1. Helvellyn via striding edge
- Where: Cumbria, England
- Starting Point: Glenridding car park (Northern end of the village of Glenridding)
- End Point: Summit of Helvellyn
- Time Needed: 4-6 hours.
- Distance and Type: 11 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike Helvellyn via Striding Edge is between late spring and early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder, and the days are longer.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Glenridding, including guesthouses, hotels, and campsites. The nearest town is Penrith, which has a wider selection of accommodation options.
The Helvellyn via Striding Edge hike is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake District National Park. The hike starts from the Glenridding car park and ascends to the summit of Helvellyn via the famous Striding Edge, which is a narrow ridge that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ridge involves some scrambling and can be exposed in places, so it is important to take caution and only attempt it if you are comfortable with heights. The descent is via Swirral Edge, which is less exposed but still involves some steep scrambling. The hike is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers some of the best views in the Lake District.
2. Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route
- Where: Cumbria, England
- Starting Point: Wasdale Head car park (located near the village of Gosforth in Cumbria)
- End Point: Summit of Scafell Pike
- Time Needed: 6-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 14 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is milder, and the days are longer. It is important to check the weather forecast and avoid hiking in poor visibility or severe weather conditions.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns of Gosforth and Wasdale Head, including guesthouses, hotels, and campsites.
The Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route hike is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers some of the best views in the Lake District National Park. The hike starts from the Wasdale Head car park and ascends up to the summit of Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route, which is a rocky and narrow path that winds its way up the mountain. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including Wastwater, the deepest lake in England. The descent is via the same path, making it a circular route. The hike is a challenging experience that requires good fitness and some scrambling skills, but the views and sense of accomplishment make it well worth the effort.
3. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar
- Where: North Yorkshire, England
- Trail Head: Village of Malham
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 11 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is mild, and the days are longer. The trail can be slippery and dangerous during wet and icy conditions, so it is important to check the weather forecast before embarking on the hike.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby villages of Malham, Settle, and Skipton, including guesthouses, hotels, and campsites.
The hike to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of some of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The trail starts from the village of Malham and leads to Malham Cove, a towering limestone cliff that rises 80 meters (260 feet) above the valley floor. From there, the trail leads to Gordale Scar, a deep ravine carved out by a stream that runs over a series of waterfalls. The trail involves some steep climbs and descents, as well as some scrambling over rocky terrain, but the views of the surrounding countryside make it well worth the effort. Overall, the hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers alike.
4. The Lizard Coastal Walk
- Where: Cornwall, England
- Trail Head: Lizard Point car park
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The Lizard Coastal Walk can be done year-round, but the best time to hike is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and holiday cottages. Some popular options include the Housel Bay Hotel, the Polurrian on the Lizard, and the Mullion Cove Hotel.
The Lizard Coastal Walk is a stunning hike that takes you along the rugged and beautiful coastline of the Lizard Peninsula, offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint villages, ancient woodland, and wildflower meadows, as well as stopping to take in some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including Lizard Point, Kynance Cove, and Cadgwith Cove. The walk is a must-do for anyone visiting Cornwall, offering a unique perspective on this stunning part of the world.
5. The Seven Sisters
- Where: East Sussex, England
- Starting point: Seaford Head car park
- End point: Birling Gap car park
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The Seven Sisters can be done year-round, but the best time to hike is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and hotels. Some popular options include the Deans Place Hotel, the White Horse Inn, and the YHA South Downs.
The Seven Sisters is a stunning hike that takes you along a series of chalk cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields and countryside, as well as stopping to take in some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including Beachy Head and the Belle Tout Lighthouse. The walk is a must-do for anyone visiting East Sussex, offering a unique perspective on this stunning part of the world.
6. The Old Man of Coniston
- Where: Lake District, England
- Trail Head: Village of Coniston
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8.9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The Old Man of Coniston can be hiked year-round, but the best time to hike is during the summer months, when the weather is mild, and the days are long.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and hotels. Some popular options include the Waterhead Hotel, the Coniston Inn, and the YHA Coniston Holly How.
The Old Man of Coniston is a stunning hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Lake District. The route takes you up to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, which offers stunning views of the surrounding fells and Coniston Water. Along the way, you’ll pass through mountain and moorland terrain, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and admire the landscape. The walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the Lake District, offering a unique perspective on this stunning part of the world.
7. The Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk
- Where: Mendip Hills, Somerset, England
- Trail Head: Car park at Cheddar Gorge
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5.6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: The Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk can be hiked year-round, but the best time to hike is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Cheddar, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and hotels. Some popular options include the Bath Arms Hotel, the Lion Rock Tea Rooms and Guesthouse, and the YHA Cheddar.
The Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk is a beautiful hike that takes you through some of the most stunning limestone scenery in the Mendip Hills. The route takes you through the gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and rock formations, before ascending to the top of the hills for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through woodlands, fields, and pastures, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and admire the landscape. The walk is a must-do for anyone visiting Somerset, offering a unique perspective on this beautiful part of England.
8. The Kinder Scout Circular Walk
- Where: Derbyshire, England
- Trail Head: Carpark at Edale
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12.8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The Kinder Scout Circular Walk can be hiked year-round, but the best time to hike is during the summer months, when the weather is mild, and the days are long.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Edale, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and campsites. Some popular options include the Edale YHA Hostel, The Rambler Inn, and the Nether Booth Camping Barn.
The Kinder Scout Circular Walk is one of the most popular hikes in the Peak District, offering stunning views of the surrounding moorland and valleys. The route takes you up to the summit of Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, before descending through the picturesque Edale Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region, including waterfalls, streams, and wildflower meadows. The walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the Peak District, offering a unique perspective on this beautiful part of England.
9. Stanage Edge
- Where: Derbyshire, England
- Trail Head: Carpark at Edale
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The best time to hike Stanage Edge is during the summer months, when the weather is mild, and the days are long. However, the edge can be hiked year-round, and some hikers enjoy the challenge of hiking in winter conditions.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Hathersage, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and campsites. Some popular options include the George Hotel, YHA Hathersage, and North Lees Campsite.
Stanage Edge is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Peak District. The edge offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Hope Valley and the Dark Peak. The edge is also popular with climbers, with over 1,000 routes available for climbers of all levels. The walk along the edge is relatively easy, with some moderate uphill sections, and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views. The edge is also home to a number of fascinating historical sites, including millstones and carvings that date back to the Bronze Age. Overall, a hike along Stanage Edge is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and history of the Peak District.
10. Buttermere Circular Walk
- Where: Buttermere, England
- Trail Head: Buttermere village
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- ● When to Hike: The Buttermere Circular Walk can be hiked year-round, but the best time to go is during the spring and summer months.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Buttermere, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. Some popular options include the Bridge Hotel, the Fish Hotel, and the Syke Farm Campsite.
The Buttermere Circular Walk is a stunning hike that takes you around the picturesque Buttermere Lake in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Starting in the village of Buttermere, the trail takes you through peaceful woodlands and alongside the tranquil lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and mountains. The walk is relatively easy and well-marked, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Sour Milk Gill waterfall and the impressive views of Haystacks, one of Wainwright’s favorite fells. The walk also passes by several small beaches, perfect for a picnic or a quick dip on a warm day. Overall, the Buttermere Circular Walk is a must-do hike for anyone visiting the Lake District.
