Guided Walking Tours

We take great pride in introducing travellers to the natural beauty and charm of the UK, sharing our love for their untamed landscapes. From the untamed Yorkshire Dales to the timeless charm of the Cotswolds and the dramatic peaks of the Lake District, our trips highlight some of the UK’s most iconic and captivating areas. Each itinerary balances adventure and relaxation, ensuring you have time to explore while enjoying each destination’s unique culture, history and hospitality.

Building on the expertise of our team at Wilderness Scotland, which began running guided trips in 2001, Wilderness England has offered exceptional hiking and walking holidays since 2020. With deep regional knowledge and strong local connections, we design journeys that immerse you in the heart of England and Wales. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, we are dedicated to creating a journey you’ll never forget.

The stunning countryside of England and Wales offers a breathtaking blend of contrasts. Rolling countryside and pastoral valleys give way to deep blue lakes, while rugged, wind-swept hills rise dramatically toward the sky. Here, you’ll find historic cities like Bath, Bristol, and Cardiff alongside charming villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Grasmere, each brimming with character.

With landscapes rich in history, wildlife, and folklore, walking tours in England and Wales promise an exceptional adventure. Weave through landscapes steeped in history, from Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall to the Neolithic wonder of Stonehenge. Whether exploring the limestone landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales – a stone’s throw from our England office – meandering through Borrowdale Valley (often regarded as one of the most beautiful in all the Lakes) or ribboning your way along the salt-soaked coastline of Pembrokeshire, England and Wales are the perfect destinations to explore on foot.

Need help deciding where to go? Explore some of our favourite destinations below, or contact our friendly and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants for personalised advice via email, phone, or live chat.

Port Isaac

Cornwall

Over 645 km/400 miles of coastline, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages characterise the beautiful Cornish peninsula. With much of its countryside designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the coastal grasslands, ancient woodlands and lonely moors make for excellent walking tour terrain. Explore the enchanting villages of Port Isaac and St Ives, sample fresh seafood, spot bottlenose dolphins and walk beneath cliffs of serpentine stone. Experience the dramatic landscapes of the South West Coast Path, discover the mystical charm of Tintagel Castle – steeped in Arthurian legend – and explore the rich mining history that runs deep in Cornwall. With its blend of breathtaking scenery, distinct cultural heritage and amazing local food, England’s most southerly county is an amazing place for a walking holiday.

Hadrian’s Wall

Northumberland

Located in northeast England and sitting along the Scottish border is Northumberland, a hidden gem for walkers with its wild moorlands, pristine beaches, and ancient history. Here, trace the footsteps of Roman legions along sections of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 1,900 years. The Cheviot Hills offer a peaceful walking experience through heather-clad landscapes to ancient stone circles, or head out after hours to witness the darkest skies in England; Northumberland National Park has been a designated International Dark Sky Park since 2013. The Northumberland coast offers spectacular sights like Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and Dunstanburgh Castle. Step back in time and forward in nature on a walking holiday in England when you visit Northumberland.

The Lake District

The Lake District

In one of the wildest corners of northwest England lies the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic mountains, deep blue lakes, and literary connections. Walkers can summit Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, or take a gentler route through Grasmere village to sample its famous gingerbread. Or traverse iconic trails like Glaramara, cruise Ullswater by steamer, and enjoy the ethereal views from Haystacks, a favourite of writer Alfred Wainwright. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed walking holiday or a hiking trip that sews together some of the national park’s highest fells, this region offers travellers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with charming villages and traditional inns to match.

The New Forest Ponies

New Forest & South Downs

Stretching along the south of England, the New Forest and South Downs offer a unique blend of landscapes for walking holidays. Ancient woodlands, open pastures, and free-roaming ponies define the unique landscape of the New Forest, a former royal hunting ground, while villages like Lyndhurst and Beaulieu add charm and history. The South Downs National Park stretches from the historic English capital of Winchester in the west to the white cliffs of Beachy Head to the east, offering sweeping views over the English Channel. Walkers can follow the iconic South Downs Way, discover the prehistoric mysteries of the Long Man of Wilmington, or enjoy a pint of local ale in one of the region’s cosy country pubs. With a rich tapestry of flora, fauna, and cultural heritage, these regions provide a perfect backdrop for a peaceful yet enriching walking escape.

