I discovered my love for hiking in England when I walked the Thames Path in 2015 and 2016. Since then, I have gone back many times. The biggest adventure so far has been my hike from Land’s End to John o’Groat. But it doesn’t always have to be a big hike. If you are in the UK for a holiday, you might want to enjoy one of the many public footpaths to explore the beautiful country.
You decide how many kilometres you want to walk. Maybe your hike will just be part of your holiday. You might also choose to only complete part of a longer hike. There are 16 National Trails to choose from and countless other marked paths.
Some Route Options for Long Distance Hikes
Here are examples of the best-known and loved long-distance paths in Britain.
National Trails
Choose from one of the 16 National Trails in Britain. Each one covering some very unique British landscapes.
Long Distance Trails
Discover one of the many long distance trails found all over Britain.
Scottish Trails
Scotland offer some excellent long distance trails taking in the beautiful landscape.
Accommodation

There are various kinds of accommodation available, and you can choose whichever you prefer. Staying in a hotel or bed & breakfast will be more comfortable, but also more expensive, than staying in a hostel or on a campsite. It is often best to find a good mix of different types of accommodation.
- Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfasts can be found in almost every village and most of the time offer the perfect mix of comfort and affordability. - Inn / Pub
Many pubs also offer accommodation – you won’t even have to leave the building for dinner! - Guesthouse
Accommodation in a guesthouse is often a bit simpler than in a B&B and does not always include breakfast. - International Youth Hostel/Independent Hostel
There are 150 youth hostels located in Britain. They offer inexpensive accommodation, and it is often possible to book private rooms. There are also many independent hostels to choose from. - Camping / Pod
Campsites can be found all over Britain. If you don’t mind bringing a tent, they are a great alternative to hotels. It might be difficult to stay only on campsites during the whole duration of your trip; to do so may involve some detours. Wild camping is allowed in most of Scotland and if you check first, it may also be allowed in some places in England and Wales. But never leave any traces!
Luggage Transfer
I love that luggage transfer is a thing in the UK. It makes such a difference if you don’t have to carry your heavy bag.

