Path, Wales

Length: 870 miles

Not to be missed: Stroll along the golden sands of Tywyn beach, visit the magnificent Conwy Castle, and stop by the country’s longest pier at Llandudno.

“The coastal path is one of the crowning glories of Wales,” says First Minister, Mark Drakeford, and we agree. The Wales Coast Path covers the country’s entire coastline – an incredible 870 miles. It’s the first continuous route along a country’s coast in the world, making it something quite special. The path begins – or ends – in Chepstow, Monmouthshire and travels north to Queensferry, Flintshire. It can be challenging with lots of ascents and descents – it rises and falls almost 96,000 feet altogether, almost three times the height of Everest. But it’s worth the effort. The award-winning route passes 16 castles and 100 beaches along the way, so there’s plenty to hold your interest. This year marks the path’s tenth anniversary, with lots of events being held to celebrate. Find out What’s on.

Plan your adventure with Wales Coast Path Map

Coast to Coast route, England

Length: Around 190 miles

Not to be missed: Try the “best gingerbread in the world” at Grasmere, check out the mysterious Nine Standards, and enjoy a steam train ride at Grosmont Station.

The Coast to Coast route begins by the Irish Sea at St Bees, Cumbria and ends by the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire. Don’t forget to dip your boots in the sea at the start and end of the route – it’s a tradition. The walk isn’t one path but many routes that together forge an epic course across the north of England. The Coast to Coast winds its way through three national parks – the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park – making for some stunning and varied scenery. The route can be walked, cycled or even ran, if you’re feeling energetic! Lots of sections aren’t signposted so bring along your compass and map.

Look up your route with OS maps or Harvey Maps Coast to Coast map

West Highland Way, Scotland

Length: 96 miles

Not to be missed: Have a wee dram of whisky at the Glengoyne distillery and take a break at Weir’s Rest picnic spot. Get a picture with the Sore Feet statue in Fort William, to mark the end of your journey.

Looking for a walk with stunning scenery? Then look no further. A Tripadvisor review calls the West Highland Way “a spectacular way to experience the Scottish Highlands” and it really is. Starting at Milngavie, near Glasgow it travels north through the famed Highlands to Fort William. When it opened in 1980 it became the country’s first official long-distance footpath and it’s been popular ever since. It’s easy to see why people are drawn to the route, with its moors, mountains, forests and glens. You can even climb several Munros – Ben Lomond, Buachaille Etive Mòr and the famed Ben Nevis – on your journey. Luckily, easier routes are available too! Stop by Inversnaid Waterfall and the Falls of Falloch as well. Both add an air of drama to the landscape. And keep an eye out for wildlife. You might spot golden eagles, wild goats and red deer en route.

Get the OS Explorer West Highland Way map set

Offa’s Dyke Path, England and Wales

Length: 177 miles

Not to be missed: Browse for second-hand books in Hay-on-Wye. Further north, visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal, an awe-inspiring ‘stream in the sky’.

You’ll feel history come alive along Offa’s Dyke Path, one of England and Wales’s renowned National Trails. The route follows the border between the two countries, and Offa’s Dyke, the longest ancient monument in Britain. The Dyke was likely built by Offa, King of Mercia in the 8th century to safeguard his kingdom. “Much of the Dyke is still traceable along the 80 miles from the Wye valley to Wrexham,” according to Offa’s Dyke Association. The Dyke isn’t the only history you’ll experience on your walk either. The trail offers many tantalising glimpses into the past. Look out for Chepstow Castle, a testament to Norman might, the ruins of Tintern Abbey, and the medieval Powis Castle. Offa’s Dyke Path runs from Sedbury Cliffs, close to Chepstow, north to the seaside town of Prestatyn. It links up to the Wales Coast Path – letting you walk the country’s perimeter – should you want more of a challenge!

Use a Harvey Maps product to navigate the path

Capital Ring

Length: Over 70 miles

Not to be missed: Marvel at the mighty Thames Barrier and stroll around Eltham Palace and Gardens.

The Capital Ring shows that city routes can be just as inspiring as rural ones. This is a walk with a difference – it’s based around inner London. But it’s a version of the city you’ve probably never seen before. Going in a loop, you’ll travel from Woolwich to Becton District Park, through many of London’s green spaces. You’ll pass through nature reserves, parks and woods. The walk features plenty of blue spaces too, with lakes, rivers and canals to admire. “Walking its length brings home both the sheer scale of the capital and the abundance of greenery nestled among its roads and buildings,” Alex Dudok de Wit wrote for Time Out. You can walk the Capital Ring in one go or choose from its 15 sections. Finished the full walk? Transport for London has a certificate you can download to mark the occasion.

Pick up a map to plan your adventure

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