The Best UK Trails by Season

by Sue Talbot

The UK is a walker’s paradise, blessed not only with diverse landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife, but a set of four distinct seasons that transform each trail throughout the year. From the rugged fells of the Lake District and ancient forests of Scotland to the windswept coastlines of the South Coast, here are some of the best landscapes to explore each season.

Top Trails in Spring (March to May)

As the UK awakens from its winter slumber, spring is the perfect time to hit the trails. The weather is mild, the days are growing longer and the countryside is bursting with new life.

These walks are particularly stunning in spring.

1. The Lake District’s Ullswater Way: This 21-mile trail takes you on a stunning journey around England’s second-largest lake, Ullswater. Enjoy the blooming wildflowers, ancient villages and rugged fells that form captivating reflections on the water.
2. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path: Following the coastline of southwest Wales, this 186-mile trail boasts dramatic coastal scenery, newborn spring wildlife and sleepy fishing villages that have withstood the tests of time.
3. The Cairngorms National Park’s Ancient Forests: Explore the remnants of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest, teeming with spring life. Look out for capercaillie, red squirrels and Scotland’s iconic bluebells.

Ideal Hikes for Summer (June to August)

Thanks to our mild climate, summer is the peak walking season in the UK, with warm weather, long daylight hours and a vibrant cultural scene.

These walking routes come alive in summer.

1. The West Highland Way: This 96-mile trail is one of Scotland’s most famous and beautiful walks, taking you from Milngavie to Fort William. Immerse yourself in stunning mountain scenery, tranquil lochs and warm summer sunshine. The long summer days provide plenty of time to cross the longer and tougher stretches of this challenging route.
2. The South West Coast Path’s Cornish Section: Delve into nature and history as you explore the diverse coastline of Cornwall, with its towering cliffs, secluded coves and vibrant fishing villages, especially beautiful in the bright summer sun.
3. The Peak District’s Dark Peak: As you hike through the unspoilt beauty of the Peak District’s Dark Peak, you’ll encounter tree-fringed reservoirs, unusual rock formations and heather-covered moors that can feel quite desolate and exposed in poor weather but are spectacularly pretty in the sun.

Pleasant Walks in Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year to explore outdoors in the UK. The changing colours of the landscape, soft golden light and crisp air do something to my senses that make me feel so alive and mindful in every moment. 

1. The New Forest’s Woodland Trails: Home to ancient woodlands, windswept heathland and free-roaming ponies, the New Forest is wild and enchanting. Along the winding trails, you’ll come face to face with local wildlife, and there are several villages to explore en route.
2. The Brecon Beacons’ Waterfall Country: Framed by the mountainous peaks of the Brecon Beacons National Park, this Welsh waterfall wonderland is only improved by wet weather. Walk along meandering trails to some of the UK’s most stunning waterfalls, such as Sgwd yr Eira and Henryhyd Falls, and absorb the symphony of sights and sounds.
3. The Scottish Borders Abbeys Way: Follow in the footsteps of medieval monks on this 68-mile trail that unwinds like a ribbon, linking ancient abbey ruins and whispering secrets of the past. Pause to take in the natural beauty of gurgling streams, sacred landscapes and seasonal wildflowers like heathers and autumn crocus.

Great Routes for Winter (December to February)

Winter sweeps across the UK, transforming landscapes into enchanting realms where trees and mountains are dusted in snow and gushing waterfalls are frozen in time.

1. The Lake District’s Helvellyn via Striding Edge: I don’t recommend this walk to anyone who isn’t experienced in winter climbing. This is a challenging hike, not for the fainthearted, especially in winter. But the immense views of whitewashed landscapes are the ultimate reward when tackling this iconic mountain.
2. The Cotswolds: The honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds have chocolate-box charm all year around, but in winter, wreathed with fairy lights and dusted with snow, they’re even more picturesque. Most villages host local Christmas markets that stay open past sundown, the perfect end to a gentle circular walk through frosty fields. 
3. The Yorkshire Dales’ Malham Cove: Rising like a titan above the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Cove has a limestone majesty in its weathered façade. While this is a fabulous walk for winter, with a sheltered, well-surfaced path on the lower level, the limestone pavement at the summit can become slippery in icy or wet weather, so it’s advised to visit on a dry and frost-free day.