100 Hiking Trails of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Our UK long distance walks map
Hiking, rambling, walking – call it what you like, but the art of putting one foot in front of the other has always been a hugely popular pastime in the United Kingdom. We have created this beautiful map with 100 long distance walks in the UK.
You might be somewhat surprised by the number of long distance walking paths in the UK.
The National Trail Organisation has currently 17 official national trails that are all over the UK. These national trails are all featured on our map, along with over 100 other long distance paths.
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Our UK Long Distance Walks Map
The map, like all our maps, was digitally created taking many weeks and a lots of dedication.
Long hikes in the UK
Introduction
You will probably be surprised to learn that the UK has probably around 150 long distance walking trails. A long distance hike would probably be around 50 miles plus.
What are the most popular long distance hikes in the UK?
English Coastal Path
Britain will have one of the longest hiking trails in the world when the English coast path is finished. When complete, it will be 2,795 miles (4,500 km) in length!
West Highland Way, Scotland
The WHW needs no introduction and is one of the most famous long distance walks in the world!
The West Highland Way stretches over 96 miles winding through some of the most picturesque Scottish landscapes. It can be comfortably walked in 7-8 days although more experienced hikers will not have trouble conquering it in 5 days.
Traditionally, hikers walk the way from South to North which keeps the sun out of your eyes leading them from less to more challenging terrains towards the end. The path starts off in a small town of Milngavie walking you through pastoral landscapes beneath the Campsie hills.
The Pennine Way
Steep, wet, and inescapably barren, England’s 268-mile Pennine Way walking trail isn’t going to make the cover of many travel glossies. Often cold, always muddy, it’s by far the most physically and mentally challenging trek in the United Kingdom.
But for those who believe the best way to see the world is on their own two feet, there’s no more rewarding ramble in all of Europe than hiking the Pennine Way.
It follows the mountainous backbone of England through endless moorlands, marshes, and river valleys; over staggering limestone cliffs; past the largest ancient ruin in Europe; and across the wildest, moodiest stretch of land in the country before concluding at the Scottish border after two to three long, wearying weeks of walking. It is typically hiked from south to north to keep the wind and sun (and driving rain) at your back.
The John Muir Way
The John Muir Way is a route that symbolically links Dunbar (John’s hometown) with Scotland’s first national park (Loch Lomond) and the Trossachs with Helensburgh (from where John and his family departed for the USA) in the west. Both towns are located by the sea and as such the trail is known as the Scottish Coast to Coast. Along the way, you are rewarded by views over Ben Lomond, an exploration of Edinburgh, and lots of historical features.
The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way long distance trail was opened in April 2002 and passes the foot of the UK’s highest mountain (Ben Nevis), follows the shores of Loch Ness (will you spot Nessie?), and crosses the Scottish Highlands. The forts and castles scattered along the way are witness to Scotland’s turbulent past.
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Fancy Walking a Camino de Santiago, like the popular French Way across Northern Spain?