20 of the best summer walks across the UK

Pack a picnic and explore some of the UK’s most scenic coast and countryside trails with our guide to 20 of the best summer walks.

The blissfully long days of summer have arrived and the British countryside and coast are awash with wildflowers, insects buzzing and migrant birds. Make the most of the lighter days and enjoy a quintessential summer walk along country and coastal trails, or on hot days, woodlands and riversides provide a welcome break from the heat. It’s also a great season for picnics and wild swimming, with many of our walks including a visit to a beach, river or lake for a refreshing paddle or swim.

From a gentle amble to a viewpoint to a more challenging mountain hike, we’ve selected 20 of our favourite summer walks across the UK to inspire your next adventure, with routes suitable for all abilities.

What are the benefits of a summer walk?

Summer (hopefully!) brings longer days and warmer weather, making it one of the nicest seasons to explore on foot. Thanks to the sunnier weather, summer walks provide a good opportunity for our skin to gain valuable sunlight exposure that is often lacking in the winter months needed to produce vitamin D, which supports immunity and bone health. Although on very hot days it is wise to avoid walking in the midday heat and wear sun protection to avoid burning.

A 2025 study by Loughborough University found that just 15 minutes a day spent being active in nature is a powerful boost to both our physical and mental well-being.

Wildlife to spot in summer

Summer is a thrilling time for wildlife watching, with many British species at their peak of activity after spring breeding season. It’s a busy time for nature as hedgrows fill with fruit and wildflowers bloom, attracting bees, butterflies and other insects. By the waterside, rivers teem with fish and dragonflies dart along riverbanks, while on the coast seals bask on the shore and seabirds, including gannets, puffins, gulls and guillemots noisily swoop and dive.

If you fancy getting closer to nature, why not visit one of WWT’s nine wetlands centres across the UK? As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. The on-site cafés are the perfect spot for a light lunch or tea and cake after a walk, with members getting a 10% discount at WWT’s on-site cafés and shops.

Walks in London & the South East

Box Hill and Leith Hill, Surrey Hills

Ollie Craig via PexelsThe beautiful rolling countryside of Box Hill and Leith Hill in the Surrey Hills is understandably popular with walkers and mountain bikers, thanks to the variety of trails and terrain. Woodland trails and chalk grassland open out to provide sweeping views across the North Downs, with butterflies and orchids often found growing on the hillside in the warmer months.

A range of routes suitable for all abilities is available – from steeper hill climbs for more experienced walkers to easier woodland paths and family-friendly circular walks. The 9-mile Leith Hill Greenway links the two Surrey hills and offers a longer off-road option that can also be completed by bike.

Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, East Sussex

Mike Bird via PexelsThe Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk in East Sussex runs between Seaford and Eastbourne and is one of the most popular coastal routes in the UK. The 13.2-mile (21.2 km) trail follows a series of white chalk cliffs with gorgeous sea views across the English Channel and rolling hillsides trails.

The full walk takes around 6–7 hours and is moderately challenging, but shorter walks can also be enjoyed, such as this 4.4km National Trust route from Birling Gap to Exceat. Another benefit of this stretch of coastline is that it is easily reached from London and Brighton by train or bus.

Boundless offer:

If you’re keen to tackle more challenging hikes, the Ramblers is a great way to start your walking journey, with thousands of guided walks and routes available to members. What’s more, Boundless Plus members benefit from free access to the Ramblers.

Finding a group couldn’t be simpler: just enter your postcode on the Ramblers website and you’ll see which of their 500 local groups is nearest to you.

Kew Gardens, London

Sebastian Kettley © RBG KewTake a wander through the spectacular gardens of Kew when the flowers and plants are at their seasonal peak with vibrant borders, exotic planting and colourful wildflower displays. Relax beneath the towering trees, explore the famous glasshouses and discover everything from rose gardens and Mediterranean planting to giant waterlilies in bloom.

