9 of The Best Long Distance Walks in England
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England has many fantastic long distance walks to choose from. In this guide we’ve picked out 9 of the best that were sure you’re going to love.
From the easy going and quiet trail through the Yorkshire Wolds Way to the rugged and wild tracks of the Coast to Coast Walk there’s a hike in this list for every type and level of hiker.
We’ve given you all the details (and hopefully inspiration) you need to choose one of them and go on an escapade of a lifetime! Enjoy the guide!
| # | Hike | Distance | Days | Difficulty | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South West Coast Path | 630 miles / 1014km | 30 – 56 | 3.8/5 | VIEW |
| #2 | Pennine Way | 268 miles / 430km | 15 – 19 | 3.4/5 | VIEW |
| #3 | Dales Way | 81 miles / 128km | 4 – 6 | 3/5 | VIEW |
| #4 | Coast to Coast Walk | 192 miles / 309km | 12 – 15 | 3.6/5 | VIEW |
| #5 | The Ridgeway | 87 miles / 139km | 5 – 7 | 3.1/5 | VIEW |
| #6 | Cotswold Way | 102 miles / 164km | 6 – 10 | 2.6/5 | VIEW |
| #7 | South Downs Way | 100 miles / 160km | 7 – 9 | 2.3/5 | VIEW |
| #8 | Hadrian’s Wall Path | 84 miles / 135km | 5 – 7 | 3/5 | VIEW |
| #9 | Yorkshire Wolds Way | 80 miles / 129km | 4 – 6 | 1.8/5 | VIEW |
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South West Coast Path
Start:
Minehead
End:
South Heaton
Distance:
630 miles / 1014km
Time:
30 – 56 Days
3.8/5
Difficulty:
Intermediate +
Image credit: Robert Pittman
The majestic South West Coastal Path route was originally laid down to help coastguards intercept smugglers, but has become one of Britain’s most popular walks.
From it’s starting point at Minehead it weaves a path along the coast of North Devon, encircles the entire coast of Cornwall and passes along the South Devon coast.
Along this unforgettable trail walkers pass through two World Heritage Sites, five areas of outstanding natural beauty and one national park.
With no two days ever the same and so much to take in, this walk will leave a lasting impression.
Stage Breakdown
Stage 1: Minehead to Westward Ho!
Stage 2: Westward Ho! to Padstow
Stage 3: Padstow to St Ives
Stage 4: St Ives to The Lizard
Stage 5: The Lizard to Par
Stage 6: Par to Torcross
Stage 7: Torcross to Seaton
Stage 8: Seaton to South Heaton
Walk Details
Start: Minehead
End: South Heaton
630 miles / 1014km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Unique & stunning geology
Many quaint coastal towns
World Heritage Sites
Amazing coastal wildlife
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
Gallery
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Image credits: Robert Pittman, Richard Walker, Robert Pittman, Andrew
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Pennine Way
Start:
Edale
End:
Kirk Yetholm
Distance:
268 miles / 430km
Time:
15 – 19 Days
3.6/5
Difficulty:
Intermediate +
Image credit: Robert J Heath
The Pennine Way, a 268 mile route across the backbone of the Pennines. Separating northeast and northwest England, it runs from the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland.
Not a walk for beginners – this trail can be challenging at times but the natural beauty and awe inspiring sites more than make it worth the effort.
There are so many highlights as the route passes through several national parks, gritstone moors, remote stretches in North Pennines and the glorious bleakness of the Cheviot Hills.
This route will have you challenging yourself, and making some unforgettable memories.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Edale to Crowden
Day 2: Crowden to Standedge
Day 3: Standedge to Calder Valley
Day 4: Calder Valley to Ickornshaw
Day 5: Ickornshaw to Malham
Day 6: Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale
Day 7: Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes
Day 8: Hawes to Tan Hill
Day 9: Tan Hill to Middleton in Teesdale
Day 10: Middleton in Teesdale to Dufton
Day 11: Dufton to Alston
Day 12: Alston to Greenhead
Day 13: Greenhead to Bellingham
Day 14: Bellingham to Byrness
Day 15: Byrness to Windy Gyle
Day 16: Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm
Walk Details
Start: Edale
End: Kirk Yetholm
268 miles / 430km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
The Cheviot Hills
Hadrian’s Wall
High Cup Nick
Stunning wildlife
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
Gallery
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Image credits: Neil Williamson, Daniel Tam, Dave Gibbons, Catherine Cronin
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Dales Way
Start:
Ilkley
End:
B-O-Windermere
Distance:
81 miles / 128km
Time:
4 – 6 Days
3/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credit: chantrybee
When a route has pubs all along it that offer bed and breakfast, you know it’s a popular trail and this is exactly the case with Dales Way.
Crossing some of the best known walking territory in Britain such as Wharfe Valley in Yorkshire and the Lake District, the path takes walkers through scenic landscapes: along mountain ridges, past stunning lakes, sheltered valleys, patchworks of moorland and beautiful forestry.
