MY TOP 5 HIKES IN THE UK

Published: 23/01/2026 | Written by: Tom Sparrow

Tom came to hiking later than most, but one walk in the South Downs was all it took. Since then, the UK’s hills, valleys and coastlines have become his go-to escape – a place to move, reset and explore. In this piece, he shares the routes that shaped his love of hiking, along with practical advice for anyone ready to step outside and start walking. So, if hiking is on the horizon, this one’s for you.

Hi, I’m Tom Sparrow, and I started hiking and adventuring around ten years ago, just as I entered my twenties. I began sharing some of my adventures around two years ago on social media, and it’s been wonderful to build a small community around a shared love for the outdoors and weaving adventure into everyday life.

My first proper experience of hiking in the UK was the South Downs on a day trip from London. Something clicked. It felt like I’d found something that would stay with me for a long time. A few weeks later, I headed out with my cousin for a three-day camping trip in the Lake District. We carried far too much stuff, but got incredibly lucky with the weather, and from then on, I was hooked on exploring the UK and all of the amazing places within it.

JUST GETTING STARTED?

As I mentioned above, I only started hiking properly in my twenties, and I have friends who started much later and love it now. Hiking and exploring have become a massive part of my life, and I’ve found it’s a great way to connect with others – from a quick ‘hello’ on a summit cairn through to decades-long friendships founded on time spent outdoors.

If I’m out hiking alone, or with my dog on the Cornish coast, I find there’s space to process and reflect on what’s going on in my life at the time, and certain places I return to regularly now hold really special memories. At its heart, though, hiking is also just a wonderful way to stay active and healthy, and over the last ten years, I’ve tried to let time in nature be my main form of exercise.

If you’re just starting out, I’d always recommend going somewhere close to home. If you’re beginning in winter, that can mean less daylight and more changeable conditions, so hiking somewhere familiar can make it feel less daunting and much easier to change plans if the weather suddenly turns. I also recommend starting with a proper campsite before trying wild camping – don’t go straight in at the deep end. Ease yourself in.

Gradually increasing how long you’re out is also really important. It’s easy to think you need to head out for a full day straight away, but that’s definitely not the case. Start small to let your legs and feet get used to longer walks, and make sure you have a kit that will keep you warm and dry when you’re away from shelter.

I’d also stick to low-level routes at first. There are fantastic valley walks all over the UK, and conditions are often far more forgiving than on exposed hilltops. If you have an injury, health condition, or feel unsure about spending long periods outdoors, it’s always worth starting with very short walks or checking with a professional before pushing yourself too far.

WHY HIKE IN THE UK?

The UK is an incredibly varied and diverse landscape. We have everything from mountains and moorland to coastlines and countryside – and lots in between. We’re also incredibly lucky to have so much infrastructure around nature, which makes huge areas really accessible. Many of our national parks are looked after by their own organisations, often in conjunction with the National Trust or the RSPB, and there’s a wealth of information available on routes, conditions, and access for anyone planning a trip.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the weather in the UK is famously changeable. While hiking to the base of Ben Nevis last year, conditions shifted from blazing sun to drizzling rain to heavy snow within half an hour. Luckily, I was prepared with a waterproof jacket, overtrousers, and a warm down jacket – a particular favourite of mine being the North Face Diablo Down Jacket – and this was in June. Especially in hillier areas, it’s essential to be ready with full waterproofs and warm layers, whatever the forecast says.

Glen Etive – Scotland

One of the most dramatically situated rivers in the UK, Glen Etive is a fantastic place to explore, with almost limitless options for hillwalking or wild swimming – though these are entirely optional. You can enjoy a gentle stroll along the riverbanks that’s great for beginners and takes an hour or two, or use the valley as a starting point for a full-day mountain adventure.

I’d recommend visiting between April and June for the most settled conditions. The paths can be rocky and slippery in the rain, so a pair of grippy trail runners works well here, along with waterproof layers if the weather changes.

Ogwen Valley – Wales

One of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring valleys in North Wales, Ogwen Valley is home to Tryfan, the Glyders, and Cadair Idris – a real treasure trove of terrain. The valley floor itself offers gentle, accessible walking that’s ideal for beginners and can be done in short sections or half-day outings. I’ve even explored parts of it by bike, which is brilliant fun.

The area can be visited year-round, but in winter, the surrounding hills become a serious undertaking and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Make sure you’re well prepared, check the forecast, and carry full waterproofs, warm layers, and a reliable navigation method.