Broadway Tower, The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds

With its chocolate-box villages, rolling fields, and tranquil river valleys, the Cotswolds is a quintessentially English retreat. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the landscape is also rich with history – peppered with ancient ruins, tumbling castles, and some of the prettiest villages in the UK. With a fantastic network of ancient footpaths, quiet rural lanes, and leafy bridleways, it’s a lovely place to explore on foot. On a walking tour, take in the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, wander through the enchanting Windrush Valley, and adventure along the Cotswold Way. Discover Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and visit a myriad of charming, golden-stone villages.

Walking in Wales

Wales

Wales is a land of breathtaking contrasts, offering everything from rugged mountain ranges to sweeping coastal expanses. The towering peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park to the north invite adventurers to conquer trails like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the tallest mountain in Wales. The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), with its quiet moorland, hidden waterfalls, and dramatic peaks, provides a serene walking holiday. Along the coast, the Pembrokeshire Coast (Arfordir Penfro) National Park reveals wildlife-rich headlands and stunning sandy beaches, offering a haven for wildlife. With its tumbling mass of ancient castles and a mouthwatering offering of delicious traditional cuisine, Wales offers an unforgettable walking holiday experience.

The Yorkshire Dales

The North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales

In northern England, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales offer a striking contrast in landscapes. The Moors’ heather-clad hills and coastal cliffs meet the Dales’ tranquil valleys, dry stone walls, and vibrant towns. Explore Whitby and Scarborough, hike the iconic Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, or visit waterfalls like Aysgarth Force and Janet’s Foss. Whether it’s the wild beauty of the moors or the gentle elegance of the Dales, Yorkshire is a hiker’s paradise. Discover the difference between the two national parks on our blog.

The Peak District

The Peak District

Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District was designated the UK’s first national park in 1951. The Peaks are a dramatic mix of gritstone edges and rolling limestone dales. Highlights include the ancient hill fort on Mam Tor, the charming town of Bakewell, and the limestone valleys of Dovedale and Monsal. Explore the dramatic gritstone edges of Stanage and Curbar, and look out for ed deer, birds of prey, and England’s only wild population of mountain hares. The region’s literary connections, from Jane Austen to Charlotte Brontë, add an extra layer of allure to this centrally located wilderness.

Wilderness England was established in 2020 amidst the global pandemic by the same dedicated teams behind Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland. At the heart of our philosophy lies a deep and enduring commitment to sustainable practices. This ethos shapes every aspect of our business, from how we design our trips to the partners we collaborate with, the locations we explore, and even the spaces we operate from.

The glowing feedback we receive demonstrates that it’s entirely possible to offer exceptional travel experiences while adhering to responsible travel principles. Our walking itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to reduce environmental impact, support local communities, and safeguard the wild landscapes we cherish, ensuring they can be enjoyed for future generations.

What Do We Mean By Responsible Travel?

Travel offers a unique opportunity to experience stunning natural settings and engage with diverse cultures worldwide. However, as travellers, we can strive to make more sustainable choices. While flying might sometimes be the only practical option, we advocate staying longer at destinations, combining multiple tours, and making every journey count once you arrive.

By choosing Wilderness England, Wilderness Scotland, or Wilderness Ireland, you’re aligning with a globally recognised travel company dedicated to sustainable tourism and responsible practices.

Our Sustainability Goals

Our vision for 21st century travel is centred on driving progress toward a more sustainable future. Leading the charge on climate action, we’ve adopted an industry-first approach to addressing climate change. As part of this commitment, we are proud to be among the few travel companies aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)—the premier global framework for achieving true net zero.