To learn more about the garden in summer, Kew’s seasonal guided walking tours, led by expert horticulturalists, through the Rose Garden and Great Broad walk, offer fascinating insights into the gardens’ history, rare plant collections and summer highlights.

Boundless members get unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. Members also get 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount in the Kew shop, both online and in store.

Walks in the South West & Wales

Carys MatthewsVallis to Mells circular riverside walk, Somerset

This leafy riverside walk to the historic village of Mells, known for its pretty stone cottages, follows a section of the East Mendip Way along woodland paths, open fields and quiet country lanes. It loops through the ancient woodland of Vallis Vale nature reserve, a site of Special Scientific Interest, and follows the riverpath to Mells.

Park in the small car park at Vallis Vale and follow the riverside path – there are a few small bridges to cross and and you’ll pass sections of a former railway line. For refreshments there is a pleasant riverside picnic area near the Old Post Office (also a café), or the Walled Garden Café and Talbot Inn serve food and drink in lovely surroundings.

Zennor Head walk, South West Coast Path, Cornwall

Getty ImagesFew coastal walks can beat the rugged route between St Ives and Zennor along Cornwall’s dramatic South West Coast Path. Wildflowers line this stunning stretch of coastal path in summer – and if you’re lucky, you might spot a seal bobbing in the turquoise waters.

Moderately challenging in sections, this circular trail winds inland through farmland and woodland before heading towards the coastal path (arguably, the best bit). It can be busy in this part of Cornwall in the summer holidays, but if you start early it’s easy enough to beat the crowds. When you reach St Ives, there’s an option to hop on a local bus back to Zennor or complete the circular route. Why not reward yourself with a sea swim or a relaxed seaside lunch and ice cream overlooking St Ives harbour? The Gunard’s Head pub near the start in Zennor is also worth a visit for lunch or a cold drink.

Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head, Gower

Ollie Craig via PexelsSummer sunshine transforms Gower’s Rhossili Bay into one of Britain’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. This circular headland walk combines sweeping sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and panoramic views across the Gower Peninsula.

The route is moderately challenging, with some uneven and technical terrain, but should be doable for older children – there’s a shop selling local Welsh ice creams near the carpark if a sweet incentive if needed! For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular coastal scenery and dramatic sea views, and if you time your visit carefully, it’s possible to continue to Worm’s Head – but, be warned the tidal causeway is only accessible at low tide and can quickly become cut off.

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, Dorset

naveen munugoti via PexelsThe Jurassic Coast is home to one of England’s most spectacular summer walking trails, the South-West Coast path and a section of it links Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove along Dorset’s Purbeck coastline. It’s a steep climb up a set of steps to the coastal path, but the panoramic sea views and the breathtaking view of Durdle Door’s ancient rock formations shaped over millions of years are incredible.

Lulworth Cove’s near-perfect horseshoe bay was carved by the sea through limestone into softer clays, while nearby Durdle Door forms a striking natural limestone arch rising from the water. Parking can get busy in the summer months, so it is worth arriving early, but it is easy to escape the day tripping crowds as you head along the coast path – try this circular walk by BBC Countryfile Magazine.

Snowdon Ranger Path, Eryri

Malcolm Hill via PexelsIf climbing to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’ highest peak, has been on your bucket list, then the good news is that summer can be one of the best times of year to do it, with longer days and more chance of favourable weather conditions.

There are six hiking trails to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (and some lesser known Snowdonia walks to check out), but the Snowdon Ranger Path offers a much quieter route, although towards the top it will become busier. This is a steady, sustained ascent which requires a decent level of fitness, but at summit, if you’re lucky enough to climb on a clear day, you’ll see far-reaching panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. If you don’t feel up to the climb, the vintage Snowdon Mountain Railway is a fun experience – and there’s even a cafe and toilets at the top.

Walks in the Midlands & East

Sherbrook Valley, Staffordshire

Getty ImagesFor an enjoyable family walk with plenty of opportunities to paddle and play, Sherbrook Valley trails in the heart of Cannock Chase are accessible and suitable for all abilities. Starting at Punch Bowl Car Park, an easy trail of less than a mile winds through woodland to a shallow river crossing, where stepping stones stretch across the water and a nearby picnic spot if you fancy spending the afternoon by the water.

