Looking for the best UK hikes for beginners? You’re in the right place! There’s something truly special about setting off on your first hike in the UK.
The crunch of the trail underfoot, the fresh country air, and that quiet sense of adventure. It’s a world away from the daily grind. But with so many incredible hiking routes in the UK, where do you start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
At MountainIQ, I’ve pulled together seven of the best UK hikes for beginners. Each UK hike is an easy-to-follow, scenic route that’ll have you hooked on hiking in no time.
Whether you fancy coastal cliffs, rolling hills, or even a taste of the mountains, there’s a perfect trail waiting for you.
Ready? Let’s roll.
My 7 Best UK Hikes for Beginners
Here’s my list of the 7 best UK hikes for beginners. Grab your hiking boots and let’s go. First up is Malvern Hills.
1. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire and Herefordshire
- Distance: Varies (many routes, but the ridge walk is ~8 miles/13 km)
- Duration: 3-5 hours, depending on the route
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Rolling countryside views, flexible route options, wildlife spotting
These gentle, rolling hills offer some of the most accessible yet rewarding walking trails in England.
The climb to the Worcestershire Beacon (the highest point) may get your heart pumping, but the panoramic views over the Severn Valley make every step worthwhile.
And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the region’s incredible wildlife along the way.
My Pro Tip: If you’re keen to explore more of the UK’s natural beauty, Naturetrek runs fantastic wildlife holidays across the country, offering guided experiences that reveal the hidden wonders of the landscapes you’re walking through.
There’s a reason the Malvern Hills have inspired poets and artists, like William Langland and Edward Elgar for centuries.
But, there’s more. The true beauty of the Malverns is how easy they are to explore at your own pace.
Short on time? Stick to a gentle ridge walk. Feeling ambitious? Link up multiple peaks for a full day of adventure.
Either way, this is the kind of easy UK hike that’ll leave you hungry for more; perhaps something with a bit of coastal drama…
2. Seven Sisters, East Sussex
- Distance: ~8 miles (13 km) from Seaford to Eastbourne
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (some short climbs but well-maintained paths)
- Best for: Stunning coastal scenery, iconic chalk cliffs, photography
If you want a hike that delivers jaw-dropping views with minimal effort, the Seven Sisters should be at the top of your list. It deserves a spot on Mark’s list of the best hikes in the world.
This undulating coastal path follows a stretch of dazzling white chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne, offering some of the best seascapes in the country.
The well-maintained trail makes navigation a breeze, and while there are a few short climbs, nothing is too strenuous. The real challenge? Resisting the urge to stop every five minutes to snap another photo.
My Pro Tip: Make sure you have the best camera for hiking if you’re going to explore this coastal path. It’s a photographer's dream.
As you crest the final hill and see Beachy Head lighthouse in the distance, you’ll understand why this hike is an absolute classic.
Ready to swap sea views for something a little more rugged? Let’s head north.
3. Cat Bells, Lake District
- Distance: ~3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Classic Lake District views, short but rewarding climb, great for families
There’s no better introduction to the Lake District than Cat Bells. This small-but-mighty peak rises above Derwentwater, offering a near-perfect balance of effort and reward.
The ascent is short and sweet, and once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views over the fells and lakes. It’s one of those “I can’t believe this is real” moments.
My Pro Tip: While Cat Bells is an easy hike with well-trodden paths, it’s always a good idea to have a reliable hiking app on hand, especially if mist rolls in over the fells. Even beginner-friendly routes can feel disorienting in low visibility! If you’re new to hiking, check out my guide to the best hiking apps to make navigation a breeze.
For beginners, Cat Bells is a confidence booster.
The path is well-worn, the climb is gradual, and if you go at the right time, you might even have a few Herdwick sheep keeping you company. It’s the kind of hike that hooks you on hillwalking for life.
4. The Skirrid, Monmouthshire
- Distance: ~4 miles (6.4 km) round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: A mix of woodland and open moorland, great summit views, Welsh history & folklore
Nestled at the edge of the Brecon Beacons, the Skirrid (also known as Ysgyryd Fawr) is a fantastic starter hike with a little bit of everything: ancient woodland, gentle ridgelines, and breathtaking summit views.
The path winds up through mossy forests before opening onto wide, open slopes that lead to the top.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view stretching across the Black Mountains and beyond.
Here’s an interesting fact about this UK beginner-friendly hike: The Black Mountains in Wales aren’t technically mountains in the way we think of, say, the Scottish Highlands or the Alps.
Most of the peaks in the Black Mountains fall below 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), which means they don’t meet the common definition of a “mountain” (often considered to be 2,000 feet / 610 metres in the UK).
Nevertheless, there’s a real sense of history here. The locals say the Skirrid was split in two by a divine earthquake, giving it its distinctive shape.
If you’re after a hike with atmosphere and folklore, this is the one for you. But if you fancy something short, sharp, and steep, let’s head to Yorkshire, one of my favourite places in the UK.
5. Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire
- Distance: ~2.5 miles (4 km) round trip
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (but short, steep climb)
- Best for: Quick summit hike, dramatic views, great for a sunrise or sunset walk
At just 320 metres, Roseberry Topping isn’t the tallest hill in the UK, but its distinctive shape and short, steep climb make it an unforgettable hike.
The route up is quick, and before you know it, you’re standing on top of a mini-mountain with views stretching over the Cleveland Hills and the North York Moors.
My Pro Tip: If you’re tackling Roseberry Topping for sunrise or sunset, bring a headlamp for hiking. The path is clear but can be uneven, and navigating in low light without a proper light is a recipe for twisted ankles!
Roseberry Topping is the perfect choice if you’re after a brief but exhilarating UK walk that leaves plenty of time for a post-hike pub stop.
And speaking of classic British summits, it’s time to visit one of the Peak District’s most famous hills…
6. Mam Tor, Peak District
- Distance: ~3 miles (4.8 km) round trip
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Panoramic views over Hope Valley, accessible paved paths, a perfect introduction to Peak District hiking
If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Peak District, chances are it was taken from the top of Mam Tor.
Known as the “Mother Hill,” this stunning peak is an easy, family-friendly hike with a stone-paved trail leading straight to the summit.
The views over Hope Valley are nothing short of spectacular, especially on a crisp autumn morning.
It reminded me of some of my best hikes in Ireland. Dramatic scenery, fresh air. What more can you want from a UK hike for beginners?
The great thing about Mam Tor is how accessible it is. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or introducing someone else to the joys of the trail, this is a walk that delivers.
And if you’re craving one last adventure, let’s head to Wales for a final, unforgettable climb.
7. Sugar Loaf, Monmouthshire
- Distance: ~5 miles (8 km) round trip
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Expansive Welsh views, gentle ridges, a rewarding climb without being too difficult
Abergavenny’s Sugar Loaf is a true gem. It’s a gentle, rolling ascent that offers some of the best views in South Wales.
The trail winds through heather-clad slopes and past grazing ponies before leading to a surprisingly spacious summit.
On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Brecon Beacons, the Bristol Channel, and even the distant peaks of Snowdonia, also one of the best long-weekend adventure getaways in the UK.
This is the perfect hike for beginners in the UK wanting a taste of something a little wilder, without the technical difficulty of bigger mountains.
The paths are clear, the terrain is forgiving, and there’s a real sense of achievement when you reach the top. Trust me. After this one, you’ll be officially hooked on hiking.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: 7 Best UK hikes for beginners. I sure made some lifelong memories on these easy UK hikes. What about you? Do you have a precious memory of your first time hiking in the UK? Let me know in the comments.