There's so much to discover on foot in the United Kingdom. Medieval towns, sleepy fishing villages, ancient forests, dramatic coastline and scenic countryside dotted with castles, chateaux and Roman ruins, it is one of the most exciting destinations in Europe to explore by foot, bike or even boat.

Encompassing the diverse histories, cultures and landscapes of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom forms a destination so rich and so varied that it must sit prominently on any travel bucket list. While the region’s energetic cities need no introduction, many travellers are unaware of the breadth and the beauty of its landscapes.

Here you can explore the rolling pastures and rugged moorland of the Scottish Highlands, explore quintessential Cotswolds villages, follow the ancient path of Hadrian's Wall or take on the challenge of hiking the popular Coast to Coast trail. Hike the region’s idyllic interior and discover a complex coastline of windswept cliffs, lonely islands and pretty seaside towns.

Our broad program of active UK itineraries are tailored to get you deep into the heart of this very special corner of the world, regardless of your fitness or interests.

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A hiker crossing a stile on the Hadrian's Wall Walk in Northumberland, Northeast of England, UK.

England

On the old military road just beyond the Kings House Hotel, with a view of the striking mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor, a famous landmark at the entrance of the Glencoe valley. A stunningly clear day. (Day 7).

Scotland

Courtyard of medieval fortress Caernarfon Castle

Wales

Hikers on the basalt cliffs of the Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland

 

 

 

Find your United Kingdom trip

United Kingdom highlights

 

Why travel with us

Great Value & Quality Trips in the United Kingdom

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Depending on your style of tour, you can expect comprehensive route notes, maps & guidebooks or an expert local guide, along with bag transfers and comfortable accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your walking holiday in the United Kingdom.

Walking Specialists in the United Kingdom

We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore the United Kingdom at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Personal Experiences

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the United Kingdom & Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Responsible travel

 

Reducing waste

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travellers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, tupperware for packed lunches and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single use plastics.

Supporting local

In the areas that we travel tourism is the main source of income for many of the villages and local people. We support them by working with local family run hotels and suppliers so your money supports the community that hosts you.

Paddock to Plate

The paddock to plate across the UK is one we encourage by choosing to work with accommodations that try to source produce from local farms. This provides you with fresher meals and ensures your money directly assists local economies.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.

Guesthouses

Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.

Country inns

Enjoy the cosy country setting and convenience of staying in a comfortable place that is attached to a restaurant or pub, usually on the ground floor with the rooms above.

Leaders in the field

John Millen

With over 25 years of experience in active adventures, John’s travels have taken him to a multitude of countries including Tanzania, Belize, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Kenya, Russia and Botswana. John began leading Walkers' Britains’ trips in 1991, resulting in a strong sense of the outdoor activities that Europe has to offer. He is energised by exploring different environments and physical challenges and spends much of his spare time on mountaineering trips, cycling and walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Daryl Cavanagh

Daryl has an active job, guiding various groups on walks and other activities which keeps him fit.

Active and adventure travel has taken him to some amazing places. The experiences and memories can never be taken away, and these will remain with me for the rest of my life. Getting away from busy life helps me relax - the feeling of stillness being on the side of a hill or mountain, and just enjoying the view is priceless.

Daryl thinks the Coast to Coast is a great walk, showing the best of, and the variety within, the British countryside.

"No adventure completely goes to plan, that is the nature of adventures, so enjoy it all - even the bumps in the road. Take plenty of photos but also put the camera away and enjoy the environment - the memories will last."

If you like to join one of the guided walking holidays that Daryl is leading this year, please get in touch with our team.

Malcolm Wade

Malcolm started his guiding career by leading overseas expeditions to third world countries combining travel with project work. He enjoyed it so much, that he now leads walking holidays in the UK with Walkers' Britain.

Malcolm's travel advice: "Take every day as it comes and reflect every evening on what you have learned about yourself and the area you are in. We are all here for a finite time, and reflection is sometimes forgotten. The other piece of well used advice is that there is no such thing as bad weather – just wrong clothing and even in the worst weather, there is always something to enjoy and remember."

Mike Simpson

Active travel fascinates Mike because there is always something new to see, feel, hear or smell. Yes, smell, he loves the smell of damp Lake District fells. He has done the Coast to Coast over 12 times now, and every time is different. You also meet different people with hugely different outlooks and everyone is brought together by a common urge to travel and explore.

Most of all, Mike thinks, active travel is life affirming and immensely good for you - the health benefits of simply walking are wonderful.

"I'm always mindful of how lucky I am to do what I do and to have travelled as much as I have in my life."

Mark Watson

Mark has travelled all his life. As a teenager he would go to the French and Swiss Alps, climbing and walking the high passes with friends. "I summitted Mont Blanc at 18." In recent years, he has worked as a guide travelling to destinations in Europe and beyond.

Mark enjoys meeting new people who share the same passions or are from new cultures, and together experience first-hand varying landscapes, flora, fauna and history.

In his home country he has discovered the Coast to Coast walk, which spans the breadth of England. "This walk never stops fascinating me and is different every time I go. It brings together in one walk many diverse cultures, different scenery and is a favourite of mine."

Mark believes it's really important to stay fit for these trips and to prepare in advance as much as possible. "I am lucky as I can easily get out on the fells where I live in Cumbria. This keeps me hill fit." To be active travel ready, Mark suggests reading up on your itinerary and country. Understand a little local lingo and know what to expect about the food and lifestyle, so you don't get any surprises. Look at the terrain you will encounter, think about your personal strengths and weaknesses and do a little extra fitness work before going out.

Trip reviews

Videos

Discover the South West Coast Path with Walkers' Britain & Europe

Essential information

Currency

Pound Sterling

International Dialing Code

+44

Electricity
Type G plug

Electricity in The United Kingdom is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas

Nationalities that are visa-exempt, such as Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and US Passport holders who are travelling to the UK on or after 8 January 2025, will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). For European passport holders this applies from 2 April 2025. The best way to do this is to download the app - UK ETA - from the App Store or Google Play. Ensure you download the correct app - it has a crown as its logo. There is also an option to apply online but this is not the preferred method. It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. see https://www.walkersbritain.co.uk/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-uk-eta for further information.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.