For a longer walk, start instead at Coppice Hill and follow a scenic 2.5-mile loop through Devil’s Dumble and Mere Pits before reaching the stepping stones. For more walking inspiration in Cannock Chase, check out these walks compiled by the Ramblers.

Worcestershire Beacon Circular, Malvern Hills

Getty ImagesWorcestershire Beacon Circular is a classic 3-mile walk in the Malvern Hills, leading to the highest point, Worcestershire Beacon, known locally at The Beacon, at 425m (1,395 ft). Starting from Beacon Road car park, it’s a steep and steady heart-pumping walk along a well-marked track to the summit.

On a clear day, there are fantastic panoramic views across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire – and depending on visibility you can even see as far as the Welsh mountains.

Heart of England Way, Warwickshire

Getty ImagesThe Warwickshire countryside is always a delight to explore on foot, but it is particularly pleasant in the summertime. This traditional countryside walk follows quiet lanes and field paths through the countryside, passing the historic Tudor timber-framed Baddesley Clinton and Rowington Church, which dates back to the 13th century.

Following sections of the Heart of England Way, this family-friendly route offers accessible walking and varied scenery, from hedgerows heavy with blackberries in late August to rolling fields and grazing livestock. It’s a gentle, traditional summer ramble through the heart of rural England, perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. Try this National Trust walk.

Boundless offer:

With a Boundless membership, you can enjoy a discount of 10% off National Trust Gift Cards via Daily Discounts. These cards can be used to explore more than 500 historic houses, castles, gardens and other sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to shop and dine in National Trust stores and cafés.

Walks in the North of England

Malham Cove, North Yorkshire

Getty ImagesThe walking trails around Malham Cove showcases some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most dramatic limestone scenery. Famous for its towering curved cliff, fascinating geology and appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the cove is around a 30-minute walk from Malham village, making it a great family-friendly walk that even younger children should be able to manage.

For a longer stomp, this scenic seven-mile Ramblers route takes in Janet's Foss, Malham Tarn, Britain’s highest lake, green valleys and wildflower meadows before reaching the distinctive limestone pavement above the cove.

Holy Island, Lindisfarne

Oliver Schröder via PexelsFor a fascinating journey through history, you can’t beat this scenic walk to Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, off the northeast coast of Northumberland. Home to a monastery founded by St Aidan in 635 AD and closely linked to St Cuthbert, the walk crosses the ancient tidal causeway to the island with views of Lindisfarne Castle rising dramatically above the shoreline.

The island is also an important nature reserve with seabirds and migrating birds nesting along the coast. Just remember to check the tide times carefully before setting out, as the causeway is cut off at high tide for two to three hours. Luckily, there are restaurants and cafes, plus a small heritage centre on the island, should you find yourself stranded!

Boundless offer:

To help plot your route, don’t forget that Boundless members get 35% off an OS Maps Premium annual subscription, providing access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map. Members also benefit from thousands of expertly plotted walking routes across the UK’s footpaths, tracks, and trails. For adventures off the beaten path, these maps can also be downloaded and printed, ensuring you can navigate confidently even in areas with limited signal.

Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire

Richard Mason via PexelsWith its towering white chalk cliffs, hidden coves and sweeping sea views, Flamborough Head offers a spectacular summer walk along dramatic coastal paths. The trail is on a section of the East Riding Heritage Way, long-distance footpath, and passes striking rock formations and thriving seabird colonies, where puffins, gannets and kittiwakes can often be seen nesting on the cliffs.

Follow the circular trail towards the historic lighthouse and after a steep ascent, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views across the North Sea – there’s also a shorter route to the lighthouse viewpoint if you park at the lighthouse car park. On a warm day there are plenty of opportunities for a quick swim at one of the sheltered bays.

