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Best river hikes in England
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Best river hikes in England

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in England.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Coast to Coast Walk

Cumbria, England · star 4.9 (252) · 303.3 km · Est. 13 days

2

Difficult

South West Coast Path

Somerset, England · star 5.0 (428) · 1028.2 km · Est. 37 days

3

Medium

Cumbria Way

Cumbria, England · star 4.8 (99) · 119.0 km · Est. 5 days

4

Easy

Hadrian's Wall Path

Tyne and Wear, England · star 4.6 (115) · 138.7 km · Est. 5 days

5

Medium

End To End Trail

Cornwall, England · star 5.0 (84) · 1953.6 km · Est. 74 days

6

Difficult

South Downs Way

Hampshire, England · star 4.8 (125) · 161.6 km · Est. 7 days

7

Medium

Offa's Dyke Path

Gloucestershire, England · star 4.8 (58) · 287.8 km · Est. 12 days

8

Easy

The Ridgeway National Trail

Wiltshire, England · star 4.8 (40) · 139.9 km · Est. 6 days

9

Easy

Dales Way

Bradford, England · star 4.7 (23) · 130.5 km · Est. 5 days

10

Easy

Yorkshire Wolds Way

East Riding of Yorkshire, England · star 4.5 (32) · 124.8 km · Est. 5 days

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Reviews for river hikes in England

Abbie Barnes avatar

Coast to Coast Walk

Abbie Barnes · reviewed over 6 years ago

star star star star star

Walked the route twice now and still remains one of my all time favourites!!

Kerry Jane Gibbons avatar

South West Coast Path

KayJay · reviewed 28 days ago

star star star star star

lovelly easy hike, through the town of Hayle, and on through Carbis Bay

Kevin Ball avatar

Cumbria Way

Kevin Ball · reviewed about 4 years ago

star star star star star

Hiked this trail in May 2022

Ruth Thunderwhistle Goodall avatar

Hadrian's Wall Path

Ruth Thunderwhistle Goodall · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

Muddy! Not difficult but a bit of a trudge if doing it in its entirety, as I did. Took me five days. Some lovely views.

Charlie Tod avatar

End To End Trail

Charlie Tod · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

The journey of a lifetime! 👣

Frequently asked questions for hikes in England

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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