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Best lake hiking trails in England
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Best lake hiking trails in England

Want a trail where the views are as smooth as the water’s surface? These lake-side paths will have you reflecting on nature’s beauty—literally—while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors.

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

East Midlands Airport Loop Trail

Leicestershire, England · star 5.0 (8) · 10.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 8 min

2

Easy

Southwold

Suffolk, England · star 0.0 (0) · 6.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 21 min

3

Easy

Jubilee Walkway

London, England · star 5.0 (4) · 20.1 km · Est. 4 hrs 24 min

4

Medium

Lakeland Trails Ultra - 55k

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (1) · 56.6 km · Est. 2 day

5

Easy

Virginia Water and The Wentworth Estate

Surrey, England · star 0.0 (0) · 15.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 15 min

6

Easy

Welwyn Garden City Loop Walk

Hertfordshire, England · star 5.0 (3) · 20.4 km · Est. 4 hrs 26 min

7

Easy

Portsea Island Circular Walk - Porsmouth

Portsmouth, England · star 5.0 (11) · 22.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 39 min

8

Easy

Snettisham Beach RSPB reserve from Shepherd's Port

Norfolk, England · star 0.0 (0) · 6.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 22 min

9

Difficult

Striding Edge and Helvellyn Loop

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

10

Easy

Watling Chase Timberland Trail

Hertfordshire, England · star 5.0 (3) · 16.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 29 min

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Reviews for lake hiking trails in England

Del P avatar

East Midlands Airport Loop Trail

DP123 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

A nice flat easy to follow walk that took just under 2hrs 30min. I couldn't park in the Aeropark car park as it was shut, so ended parking back in Castle Donington High Street which made the total walk 7.5miles. The walk started on the path by the main road. Eventually I saw a designated sign for the East Midlands airport walk and followed that which was more enjoyable than the first 2 miles or so. Not much plane activity on the day I walked which would add to the interest of the walk especially at the far end where the planes come into land. Route is tarmac, muddy trail and track. Enjoyed it.

No reviews available for Southwold.

Merel H avatar

Jubilee Walkway

merelino28 · reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

Kevin metcalfe avatar

Lakeland Trails Ultra - 55k

Kev · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Virginia Water and The Wentworth Estate.

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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