The top 12 long-distance walks in the UK

Long-distance walking: what you need to know

Depending on how much experience you have with long-distance hikes, you’ll likely have a different reaction to the distances listed above, ranging up into hundreds of miles. It’s a far cry from a quick walk in the woods on a Sunday morning but that’s also the appeal – a long-distance walking trail is a genuine outdoor adventure to plan for and take your time over.

Some people, like long-distance walking icon, John Merrill, take on paths like this in one go, but there’s no need to if you don’t have the time (or, frankly, the inclination).

You can achieve a long-distance route in stages over months or years, chipping away the total distance over time. That’s particularly true if you’re planning to camp as you go – while we love sleeping under canvas, you might not want to do so for weeks at a time.

However you plan to tackle a National Trail or some other long-distance path, you’ll need to build up your fitness and make sure you’ve got the right kit before you go, to help you enjoy the experience.

Building up to the distance you want to walk is simple: head out on regular walks over the weeks and months leading up to your hike, increasing the distance as you go to spend more time on your feet and get comfortable walking with a rucksack.

When it comes to having the right kit with you, check out our guide to lightweight camping kit to make sure you’ve got all the right camping gear, then take a look at what you’re planning to wear. Your boots will be one of the most important considerations but your approach to every piece of clothing should be the same: will it be comfortable to wear on the move for days at a time and will it protect you from the elements? If the answer is yes, pack it; if not, find something else.

We’d recommend packing as lightly as you can without missing anything crucial – it’s a simple point to make, but the more you take then the more you need to carry!

If you’re looking for high-quality camping kit that’s great value for money, check out the Out & About Shop, where we’ve partnered with brands that we trust to bring you fantastic outdoor kit, including products that we’ve tested and reviewed.

Our pick of the 12 best long-distance walks in the UK

With everything packed and ready, let’s take a look at some of the best long-distance paths in the UK, including some stunning National Trails.

#1 West Highland Way (96 miles)

Scotland’s most popular long-distance path runs from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William and the Highlands. The West Highland Way attracts walkers from all over the world. Expect good tracks through mountain terrain, a hike over Rannoch Moor, plus a two-day walk up the banks of Loch Lomond. It is an exciting and challenging walk that often feels remote but is usually not too far from a road.

Stay at: Beinglas Farm Campsite

Arrochar, By Ardlui, Loch Lomond G83 7DX
07957 626577
beinglascampsite.co.uk
Set in awesome mountain country at the end of the Loch Lomond stretch of the West Highland Way. The route passes right next to the campsite as it heads for Crianlarich and Rannoch Moor. Lots of options to explore the route.

#2 Southern Upland Way (214 miles)

The Southern Upland Way is a coast-to-coast route across southern Scotland. It’s a challenging route taking in remote terrain, mountains, wild moorland and rough ground. Many of the sections are a long way from food and shelter so good navigation is essential. It is probably not a good choice for a first outing but if you want to work up to something that will test you then this could be it.

Stay at: Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site

Bargennan, Newton Stewart. Dumfries and Galloway DG8 6RN
01671 840280
glentroolcampingandcaravansite.co.uk
Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site is a small and neat campsite that is a favourite overnight stopping point for backpackers on the Southern Upland Way. The campsite is close to the route and is well placed for exploring the earlier stages of this path.

#3 Hadrian's Wall Path (84 miles)

Hadrian’s Wall path runs from Wallsend on the east coast of England to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. It follows the line of ancient Hadrian’s Wall, which is a World Heritage Site. History lovers will enjoy the trip and the experience immensely. The route is mostly easy but the 23 miles section from Chollerford to Birdoswald is hilly and tough going.

Stay at: Greencarts Camping Site

Humshaugh, Northumberland NE46 4BW
01434 681320
greencarts.co.uk
A popular backpacking campsite for those walking the path. Greencarts is quite close to the line of the wall and is a family-run campsite offering pleasant camping in sheltered surroundings.

#4 The Dales Way (80 miles)

An ‘unofficial’ route, the Dales Way was the brainchild of guidebook writer, Colin Speakman, and his friends and links the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the Lake District National Park. The way runs from Ilkley in Yorkshire to the shores of Lake Windermere at Bowness in Cumbria, and, although the walk favours lower ground, there are enough moorland and remote river sections to satisfy everyone.

Stay at: Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Ashes Lane, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 9JS
01539 821119
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
A remote campsite close to the closing stages of the Dales Way with plenty of options to explore the end or even drive a short way to the Cumbria/Yorkshire border and take in some of the middle sections.

#5 The Pennine Way (268 miles)

A rough and tough moorland outing that follows the Pennine spine of England. Expect long days, difficult terrain and bouts of bad weather. A great walk but you will need to be super fit. The Pennine Way runs from Edale in Derbyshire to just over the Scottish border at Kirk Yetholm.

