19 Long Distance Walking Routes Through England, Scotland, and Wales

Long distance walking routes offer a unique way to experience the beauty and diversity of the British countryside. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a more leisurely stroll, there's a route to suit everyone. Here are 19 of the best long distance walking routes in England, Scotland, and Wales, carefully rated for distance, terrain, and scenery by Cicerone, specialists in outdoor adventure guidebooks.

England

1. The Pennine Way

Distance: 268 miles (431 km)

Terrain: Moderate to challenging

Scenery: Stunning upland scenery, including the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, and the Cheviot Hills

2. The Coast to Coast Walk

Distance: 190 miles (306 km)

Terrain: Moderate

Scenery: A mix of coastal and upland scenery, including the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors

3. The Cotswold Way

Distance: 102 miles (164 km)

Terrain: Easy to moderate

Scenery: The rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds

4. The South West Coast Path

Distance: 630 miles (1,014 km)

Terrain: Moderate to challenging

Scenery: Stunning coastal scenery, including the Jurassic Coast, the Cornish Riviera, and the Isles of Scilly

5. The Hadrian's Wall Path

Distance: 84 miles (135 km)

Terrain: Easy to moderate

Scenery: The Roman remains of Hadrian's Wall, as well as the beautiful Northumberland countryside

Scotland

6. The West Highland Way

Distance: 96 miles (154 km)

Terrain: Moderate to challenging

Scenery: Stunning mountain and loch scenery, including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK

7. The Cape Wrath Trail

Distance: 230 miles (370 km)

Terrain: Challenging

Scenery: Remote and rugged wilderness, including the Northwest Highlands and Cape Wrath, the most northwesterly point of mainland Britain

8. The Great Glen Way

Distance: 73 miles (117 km)

Terrain: Easy to moderate

Scenery: The Great Glen, a geological fault line that runs from Fort William to Inverness, including Loch Ness

9. The Speyside Way

Distance: 62 miles (99 km)

Terrain: Easy to moderate

Scenery: The beautiful Speyside region, including the Cairngorms National Park and the River Spey

10. The Fife Coastal Path

Distance: 117 miles (188 km)

Terrain: Easy to moderate

Scenery: The varied coastline of Fife, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and historic towns

Wales

11. The Offa's Dyke Path

Distance: 177 miles (285 km)

Terrain: Moderate to challenging

Scenery: The border between England and Wales, including the Shropshire Hills, the Black Mountains, and the Brecon Beacons

12. The Welsh Coast Path

Distance: 870 miles (1,400 km)

Terrain: Moderate to challenging

Scenery: The entire coastline of Wales, including the Ll