There are some steep sections, but the abundance of accommodation means that days can be split up easily into manageable chunks, making it a great introductory long distance walk for hikers.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Ilkley to Grassington
Day 2: Grassington to Yockenthwaite
Day 3: Yockenthwaite to Dent
Day 4: Dent to Kendal
Day 5: Kendal to B-O Windermere
Walk Details
Start: Ilkley
End: Bowness on Windermere
81 miles / 128km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Quaint & unspoiled villages
Stunning landscapes
Amazing food options
Historic landmarks
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
Gallery
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Image credits: chantrybee, grassrootsgroundswell, Sketyl none, deargdoom57
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Coast to Coast Walk
Start:
St Bees Head
End:
Robin Hood’s Bay
Distance:
192 miles / 309km
Time:
12 – 15 Days
3.6/5
Difficulty:
Intermediate +
Stretching across the entire north of England the Coast to Coast walk takes you through some stunning parts of the country.
Assuming St Beesis your starting point, the walk quickly leads you into the beautiful Lake District valleys of Barrowdale, Grasmere, and Patterdale.
Leaving the Lake Distrct walkers then enter the gentler landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales with its hills, rivers, limestone cliffs, and traditional villages and farmlands.
The final stretch goes through the alluring North York Moors before reaching the cliffs of the North Sea coast and traversing down to the cobblestoned streets of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: St Bees Head to Ennerdale Bridge
Day 2: Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite
Day 3: Rosthwaite to Patterdale
Day 4: Patterdale to Shap
Day 5: Shap to Kirkby Stephen
Day 6: Kirkby Stephen to Keld
Day 7: Keld to Grinton Lodge
Day 8: G-Lodge to Catterick Bridge
Day 9: Catterick Bridge to Ingleby Cross
Day 10: Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top
Day 11: Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale
Day 12: Glaisdale to Robin Hood’s Bay
Walk Details
Start: St Bees Head
End: Robin Hood’s Bay
192 miles / 309km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Beautiful villages
Lake District scenery
Stunning Yorkshire Dales
Coastal views & landscape
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
Gallery
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Image credits: sagesolar, Robert J Heath
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The Ridgeway Walk
Start:
Ivinghoe Beacon
End:
Avebury
Distance:
87 miles / 140km
Time:
5 – 7 Days
2.7/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credit: Andrew Bowden
Called England’s oldest road, the Ridgeway trail was the preferred route used by soliers, traders, drovers, and carts for 6,000 years.
It was originally built across the chalk downs of southern England to allow safe and dry progress above the untamed woods and boggy countryside below.
The trail can be taken from either direction and takes walkers through five counties: Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
Along the way are World Heritage Sites, ancient monuments, woodland, leafy paths, views from the ridge, and the occasional quaint village.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Ivinghoe Beacon to Hastoe Cross
Day 2: Hastoe Cross to Chinnor
Day 3: Chinnor to Wallingford
Day 4: Wallingford to East Ilsley
Day 5: East Ilsley to Ashbury
Day 6: Ashbury to Ogbourne St George
Day 7: Ogbourne St George to Avebury
Walk Details
Start: Ivinghoe Beacon
End: Avebury
87 miles / 140km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Views from the ridge
White chalk horses
Beautiful English countryside
Incredible natural landscapes
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
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Image credits: Giles Watson, Andrew Bowden, Andrew Bowden, Heiko S
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Cotswold Way
Start:
Chipping Campden
End:
Bath
Distance:
102 miles / 164km
Time:
6 – 10 Days
2.6/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
This much loved long distance trail has become one of England’s quintessential hikes, giving those who venture it views of idyllic villages, and jaw-dropping landscapes such as the limestone grasslands of the Cleeve Hill Ring and the Leckhampton Loop.
Starting in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire what follows is ridgelines and escarpments overlooking stunning countryside, deep valleys, rich meadows, and numerous traditional Cotswold villages before coming to an end in Somerset’s World Heritage city of Bath.
If you’re looking to experience English countryside as well as a wealth of history along the way then this is the walk for you.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Chip’ Campden to Winchcombe
Day 2: Winchcombe to Birdlip
Day 3: Birdlip to Dursley
Day 4: Dursley to Hawkesbury Upton
Day 5: Hawkes’ Upton to Cold Ashton
Day 6: Cold Ashton to Bath
Walk Details
Start: Chipping Campden
End: Bath
102 miles / 164km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Picturesque villages on route
Roman heritage sites in Bath
Belas Knap burial chamber
Sudeley Castle
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
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Gallery
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Image credits: ctj71081, Graeme Churchard, Kathryn
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South Downs Way
Start:
Winchester
End:
Eastbourne
Distance:
100 miles / 160km
Time:
7 – 9 Days
2.3/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credit: Southdownswayu3a.com
Possibly the least intense long distance walk on this list, the South Downs Way is not only a gentle introduction to multi-day hiking but a route in some beautiful English countryside.
