The UK is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, and you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. Whether you’re new to hiking or just looking for an easy-going adventure, there are plenty of beginner-friendly trails that offer a mix of beautiful scenery, manageable terrain, and clear signage. Here are some of the best hiking routes in the UK for beginners.

1. The Isle of Skye: The Fairy Pools Walk

• Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are famous for their crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. The walk to the pools is an easy, relatively flat trail that takes you through a landscape of waterfalls and serene pools, ideal for beginners who want to enjoy stunning views without strenuous effort.

2. The Lake District: Tarn Hows

• Location: Lake District, England
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: Tarn Hows is one of the most popular walks in the Lake District. It’s a gentle, well-maintained trail that loops around a picturesque tarn (lake) surrounded by woodlands. The path is accessible for beginners, with minimal elevation gain, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed yet beautiful hike.

3. The South Downs Way: Devil’s Dyke

• Location: South Downs, England
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: The South Downs Way is a classic British trail, and the section around Devil’s Dyke offers an easy introduction to hiking. The path offers sweeping views of the countryside and the English Channel. The walk is mostly flat, making it suitable for beginners, while still delivering stunning panoramas.

4. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path: St. Dogmaels to Poppit Sands

• Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: This section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers breathtaking coastal views of cliffs, beaches, and the ocean. It’s relatively flat with easy terrain, perfect for beginners looking to experience Wales’ renowned coastline. You’ll also get the chance to visit the charming village of St. Dogmaels.

5. The Peak District: Dovedale

• Location: Peak District, England
• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: Dovedale is one of the most scenic valleys in the Peak District, offering gentle walks along the River Dove. The walk passes through picturesque stone bridges, limestone hills, and sweeping valleys. The terrain is easy to navigate, making it perfect for first-time hikers and families.

6. The Norfolk Coast Path: Hunstanton to Holme-next-the-Sea

• Location: Norfolk, England
• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a relaxing coastal walk, the Norfolk Coast Path provides an excellent beginner trail. The route is flat and follows the coastline, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy peaceful beaches. The path offers stunning views of the North Sea and the surrounding countryside.

7. The Forest of Dean: Speech House to Mallards Pike

• Location: Forest of Dean, England
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: The Forest of Dean offers peaceful woodland walks, and the Speech House to Mallards Pike route is a great choice for beginners. The path is well-maintained and relatively flat, taking hikers through beautiful forests and around a tranquil lake. It’s perfect for a relaxed day out in nature.

8. The Yorkshire Dales: Malham Cove

• Location: Yorkshire Dales, England
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: Malham Cove is a striking limestone formation in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The walk to the cove is a short, manageable hike with relatively easy terrain. The views of the cove, with its 260-foot-high cliff face and surrounding landscapes, make this an unforgettable yet accessible hike for beginners.

9. The Cairngorms: Loch an Eilein

• Location: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: Loch an Eilein is a peaceful walk through the Cairngorms National Park, taking you around a scenic loch with a castle on an island. The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow, with beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains. It’s a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Scotland.

10. The Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door

• Location: Dorset, England
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why It’s Great: The Jurassic Coast offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK, and the walk between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is one of the best short hikes for beginners. The path is relatively easy, and hikers are rewarded with stunning views of iconic landmarks such as the famous Durdle Door arch.