Rain, hail or shine; it’s always a good time to go on a walking adventure in the UK 

The United Kingdom might not be known for its warm weather, but it is recognised for its impressive countryscapes and alluring coastlines and its little wonder when rolling green fields, jagged cliffs and dramatic mountain ranges are the norm. From the striking peaks found in the Scottish Highlands to the calming coastal scenery of Cornwall, the UK promises a walking tour for every age and fitness level – all you have to do is turn up, lace up your comfortable shoes and step out into this sovereign state’s spectacular natural surroundings. 

Our UK walking tours & holidays

5 Days From 852

Take a 5-day walking trip through the Scottish Highlands in summer and enjoy all the...

7 Days From 1341

Spend seven days exploring the Roman remains, ruins and castles along Hadrian’s Wall in...

4 Days From 752

Explore the clifftop scenery and sandy beaches of Cornwall on this four-day Intrepid...

5 Days From 1165

Explore the Lake District on two legs and conquer Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak,...

6 Days From 1152

Explore Scotland on two legs and conquer Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest peak,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Popular walks in the UK

The sun shining on the Scottish landscape in Glencoe

Trek the classic walks of Scotland

There are a few ways you can deep dive into Scotland; listen to the sweet sounds of a fiddle playing in some folk pub in Glasgow, sip on full-bodied whisky at a local distillery and by setting off on some of the classic walks this dramatic part of the world is known for. Whether your feet are itching to hike the Devil’s Staircase as part of the West Highland Way or you’ve already got your camera out at the thought of the views from the summit of Ben Nevis, this trip promises Scottish scenery at its finest. 

Aerial view of Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District

Go hiking in the scenic Lake District

There are few regions in the world that have the natural trifecta - breathtaking countryside, fascinating wildlife and cultural heritage – and the Lake District happens to be one of them. Whether you’re itching to get out onto a scenic trail, you can’t wait to wander close to serene waterways or you want to challenge yourself and hike England’s tallest peak, there’s plenty to keep the adventurer in you occupied. And when you get thirsty, there’ll be a pint waiting for you at the end of the day. What more could you want? 

A few travellers walking along Hadrian's wall on a cloudy day

Take in the history of Hadrian’s Wall

You’ve probably heard of Hadrian’s Wall – you know, the 134-kilometre-long structure of defensive fortification built in AD122? But have you ever thought of walking along it? Marrying the best of pre-British history with the natural beauty of the English countryside, discover the ancient ruins (and the stories that go with it) alongside a knowledgeable guide and a group of fellow history buffs on this unique, seven-day exploration. 

A group of hikers standing together on the Cornish coast

Walk the beautiful Cornish Coastline

Sometimes you just feel like escaping to the country and there’s no better place to bask in the freshness of the great English outdoors than in Cornwall – the land of golden sandy beaches and meat-filled pasties. Set at a slower pace so you can really take your time to enjoy the windswept cliffs, charming harbour towns and lush wilderness of the Lappa Valley, this ‘unpack-once’ adventure will have you crushing on the Cornish Coast. 

UK walking tour reviews

UK walking FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

We predominantly provide two styles of walking & trekking holidays: 

  • Centre-based – this style of holiday spends all (or majority) of time in the centre of the action. Think Chamonix in the French Alps, Dobbiaco in the Dolomites or a rustic hotel in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the comfort of the same room every day (as well as only unpacking once), and a selection of the best restaurants and other attractions in the neighbourhood. All you have to do is sit back and relax as we pick the best combination of walks available either directly from the foot of your accommodation, or just a short transfer away (often a public bus or train). To put it bluntly – you'll be fairly comfortable while experiencing the best walks and hikes going 'round.

  • Point-to-point – this style of holiday makes you walk from one place to the other, pretty much every day. However, we do throw in a rest day every now and then, depending on the region and the amount of hiking we need to cover on a daily basis. On point-to-point tours, you'll start in A and finish in B. Think about the Inca Trail, the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, the Hadrian’s Wall hike or the Mont Blanc Circuit. In most cases, we'll transfer your main luggage across to the next destination, so all you need to carry is the essentials (water, sun protection, waterproofs, extra layers, snacks and a camera). 

We include accommodation as per the itinerary, as well as transportation to and from trailheads and to all other included activities (note: this transportation is often public as that's the way we like to travel). We also include ALL hiking permits, whether it is in the Himalayas or the US National Parks. On top of that, we provide our highly qualified and experienced leaders to guide you throughout the trip.

We have walks ranging from relatively easy to rather challenging. But no matter what degree of difficulty or distance you choose to walk, we recommend that you have a reasonable level of fitness to ensure that you get the most out of your walk or hike. Try to commit to some type of physical training program around six weeks before you depart. Here are some suggestions: Long walks: go on some long walks of 3-6 hours duration before you leave, wearing the boots you’re taking and carrying a small backpack to get comfortable with carrying your gear for long stretches. Aerobic exercise: running, distance cycling and the various aerobic classes offered at gyms (like pump, spin, zumba and circuit classes) all help to give you fitness and stamina. Strength training: doing body weight training like pushups, squats, dips, lunges, etc. helps to build up your muscle strength, which is needed for the steady climb up a mountain if you’re embarking on this type of hike (bootcamp sessions are perfect for this type of training).

There's no one 'best time' to do a walking trip in the UK with all seasons offering something completely different. While temperatures can be lower and rainy days more frequent, landscapes usually come alive in winter and autumn so these can be great seasons to travel. Summer also brings with it warmer weather and sunny days so you can maximise the time you spend in the great outdoors. 

What to pack for a walking trip can depend on how difficult the walk that you plan to do is but generally it's a good idea to make sure you have the below items:

  • Backpack/day bag 
  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Sunhat 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Retractable walking poles
  • Reusable drink bottle 

Read more about what to pack for a walking tour

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about the UK