The route opened in 1972 and connects Winchester in Hampshire with Eastbourne in Sussex.
Walkers on this route will view and pass through meadows, dense woodlands, pastures, windmills, and beautiful golden wheat fields.
There’s plenty of history on the way too with Iron Age dikes, mounds and lynchets as you stroll by on old Roman trails along which legionnaires once marched on to Londinium.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Winchester to Exton
Day 2: Exton to Buriton
Day 3: Buriton to Cocking
Day 4: Cocking to Amberley
Day 5: Amberley to Upper Beeding
Day 6: Upper Beeding to H’dean Farm
Day 7: Housedean Farm to Alfriston
Day 8: Alfriston to Eastbourne
Walk Details
Start: Winchester
End: Eastbourne
100 miles / 160km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Views of English Channel
Views of Isle of Wight
Beautiful rivers & woodland
Varied landscapes
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
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Image credits: Grassrootsgroundswell, Grassrootsgroundswell, Southdownswayu3a.com
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Hadrian’s Wall Path
Start:
Wallsend
End:
Bowness on Salway
Distance:
84 miles / 135km
Time:
5 – 7 Days
3/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
The Roman Emperor Hadrian built an extraordinary fortified wall right across the northern border of England almost 2,000 years ago, a defensive barrier against hostile Scottish tribes that was manned and mainained for almost 300 years.
Today, the wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this coast-to-coast long distance trail follows its route from the North Sea to the Irish Sea.
The route is relatively easy to traverse throughout, so is more than doable for newbie hikers. Apart from the wall itself, there’s some other attractions along the route as well as attractive wild scenery.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Wallsend to Newcastle
Day 2: Newcastle to Heddon on the Wall
Day 3: Heddon on the Wall to Ch’ford
Day 4: Chollerford to Burnhead
Day 5: Burnhead to Walton
Day 6: Walton to Carlisle
Day 7: Carlisle to Bowness on Solway
Walk Details
Start: Wallsend
End: Bowness on Salway
84 miles / 135km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Seeing ancient history
Roman Forts
Preserved Roman masonry
Solway salt marshes
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
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Image credits: Magnus Hagdorn, Claire Cox
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Yorkshire Wolds Way
Start:
Hessle
End:
Filey
Distance:
80 miles / 129km
Time:
4 – 6 Days
1.8/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credits: puffin11k
The Yorkshire Wolds is a little-known, picturesque corner of England with wide expanses of rolling chalk landscapes dotted with small market towns and quiet villages.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way cuts right across the heart of these rural downs.
Walkers will experience an area characterized by big skies, sweeping panoramas and secluded hidden valleys.
The main attraction of this walk is the relaxed landscape with open farmland and neat patches of leafy woodland.
The highlight of the trail is Wharram Percy, a deserted medieval village.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Hessle to South Cave
Day 2: South Cave to Nunburnholme
Day 3: Nunburnholme to Thixendale
Day 4: Thixendale to West Heslerton
Day 5: West Heslerton to Filey
Walk Details
Start: Hessle
End: Filey
80 miles / 129km
Get permission to wild camp
Highlights
Dry chalk valleys
Londesborough parkland
Wharram Percy Village
Stunning landscapes
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Trains
Gallery
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Image credits: puffin11k, puffin11k, Andrew Bolden, Dave Sample
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FAQs
How do I know which walk is right for me?
Choose a walk that fits your experience level. If you’ve never done a long distance walk before, stick with the easier ones. West Highland Way is always a great option to start.
Do I need to be really fit to do all these hikes?
It depends on the walk. The longer ones will be quite draining and require good endurance levels, as do the more intense walks such as the Skye trail.
Do I need special clothing or gear to do these hikes?
Definitely get the essentials for any of the walks – good footwear, backpack, clothing etc.. For the more intense walks you’ll likely need more gear.
| # | Hike | Distance | Days | Difficulty | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South West Coast Path | 630 miles / 1014km | 30 – 56 | 3.8/5 | VIEW |
| #2 | Pennine Way | 268 miles / 430km | 15 – 19 | 3.4/5 | VIEW |
| #3 | Dales Way | 81 miles / 128km | 4 – 6 | 3/5 | VIEW |
| #4 | Coast to Coast Walk | 192 miles / 309km | 12 – 15 | 3.6/5 | VIEW |
| #5 | The Ridgeway | 87 miles / 139km | 5 – 7 | 3.1/5 | VIEW |
| #6 | Cotswold Way | 102 miles / 164km | 6 – 10 | 2.6/5 | VIEW |
| #7 | South Downs Way | 100 miles / 160km | 7 – 9 | 2.3/5 | VIEW |
| #8 | Hadrian’s Wall Path | 84 miles / 135km | 5 – 7 | 3/5 | VIEW |
| #9 | Yorkshire Wolds Way | 80 miles / 129km | 4 – 6 | 1.8/5 | VIEW |
Related Guides
West Highland Way: The Guide
Lost Valley, Glencoe
8 of the Best Long Distance Walks in Scotland
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