Walking is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the UK. Though our country is small, it’s pretty mighty, and such a varied landscape from North to South means there is something for everyone to explore on foot. Whether you’re a seasoned walker looking for something a bit different or planning your first walking holiday in the UK but not sure where to start, we have you covered. Pack your summer hiking gear, lace up your boots and explore one of these destinations for the most epic UK walking holidays in 2023!
Brecon Beacons, Wales
Despite often being overshadowed by Snowdonia when it comes to the Welsh mountains, the Brecon Beacons are great for a varied walking holiday in all seasons. Relatively easy to reach from most corners of the UK, Brecon Beacons offers up a really great variety of walking terrain that has a unique feel no matter which season you plan your walking holiday for. Those that like the mountains are spoilt for choice in this national park and many find that the peaks here are a great introduction to the joys of hiking up a mountain. If you fancy a trip up Pen Y Fan, beginners can follow the relatively simple trail up from the car park, while more advanced hikers can take their UK walking holiday to the next level by taking in Corn Du and Cribyn on a more testing loop. The must-see of the region, however, is Waterfall Country. Make sure you take in the Four Waterfalls loop, a relatively gentle but breathtaking walk around the glistening and unspoilt falls.
Yorkshire Dales
Oozing beautiful natural scenery and free-roaming wildlife, the Yorkshire Dales is an excellent location for a UK walking holiday this year. Thousands of visitors flock to the region each year to take on the challenge of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingelborough and Whernside, otherwise known as the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Each makes for a spectacular challenge on its own, but if you’re making a special trip up North you may as well take on the 24-mile circular trip of all three peaks in one go. No matter what kind of route you go for, make sure that you’ve got breathable and supportive footwear that will keep your feet comfortable for the entirety of your walking holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. We suggest a lightweight and Gore-tex lined LOWA Zephyr boot for this kind of trip.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park is the perfect destination for an extended UK walking holiday in 2023. There is so much to see in this often-forgotten national park, so expect vast sea views from the South West Coast Path on one day and luscious open moorland closer towards Dunkery & Horner Wood the next. We highly recommend a coastal walk taking in the quintessentially British harbour settlement of Porlock Weir en route. For days where you feel less like embarking on a long hike and fancy doing a bit of sightseeing, take a trip to medieval Dunster for a cream tea.
Cotswolds
The pretty villages and superb pubs of the Cotswolds offer a slightly different-paced UK walking holiday. Of course, you’ll want to take in at least some if not all of the 100-mile-long Cotswold Way that runs from market town Chipping Campden all the way to beautiful Bath. A walking holiday here will see you pass through some of the finest English countryside, taking in rolling hills and marvellous medieval buildings. Beyond the Way, there are over 5000km of footpaths in the region so there is no shortage of things for hikers to do in the Cotswolds. Do make sure you factor in a day trip to Bourton-on-the-Water to experience its thatched rooves and unique stone bridges.
Saints Way, Cornwall
If you’re looking for a shorter walking holiday or weekend break, check out The Saints Way in Cornwall. This coast-to-coast trail takes you through a variety of moorland, woodland and quaint villages between the popular towns of Padstow and Fowey. Checking in at approximately 30 miles, The Saints Way can be comfortably completed in a couple of days, though we’d recommend giving yourself plenty of time to bask in the fresh Cornish air and make a couple of stops to explore along the way. At the very least, make sure you tuck into fish and chips at Padstow Harbour before you set off and enjoy a celebratory drink overlooking the Fowey River when you complete your walk. If you want to extend your trip, the South West Coast Path provides hundreds of miles of additional Cornish exploration and is easily accessible from Fowey.
Pennines, Northern England
If you plan on visiting the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll likely come across a bit of the Pennines. Passing through gives a flavour of the impressive rolling landscape, but planning an entire walking holiday in the region is the best way to really explore these breathtaking hills. There are plenty of shorter trails and walks that take you through Northern England’s famous uplands, but the Pennine Way is the ultimate test. Starting in Derbyshire and extending all the way up to the Scottish border, completing the entire 268-mile route is an epic adventure that takes approximately 14 days.
Whichever UK walking holiday takes your fancy, careful planning and preparation will have you guaranteed to enjoy the views on your trip. Make sure that you have the right gear, including comfortable and worn-in boots that help you comfortably stay on your feet for the whole holiday. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team if you need any help choosing the right boots for your UK walking holiday.
