With summer in full swing, people are looking to our trails and hikes to discover unforgettable Great British walks this summer. Our wonderful corner of the world offers a myriad of landscapes – snow-topped Welsh mountains, glistening Scottish lochs, and flat English fenland, so you are sure to find a walk that suits your needs and abilities, whether that be wheelchair and pushchair accessible pathways, dog-friendly beaches, or more precarious climbs for professional ramblers.
We researched the best areas for walking and hiking, and luckily for you, we have a Guild Member located nearby to be able to find you a property so you can enjoy a stroll directly from your front door whenever you please. Take a look below at the places we consider to encompass some of the best summer walks in the country.
The Lake District, Cumbria, England
The Lake District as a whole is one of the most picturesque and undulating parts of England. Keswick, a pretty market town close to Skiddaw, has many outdoor activity companies, guides and instructors to help you organise your walking tour, or simply to point you in the right direction of the best route to take in the beautiful scenery. Here you can enjoy a gentle stroll around the town, or a more brisk hike across the fells, surrounded by the many lakes and fields along the way.
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland, England
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile signposted footpath stretching from coast-to-coast across England from Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. The path takes in some of Britain’s iconic countryside scenery, including moorland and coastal views. The area is steeped in Roman history and is sure to educate and inspire families and couples alike – take the path at your own pace and start at one of the many towns and villages along the trail.
Conwy, Snowdonia National Park, Wales
The town of Conwy is positioned on the Estuary of the River Conwy and is filled with small shops and interesting architecture. Whilst much of Snowdonia is hilly and built for people with a real passion for hiking, this area offers a slower pace for anyone looking for a more gentle walk, discovering ancient castle walls and watching boats moor at the harbour. The views of the area from one of the castles many towers are breath-taking, the best reward after a day of walking.
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, England
The Malvern Hills divide the beautiful English countryside of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and are a great destination for walkers of all abilities. Take advantage of glorious countryside views from one of the many peaks, and enjoy gentle strolls through tree-lined paths. Dramatic vistas make way for an historic Iron-Age hill fort and unspoilt valleys.
The New Forest, Hampshire, England
The New Forest in Hampshire offers many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the National Park. The Park includes many different sceneries and landscapes including heathland and coastline and many small hamlets within its borders. Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest, located just outside the quaint village of Beaulieu, it is a beautiful stetch of water and has a variety of trails to follow on its banks.
The Norfolk Coast, Norfolk, England
The Norfolk coastal path stretches an impressive 87 miles with a majority of the trail running through the dramatic landscape of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, steeped in history, you can even follow the footsteps of the Romans along Peddars Way.
Causeway Coat, Country Antrim, Northern Ireland
Walks along the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland are great because of the stunning sea views and dramatic cliffs. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy nature and take in the scenery, especially along the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
Bakewell, Peak District, England
Best known for its unique and delicious pudding, Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District, and boasts some beautiful walking trails, with spectacular photography opportunities. If Downton Abbey was your sort of period drama then this area is a must-visit for you, with the famous Chatsworth House sitting proudly on the banks of the river Wye.
St Ives, Cornwall, England
St Ives, Cornwall offers a variety of walks, from gentle harbor strolls to challenging coastal hikes. Popular options include the St Ives to Carbis Bay walk, the St Michael’s Way coast path, and circular routes around Zennor Head and Godrevy Head.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland
If you are looking for a walking experience that encompasses city views with steep inclines and a parkland setting, then the rocky summit of Arthur’s Seat’s is for you. Towering over the city of Edinburgh, with fabulous views in all directions, it is the highest of a group of hills, formed from the remains of a volcano, that make up Holyrood Park. The summit is 251 metres high and surprisingly rocky and wild for a hill in the centre of a major city.
