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Best river hikes in United Kingdom
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Best river hikes in United Kingdom

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 United Kingdom.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Dartmoor Way

Devon, England · star 4.4 (11) · 176.5 km · Est. 10 days

2

Difficult

Icknield Way Trail

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.9 (13) · 218.7 km · Est. 11 days

3

Easy

Castleman Trailway

Dorset, England · star 4.3 (4) · 24.9 km · Est. 2 days

4

Medium

Raad Ny Foillan - Isle of Man Coastal Path

Middle, United Kingdom · star 4.6 (5) · 157.6 km · Est. 9 days

5

Easy

Lancashire Coastal Way

Lancashire, England · star 4.5 (6) · 96.4 km · Est. 5 days

6

Medium

Loch Lomond and Cowal Way

Argyll and Bute, Scotland · star 4.7 (29) · 91.0 km · Est. 6 days

7

Easy

Wherryman's Way

Norfolk, England · star 4.9 (14) · 60.9 km · Est. 3 days

8

Easy

Jurassic Way

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.3 (12) · 143.7 km · Est. 7 days

9

Medium

Heart of Wales Line Trail

Shropshire, England · star 4.7 (7) · 230.2 km · Est. 13 days

10

Medium

Sir Walter Scott Way

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland · star 4.3 (22) · 151.7 km · Est. 9 days

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Reviews for river hikes in United Kingdom

Steve Black avatar

Dartmoor Way

Steve Black · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Ross Doherty avatar

Icknield Way Trail

Rosco · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

avatar

Castleman Trailway

FjordSeeker73 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Juls/Ghost avatar

Raad Ny Foillan - Isle of Man Coastal Path

Juls · reviewed about 4 years ago

star star star star star

Loved this trail. Set off to walk clockwise from Douglas in July 2021 over six days wildcamping. Had no expectations, but fell in love entirely with island. It's not the most challenging, nor the most remote trail you could do, but it offers a great variety of landscape and is a wonderful introduction to an overlooked part of the UK.

Wyatt Rhodes avatar

Lancashire Coastal Way

Wyatt Rhodes · reviewed almost 5 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/

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