Lifestyle / Travel

8 Luxury Walking Trails in the UK for an Opulent Escape

From the rugged Coast to Coast route to the historic Ridgeway, these luxury walking trails offer breathtaking landscapes, boutique stays, and Michelin-starred dining.

Feb 21, 2025 | By Florence Sutton

When you are thinking of taking a break from your hectic schedule you can look out for holidays that allow you to do more outdoor adventures and activities. Being out in the open surrounded by nature provides you with an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world. If you are in the UK, luxury walking trails and holidays can provide you with a great experience without having to compromise on quality and luxury. You can look out for luxury walking trails that allow you to enjoy the rugged and scenic landscape while staying in a boutique countryside hotel that ensures luxury and comfort.

Going on walking holidays can be a fun and adventurous experience whether you are doing it alone or with family and friends. With Walk With Williams, you can focus on making the most of your walking holidays and creating memorable moments that add to your overall experience.

If you are looking for luxury walking trails in the UK you can choose from these options.

Coast to Coast

The Samling Hotel in the Lake District

While walking seems to be a great way to explore the outdoors you can add some challenge to it for sure. Walking Coast to Coast walking trails in the UK can provide you with the right set of rugged landscapes and breathtaking scenery. The path begins from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay and covers a distance of 192 miles (309 km).

This is one of the best ways to walk, climb and explore Britain’s natural wonders. As you cover this walking trail you also get to walk across three national parks and stay at some of the best luxury hotels including The Samling Hotel in the Lake District, Yorebridge House in the Yorkshire Dales and The Grand York in North Yorkshire.

Cotswold Way

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

One of the top paths that you can choose for luxury walking experiences is Cotswold Way. This is among the popular walking trails that offer a unique blend of scenic countryside views and luxury retreats. Stretching 102 miles (164 km) from Chipping Campden to Bath this is a moderately difficult trail that is ideal for first-time walkers as well.

While you are exploring this walking trail you can stay at historic manor houses and boutique hotels that ensure that you can have a great accommodation and dining experience. You can stay at Ellenborough Park which is a country house hotel with a spa. Similarly, you can also stay at The Lygon Arms or The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa when you conclude your trip in Bath.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Hadrian’s Wall Path

If you are running out of time and prefer simple choices you can stick with walking trails like Hadrian’s Wall Path. This is among the most popular walking trails in the UK which is well-maintained and marked. This allows you to walk through Roman ruins, historic sites, rolling hills and beautiful moorlands.

Stretching 84 miles (135 km) from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, the path runs parallel to the UNESCO-listed site combining history with stunning natural views. You also get to enjoy various luxurious stays that would ensure that you can make the most of your walking holidays in the UK.

The Dales Way

The Dales Way

If you are looking for easy and relaxed walking trails in the UK that offer you a great holiday experience you may choose The Dales Way. This is among the easiest and gentlest paths that you can choose especially if you have never tried walking holidays in the UK. Stretching 81 miles (130 km) from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere this path is blessed with river views, lush greenery and plenty of wildlife.

Walking the Dales Way can be one of the best reasons to visit England’s Lake District and stay at some of the opulent accommodations. While you are here you can stay at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa and even Linthwaite House which offer panoramic views of Windermere.

The Ridgeway

There are plenty of historic sites that you can explore when you are in the UK. However, if you are interested in walking one of the oldest paths in Britain you should choose The Ridgeway. Lined with prehistoric sites and high-end country accommodations The Ridgeway can provide you with unique holiday experiences.

The path stretches 87 miles (139 km) from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon and can provide you with views of chalk ridges, open countryside and multiple prehistoric sites like Uffington Castle, Wayland’s Smithy, and Avebury Stone Circle. You also get the opportunity to stay at lavish hotels and countryside manor houses that come with Michelin-star dining options.

Peddars Way

If you prefer to keep your walking expedition short and sweet, you can try the Peddars Way. This is among the shortest walking routes in the UK that can offer you an opportunity to enjoy scenic views involving historic villages, heathlands and quiet countryside landscapes. The path begins from Knettishall Heath and ends in Holme-next-the-Sea.

With just 46 miles (74 km) to cover on foot, this is one of the shortest and luxurious walks. When you are done for the day you can stay at premium accommodations that offer you the best comfort and convenience. These accommodations also come with spa treatment and gourmet cuisine options that add to the experience.

Norfolk Coast Path

Holkham Beach

While you are planning a walking holiday in the UK you can choose to stay close to the coast and enjoy some breathtaking coastal views. The Norfolk Coast Path stretches 84 miles (135 km) from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea and is probably one of the easiest trails. This path allows you to enjoy some of the best beaches in England like Holkham Beach, Hunstanton Beach and Cromer Beach.

You also get to explore and walk through quaint coastal villages and salt marshes that ensure that you can enjoy some quiet and clean coastal views. When you are done for the day you can rest at some of the luxurious stays and enjoy meals at award-winning restaurants that can make your trip worth the time.

Northumberland Coast Path

If you are exploring the northern England territory you can add Northumberland Coast Path to your list. This 62-mile (100 km) coastal path starting from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed is moderately challenging and can provide you with stunning views of castles, dunes and rugged coastline. You can also enjoy the coastal wildlife and birds when you are exploring this route either solo or with your family.

While you are walking this path you would also want to soak in the views of Bamburg Castle and Holy Island and indulge in luxury stays. This path also has seafront accommodations that ensure that you can make the most of your stay along multiple locations.

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