5 Best Multi-Day Hikes in the United Kingdom

 If you are a nature enthusiast and think that wearing hiking boots is the best way to explore the great outdoors, then you will love the UK. Beyond the busy urban centers, the UK has some truly spectacular wilderness places, from the craggy chalk cliffs and hidden bays of the south coast to the spectacular lochs and valleys of the Scottish Highlands. Below we have highlighted the best multi-day walks in the UK so you can immerse yourself in the scenery, wildlife and history of the region's greatest wilderness.

#01 : South West Coast Path

If you plan to spend a lot of time in the UK, the South West Coast Path is arguably the country's most famous multi-day hike. Certainly the longest marked national trail, it encompasses 630 miles of dramatic coastline dotted with sheer cliffs, pristine beaches, windswept headlands and fields of wildflowers. It starts at Minehead in Somerset, then runs along the coast through North Devon, around the whole of Cornwall and Land's End, then back into Devon before finally ending in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

#02 : Hadrian’s Wall Path

Hadrian's Wall Path is a national footpath stretching 84 miles across the north of England, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. It follows the route of Britain's most famous Roman monument: Hadrian's Wall. . The wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century to protect the empire's northwestern border from attack. Imagine the wall from Game of Thrones, but with steep stones instead of ice and fewer dragons.

#03 : Pilgrim’s Way

Pilgrim's Way, a natural causeway created by the topography of the land it crosses, has served as a ring road for the British since ancient times. It became associated with the religion in 1171, when pilgrims began using the route to travel on foot from Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral to pay their respects to the martyr Thomas Becket. In his role as Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket was assassinated in the cathedral in 1170 by the followers of King Henry II, with whom he had discussed church rights. He was canonized shortly after and is now recognized as a saint and martyr by the Catholic and Anglican Churches.

#04 : Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way, which celebrated 50 years as a National Trail in 2020, follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills for 102 miles across the west of England. The trail begins in Chipping Campden - a picture perfect market town - and ends in the famous Roman city of Bath. Along the way, you will pass an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll lose yourself in an incredible rural landscape of rolling pastures and quaint golden stone villages, and walk through sun-dappled beech forests.

#05 : West Highland Way

For those intending to head north of the English border, the West Highland Way is Scotland's oldest and most famous long-distance walking route. It covers approximately 96 miles, starting from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow and ending on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands at Fort William. Usually the route is divided into eight stages, each of which can be completed in one day. It is possible to complete the route in less time, but it will probably take you at least eight days to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.