Stay at: Newfold Farm Campsite

New Fold Farm, Grindsbrook Booth, Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 7ZD
01433 670401
newfoldfarmedale.com
Right at the start of the Pennine Way – great for Kinder Scout and the early stages.

#6 The Coast to Coast Path (192 miles)

The creation of guidebook writer, the late Alfred Wainwright, and the classic, unofficial route. Most people walk it west to east from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. Expect mountain terrain, moorland, field walking and even some coastal hiking. A very popular route that seems to get busier every year.

Stay at: Side Farm Campsite

Side Farm, Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0NP
01768 482337
sidefarmcampsite.co.uk
Set on the shores of Ullswater and ideal for exploring the Lake District sections of the walk. The route passes near to the campsite which has awesome mountain and lake views.

#7 Offa's Dyke Path (177 miles)

Offa’s Dyke Path doesn’t always follow the ancient earthworks that gave it its name; however, it is still a magnificent and lengthy outing. The walk runs from Prestatyn in north Wales to Chepstow in the south of the country and crosses hills, moorland, pasture land and takes in plenty of wilderness and remote terrain. Several mountain ranges are tackled overall with the highlights being the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Range. You’ll need to be fit and agile as it is reckoned there are over 700 stiles to climb on the walk, which is just as good done in either direction.

Stay at: Nant Mill Touring Caravan and Camping Park

Nant Mill Farm, Gronant Road, Prestatyn, Denbighshire LL19 9LY
01745 852360
nantmilltouring.co.uk

#8 The Pembrokeshire Coast Path (186 miles)

A lengthy route that fits neatly into a small corner of southwest Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is made up of a gorgeous succession of low cliffs and paths that follow them as well as running above, around and through pretty headlands and bays. It is an out and out coastal route that runs from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north. Overall the walk is straightforward and easy but there are some steep sections and rough bits.

Stay at: Newgale Campsite

Wood Farm, Newgale, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6AS
07539 906611
newgalecampsite.co.uk
Set next to the beach and close to the coast path, Newgale Campsite is a great base for exploring the central areas of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from. You can walk from the campsite and head north on the route to Solva or go south to Nolton Haven.

#9 The Ridgeway Path (87 miles)

The Ridgeway has been walked along in one form or another for over 5,000 years and is often referred to as ‘the oldest road in the world’. The route follows an elevated course over the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and runs from Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon following a mix of ancient tracks and modern footpaths and bridleways. The walk is full of historic sites and, although it has plenty of ups and downs, it is straightforward and not over-taxing.

Stay at: Town Farm Campsite

Ivinghoe, Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire LU7 9EL
01296 668455
townfarmcamping.co.uk
A friendly and family-run campsite that is right beneath Ivinghoe Beacon which is the official start or finish of the Ridgeway Path depending on which way you choose to walk it. The campsite offers plenty of scope for exploring the early (or later) stages of the route.

#10 South Downs Way (100 miles)

A very popular route crossing the South Downs of southern England from Winchester to Eastbourne. The walk is a mix of rounded downs, valleys and coastal walking (towards the end) with a traverse of the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Paths are usually wide and easy to follow and, although the way has plenty of ups and downs, the going is straightforward and not too strenuous overall.

Stay at: Housedean Farm Campsite

Brighton Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3JW
07919 668816
housedean.co.uk
Housedean Farm Campsite is set right in the heart of the South Downs and the South Downs Way runs by the campsite. This makes it a great base for exploring the route around the campsite and a bit further afield as well.

#11 The Isle of Wight Coastal Path (70 miles)

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path runs (as you would expect) right around the coast of the Isle of Wight. It is not an ‘official’ National Trail but a fine example of a route set up and maintained by the local authorities. As it is a circular walk you can start and finish where you like, but most people choose Cowes as it is the main ferry port for the island. Expect cliffs, high moors, rocky bays and sandy shores.

Stay at: Grange Farm Campsite

Military Road, Brighstone, Grange Chine, Isle of Wight PO30 4DA
01983 740296
grangefarmcamping.co.uk
An atmospheric site set on the cliffs at the southern coast of the island. Makes a great base to explore the ‘bottom’ section of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path.

#12 South West Coast Path (630 miles)

The ‘daddy’ of all the UK’s long-distance footpaths, walking the South West Coast Path is an epic undertaking that few will complete in one go.

The route runs from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset following the coastal cliffs up and down and through endless switchbacks. The route requires stamina and commitment to complete and as bridges across inlets may be some distance inland the way makes use of ferry crossings at certain points - it’s not cheating, it’s an accepted part of walking the route.

Stay at: Sennen Cove Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Higher Tregiffian Farm, St Buryan, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JB
01736 871588
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
On such a huge route it’s impossible to cover it all from a single camping site. We have chosen one that is in the central regions of the walk and that gives you the chance to explore some spectacular cliff paths whichever way you choose to walk once you leave Sennen Cove Camping and Caravanning Club Site.