Search a hike or location

search
Best cave hikes in United Kingdom
Share:

Best cave hikes in United Kingdom

Ready to explore the dark and mysterious world below? These cave hikes offer a mix of adventure and intrigue.

Here are some great hikes to explore in United Kingdom.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

South West Coast Path

Somerset, England · star 5.0 (454) · 1028.2 km · Est. 37 days

2

Medium

Cumbria Way

Cumbria, England · star 4.8 (108) · 119.0 km · Est. 5 days

3

Easy

St Cuthbert's Way

The Scottish Borders, Scotland · star 4.8 (75) · 100.8 km · Est. 4 days

4

Medium

Scottish National Trail

The Scottish Borders, Scotland · star 4.5 (20) · 866.7 km · Est. 35 days

5

Easy

Fife Coastal Path

Fife, Scotland · star 4.6 (43) · 189.2 km · Est. 7 days

6

Medium

Mam Tor and Cave Dale from Castleton

Derbyshire, England · star 4.9 (27) · 9.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 23 min

7

Easy

Mendip Way

North Somerset, England · star 4.4 (13) · 78.7 km · Est. 4 days

8

Difficult

Arran Coastal Way

North Ayrshire, Scotland · star 4.5 (47) · 103.8 km · Est. 4 days

9

Medium

Cave Hill Country Park

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (12) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

10

Medium

Three Peaks Loop of Yorkshire

North Yorkshire, England · star 4.9 (29) · 38.0 km · Est. 2 days

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for cave hikes in United Kingdom

Kerry Jane Gibbons avatar

South West Coast Path

KayJay · reviewed about 2 months 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

Nick Coke avatar

St Cuthbert's Way

ncoke · reviewed about 3 years ago

star star star star star

Fantastic trail. Very easy to follow and sign posted. We completed in 5 days which felt about right. Hostels at Kirk Yetholm and Wooler are great. Crossing he sands to Holy Island is a must.

Sven van Gelder avatar

Scottish National Trail

Sven · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Lee McNamee avatar

Fife Coastal Path

ExplorerTrailmaster66 · reviewed about 3 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in United Kingdom

What is the climate like for hiking in United Kingdom?

The climate in the United Kingdom is mild with rainfall throughout the year, influencing the hiking experience. Summers (June to August) are warm but not excessively hot, while winters (December to February) are cold, but extreme temperatures are rare.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are excellent times for hiking, offering milder weather and beautiful changes in the landscape. Nevertheless, hiking is possible throughout the year, with the right preparation.
The wettest months are generally October to December, which could make hiking more challenging. Always check local weather conditions before setting out. Detailed weather information is available on the Met Office website. Link: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Do I need a permit to hike in United Kingdom?

Generally, hiking in the UK doesn't require permits as many routes traverse public rights of way or open access land. Some protected areas may require permits or have restrictions, such as certain National Trust sites. For specific information, check with local National Park Authorities or the National Trust. Link: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Is wild camping allowed in United Kingdom?

Wild camping in the UK is largely restricted. However, it's usually acceptable in higher fell areas in England, and some parts of Dartmoor. In Scotland, wild camping is generally allowed under the Outdoor Access Code. Always follow 'Leave No Trace' principles. Link: https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/

Are there mountain rescue services in United Kingdom?

In emergencies, dial 999, ask for police, then Mountain Rescue in the UK. Mountain Rescue services are provided by teams of volunteers across the country. Be prepared to give your location and details of the emergency. Check the Mountain Rescue England and Wales site for more information. Link: https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/

Are there dangerous plants in United Kingdom?

The UK boasts diverse flora, from the heather moorlands of Scotland, to the deciduous woodlands of England. Identifying local plant species can enhance hikes and help to avoid harmful species. The Plantlife website offers extensive information on UK flora. Link: http://www.plantlife.org.uk/

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in United Kingdom?

The UK is home to a variety of wildlife that hikers might encounter, from smaller insects like ticks to larger mammals such as deer. Wildlife varies by region and season, so taking appropriate precautions is important. Detailed wildlife information can be found on the National Biodiversity Network's website. Link: https://nbn.org.uk/

More hikes in United Kingdom

by difficulty

by type

by activity