Three of my favorite hiking destinations in Great Britain!

When thinking of the British countryside, many picture smooth, rolling green hills and quaint little cottages.

This image is accurate for the majority of the land. But Great Britain also has some majestic mountains that offer incredible hiking opportunities.

For those who don’t know, Great Britain is the North Atlantic island composed of England, Scotland, and Wales.

(Ireland and Northern Ireland are not included. But Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Confusing, right?)

The temperate climate, high precipitation levels, and wide range of biodiversity make the terrain geographically unique and rich with wildlife.

From adrenaline fiends who love rugged landscapes and heart-dropping views to mellow hikers who enjoy peaceful strolls and scenic views, Great Britain has it all.

These three hiking destinations can provide either a full weekend of hardcore adventure or a simple place to enjoy an afternoon walk.

Things to note before hiking in Great Britain:

Transport

It is important to keep in mind that these places are quite secluded and difficult to reach by public transport.

You can fly to the nearest city, then take the local train to the nearest town.

From there you’ll need to either rent a car, book a tour with a guide, or take taxis to get to these remote areas.

Plan your journey in advance so you know what transportation is necessary.

Weather

Paying attention to the weather is also essential. Great Britain often throws rain, hail, snow, wind, fog, and ice at its inhabitants.

Especially when climbing at high elevations, it is pivotal to dress appropriately for cold temperatures and be prepared for any inclement weather.

Wear sturdy hiking boots with lots of grip for hiking in wet, snowy, muddy terrain. And pack lots of warm layers.

Travel Insurance

Before embarking on any challenging hikes in remote areas, be sure you have good travel insurance.

I always recommend Squaremouth Insurance.

They fully reimbursed me for my emergency medical bills when I was traveling. So I’ve had a positive experience with them.

Visas

England, Scotland, and Wales are all part of the United Kingdom.

Certain nationalities may need a visa to visit here, so check iVisa.com to see visa requirements.

After considering transportation, climate, travel insurance, and visas, you can get ready to embark on an absolutely epic hiking trip.

Here are 3 beautiful hiking destinations in Great Britain. 

3 Beautiful Hiking Destinations in Great Britain

1. The Lake District, England

Northwest England is home to the Lake District, a stunning area filled with forests, national parks, mountains, valleys, and of course, lakes.

Located in the Cumbria region, this is the perfect place to absorb some classic English countryside.

For those who crave a challenge, the tallest mountain in England also resides here. Scafell Pike stands at 3,209 feet and hiking the entire, 15-km trail can take 6-8 hours.

Other difficult and rewarding hikes in the Lake District include:

• Newlands Horseshoe Hike (around 17 km total)
• Fairfield Horseshoe (around 18km total)

Both of these can take between 6 and 9 hours.

The Lake District also has some easier and shorter hikes for those who just want to enjoy themselves.

• Haystacks Walk: only 8 km in total and takes between 2 and 4 hours
• Langstrath Valley Walk: 14 km long but it’s pretty flat so most people do it in 2-4 hours as well.

2. Snowdonia, Wales

This national park in northern Wales is named after Mount Snowdon, the region’s highest mountain.

At 3,560 feet, a hike up this enormous peak allows one to endure a challenging journey up rocky slopes, around deep valleys, and over glassy lakes.

The scenery of Snowdonia is absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, the mysterious yet magical landscape reveals itself in full.

The hike generally takes between 5 and 7 hours.

There are a few different paths to take up the mountain. But they all get you to the summit and they don’t vary in difficulty too much.

3. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Scotland is famous for its rugged highlands.

But a true gem of this country is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, known as the Isle of Skye.

The hauntingly beautiful Cuillin Mountain Range dominates the center of the island.

There are a few different hiking trails here that range from 8-16 km in length.

The Storr is another incredible hiking spot on the Isle of Skye.

This famous hill located on the island’s northeastern Trotternish Peninsula begins with easy paths so anyone can hike up and enjoy the view.

Towards the middle of the trail is the Old Man of Storr, a collection of huge jagged rocks that make great photo opportunities.

Continuing to climb upwards past this iconic scenery is a bit steeper, so only strong hikers should ascend further. The highest point lies at 2,359 feet.

Click here to read about the 18 Best Things To Do On The Isle of Skye, Scotland!

Another unbelievable hike on the Isle of Skye is the Quiraing. This hilly stretch of land is full of odd shapes and strange rock formations.

It’s popular to drive up into the mountains to a small car park, where you can then walk along the paths that cut horizontally through the misshapen hills.

The scenery here is completely one of a kind.

For more hiking related articles from around the world, check out these articles:

Imlil, Morocco: Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

How To Visit The Drakensberg Mountains In South Africa On A Budget

A Guide To The Royal National Park: Sydney, Australia

The Struggles And Triumphs Of Hiking Volcán Acatenango In Guatemala