Guest Post
The British are a nation of hikers or as they would say “walkers.” This is testified to in the well-maintained network of public footpaths crisscrossing across the country like a huge spider web. Only in Scotland does the multitude of paths disappear. This is where the right to roam kicks in and the web disintegrates into seemingly limitless open horizons where you can follow your feet to your heart’s content.
However, what happens if you have to choose just one place to enjoy some hiking? How will you know the best hiking destination in United Kingdom?
Five Dramatic Hiking Destinations in the UK
Don’t fear! I have chosen five dramatic hiking areas for you to choose from. Keep reading and see which place tugs at your feet the most.
1. Cornwall Coast Path – Pirates, Smugglers, and Knights of the Round Table
Cornwall is a beautiful area of the United Kingdom with dramatic landscapes and a fascinating history. It has a strong identity and culture due to its historical and physical isolationism. You might even find yourself referred to as an “emmet” a term for a tourist particular to Cornwall.
Walking the coastline rewards with a meandering path taking you along dramatic cliffs, into small fishing villages nestled into coves, and across open sand beaches popular with surfers. Exploring, you discover tales of smuggling and pirates to tickle your imagination.
One of my favorite sections of the Cornwall path is the area around Tintagel. You have certainly heard of Tintagel castle. Right? King Arthur, the knights of the roundtable… You know the story. Well, there really is a historical place with that name, and its dramatic location suits the drama of the now classic tale.
You can walk the coast path from Crackington Haven to Tintagel castle covering a respectable 18.4 km. Along the way you walk through the little village of Boscastle nestled in a narrow valley, a village very much reminiscent of the Cinque Terre in Italy.
2. Lake District – Dramatic Landscapes and Natural Inspiration
The Lake District is a breathtaking area of beauty in the UK. The national park is a haven for adventure seekers, as well as a haven for people seeking a quiet place for a retreat.
You will probably have heard of Beatrix Potter. Well, this is the area which inspired her. She was not the only writer to find inspiration in the Lakes. Other famous writers such as Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Ruskin were affected by the beauty of the area.
The landscapes are vast and mountainous with winding country lanes, and deep valleys, a plethora of little lakes, streams and waterfalls. The Lake District is a little bit like a chilled out less snowy version of Switzerland.
You could spend years exploring the area. But you might not have years to explore so I would suggest first go to Coniston.
The village typifies everything the Lakes stand for, boasting mountains, a body of water, and a small rural village atmosphere. From the village, you can hike up the dramatic “Old Man Coniston” with beautiful views, stone walls, water, and pure outdoor goodness.
3. North Wales – A Country Within a Country
If there is a foreign country hidden within the UK then North Wales would be it. In Wales, you can expect to find signs written in Welsh, and you may find you can’t understand what the locals are saying. This is because Welsh is a living language in the area.
Snowdonia is the typical destination for hikers visiting Wales. However, I love the quieter areas along the North West coastline. A particular favorite for me is the Ardudwy Way.
The 38.6 km hike takes you through a varied landscape of mountains, sea views, inland views, and past prehistoric sites. The area is isolated and also gives the hiker an opportunity to see rare flora, fauna, and birdlife along the way.
If you aren’t in shape to do the well-marked 38.6 km in one day, the way has been divided into three manageable sections. North Wales is one of the most beautiful terrains in the UK, and the wild mountains and high moorlands offer a beautiful escape from the modern world.
If you also like to escape the crowds then North Wales will make an excellent choice for your hiking trip.
4. Yorkshire Dales – Empty Moorlands
Among the five dramatic hiking destinations I listed here, I recommend hiking in the sparse beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
The Pennine Way is a 431 km long-distance hiking trail from the Peak District to the Scottish borders on the edges of Northumberland. This hiking route makes a great way to take a bite of classic Yorkshire Dales landscapes, and take advantage of the many guidebooks available, and a well-marked route.
My favorite Yorkshire Dale day from the Pennine way is stage 10 which takes you from Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton. The day rewards with three beautiful waterfalls (High Force being the most impressive) as well as the highlight of the whole Pennine way – the views from High Cup Nick.
The Dales are not as dramatic as Wales, Scotland or the Cornish coastline. However, the wide open skies and desolate moorland have a wicked way of creeping into your heart. There is something about the natural world which feeds the human soul, and the Dales are classic hiking soul food.
5. The Scottish Highlands – Collect Munros
This may be last but not the least. The Scottish Highlands will always have a special place in my heart. As soon as you cross the “border” into Scotland you can smell the difference in the air, and I’m not referring to the scent of IronBru, the soda produced in the region.
For hikers, one of the most exciting and tantalizing features of exploring Scotland is the freedom to roam rule, which gives hikers the right to walk anywhere they please. This doesn’t mean going anywhere you please without preparation is a good plan though!
The highlands can be remote and the weather can change quickly with little notice. Any hiking trip should be carefully planned, and you should always give the details of your hike to the accommodation where you are staying.
My favorite activity in Scotland is Munro collecting. A Munro is a mountain over 3000 feet high. There are 283 official Munro’s to collect, and another 255 summits called “tops” who didn’t quite make the Munro grade.
Most people will want to start with the most famous Munro and the tallest mountain in Scotland – Ben Nevis. However, if you only have time for one, my favorite Munro is An Tellach a challenging isolated hike involving scrambling and an intrepid spirit. The views and landscapes from this hike will leave an imprint on your soul.
Some five dramatic hiking destinations in the UK? You mean you don’t know them yet?
Well, if I am honest I am hard pressed to choose as well! The UK has a wealth of hiking for people to discover and there really is something for everyone.
- If you love the sea head to Cornwall (no. 1) or North Wales (no. 3)
- If you love mountains and grandeur then go for Scotland (no. 5), or the Lake District (no. 2)
- If you love bleak and empty choose the Yorkshire Dales (no. 4), Scotland (no. 5) or North Wales (no. 3)
Or why not visit these five dramatic hiking destinations, each area every summer for the next five years?
Have you been to any of these five dramatic hiking destinations in the UK?
Ryan Smith is a full-time traveller and founder of MrAbroad.com, where he turns his passion into interesting information for travel lovers. MrAbroad focuses on travel destinations, helpful tips & tricks. It is built to inspire you to live a life full of adventure, joy and experience.