Buttermere Circular, Lake District

Getty ImagesSet in the heart of Buttermere Valley, the Buttermere Circular is a gentle 4.5-mile walk around one of the Lake District’s most picturesque lakes, offering mostly flat, easy-going terrain in the summer months with views of iconic peaks such as Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks. With dramatic craggy fells and woodlands reflected in the still waters of Buttermere, it’s easy to see why the Romantic poet William Wordsworth was inspired by its natural beauty.

Starting and finishing in Buttermere village, this short, family-friendly lakeshore trail is flat and accessible, with plenty of spots along the way to pause for a picnic, skim stones and take in the views.

Walks in Scotland & Northern Ireland

West Highland Way, Loch Lomond

Getty ImagesA summer favourite with long-distance walkers, the West Highland Way stretches 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, crossing lochside paths, open moorland, mountains and Highland villages. While many tackle the route in stages of 12–14 miles a day, shorter sections offer an accessible introduction.

The Drymen & Rob Roy Circular is a gentle 3.5-mile loop that briefly follows the West Highland Way before returning along the Old Gartmore Road, with views towards Dumgoyne Hill. Even shorter stretches around Loch Lomond provide stunning views from the trail – or if you’re feeling adventurous, allow up to 10 to 14 days to tackle the full trail comfortably.

Boundless offer:

Boundless Plus members can enjoy unlimited access to National Trust for Scotland places, as well as free admission for an additional adult and up to six children per visit. Make sure you activate your National Trust for Scotland membership and you can explore its truly majestic landscapes, and seek inspiration from its Walk 25 campaign.

The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Getty ImagesCrystal-clear pools, waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery make the Fairy Pools one of Scotland’s most popular summer walks. Located beneath the Black Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye, the route begins at Glen Brittle car park and covers around 1.5 miles out and back. The Isle of Skye can become particularly busy during peak season, so visitors are encouraged to use designated car parks only and avoid parking along roadside verges or passing places.

Despite its relatively short distance, the scenery is striking, particularly on bright days when the water appears a vivid blue. Wild swimming in the pools is popular, although the water remains extremely cold even during the summer months, so remember to pack a warm layer for afterwards.

Glenfinnan, Highlands

Getty ImagesGrey Mare's Tail is home to one of the UK’s highest waterfalls, plunging 60m into the dramatic Moffat Water Valley below. In summer, the surrounding hills and moorland burst into colour with wild heather and wildflowers. Follow the steep trail to Loch Skeen, carved by glacial erosion millions of years ago, or continue towards the summit of White Coomb (821m) for sweeping views across the Southern Uplands and as far as the Lake District and Northumberland. Rich in wildlife, the nature reserve is a great place to spot peregrine falcons, ring ouzels, feral goats and even ospreys fishing on the loch.

The impressive Grey Mare's Tail is just one of the many historic sites and natural places looked after by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).

Slieve Donard, County Down

Getty ImagesOne of Northern Ireland’s classic summer hikes, this challenging 5.8-mile out-and-back walk climbs to the summit of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland. Following the popular Glen River route, the trail passes through Donard Forest, alongside tumbling streams and over rocky stone slabs before reaching breathtaking summit views.

The mountain’s dramatic setting is part of its appeal, with the Irish Sea stretching along its eastern slopes and the rugged peaks of the Mourne Mountains rising to the west.

Hillsborough Forest, County Down

Getty ImagesThe extensive trails of Hillsborough Forest are set within the Georgian village of Royal Hillsborough, close to Hillsborough Castle. Covering almost 200 acres, this peaceful woodland offers accessible paths, lakeside viewpoints and inviting picnic areas, making it a great place for a family walk on a hot summer’s day.

The Lake Trail provides an easy 1.8km loop around the water, while the longer Fox Fort Trail leads to the historic rath with optional hill sections and a nearby woodland play area.

If you’re a Boundless Plus member, you’ll benefit from unlimited access to Hillsborough Castle thanks to a partnership with Historic Royal Palaces.

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}