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19+ Best Day Hikes In England For Your Adventurous Heart
England is the home to some of Europe’s best day hikes. With diverse landscapes of rolling hills and lush green countryside, it’s hard to resist the temptation of a hiking adventure in this beautiful country. Rugged coastal paths and breathtaking moorlands also add to the charm.
Apart from that, what makes England perfect for day hikes is the well-maintained network of footpaths. Navigation is a breeze, even for beginner hikers. And the variety of routes, from local to national trails, welcome all ambitious and free-spirited wanderlusts.
On top of that, England’s unique and iconic railroad system offers a lot of opportunities for multiple-trail hikes without breaking the bank. In this article, you will find the list of 21 best day hikes in England as well as useful packing tips to help you hike hassle-free.
The Best Day Hikes In North Of England
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District | Hard | 13km
- Scafell Pike, Lake District | Hard | 13km round trip
- Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland | Moderate | 135km
- The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye | Easy - Moderate | 2.4km
- Ingleborough, Yorkshire Dales National Park | Moderate - Hard | 17km
- Pennine Way, Derbyshire Peak District | Hard | 429km
The Best Day Hikes In South Of England
- Seven Sisters Cliffs, South Downs National Park, | Easy | 23km
- Jurassic Coast, Dorset | Easy - Moderate | 152km
- Devil’s Punchbowl, Surrey | Easy | 2km
- Beachy Head, South Downs National Park | Moderate - Hard | 5km
- Box Hill, Surrey | Moderate - Hard | 4km
The Best Day Hikes In the West Of England
- The Llangollen Canal, Shropshire | Easy - Hard | 74km
- Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park | Moderate - Hard | 144km
- The Cheddar Gorge, Somerset | Moderate - Hard | 4km long - 120m deep
- The Cotswold Way, Gloucestershire | Easy - Moderate | 164km
- The Teign Valley Gorge, Devon | Moderate - Hard | 6km
The Best Day Hikes In East Of England
- The Norfolk Coast Path, Norfolk | Easy - Moderate | 135km
- White Cliffs Of Dover, Kent | Easy - Moderate | 16km
- The Yorkshire Wolds Way | Easy - Moderate | 122km
- The Broads National Park, Norfolk | Varied | Varied
- The South Downs Way, East Sussex | Easy - Moderate | 160km
The Best Day Hikes In North Of England
It is said that Northern England is a hiking paradise, and it couldn’t be more true.
The Lake District National Park, with its stunning mountains and lakes, basically calls out for hikers to explore.
The beautiful countryside where heritage towns and villages look like they walk out of paintings is a feast for the eyes of adventure lovers.
The coastal areas, like Northumberland, also boast magnificent castles and beaches. There’s no better way to explore these beauties than a good hike.
1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Lake District
Helvellyn is challenging but worth every second. Photo by tranquillian - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Glenridding Car Park
Difficulty: Hard
Journey: 13 kilometres, approximately 5 hours
Helvellyn, England’s third-highest point, offers a thrilling but rewarding experience with a beautiful landscape. Starting from Glenridding Car Park, you can begin your adventure by following the path beside the lovely mountain stream up.
There are many ways to reach the peak, but Striding Edge is the most popular route, hence its name. Though strenuous and rocky at some sections, this iconic hiking trail is still loved by many climbers.
2. Scafell Pike, Lake District
Rugged and steep terrain opens the way to the marvellous view of Lake District. Photo by whitcomberd - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Wasdale National Trust Car Park
Difficulty: Hard
Journey: 13 kilometres round trip, 5.6 kilometres one way from Wasdale
Another star in Lake District is Scafell Pike, England’s highest point. It can be quite a challenge for newbie hikers with rugged and steep terrain. But the view from the summit is definitely worth every climbing second. You can see the nearby vistas, hills and neighbouring peaks. And when the sky is clear enough, you can even see Scotland, Wales and even the Isle of Man. It’s truly mesmerising.
3. Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland
Hadrian’s Wall is a must-hike for lovers of nature and history. Photo by drhfoto - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Wallsend in Newcastle
Difficulty: Moderate
Journey: 135 kilometres (from start to finish)
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of England’s best long-distance hiking trails and a historically significant one, too. Although many hikers believe it’s best to walk its entire length, you can hike in sections that you love.
The most recommended walk is from Chollerford to Birdoswald, where you can find historic remains of Roman forts. It has short climbs and descents that can be quite