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The Best Walking Tours in England

Enjoy an unforgettable walking holiday in England

England is a popular destination for taking a multi-day walking tour. There are so many hiking trails to discover in England, and all of them are wrapped in rich history, beautiful countryside, and that famous English hospitality.

Whether you prefer walking along a coastal trail, experiencing the Coast to Coast, exploring the Cotswolds, or hiking along the Thames, there is a magnificent English walking tour that is perfect for your next holiday. UTracks have a comprehensive list of affordable self guided and small group guided walking tours in England. 

Here are the Best Walking Tours in England.

 

  1. England's Coast to Coast Trail

  2. Walkers on the Coast to Coast trail, England

     

    Cross the entire land of England on this iconic walking tour. Start by dipping your boots in the Irish Sea and then walk overland until you reach the North Sea. This walking holiday is the ultimate English experience as it crosses three unique national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

    Highlights of this trip include walking from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, enjoying picturesque forests, rivers and lakes, staying in charming inns, and many opportunities to eat a Full English Breakfast! If you can't wait to experience them, watch our inspiring video.

    UTracks have a complete range of Coast to Coast walking trips, including slower-paced Rambler tours, self guided trips, small group guided tours, and more.

  3. Exploring the Cotswolds

  4. Quaint little town of Guiting Power, Cotswolds |  <i>John Millen</i>

    Explore the Cotswolds on an immersive self guided walking tour. There are three tour options: the 8 day Cotswolds hike begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and continues on to Winchombe. The 5 day walking tour begins in Moreton-in-Marsh and follows the Cotswold landscape to Winchombe. If you want the complete Cotswold Way experience, you need to do the 12 day Cotswold Way walking tour which runs from Chipping Campden to Bath. 

    Highlights include exploring historic villages complete with postcard perfect cottages and farmhouses; sleeping in handpicked Bed and Breakfasts; and discovering the entrancing woodlands full of nature and whimsy.

  5. South West Coastal Path

  6. Hike along Cape Cornwall on the Cornish Coastal Path |  <i>John Millen</i>

     

    Explore England's Westernmost edge along the South West Coastal Path. Also known as the Cornish Coastal Path, this walking trail runs from Padstow around the coast to Mavagissey. Given the long route, UTracks have created different sections of various length. There is a walking tour option from Padstow to St Ives, from Padstow to Penzance, from St Ives to Penzance, from Marazion to Mevagissey and the longest walk at 14 days from St Ives to Mevagissey. All of these are graded as moderate hikes.

    Highlights include seeing Britain's surf capital at Newquay, St Ives - a town famous for art, ices and fish 'n chips; Cape Cornwall; and the old tin mines around Gurnard's head, among plenty of other sights and natural beauty.

  7. Dorset and the Jurassic Trails

  8. Walking the Downs, high above St. Oswalds Bay

    Walk from Lyme Regis through to West Lulworth along this introductory to moderate 8 day tour of the Dorset and Wessex Trails. The Dorset Coastline is spectacular; full of eroded rock features and ancient hill forts. 

    Highlights include exploring Lyme Regis which is where 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' book is set, visiting the hidden gem that is Abbotsbury, and discovering the natural arch formation that is the Durdle Door.

  9. The Dales Way

  10. Barden Bridge on the River Wharfe

    Discover the beauty that is hiking through the Yorkshire Dales. The Dales Way (8 day tour) is a 78 mile (125km) walking tour that crosses the Pennines from Ilkley to Windermere in England. There is also a 10 day Dales Way walking tour which covers the same distance, however there are shorter walking days making it more enjoyable for those who like to take their time.

    Trip highlights include exploring ancient Roman roads, finding genuine pubs, the pretty river valleys bursting with wildlife (swans, trout, kingfishers) and resting your head in farmhouses and inns that date from the 16th and 17th centuries. In a review of the trip, A. Robinson from South Africa describes the scenery "is breathtaking, along the way we saw a Roe deer and an otter".

  11. Isle of Wight Coastal Walking

  12. Queen Victoria and King Albert summer residence, Osborne House

    Circumnavigate the complete island of Wight on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path tour. Walk along the Coastal Footpath and soak up the stunning views and local culture. The Isle of Wight Coastal walking tour is an 8 day walking tour that is graded as introductory to moderate, meaning it's generally achievable to all types of walkers. 

    Explore the many attractions on the Isle of Wight, such as the holiday home of Queen Victoria, Osborne House; Wippingham Church; seaside resorts at Ventnor and Sandown; and the great Palmerston fortresses built to protect England from French invasions.

  13. The South Downs Way

  14. Looking towards the Seven Sisters, South Downs Way

    The South Downs Way is an ancient route through southern England that mixes ridge walking with meandering visits to beautiful rivers and quaint villages. Sound pretty perfect! The 10 day journey begins in the historic town of Winchester and continues along Beachy Head and Seven Sisters before arriving in Eastbourne. 

    Highlights include towering Saxon churches, ancient 'Dew Ponds' for farming, cross dykes, Bronze Age hill forts. All this, coupled with some of the best weather you can have in the British Isles, makes this a must-do hiking experience.

  15. St Cuthbert's Way

  16. St Cuthberts Way

    Explore the glorious walking trail that is St Cuthbert's Way. Established in 1996, St Cuthbert's Way reflects the life of a 7th Century monk and links places associated with his life. Along this route you'll travel from Scotland to England through border country and walk the Cheviot Hills (origin of one of the most famous breeds of sheep) and witness the Northumberland coast.  

    There are two self guided walking tour options to experience St Cuthbert's Way: an 8 day trip that finishes on Holy Island, or a 10 day experience that concludes in Craster or Dunstan. Both start in Melrose and are guaranteed be memorable trips.

  17. Hadrian's Wall Trail

  18. Descending by Hadrians Wall |  <i>John Millen</i>

    Experience the scenic variety of northern England from modern, busy cityscapes of Newcastle Upon Tyne, to the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle, to the quiescence of Bowness on Solway. Walking Hadrian's Wall Trail has it all.

    This 8 day moderate self guided walking tour traces the history of England's north. Highlights include exploring the Highshields Crags in the Northumberland National Park and the green pastoral scenery of the Eden valley. 

  19. James Herriot Way

  20. Reaching the Great Shunner Summit, Yorkshire Dales

    Compare the beauty and contrasting Dales along the James Herriot Way: Wensleydale, Swaledale and Apedale. There are many waterfalls and attractive rivers to admire and bustling farm scenery that produces delicious cheeses and fresh produce. 

    Explore the James Herriot Way walking tour on this achievable 6 day hike.

 



 

>> Browse our full range of walking tours in England. 

>> View all of UTracks' walking tours in Europe.

>> Join UTracks' Active Travel Community.

 

 



 


 

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