7 classic hikes in the United Kingdom

BY battleface

While it may not be the first activity that springs to mind when planning your trip to the UK, hikes and country walks are a wonderfully British activity. Practicing the timeless tradition of exploring Britain’s magnificent landscapes on foot during your trip is a uniquely engaging way in which to discover and connect with the country’s landscapes, national parks, history, people, and cultural heritage.

Hikes in the UK are the best way to experience the natural beauty of the countryside, from gently rolling hills and moorland, to rugged coastlines and stunning mountain peaks with spectacular views. There’s also unique native wildlife to encounter, charming villages to explore, and warm country pubs to cozy up in once you’ve conquered your hike. Just don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go. Wherever your hiking adventure takes you, you’ll want a policy that includes vital coverage including travel medical insurance, medical evacuation, baggage loss and delay, trip interruption, and trip delay.

Whether you’re keen for the challenge of a steep climb up a mighty peak or prefer a leisurely walk in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is no shortage of memorable hikes in the UK. So grab your rain jacket, lace up your walking boots, and take a deep breath of fresh air — read on for seven of the best UK hikes to plan into your itinerary.

Pennine Way

Considered one of the most famous and challenging hikes in the UK, the Pennine Way spans 268 miles through England and Scotland, crossing through three national parks: Yorkshire Dales National Park, Northumberland National Park, and the Peak District National Park. The full trek is challenging to complete with the full walk taking roughly three weeks to complete — it’s a mean feat requiring a high level of physical fitness. If you’re looking for a shorter segment to tackle, there are plenty of options for day-hikes, but be aware that much of the route is technically challenging, so come fully equipped.

Snowdonia

The highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a moderately challenging walk that will take around five hours to complete, with some steep inclines along the way. That said, you can also take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top (about a 60-minute journey) and then enjoy the descent on foot. Snowdon is one of the peaks making up the Three Peaks Challenge, in which participants attempt to summit the three tallest peaks in three nations: Snowdon (Wales), Ben Nevis (Scotland), and Scafell Pike (England).

Lake District

The Lake District in the county of Cumbria is famous for offering some of the best hiking in the UK with arguably the most beautiful scenery. There are no shortage of options for walkers of all abilities from beginners to experienced hikers who want to tackle challenging routes. If you’ve completed Snowdonia in Wales and want to continue on the Three Peaks Challenge, then try summiting Scafell Pike. At around 3,200 feet above sea level, it will take you three to four hours to reach the top.

South Downs Way

Another one of Britain’s National Trails, the South Downs Way is a 100-mile-long trail along chalky cliffs starting in Winchester and ending in Eastbourne. Its rolling hills are perfect for both cyclists and walkers, while perhaps the most well-known section is the Seven Sisters walking route, starting in Seaford and ending in Eastbourne, and named after the seven white chalk cliffs along its route. It’s a moderately challenging 14-mile-long walk, but a rewarding one enhanced by outstanding views from the clifftops.

West Highland Way

Scotland’s most popular long-distance walking route, the West Highland Way stretches 96 miles across some quintessentially Scottish scenery from Milngavie (near Glasgow) up to Fort William. The Scottish Highlands certainly do not disappoint, offering unforgettable views of dramatic natural beauty including Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster, and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and the wider UK.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

If you’re a history buff then this is the walk for you. Originally built by the Romans as a defense line against the North, Hadrian’s Wall Path spans 84 miles from the east coast to the west coast, across the North of England. You’ll see ancient Roman ruins at various points along the way, and can even stop at the Roman Army Museum at the Vindolanda archaeological site for an insight on the cultural heritage of the route. There are various shorter segments you can explore — if you’re looking for a leisurely walk, the Sycamore Gap portion of the wall in Northumberland National Park is ideal. At about 5 miles long, the circular walk will take you roughly two hours, starting from the Roman Fort visitor center and heading along Hadrian’s Wall footpath to the Sycamore Gap, where a lone sycamore tree stands in a dip between two hills.

South West Coast Path

Spanning 630 miles from Devon to Cornwall, the South West Coastal Path is the longest of England’s National Trails, offering hiking which arguably provides the best way to enjoy Britain’s dramatic coastline. You likely wouldn’t endeavor to hike the whole route, but there are hundreds of options for coastal walks ranging from a few hours to several days long that you can integrate into your itinerary. The South West Coast Path is consistently named one of the best long-distance walks in the world thanks to its stunning scenery, wonderful access to beaches, and diverse coastal ecosystems.

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TENNESSEE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefit.

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WASHINGTON: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

NEW YORK*: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information, or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto, commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime, and shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars and the stated value of the claim for each such violation.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :

received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.

If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states

Travel Protection Benefits	Limits
Trip Cancellation	100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy	Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason	Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption	150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay	Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection	Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects	$2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay	$100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included	$100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental	$750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains	Up to $500,000 Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	$100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense	Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return	Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary	Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage	$1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment	5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains	10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash	500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability	500,000
Travel Delay	500
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Trip Interruption	2,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses	10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	50,000 as standard, optional increase up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	2,000 as standard, optional increase up to 10,000
Personal Money and Passport	500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability	500,000
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 per person, 100 per family)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation	up to $20,000
Trip Interruption	$1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses	$5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit	$25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident	up to $50,000
Baggage	$2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash	$500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability	$500,000
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness and Winter Sports is not available for those aged 75 years or over Medical and Emergency Expenses are limited to $50,000 within Canada if you are not covered by government health insurance plan (GHIP) at the time of your claim

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment	5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains	10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash	500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability	500,000
Travel Delay	500
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over