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Best cave hiking trails in England
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Best cave hiking trails in England

Ready to explore the dark and mysterious world below? These cave trails offer a mix of adventure and intrigue, where every turn leads to a hidden, underground wonder.

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

1

Medium

Mam Tor and Cave Dale from Castleton

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (16) · 9.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 23 min

2

Medium

Cheddar Gorge Walk

Somerset, England · star 5.0 (11) · 8.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 11 min

3

Medium

Mam Tor, Hollins Cross and Lose Hill Loop from Castleton

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (11) · 12.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 22 min

4

Medium

Matlock Bath

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (3) · 8.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 12 min

5

Medium

Cave Dale and Winnats Pass from Castleton

Derbyshire, England · star 5.0 (4) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 54 min

6

Easy

The Lost Land of Lyonesse

Cornwall, England · star 5.0 (3) · 7.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 55 min

7

Easy

Flamborough Head from Flamborough

East Riding of Yorkshire, England · star 5.0 (4) · 16.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 44 min

8

Medium

Wetton Hill and Thor's Cave

Staffordshire, England · star 5.0 (6) · 10.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 35 min

9

Easy

Lavenham Woodland Walk - Bury St Edmunds - Suffolk

Suffolk, England · star 5.0 (2) · 4.3 km · Est. 55 min

10

Easy

Abbey Road - Wood Sculptures and Knaresborough Castle

North Yorkshire, England · star 5.0 (1) · 5.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 7 min

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Reviews for cave hiking trails in England

jack pearson avatar

Mam Tor and Cave Dale from Castleton

J.P · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Matt Austin avatar

Cheddar Gorge Walk

Matt Austin · reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

Peter Millns avatar

Mam Tor, Hollins Cross and Lose Hill Loop from Castleton

Pete7586 · reviewed 10 months ago

star star star star star

a nice early morning walk to see the sunrise on Man Tor and not just a Bimble up from the car park.

David Hilliard avatar

Matlock Bath

DavidH · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Great little walk with a few challenges!

Donna Cooper avatar

Cave Dale and Winnats Pass from Castleton

Dee Outdoors · reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

sadly the weather (wind) again stops us from completing the trail. we will be back 😃

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails 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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