The UK’s top walking trails of 2024 have been revealed, with one path emerging as the most popular – despite its challenging nature
Britain is brimming with majestic walks and rigorous treks, but there’s one path that’s been hailed as the nation’s favourite. This year saw a 68% jump in UK trail activity, with folks flocking outdoors for adventures, despite experiencing the coolest summer since 2015.
Ramblers have relished everything from laid-back ambles and serene seafront strolls to tougher mountainous challenges. Gareth Mills, AllTrails UK country manager, said: “The UK offers an incredible variety of outdoor experiences, from challenging mountain tracks to serene village walks, with diverse landscapes providing something for anyone interested in getting outdoors.
“Our community is also exploring trails in new ways, with searches for trail traffic and elevation both surging in 2024.” Bearing this in mind, AllTrails UK has unveiled its list of 2024’s top trails, with the Ben Nevis Mountain Track conquering the charts despite its demanding nature.
As Britain’s loftiest peak, Ben Nevis serves as one of Scotland’s most beloved landmarks, annually drawing over 150,000 visitors, 130,000 of which are thought to make it to the summit. AllTrails advises that the optimal months for this hike span from April to September, while wintertime’s snow and ice present additional challenges.
Enthusiasts who’ve tackled the trek have shared numerous five-star testimonials on AllTrails, including one enthused walker who said: “Amazing but exhausting! The way down is much harder than the way up, especially as the rocks can be quite slippery when wet.”
One walker said: “Really great walk, harder coming down. Had poor visibility on the way up but got a lovely cloud inversion at the top. Absolutely stunning. Weather was decent, too; just need to wrap up at the summit.”
Another added: “Fantastic day hike. Went in the snow which definitely adds quite a bit of effort to the last ~2 miles of climb when present. Trekking poles highly recommended if there is snow, otherwise it’s a pretty straightforward climb Views from the top were beautiful on a clear day.”
Hot on the heels for the title of UK’s best hikes was Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) tackled via the Llanberis Path in Wales, claiming second place with its challenging ascent, while the rugged beauty of the Old Man of Storr Loop in Scotland took the third spot.
AllTrails didn’t just stop there; they’ve also rolled out recommendations for the most family-friendly trails perfect for those rambling with children. Topping that list is Scotland’s enchanting Fairy Pools, closely followed by the picturesque Fairy Glen and Castle Ewen, also located in Scotland.
City dwellers aren’t left out of the fun either; London’s Hampstead Heath Circular bagged the prize for the best urban or village walk. York City Walls Circular and Manchester’s Roe Green Loop Line and Bridgewater Canal Circular were also crowd-pleasers for people looking to escape the bustle of city life.
The UK’s top walking trails of 2024
Most popular hikes
- Ben Nevis Mountain Track, Scotland
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Llanberis Path, Wales
- The Old Man of Storr Circular, Scotland
- Malham Landscape Trail: Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, England
- Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, England
- Kinder Scout and Kinder Downfall Circular, England
- The Roaches and Lud’s Church Circular, England
- Rydal Water and Cave Circular, England
- Arthur’s Seat, Scotland
- Fairy Pools, Scotland
Best urban and village walks
- Hampstead Heath Circular, London
- York City Walls Circular, York
- Roe Green Loop Line and Bridgewater Canal Circular, Manchester
- Historical Bath City Walking Tour, Bath
- Cambridge City Circular, Cambridge
- Glencoe – Glencoe Lochan Circular, Ballachulish
- Oxford Tour Circular, Oxford
- Water of Leith Walkway, Edinburgh
- Ness Walk Circular, Inverness
- Hay-on-Wye and River Wye Circular, Hereford
Family favourite walks
- Fairy Pools, Scotland
- Fairy Glen and Castle Ewen, Scotland
- Buttermere Circular, England
- Conic Hill, Scotland
- Orrest Head Circular, England
- Bamford Edge Ladybower Circular, England
- Styal and Airport Circular, England
- Grasmere Lake Circular, England
- Tom a’ Ghrianain (Signal Rock), An Torr, and Hagrid’s Hut Circular, Scotland
- Dovestone Reservoir Circular, England