Scafell Pike by the Corridor Route

Cumbria, England

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Westmorland and Furness, England

Old Man of Coniston

Cumbria, England

Breamish Valley Walk

Northumberland, England

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite

Cumberland, England

Raise and Helvellyn Loop via Thirlmere

Cumbria, England

The Coledale Loop

Cumbria, England

Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head

Cumbria, England

The Devil's Arse Walk from Castleton

Derbyshire, England

Lightspout Waterfall Walk

Shropshire, England

Best difficult hiking trails in England

Got your game face on? These difficult trails are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure...

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

Difficult

Scafell Pike by the Corridor Route

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (14) · 11.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 42 min

Difficult

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Westmorland and Furness, England · star 5.0 (21) · 12.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 5 min

Difficult

Old Man of Coniston

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (3) · 7.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 21 min

Difficult

Breamish Valley Walk

Northumberland, England · star 5.0 (1) · 2.2 km · Est. 40 min

Difficult

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite

Cumberland, England · star 5.0 (9) · 13.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 29 min

Difficult

Raise and Helvellyn Loop via Thirlmere

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (5) · 13.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 14 min

Difficult

The Coledale Loop

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (3) · 14.0 km · Est. 4 hrs 42 min

Difficult

Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head

Cumbria, England · star 0.0 (0) · 10.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 32 min

Difficult

The Devil's Arse Walk from Castleton

Derbyshire, England · star 0.0 (0) · 1.0 km · Est. 19 min

Difficult

Lightspout Waterfall Walk

Shropshire, England · star 5.0 (2) · 2.2 km · Est. 40 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for hiking trails in England

Scafell Pike by the Corridor Route

Matty J · reviewed about 2 months ago

star star star star star

Decided to return the same way as the tourist track was absolutely heaving!

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

Dad&Lad · reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

Great route. added catsye cam too.

Old Man of Coniston

24sheep107 · reviewed 12 months ago

star star star star star

Very good but can be very misty

Breamish Valley Walk

HarborPioneer12 · reviewed 12 months ago

star star star star star

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite

Lone Hiker · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

I must do hike as it’s Britain’s highest mountain. It’s quite a hard hike and you are scrambling over rocks at points, there are paths and Cairns to follow for some of the way, but not all you definitely need a map or an app. I’m not an experience Walker and in my 60s but it took me 7 1/2 hours round-trip with plenty of breather stops.

Frequently asked questions

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.