Hiking in England unveils a tapestry of natural wonders, from the rolling hills and verdant meadows of the countryside to the dramatic coastal paths that hug the island’s rugged shorelines.
In this post, we’ll embark on a journey through the diverse hiking trails that England has to offer. We’ll equip you with essential tips to ensure a seamless and unforgettable outdoor experience, and highlight some of the most breathtaking single-day hikes that will leave you in awe.
Interested? Let’s get started.
Want a longer trek? See our backpacking in England guide where we list the best multi-day trails.
These are the best hiking trails in England that can be completed in a single day:
Length: 8 mi / 12.9 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,096 ft / 639 m
Location: Peak District National Park
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 2400 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
This spectacular 8-mile Peak District loop is a moderate 4.5-hour challenge featuring the iconic “Shivering Mountain” Mam Tor summit, a ridge trek over multiple peaks with amazing views, a descent through scenic Cave Dale and Castleton village, and some steep, potentially muddy sections best tackled with proper footwear spring through fall.
Length: 8 mi / 12.9 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,755 ft / 840 m
Location: Lake District National Park
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 3100 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
This challenging 8-mile loop near Glenridding requires navigating the narrow, exposed Striding Edge and Swirral Edge scrambles with hands-on climbing to summit Helvellyn, England’s third highest peak with amazing views, so it’s best attempted April-September by experienced hikers with proper gear, steady footing, and a head for heights during ideal dry, clear conditions.
Length: 7.7 mi / 12.4 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,391 ft / 424 m
Location: Peak District National Park
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 2200 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
This very popular 7.7-mile loop trail near Allgreave is considered a moderately difficult hike that requires careful footwork as you climb up steep, rocky sections using your hands to reach the summits of Hen Cloud and The Roaches where you’ll be rewarded with awesome sweeping views, plus you’ll get to see the legendary Lud’s Church chasm, ridges, muddy forest areas, and maybe even spot some escaped wallabies from long ago.
Length: 24.5 mi / 39.4 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 8-12 hours
Elevation Gain: 5,236 ft / 1596 m
Location: Yorkshire Dales National Park
Permissions and Fees: Only for parking
Active Calorie Burn: 3900 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
For only the most experienced hikers, this extremely challenging 24.5-mile loop near Austwick requires climbing the massively steep, rocky peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough within 12 hours, necessitating proper gear, ample food and water, navigation skills, and an early summer start to avoid finishing after dark.
Length: 8.2 mi / 13.2 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,761 ft / 537 m
Location: Peak District National Park
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 2300 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
This moderate 8.2-mile loop near Glossop gradually climbs up to Higher Shelf Stones and the sad wreckage site of a crashed 1948 US Air Force plane with a memorial, going through boggy peat moorlands requiring proper waterproof boots, but offering awesome views in the Peak District if you hike it between January and October when conditions are best.
The most popular national parks in England are the Lake District (famous for lakes, mountains, and villages), Peak District (gritstone ridges, moorlands), Yorkshire Dales (limestone valleys, waterfalls), New Forest (ancient woodlands, heathlands, free-roaming ponies), and Dartmoor (rugged granite tors, wild ponies), attracting millions of visitors annually for their diverse and picturesque landscapes ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
To hike on a budget in England, take advantage of free parking areas, pack food and snacks, bring reusable water bottles, use public transportation or carpool to trailheads, camp at inexpensive campsites or wild camp in permitted areas, purchase second-hand gear, stick to shorter day hikes to avoid accommodation costs, and explore national parks and public footpaths outside peak seasons when prices are lower.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to hike in England for stays of up to 6 months. As part of the U.S.-U.K. Visa Waiver Program, American tourists can visit the U.K. for tourism purposes, including hiking and other outdoor activities, for up to 6 months without obtaining a visa in advance.
