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Best wildlife hikes in United Kingdom
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Best wildlife hikes in United Kingdom

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in United Kingdom.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.7 (90) · 285.4 km · Est. 12 days

2

Medium

Wales Coast Path

Cheshire West and Chester, Wales · star 4.7 (45) · 1405.6 km · Est. 57 days

3

Easy

Hebridean Way

Western Isles, Scotland · star 4.7 (46) · 330.0 km · Est. 13 days

4

Easy

Northumberland Coast Path

Northumberland, England · star 4.9 (14) · 100.7 km · Est. 4 days

5

Difficult

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Westmorland and Furness, England · star 4.9 (30) · 12.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 5 min

6

Easy

Portsea Island Circular Walk - Porsmouth

Portsmouth, England · star 4.9 (13) · 22.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 39 min

7

Difficult

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (14) · 10.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

8

Difficult

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite

Cumberland, England · star 4.9 (16) · 13.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 29 min

9

Easy

Thames Path

Gloucestershire, England · star 4.9 (19) · 295.1 km · Est. 10 days

10

Easy

Fife Coastal Path

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

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Reviews for wildlife hikes in United Kingdom

simon thompson avatar

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

simon thompson · reviewed 12 months ago

star star star star star

Beautiful trail. Very quiet in October when we go. Very remote in parts so a bit of careful planning required re accommodation and bus times etc. Can be reached by Train for the most part with Stations along the way. Similar to South West Coast Path but with a few less Tough climbs.

Juls/Ghost avatar

Wales Coast Path

Juls · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

Hiked in winter. 1st December 2022-7th February 2022. Amazing and varied. Pembrokeshire and Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula were the most rewarding, but the North Wales Coast, South Wales Coast and Meirionnydd were less do. The lack of scenery in Carmarthenshire is made up for by the excellence of the people. The map is 99% good. There are two instances; once in the Ceredigion and once on the SWC where it indicates a long walk along an A road for no discernable reason as both the waymarks and other maps disagree and will take you on the real trail.

Peter avatar

Hebridean Way

Peter · reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Be prepared for a lot of road walking and boggy moors. Mobile courage was limited on the southern islands, unless you are with EE. Nothing is opened on Sundays, so be prepared that. I started my adventure on the southern part of Vatersay, where there is a superb beach to camp on. We took a taxi from the ferry port to the official start ( cost £15) and then walked another 2 miles to the beach

Peter Moores avatar

Northumberland Coast Path

mooredale1 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Andrew Thomas avatar

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Dad&Lad · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Great route. added catsye cam too.

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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