Ennerdale Round – Lake District

Set in the remote Ennerdale Valley on the western edge of the Lake District, this area feels completely different from much of the National Park. The valley is managed by the Wild Ennerdale Partnership, with the National Trust allowing the landscape to evolve naturally while maintaining excellent access for walkers.

There’s a huge range of options here – from relaxed half-hour valley loops suitable for beginners to multi-day hilltop epics like the full Ennerdale Round, which I completed with a friend in March. If you stick to the lower paths, this is a great walk all year round. Sturdy footwear, waterproofs, and enough food and water are key, especially as facilities are limited.

Kynance Cove – Cornwall

A classic spot in my home county of Cornwall. While the well-maintained car park and stunning beach are often busy with sightseers, I recommend heading away from the crowds along the cliffs towards Lizard Point. This coastal walk is relatively short and accessible, making it great for beginners, and rewards you with quiet paths, dramatic views, and a real sense of the wildness of this coastline. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, when the paths are quieter. Good trainers or walking shoes are usually enough, but the ground can be uneven, so take care near cliff edges – especially in windy weather.

The South West Coast Path is one of my favourite UK walks, with different sections being more beginner-friendly than others. My partner and I have been chipping away at it in sections for years. It’s always a great reminder that you don’t need to do a huge hike all at once – doing smaller sections and returning over time can be just as rewarding. Plus, you get to see the path as the surrounding nature changes with the seasons. A win.

South Downs – Sussex

This was one of the first places I ever tried hiking in the UK. The South Downs offer gentle ridgeline walking with incredible views across rolling farmland and out to the coast. My favourite section runs from Seaford to Eastbourne and takes most of a day at a relaxed pace.

Although certain areas can be busy where coaches stop, much of the route remains surprisingly quiet. Depending on the season and conditions, it can feel anything from moderately challenging to properly epic. You’ll finish with tired legs and a well-earned ice cream in summer, or a comforting cup of tea in winter – either way, it’s a brilliant introduction to longer-distance walking.

HIKING ESSENTIALS – WHAT TO WEAR AND PACK

Kit Up for UK Conditions

• A 30–40 litre supportive rucksack
  Comfort is relative and doesn’t have to mean a super-technical pack. Thirty litres is plenty for most day hikes. I always line my bag with a large dry bag – or two bin liners in a pinch. You can buy rain covers, but I find they’re often flappy in the wind and not always that effective.
• Comfortable trainers or walking boots
  I’m a big fan of trainers for long-distance walking as they’re lighter than boots. You can buy waterproof or non-waterproof versions. Most important is a decent sole (especially useful on muddy paths) and making sure they don’t pinch your toes – I usually go half a size up. Pair them with thin wool socks or a sports blend to keep your feet happy.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
  These two items work absolute wonders. Most people already own a waterproof jacket of some sort, but spending £30–£50 on a pair of waterproof trousers is a complete game-changer for comfort in a shower.
• An insulated jacket
  Most people already own some kind of warm coat, but I’d really recommend investing in either a down or a lightweight synthetic jacket. They pack down small and can sit in your bag until needed. I particularly recommend the North Face Diablo Down – it’s an incredible piece of winter kit.
• Phone, power bank, and map
  Essential for navigation (I’ll go out on a limb and assume you use your phone – no shame in it!) and emergencies. Having a paper map is an excellent backup, but make sure you actually know how to read it.
• Water
  Bring 1–1.5 litres for a day out. If you’re near towns, you’ll probably pass shops or taps, but staying hydrated can make the difference between a great day out and a miserable one. I always err on the side of caution.
• Food
  If you’re planning to be out for more than one to two hours away from shops, bring your next meal plus generous snacks. Hiking is hungry work.
• Headtorch
  Essential for longer hikes in winter – and more useful than you might think in summer. I’ve been incredibly grateful for one even on dog walks in late afternoon when the light was fading, just to keep my ankles safe.
• Food container
  A good lunchbox (ideally multi-layered or split) is a constant companion on almost all my bigger days out. Fill it with more food than you think you’ll need – it pays to be prepared.

Hiking can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but remember to keep things simple as you begin. Bringing a friend or family member along can make the experience much more enjoyable, and it’s also a great way to be a little safer. Once you’ve got a couple of hikes under your belt, it’s amazing how the UK starts to open up into one big adventure playground. So, as the new year begins, lace up your trainers and hit the trails.