Best Hikes for Beginners in the U.K.

Despite its relatively small size, the U.K. features an incredible variety of impressive landscapes. From snow-capped mountains to bucolic valleys, the countries within the U.K. – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – are full of varied landscapes that stretch from coast to coast.

The history of each individual region is proudly cultivated by its inhabitants, and you’re as likely to come across a 12^th-century church on a walk as you are a modern art installation. The U.K. sincerely believes in upholding their historical landmarks and landscapes, and there are plenty of places to visit if you’re looking for beautiful scenery.

We’ve gathered together some of the best beginners’ hikes in the U.K., which will take you through some exceptionally beautiful places.

Conic Hill – Loch Lomond

If you’ve walked the storied banks of Loch Lomond and are in search of a bit more adventure, head to Conic Hill. Conic Hill is a short, sharp peak that rises above Loch Lomond in Balmaha, Scotland.

The walk itself is only about 2.5 miles – it starts at the Balmaha parking lot, which is accessible by bus or car. There’s a marked path, and the hardest part is some steeper stairs at the end. If you want to reach the very top of the summit, you’ll need to cross over some rocks, but it should be manageable with a good pair of shoes.

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Burns’ Trail – Ayrshire

The Scottish people are so proud of their national poet, Robert Burns, that they’ve turned the region where he grew up into “Burns Country.” He was born in Alloway, in Ayrshire, and there’s a great walk that starts in Alloway and takes you on a 12.5-mile path through the rambling countryside. The hike is circular, traveling around Newark Castle and along the hills overlooking the Firth of Clyde before leading back into town.

If you’re familiar with Burns’ poems, there are tons of places you’ll recognize as you pass, like the Brig o’ Doon.

Falls of Glomach – Ross-shire

The Falls of Glomach have the biggest drop of any U.K. waterfall, but even still, they’re surprisingly easy to miss. Also called the “Hidden Falls,” they’re tucked right into a narrow gorge and concealed by the spray of their own mist and fog.

To get there, you’ll start in a parking lot in Morvich – easily accessible from Glasgow by bus – and hike through the forest for a few miles until you reach the end of the tree line. Above the forest you’ll head straight into the wild Highland Moors for a few miles until you reach the falls.

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