The Best 10 Walks To Explore Right Now Through England's Glorious Countryside

We've put together the best selection of walks in England's countryside. Enjoy spectacular views of Cheshire, the Yorkshire Dales and Essex.

Thinking of a hiking holiday in the UK, but not sure where to go to find the best British walks? We've put together this handy guide to some of the best north west walks, Yorkshire Dales walks and the best walks in south east England to give you some inspiration across the country, plus some tips and tricks to help you plan your hiking trip to England.

What you need to know about walking in England

What are the best places to hike and trek in the UK?

Whether you prefer a challenging hike or a relaxing stroll, there's something for everybody across the UK's unique and varied landscape. And you don't just have to go to the Lake District, Peak District or Snowdonia to find them.

The UK is home to some of the most beautiful scenery, from the dramatic peaks of the Yorkshire Dales to the winding rivers and ancient forests of Essex, and you'll find some of the best walks in England in Cheshire West and Chester.

Our top choices for the best underrated walking holidays in England are the Wharfedale valley in North Yorkshire, Tattenhall in Cheshire and Harlow in Essex.

How should you prepare for a hiking trip to England?

Once you have planned your hiking routes in the UK, you should research the best accommodation along your walking route to help you decide where and when to break up the journey.

If you're not a regular hiker, it's a good idea to get yourself used to walking long distances and steep declines before you head out hiking in England. The last thing you want to do is turn up to your hiking holiday inexperienced with brand new never-worn hiking boots.

Sometimes you're going to find yourself without signposts, clear paths, WiFi or signal, and it's easy to get lost. This is why you should practice your navigation skills. Make sure you can read a map and a compass, download a hiking phone app and bring a physical map too just in case.

If there's one thing you should know about the UK, it's that a lovely sunny day can turn into heavy showers without warning. This is why should be prepared for all weather when hiking in the UK. As long as you have appropriate weatherproof gear you'll be fine!

Is it safe to hike across England by yourself?

Yes! As long as you know how to navigate and you're able to carry all your gear by yourself, then you'll be absolutely fine hiking by yourself in England. Just keep your wits about you and be careful to avoid injury. If you do get stuck with anything, you're likely to come across plenty of fellow walkers and friendly locals who will be happy to help and advise you.

best walks and hikes in North West England

Where can I walk in North West?

Some of the best north west walks can be found in Cheshire West and Chester. From the Woodhouse and Frodsham circular to the Maiden Castle and Bickerton Hill loop, there's something for all levels of fitness and skill. Tattenhall is an excellent place to stay on your walking trip, with easy access to some of the best walks in the north west. Tattenhall Marina is home to six floating glamping pods with their own kitchenettes and showers, making this both a simplistic and luxurious place to return to after a long day of walking in the Cheshire countryside. And they're dog friendly too!

From Tattenhall Marina, you'll love strolling along the Shropshire Union Canal or climbing the dramatic crag of Beeston Castle, which you can see from your glass fronted floating pod.

Find out more about the best walks in Cheshire.

Best walks in the Yorkshire Dales

If you love hiking across fells and looking out onto spectacular landscapes, the Yorkshire Dales is your perfect place for a walking holiday. The Wharfedale Valley in North Yorkshire is a great destination with access to a variety of local walks, from the strenuous 8 mile Pennine Way to the picturesque Ingleton Waterfalls Trail.

If you're looking for a perfect place to come home to in the Wharfedale Valley, you'll love Long Ashes Park. Here you'll find luxury lodges, cosy woodland glamping pods and stylish en suite bedrooms to return to after a long day of hiking. There are also two restaurants on site, the Woodland Cafe for authentic Italian meals and light bites, or The Gamekeeper's Inn serving hearty homemade Yorkshire pub grub.

If you're bringing your four legged friend along, Wharfedale is a fantastic area for dog friendly walks and Long Ashes Park is home to two dog friendly lodges.

Find out more about the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales.

Which is the best part of the Yorkshire Dales?

Wharfedale is our personal favourite of the Yorkshire Dales and one of the most popular, being the closest to Leeds and Harrogate. Towns and villages in Wharfedale include Buckden, Kettlewell, Kilnsey, Grassington, Hebden, Ilkley and Otley.

You'll find lots of ideal walking routes in Grassington for all abilities just a stone's throw from Long Ashes Park, including the popular Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe. A great way to make the most of the Dales Way is to stay in Grassington and walk the route in stages between Ilkley, Bolton Abbey and Buckden by using local buses. Grassington is also on the Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way.

What is the prettiest town in Yorkshire Dales?

Grassington is one of the most picturesque places in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, with stone cottages and a bustling cobbled market square lined with local shops, cosy cafes, specialty gifts and arts and crafts. It's a great place for meeting friendly locals, enjoying scenic walks, and enjoying a hearty homemade meal at The Gamekeeper's Inn after a day of hiking. We highly recommend taking some time out of your Yorkshire hiking holiday to visit this quaint market town.

Find out about the best local walks and accommodation in Grassington.

Best walks in south-east England

When it comes to hiking in England, you might not immediately think of Essex. But Essex is actually home to some of the most underrated walking routes in the UK through ancient forests and along tranquil rivers, with plenty of quaint villages to explore.

Where can I hike in South East England?

Roydon in Harlow is the ideal place to stay for your hiking holiday, in the heart of Lee Valley Park with great access to the best countryside in Essex. Roydon is known for its unique black poplar trees, one of the rarest of Britain's native trees, which makes it a great place for nature lovers to visit.

There are plenty of perfect walking routes from Roydon suitable for all abilities, as well as dog friendly routes and luxury lodges and hotel rooms to return home to at the end of your hiking day at Roydon Marina Village.

Good hikes/trails in south east England?

One of the best walks in south east England is the Oak Trail through Epping Forest, one of England's oldest woodlands. The Oak Trail will take you through gorgeous English countryside and the ancient forest, and at 10km long it'll take you 2 to 3 hours to walk.

Epping forest is rich in history and character, and it's a beautiful place for walking in Essex any time of the year. Epping Forest is easily accessible, linking London with rural Essex, so it is the perfect destination for hiking in south east England. You'll find Epping Forest just a short drive from Roydon Marina Village.

Where are the best places to hike and camp in the South East?

Ambresbury Banks Loop from Debden Green is an easy hike in the Epping Forest, great for any fitness and skill level. The starting point of the loop is just next to a car park, so this is a very easily accessible route by car at around 25 minutes from Roydon Marina Village. This historical route will take you through enchanted woodland with great opportunities to spot wildlife from squirrels to deer.

What are the best hiking trails in or near London England?

The Epping Forest Circular is just under 9km and is one of the best walks in south east England. This is a relatively easy hike and a great walking route all year round, which will take you just over 2 hours to complete. You'll find some light inclines and lots of spectacular views, making the Epping Forest Circular perfect for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy nature. If you stay in Roydon, this hike makes an ideal day trip before returning home to a cosy luxury lodge.

Find out more about walking in the Essex countryside.

Now you have a better idea of where to find the best British walks, where to find ideal accommodation and how to prepare for your UK hiking holiday, where do you think you'll go on your next hiking trip in England?

Be sure to find out more about the best walks in the north west, great hikes in the Yorkshire Dales and the top walking routes in south east England.

If you're looking for ideal walks for dogs and pet friendly accommodation, read our top 4 dog friendly breaks in the UK.