Best Walking Holidays for Beginners in the UK & Ireland

While there’s a time and place to challenge oneself, a gentler approach is often welcome. Exploring the UK & Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes is often possible without completing significant mileage through strenuous terrain, and with the right preparation, you can discover untouched coastlines, majestic mountains and incredible historic sites at a pace that suits you.

As award-winning specialists in creating unforgettable self-guided walking holidays, we understand that everybody’s experience level and ability differ. Read on to discover our recommendations for beginner-friendly trails to inspire your first (or next) adventure.

 

Loch Ness 360°

The Loch Ness 360° is a fantastic option for walkers looking to explore the Scottish Highlands without committing to a more challenging alternative such as the Great Glen Way or East Highland Way.

The circular trail starts and ends in Inverness, the historic capital of the Scottish Highlands and traverses the shores of Loch Ness against a mountainous backdrop. As the largest body of water by volume in the British Isles, it isn’t difficult to imagine a mythical creature such as the Loch Ness Monster lurking beneath the surface. To complete the full route, we recommend our longest itinerary, which averages 11 miles per day. However, we also offer the South Loch Ness Trail itinerary, which encapsulates the rugged beauty of the circuit in just 3 walking days.

This trail offers a warm highland welcome and the opportunity to immerse yourself in 500 million years’ worth of history without getting too far off the beaten track.

 

Berwickshire Coastal Path

The Berwickshire Coastal Path is a perfect bite-sized introduction to long-distance walking. With just over 40 miles stretching from Dunbar in Scotland to Berwick-upon-Tweed across the border in England, it’s a small package with a big punch.

This coastal route features some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain, fascinating seabird colonies at St Abb’s Head, and colourful harbours in Eyemouth and Cove. The path is waymarked and straightforward to follow, and the views are unbeatable.

The Berwickshire Coastal Path is particularly enchanting for nature enthusiasts, taking you through a national nature reserve teeming with wildlife. Home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots, it offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities along the breathtaking coastline.

 

Fife Coastal Path

If you’re looking for an introduction to long-distance walking paired with quaint villages and picturesque coastline, the Fife Coastal Path is the ideal walk for you.

The path begins close to the iconic Forth Bridges near Edinburgh and follows its way northwards around the golden coastline of eastern Scotland, taking in the best of East Fife. Stretching 81 miles, the coastal path has relatively even terrain with manageable daily walking distances. The pretty ‘East Neuk’ villages along this trail allow for excellent rest days, should you want to have a gentler walk and enjoy your surroundings.

We recommend our 9-night itinerary, which includes 8 days on the trail with an average of 10 miles of walking per day. Should you wish to shorten this itinerary while keeping the moderate mileage, you could begin your adventure in Leven and maximise your time exploring the charming and tranquil villages of East Fife.

 

Moray Coast Trail / Moray Way

While often overlooked as a holiday destination compared to more well-known areas of the west coast, Moray in the north east of Scotland offers some of the finest stretches of coastline in the UK.

The region also boasts two walking trails, which are perfect for beginner walkers thanks to their gentle terrain: The Moray Way and the Moray Coast Trail.

The Moray Way, the longer of the two walks, is a 95-mile circular route that weaves together three distinctive trails: the Dava Way, the Moray Coast Trail, and the Speyside Way.

As the name suggests, the Moray Coast Trail focuses on the coastal path of the Moray Firth. At a compact 44 miles, the route links vast beaches with charming villages like Findhorn and Cullen. For history buffs, the historic town where you begin the walk, Forres, houses the largest surviving Pictish stone in Scotland, Sueno’s Stone.

Both trails showcase an array of Scotland’s natural beauty, from sweeping coastal beaches to quiet, wooded forests offering a rich experience of the north-east Highlands at a pace you can enjoy.

 

Causeway Coast Way

With stunning sea views and dramatic cliffs, the Causeway Coast Way offers a rewarding challenge for beginners. Our 5-night itinerary covers the route over 3 walking days, including a day trip to Rathlin Island. Averaging a comfortable 10.5 miles per day, the path follows the iconic coast of Northern Ireland, home to the Giant’s Causeway.

