For a relatively small country, Great Britain has plenty of untold treasures to offer outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. With stunning scenery, spectacular vistas and challenging adventure trails on offer, there are endless opportunities to take in the great outdoors.
Whether you are up to the challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks or want to take in the historical Old Harry Rocks formation, there is a hiking trail for everyone. For warmer days in the sun, back your favourite Bydee bikini bottoms and top for a quick dip in the ocean or passing river to cool off and take in the impressive location.
Ben Macdui, Cairngorms National Park
Ben Macdui covers a distance of 12 miles, giving you a full day of ascents and descents as you make your way through the lush landscape of Scotland. The hike begins in the car park at Coire Cas and heads up to the summit of Cairngorm, allowing visitors the opportunity to take in the sights of the Rothiemurchus forest and Aviemore.
The final hike of the day takes you to the peak of Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in Britain. If you pick your days right, you will be handsomely rewarded with clear views of the Lairig Ghru, Carn Toul and Braeriach.
Coniston Loop, Lake District
When the weather is perfect, the 11 and half-mile Coniston Loop is the ideal day walk. But when the weather turns, it will quickly become a challenging but rewarding hike. With mesmerising views in every direction and valuable Lakeland history along the way, a visit to the Lake District should be on your hiking bucket list.
Begin at Coniston itself before heading across the Yewdale Fells and up to Steel Edge for a rock scramble or an alternative, easier route. A big loop will take you across Tilberthwaite Fells before walking down into Coppermines Valley and returning to Coniston.
Snowdon Horsehoe, Snowdonia
While there are a number of different routes from which to choose when climbing Snowdon, located in the countryside of Wales, the Grade 1 Snowdon horseshoe is a standout option, thanks to a trio of classic scrambles located on its route.
Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain and Snowdon will all be tackled along this seven-mile adventure, with steep, short climbs and knife-edge crests requiring confidence and patience to navigate safely. Depending on the weather, you will be treated to stunning views of the lush Welsh landscape, the Snowdon mountain railway and Moel Eilio before making your final descent from the summit of Snowdon itself.
Ben More, Isle Of Mull
Ben More, found on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, is the last active volcano in Britain. Never fear, though; it last erupted nearly 60 million years ago but still remains a highlight for any visitor to the Isle of Mull, just a short ferry ride from Oban.
As an isolated Munro, the views from the peak of this seven-and-a-half-mile hike are some of the best on the west coast. A full panoramic view will give you a glimpse of Ben Navis to the Northeast, the North Atlantic Ocean and the Paps of Jura to the south.
The Glyders, Snowdonia
Although it is only seven miles in distance, the Glyders present a deceptively strenuous hike that more than makes up for itself through picturesque views and photo opportunities. Your walk begins at Ogwen Cottage, where the first steep climb up Devil’s Kitchen will get your heart pumping.
Continue up the scree to reach the highest peak of the day before continuing onto The Castle of the Winds rock formation and the boulder collection that makes up the Glyder Fach summit. Experts suggest avoiding the Bristly Ridge descent, instead opting for the trail that takes you to the Miner’s Track and along the Bwlch Trfan.
Old Harry Rocks, Isle Of Purbeck
The historic coastline of the Isle of Purbeck is a classified World Heritage Site, with the hiking route allowing visitors to pass the most historical landmark along this stretch of the Dorset coast – Old Harry Rocks.
Beginning at Knoll Beach, head south while following the coastline to pass pretty beach huts, remnants from World War II and the famous rock formation. The trail is a relatively straightforward and easy path, covering a total distance of 10 miles, with fresh sea air and sprawling views of picture-perfect waters.
Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pennine Range
Climbing the three highest peaks in Yorkshire is no easy feat, with many experts strongly recommending the gruelling 24-mile hiking trail be left to the most experienced hikers amongst us. With over 1,6000m of climbing to do across the track, you will need to start bright and early to get through it all in one day.
It is a good idea to start at Chapel-le-Dale and proceed in an anti-clockwise direction, as the walk will begin with a gentle uphill to get you acclimated before presenting more daunting peaks. With many steep descents, zig-zag paths and high mountain peaks to navigate, it is critically important to research the exact trail to follow to take the right direction off the summit.
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