Everything you need to go hiking in the UK
Hiking in the UK: your complete cuide
There’s a reason hiking is Britain’s favourite way to explore the outdoors. From windswept moorlands to quiet forest trails, rugged mountain paths to rolling coastal walks — the UK is packed with hiking routes best discovered on foot. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike close to home or dreaming of tackling some of our country’s great long-distance trails, hiking in the UK is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to get outside.
But simple doesn’t mean effortless. To make the most of your time out on the trail, it helps to understand how the right to roam works in the UK, what hiking kit you’ll actually need for a safe and comfortable day out, and how to plan hiking routes that match your ability. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this hub — alongside inspiration for some of the best hikes in Britain and guides to help you get started with confidence.
But it’s not without its challenges. Hiking in the UK means planning your route carefully, preparing for unpredictable weather, and knowing where you can — and can’t — wander off the path. It means carrying the right day hike essentials you hopefully won’t need, choosing walking boots or trail shoes that won’t shred your feet, and bringing food and water to keep you moving. It’s part navigation exercise, part fitness test, part mindful escape — and every bit an adventure.
This hub is your starting point. We’ve built it to help you get out there safely, responsibly, and confidently. Inside, you’ll find hiking kit lists, route planning guides, practical tips, and advice from people who’ve tested themselves across every kind of British terrain. Because if you ask us, there’s no better way to fall in love with the UK’s landscapes than to hike through them all day — and end your journey with tired legs, muddy boots, and a big smile.
Book one of our guided hiking adventures in the UK — the ideal way to experience your first day hike, gain confidence on the trail, and discover some of Britain’s most breathtaking walking routes with expert guidance. Ready to start your hiking journey?
Guided hiking trips with the GBAC
What you need to know before your first UK fastpacking trip
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What is fastpacking?
Find out everything you need to start fastpacking — from how it differs from trail running and backpacking to essential tips for your first trip.
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Your essential fastpacking kit list for your first overnighter
Discover exactly what to pack for your first fastpacking trip — from tents to sleeping bags and more — with this clear, no-fuss kit list that’s designed to help you head out prepared and confident.
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How to start fastpacking: a beginner’s guide
This beginner’s guide to fastpacking in the UK covers everything you need to get started: from choosing routes and packing the right kit to picking the perfect weather window for your first trip.
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Leave no Trace: The wild camper’s code
Learn all about the Leave no Trace principles — a simple but impactful philosophy we all need to follow — so you can enjoy the freedom of the wild while protecting the places we all love.
Our latest hiking gear reviews
Come hiking with us
Book one of our guided hiking adventures in the UK — the ideal way to experience your first day hike, gain confidence on the trail, and discover some of Britain’s most breathtaking walking routes with expert guidance. Adventures start at only £55.
A resilient jacket that bridges town and trail with style and solid protection — finding the sweet spot between durability, function and everyday usability.