Hiking in England: The Essential Guide

England is a diverse playground for any outdoor adventurer, and experiencing the country on foot, is no exception.

Hiking in England ranges from the rolling green patchwork of the Yorkshire Dales to the rugged Northumberland coast and golden Cornish sands. The idyllic Cotswolds offer a slower pace while the Peak District soars above central England. England is a country where history meets innovation, and seasonal local cuisine is served amidst the hubbub of a unique cultural melting pot.

Whatever you’re looking for, savour the freedom of hiking in this beautiful land. Whether you dream of scaling some of England’s highest peaks or prefer to wander through wildflower meadows, your perfect walk awaits. After a day of exploring, return to your accommodation to enjoy the warm hospitality of this ancient country.

Read on to discover our essential guide to walking in England, from the best time to visit to recommended walks and what you can expect.

Much of English culture is seen as stereotypical of the whole United Kingdom. Peel back the layers to separate fact from fiction, and you’ll find that England is a country with its own character and charm. We’ve rounded up some stats about England to help you get a feel for the UK’s largest country.

• Highest peak: Scafell Pike, 978 m/3209 ft, the shortest of the United Kingdom’s highest peaks
• Longest river: River Severn, 354 km/220 miles, the longest river in the UK
• National animal: Lion. This is derived from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Aquitane. It became a symbol of British pride, and is best identified with, Eleanor of Aquitane’s son, Richard the Lionheart.
• National flower: Tudor rose. The red rose of the royal house of Lancashire was adopted by Henry VII as the emblem of peace following the War of the Roses (1455-87).
• Population: 56 million people
• National sport: Cricket, although football is the most popular sport.

To find out more, read through our page all about English culture, and put on your armour as we prepare to do battle through England’s history.

The idea of being able to walk out into nature with nothing but your own two feet holds great romanticism. The freedom to explore seemingly undiscovered oases or conquer new heights is powerful. Such things can quickly take a turn for the worse and lose their shine, so it is important to make sure you are prepared for your adventures before you head out.

Kit And Equipment

You’ve read up on the climate, you understand the difference between England and the UK, and you’re ready to pick your next trip – but now you want to make sure you know what to expect on a walking holiday in England. If you’ve never been on a multi-day hike before, it can be overwhelming to know how much, or how little, to bring. Even if you have undertaken one before, the English climate might be different to the one where you live. We’ve put together an equipment list to help you plan your kit and make sure you’re prepared for hiking in England.

Footwear

Of course, there are some key elements to be aware of when planning your kit. First and foremost, let’s talk about boots. On a long distance walk, a good pair of boots will be your best friend, providing comfort, support and waterproofing. The wrong pair of boots will be the very opposite, hampering your walking and putting a moody grey cloud over your experience. If you treat yourself to a new pair of boots before your trip, ensure you allow plenty of time to break them in and let your feet get used to your new kicks.

Waterproofs

That moody grey cloud could be very literal when hiking in England, so pack good quality waterproofs. Spending a little extra, if you can, to make sure your waterproofs are up for the challenge of an English downpour will make all the difference.

Layers

Finally, layers are essential. That thick, warm jacket might look great on the hanger, but you won’t be so fond of it out on the trail. Pack and wear multiple light layers to keep you both warm when you’re cool, and cool when it’s warm. The multiple layers trap warm air to retain heat, while a good base layer will wick away moisture to help with temperature regulation. When hiking in a more moist climate, avoid cotton for these layers. Instead, look for merino wool or quality synthetics. This is because cotton retains moisture. You will especially notice this when resting or in windy conditions, as your cotton layers will have held sweat and other moisture, quickly cooling you down right as you want to keep warm.

What to Wear Outdoors in England

Often seen as a green and pleasant land of green pastures and sun-dappled fields, England is so much more. Of course, the country offers such idyllic scenery in abundance, but there is such variety too. The northeast coastline is dramatic and rugged, while the southern beaches are golden sand. Staying south, the landscape is one of gently undulating fields. Head up the country and England’s northern national parks rise above the land like giants. When hiking in England, you can expect varied scenery that is nothing short of breathtaking, dotted with history, sheep and quaint villages.

The north of England is home to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty alongside four national parks. Millennia of geological activity moulded this landscape before humans left their mark through industry. Today, a walk through this dramatic region is one of variety and beauty.

Find Out More

The English countryside is undeniably beautiful. Yet England is also the most inhabited country in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Escape the crowds to find peace amidst England’s secret nature spots, from a bottomless pool to remnants of mining history.

Discover England

You might not think of northern England for its waterfalls, but the tumultuous geological history of this region has left its mark. From the delightful Aira Force to the tumbling stretch of Cauldron Snout, each waterfall has shaped the very land around it.

Read the Blog

Long distance walking is hungry work, and finding the perfect snacks can be a balancing act. You want fuel that will give you a much-needed energy boost and satisfy your cravings up the hill. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite sweet and savoury hiking snacks to inspire you.

If you’re coming with us on a guided walking trip, your guide will be equipped with a range of delicious snacks. There’s plenty to look forward to while you undertake your adventure.

The Best Snacks to Eat While You’re Hiking

Whether you prefer to discover England by foot or on a bike, our guided trips are a fantastic way to experience this ancient country. Our trips blend inspiring adventure with hand-picked 3 and 4 star accommodations and delicious local food. This is everything you could want on your holiday, without the hassle. Of course, no guided trip would be possible without our excellent guides. Knowledgeable and friendly, the guide(s) is there to ensure your comfort and safety while sharing stories about the landscape and culture, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. From Northumberland in the very north of England to Cornwall, the very south of the mainland UK, the guided trip of your dreams awaits.

If you love leading your own adventure but want to ensure you get the best experience without hours of research, our self guided trips are right up your street. Designed by our passionate in-house experts, these holidays allow you to enjoy England at your own pace without the hassle. Route notes, luggage transfer and 24-hour assistance are just part of the service, as are the treasured memories. Treat yourself to the tranquillity of our self guided hiking in England.