Our favourite walks in England

England may be a relatively small, densely populated country, but it’s heaven for hikers! With rolling green hills, shimmering lakes, atmospheric moorland and craggy mountains, England offers some fantastic opportunities for walking, whatever your age, experience or fitness level.

One of the best things about walking in England is the sheer variety of landscapes and trails on offer. Head to the Lake District, England’s premier walking destination, for dramatic ridge walks and towering fells, set in a landscape that has inspired writers, poets and artists for centuries.

Further south, the Peak District and the Chilterns offer green rolling hills, lush woodland, and plenty of beautiful wildlife. Alternatively, head north, where you’ll find some truly spectacular, wild landscapes around the North York Moors.

Wherever you go, you’re sure to find plenty of fantastic walking trails set in green, lush landscapes. To give you a little inspiration, here are some of our favourite walks in England.

The Lake District

Helvellyn

Probably the most iconic ridge walk in the UK, the ascent of Helvellyn Walk, is a thrilling trail in the Lake District. This route takes you past the beautiful Red Tarn for the heart-stopping ascent of Striding Edge, a dramatic, exposed ridge with spectacular views over the peaks and fells of the Lake District. You’ll need a head for heights, and be prepared for a little scrambling over the craggy rocks, but the view back across the ridge from the summit is one you’ll never forget.

Scafell Pike

All keen walkers want to conquer Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England. This walk to the summit of Scafell Pike might not be the most direct route, but we think it’s the most enjoyable, ascending via Ill Crag and offering wonderful, varied scenery throughout the entire walk. The towering peak of Scafell Pike, crowned by a steep scree slope, isn’t the prettiest in the Lakes, but the view out over the spectacular Lake District landscape is incomparable.

The Peak District

Dovedale

This circular route around Dovedale is one of the most popular walks in the Peak District, and it’s not hard to see why! The picturesque Dovedale Valley is known for its unique limestone features, deep caves and precariously perched boulders, set amid a lush valley covered in wildflowers and ash woodland. This route will take you across the Dovedale Stepping Stones, over pretty bridges at Milldale, and finally up to the spectacular summit of Bailey Hill, where you’ll enjoy a breath-taking view over the Peaks.

Stanage Edge

If you’re looking for a challenging route in the Peak District, don’t miss this wonderful walk up to Stanage Edge. The walk begins in the beautiful village of Hathersage, once the temporary home of Charlotte Bronte, who was reportedly inspired by the gorgeous Peak District landscape to write her novel, Jane Eyre. Stanage Edge itself is a high gritstone escarpment that dominates the landscape, covered in dramatic rock formations and offering marvellous views over the valley. This wonderful walk is a Peak District classic.

The Chiltern Hills

Ashridge Boundary Trail

This classic day hike along the Ashridge Boundary Trail in the Chilterns is a wonderful option if you’re a wildlife lover, with opportunities to see the red kites, deer and wonderful birds and butterflies that the Chiltern Hills are known for. The route weaves in and out of dense woodland and wide, open fields, with wonderful views from the windy Beacon Hill. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an enjoyable day out in some of England’s most beautiful scenery.

The North York Moors

Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay

This epic clifftop walk from Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the best routes in the North York Moors. On the outward leg, you’ll enjoy exceptional views out over the bay, with a chance to explore the quaint and higgledy-piggledy streets of Robin Hood’s Bay. The route back along the old Scarborough-Whitby railway line, passing through some truly spectacular landscapes.

Where are your favourite places to walk in England? Drop us an email at marketing@whh.co.uk