The path is mostly low-lying with relatively gentle terrain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of wide bays, sandy beaches and striking offshore rock formations. The jewel in the crown is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its hexagonal basalt columns, which were formed 60 million years ago by intense volcanic activity.

This geological wonder is a truly memorable highlight of the walk, but you’ll also enjoy the friendly coastal towns, rich local culture, and delicious food and drink.

 

Cumbria Way

For the ambitious beginner with a week or more to explore an awe-inspiring long-distance walk, the Cumbria Way is an excellent choice. We recommend our longest itinerary that spans the whole route over 8 days / 9 nights, averaging a manageable 9.5 miles per day.

The Cumbria way is your ticket to the heart of the Lake District, travelling through some of its most famous valleys, Langdale and Borrowdale.

The walk offers a low-level route that allows you to soak in the incredible mountain views from the valley floors, where the scenery is just as spectacular as from the high fells. You have a chance to discover the majestic Lake District National Park without the challenge of steep hills and summits.

While the terrain is still varied with some ascents and descents, you can take it at your own pace. If you’re looking to ease into the journey, consider adding a couple of rest days in one of the charming villages and towns along the way, such as Rosthwaite or Keswick.

 

Herriot Way

The Herriot Way is a 52-mile circular route that winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, offering a perfect introduction to long-distance walking. With gentle gradients and well-marked paths, it’s especially suitable for beginners seeking a rewarding yet manageable adventure.
Inspired by a walk taken by Alf Wight (better known by his pen name, James Herriot) the trail traces the footsteps of the beloved veterinary author of All Creatures Great and Small, which then became a popular British TV series.
The route explores some of Herriot’s favourite spots across Wensleydale and Swaledale, with highlights including traditional Yorkshire villages, wildflower meadows, rolling hills, and the dramatic Hardraw Force, England’s tallest single-drop waterfall. Starting and finishing in the friendly market town of Hawes, home to the famous Wensleydale Cheese.
With its combination of natural beauty, cultural interest, and gentle terrain, the Herriot Way is the ideal choice for those new to walking or looking for a quintessentially English walking route.

 

 

Dales Way

The Dales Way offers a picturesque journey through some of England’s most scenic countryside, dotted with charming villages and traditional pubs. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to experience the tranquil landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a local ale in a cosy 16th-century inn along the way.

The walking itself is gentle, with rolling hills, open farmland, and rambling rivers to cross, but if you’re unsure about the challenge, you can either build in a rest day or pick our longest itinerary, which covers the route in 8 days / 9 nights. Our travel specialists are always on hand to create a tailored itinerary that suits your pace and preferences.

With its easygoing terrain, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, the Dales Way makes for a relaxed walking holiday suitable for most experience levels. It’s hard to beat for its classic English charm.

 

Cotswold Way

For those seeking a gentle introduction to walking in the English countryside, look no further than the idyllic Cotswold Way. Walkers should not be deterred by the 102-mile-long trail meandering from Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath, as the terrain is reliable and traverses rolling hills, rather than mountains.

As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s no surprise that the Cotswolds are known as one of Britain’s loveliest regions. From the moment your boots hit the trail, expect to be surrounded by glorious landscapes studded with hill forts and stately homes. If walking the full trail, we recommend our 11-night itinerary, which averages a comfortable 10 miles per day. Consider incorporating a rest day in one of the picturesque villages en route to soak up the charm of your surroundings.

Abundant in natural beauty and rich heritage, slowing the pace will come naturally on the Cotswold Way.

 

Ready for an Adventure?

While the above recommendations are a fantastic starting point, our travel specialists would be delighted to help you create a bespoke itinerary for any of our walking holidays.

If you’re ready to plan an unforgettable adventure at your own pace, get in touch!

Erin Meek, Katie Rogen & Sine Birkedal Nielsen