The UK boasts an extraordinary spread of hiking routes, from Snowdonia to the Cairngorms. Whether you're a seasoned explorer in need of fresh ideas or lacing up your boots for the first time, AllTrails has just revealed the best UK trails for the year ahead.
Compiled by AllTrails' team of experts, the 2023 Year on the Trails Report is a compilation of users' favourite routes. Based on input from the app's community of more than 60 million walkers, hikers and nature enthusiasts, it features five categories: the most popular trail, the most beautiful, family favourites, top pub walks, the most easygoing, and best walks for fans of history.
Take a look at the full findings below...
Most Popular (Highest Rated Trails Overall)
1. Wales, Llanberis, Gwynedd: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Miners' Track and Pyg Circular
2. Scotland, Portree, Highlands: The Prison Walk
3. Scotland, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute: Puck's Glen Gorge Trail
4. England, Glenridding, Cumbria: Glenridding and Helvellyn Circular
5. Northern Ireland, Newcastle, Ards and North Down: Tollymore Forest and Drinns Circular
Most Beautiful (Highest Rated Trails with Stunning Views)
1. Scotland, Portree, Highlands: Meall Na Suiramach and the Quiraing
2. Scotland, Highlands, Fort William: Tigh an Steill via Steall Falls Path
3. England, Coniston, Cumbria: Coniston Short Round
4. Wales, Pembrokeshire, St. David’s: St. Davids Peninsula Circular Walk
5. England, Cornwall, Boscastle: Boscastle to Tintagel via South West Coastal Path
Family Favourite (Highest Rated Trails for the Whole Family)
1. England, Otley, West Yorkshire: Fewston Reservoir Circular
2. Wales, Dolgellau, Gwynedd: Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool and Barmouth
3. Wales, Beddgelert, Gwynedd: Meillionen to Beddgelert
4. Wales, Abergwyngregyn, Conwy: Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls)
5. England, Suffolk, Woodbridge: Rendlesham Forest UFO
Top Pub Walks
1. England, Eastbourne, East Sussex: Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular
2. England, Stoughton, West Sussex: Chilgrove, Hooksway and Treyford Hill Circular
3. England, Hope, Derbyshire: Hope, Castleton, Mam Tor, and Edale Circular
4. England, Cumbria, Buttermere: Buttermere Circular
5. England, West Yorkshire, Hebden Bridge: The Switzerland of Yorkshire Circular
Most Easygoing
1. England, Otley, West Yorkshire: Yeadon Tarnfield Park
2. England, Sheffield, South Yorkshire: Damflask Reservoir Circular
3. England, Coniston, Cumbria: Tarn Hows and Rose Castle Plantation Circular
4. Scotland, Lochgelly, Fife: Lochore Meadows Circular
5. England, Warminster, Wiltshire: Shear Water Tarmac Path Loop
The Best Walks For Fans of History
1. Wales, Llanberis, Gwynedd: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Miners' Track and Pyg Circular
2. England, Glenridding, Cumbria: Glenridding and Helvellyn Circular
3. Scotland, Fort William, Highlands: Ben Nevis Mountain Track
4. England, Seaford, East Sussex: Seaford to Eastbourne
5. England, Glenridding, Cumbria: Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular
The best women's walking boots, from just £40
Salomon Womens Quest 4D 3 GTX Walking Boots
Consistently voted one of the best women's walking boots you can buy, Salomon's Quest utilises the latest technology to protect and care for your feet while exploring. The innovative 4D Chassis design reduces fatigue and ensures grip and stability, while the Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet warm and dry. Well worth the investment.
Merrell Women's Moab FST 2 Walking Boots
Lightweight with a lean sole and versatile enough to take on any terrain, Merrell's Moab's are a great everyday option. The air cushioned heel and weatherproof Gore-Tex membrane provide added comfort on long hikes.
Breacon Womens Waterproof Vibram Boots - Brown
These boots are completely waterproof, tough and durable – and they look stylish, too. EVA cushioning moulds to your foot to provide ultimate support and porous fabric allow for complete breathability.
Regatta Clydebank Mid Hiking Boots
By far the best walking boots for wide feet on a budget, the Regatta Clydebank will take you from fields to fells, trail to track, whatever the weather. They're waterproof, breathable and padded for extra comfort.
Hi Gear Snowdon Women's Walking Boots
Another pair that look far more expensive than the price tag. Hi Gear's Snowdon is made from full-grain leather and fully waterproof. And they're almost identical to the ones the Duchess of Cambridge has been seen sporting. Great for early morning dog walks.
Brasher Women’s Country Master Walking Boots
Reese Witherspoon made these boots famous in the film Wild. And they're a favourite with serious walkers too. Think soft leather, Gore-Tex waterproofing, deep lugs for grip and a range of wide and narrow fits.
Keen Womens Terradora Waterproof Walking Boots
The best boot for walking the dog, running errands and weekend walks, Keen's Terradora boots are stylish without skimping on technical features. Fully waterproof, as lightweight as your favourite trainers and available in two standout colourways, they're a no brainer.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
