Step Into Summer: The Best Walking Holidays in the UK

From rugged coastal paths to rolling countryside and mountain summits, Britain’s trails promise more than just a walk - they offer a journey through time, nature, and breath-taking scenery. And while the physical benefits are undeniable - boosting cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and improving endurance - perhaps the greatest reward is the mental clarity that comes from breathing in fresh air and moving through an unspoilt landscape. As part of Nurture Your Soul, which champions wellness and mindful escapes, we celebrate the simple joy of reconnecting with nature - one step at a time.

From the misty fells of the Lake District to the sun-dappled woodlands of the Cotswolds, scenic walks UK are as diverse as they are breath-taking. Better still, many of these trails are within easy reach of some of the country’s finest hotels, ensuring that your luxury walking breaks come with Michelin-starred dining, spa treatments and the softest of sheets.

Wild and poetic, the Lake District is synonymous with great walking. Here, craggy peaks pierce the sky, mirror-like lakes reflect shifting clouds, and winding trails lead through landscapes immortalised by Wordsworth. A walking holiday here means immersing yourself in nature’s drama.

For those who love a challenge, the Langdale Pikes offer a spectacular yet lesser-known alternative to the ever-popular Scafell Pike. This 11.9-mile circular route rewards hikers with breath-taking panoramas of Bowfell, Rydal Water and Windermere, punctuated by waterfalls and windswept moorland. The ascent is steep but rewarding, with dramatic ridgelines and rocky scrambles adding to the sense of adventure. If poetry is your passion, finish with a visit to the café at Wordsworth Grasmere, a short stroll from the trail’s end, where you can reflect on the landscapes that inspired the poet.

For something gentler, Orrest Head is a 3.5km climb through Elleray Wood, culminating in a 238m summit with 360º views over Windermere and the central fells. Short but rewarding, it is ideal for those who like their countryside walks with a side of grandeur. The path is well-maintained, making it accessible to most walkers, and the summit’s viewing platform offers an unrivalled panorama of the Lakeland scenery.

Stay at: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, an oasis of tranquillity with its own scenic trails, luxurious spa suites and Michelin-star dining - a perfect post-hike indulgence.

A vision of pastoral perfection, the Cotswolds is England at its most picturesque. The Cotswold Way, a long-distance footpath winding through golden-hued villages and rolling hills, is a favourite among walkers. One of the most scenic stretches is from Birdlip to Painswick (8.6 miles), passing through beech woodlands, the legendary Cooper’s Hill (home of the annual cheese-rolling race), and the Iron Age hillfort at Painswick Beacon. The route offers sweeping views over the Severn Vale and beyond, while the charming village of Painswick, with its honey-stone cottages and historic churchyard, is a perfect place to pause for a well-earned tea and cake.

Stay at: The Painswick, a boutique haven at the very heart of the Cotswold Way. With 3,000 miles of public footpaths nearby and expert guides available, this is the ultimate base for a luxury walking break.

Few landscapes stir the soul quite like the Scottish Highlands. The Trossachs, often called the ‘Highlands in miniature,’ are a dream for walkers, with lochs, ancient woodlands and mist-cloaked peaks. Ben A’an, a steep but rewarding ascent, offers one of the finest viewpoints in Scotland, overlooking Loch Katrine and the surrounding mountains. The climb is short yet exhilarating, making it a favourite among those seeking a quick but memorable adventure.

For a gentler but equally scenic route, the Primrose Hill at Loch Katrine Circular meanders through the Great Trossachs Forest, home to red squirrels, ospreys and golden eagles. The trail is rich in wildlife and history, with charming glades and historic sites along the way.

Stay at: Cromlix, an elegant country house set amid sprawling grounds, ideal for those who love the great outdoors but prefer to return to five-star comfort.

Stretching for over 630 miles, the South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest National Trail – and arguably its most exhilarating. Tracing the edge of the peninsula from Somerset to Dorset, it serves up cinematic seascapes, secluded coves and dramatic cliff walks at every turn. One of the most picturesque sections runs from Carne Beach to Portloe which can be done as an 8-mile out and back, hugging the Roseland Peninsula’s rugged coastline. Expect heather-clad headlands, sweeping ocean views and the occasional seal bobbing in the surf below. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during summer, and the path itself is a gentle challenge – enough to get the heart pumping without demanding too much of the knees. The route also passes through some of Cornwall’s most peaceful spots, making it ideal for mindful meandering.

Stay at: The Nare, a timeless country house hotel perched above Carne Beach. With coastal access, afternoon teas, and a sea-view spa, it’s the perfect blend of rugged adventure and refined luxury.