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Walking Holidays in the UK

We offer a range of walking holidays in the UK for you to explore and make amazing memories. Choose from various locations nationwide, from the coastal trails of Cornwall to the scenic Scottish Highlands.

All our UK walking holidays are designed to take you through unique regional landscapes, histories, and cultures, giving you the chance to experience the country's natural beauty. Whether you're travelling on your own or in a group, we have tailor-made itineraries to suit everyone.

From beautiful stretches of golden sand to dense woodland, snow-capped mountains to rolling countryside, there's a huge variety of breath-taking landscapes to explore in the UK. Book your UK walking holiday online with Headwater today.

Types of UK walking holidays

The UK has so many areas for you to discover, which is why we offer a wide choice of walking holidays across the country. Our locations include Devon, Shropshire, Cornwall, Dorset, the Cotswolds, the Lake District and Northumberland, plus the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and Wales

It doesn't matter how much experience you have when it comes to walking holidays - we have something to suit all abilities. Our guided walks are ideal for those wanting to travel in a group and learn more about the area's history, or our self-guided walks provide you with the flexibility to travel at your own pace.

We also offer hotel-to-hotel walks, which means you don't have to worry about carrying your luggage around as you take in your surroundings. We'll take care of that for you.

What can I expect from a UK walking holiday?

There are fantastic activities to keep you and your travel companions busy on our hiking holidays in the UK. As well as navigating your chosen route, you'll have the opportunity to explore famous landmarks, visit picturesque towns, and sample local dishes throughout your trip.

A hugely popular walking destination is the Lake District, where you can hop onboard a boat to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery from the water, before heading to a traditional pub for a delicious dinner. Or, if you'd like to explore the beautiful Jurassic Coast in Dorset, you could visit the striking Corfe Castle, sink your toes in the sand at Durdle Door beach, and enjoy local fish and chips along the seafront.

As most of our walking holidays in Britain are self-guided, you can discover your surroundings at a pace to suit you. That means that if you want to stop off at a stately home in the Cotswolds, head for a dip in the sea in Cornwall or take a break at a traditional tearoom in Wales, you have the flexibility to plan your day as you wish.

Our walking holidays allow you to explore on foot some of the UK's wonderful UNESCO sites and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Before your trip, check out our blog to learn about our many walks, not just in the UK but worldwide.

How do we grade our walking holidays in the UK?

All our hiking holidays in the UK are graded from one to four, which indicates how challenging each route is to hike. This rating is calculated primarily using the distance and the ascent of the walk. 

Our level one holidays are gentle, making them perfect for first-timers, children, or those who enjoy a relaxing pace. Our level two holidays include more varied routes, and usually appeal to travellers who wish to be more active. 

Additionally, our level three and four holidays are more advanced, with routes often appealing to regular hikers.

This system helps you to choose a trip that best suits you. As you look at each of our walking holidays in Britain below, you'll be able to see how challenging each route is by looking at the'activity level' section.

Book your UK walking holiday with Headwater

We want you to book your walking holiday in the UK with confidence. At Headwater, we have over 35 years' experience providing holiday-goers with the opportunity to explore the world at their own pace.

Rest assured that you can book with confidence, as we believe in the importance of your safety and enjoyment when travelling with us. And we can provide you with flexibility and financial security should your plans need to change.

If you'd like to speak to a member of our team to discuss which walking holiday would be most suitable for you, contact us today and we'll be more than happy to help.

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Highlights of the Shropshire Way - Short Break
United Kingdom: Shropshire

Highlights of the Shropshire Way - Short Break

This 4 night self guided walking holiday takes in the southern section of the Shropshire Way. Discover some of England's best kept secrets as you wander through the unique landscape of the Shropshire Hills. From ancient hill forts to unique geological features, cross the summit of the Clee Hills and Wenlock Edge before reaching the magnificent Ironbridge Gorge.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW04SW
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration4 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$950per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
The English Riviera & Dart Valley Walk
United Kingdom: Devon

The English Riviera & Dart Valley Walk

Enjoy a wonderful twin centre holiday in this quintessential English coastal area.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW04ER
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration4 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1235per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking St Cuthbert's Way
United Kingdom: Scotland

Walking St Cuthbert's Way

A stunning walk along the borders of Scotland and England, starting in Melrose journeying along the Border country to finish at Lindisfarne Abbey, a historical and cultural journey of some 100kms, taking in the natural beauty of the Border country, crossing the Eildon and the Cheviot Hills and ending on Holy Island.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06SC
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1625per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking the Speyside Way
United Kingdom: Scotland

Walking the Speyside Way

A fabulous introduction to Scottish hiking, the Speyside Way was created in 1981 and stretches from Buckie on the Moray Firth, to Aviemore the most famous of Highland resorts, taking in numerous whisky distilleries, and areas of incredible natural beauty.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06SP
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1700per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking the Rob Roy Way
United Kingdom: Scotland

Walking the Rob Roy Way

This historical and varied walk takes you through some of Scotland’s most and treasured scenery. The Rob Roy way will delight walkers with its route, past waterfalls and areas of outstanding natural beauty, many renowned as the inspiration for poets and writers including Wordsworth, Burns and Scott.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW08RR
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration8 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1820per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking the West Highland Way
United Kingdom: Scotland

Walking the West Highland Way

This iconic Scottish walk will both delight and challenge you. The 9 day route takes you through incredible scenery, picturesque villages and historical locations, the perfect introduction to the Scottish Highlands.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW08WH
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration8 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1820per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking the Best of Hadrian's Wall
United Kingdom: Northumberland

Walking the Best of Hadrian's Wall

Walk along Hadrian's Wall, from West to East, from Lanercost Priory to Corbridge, taking in some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. The route passes the world-famous Sycamore Gap as well as some fabulous rolling Northumberland countryside and craggy hillsides.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW05HW
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1505per person, tour only

  • 28 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking the Lizard Peninsula
United Kingdom: Cornwall

Walking the Lizard Peninsula

A 5 night self guided walking holiday taking in the famed cobbled causeway of St Michael's Mount to the wild serpentine cliffs of Lizard, this is an invigorating and unforgettable walk. Experience the the culinary delights of Porthleven, the magnificent views of Mullion and Kynance and the booming fog horn of Lizard lighthouse.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW05MC
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1599per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking Cornwall's North coast Padstow to Perranporth
United Kingdom: Cornwall

Walking Cornwall's North coast Padstow to Perranporth

A 5 night self guided walk along the Northern Cornish coastline, explore this magnificent coast between two of Cornwall's most famous summer get-aways, Padstow and Perranporth, spending 3 nights in pretty Padstow and 2 nights in popular Newquay. From headland to cove and on to golden sands, the scenery changes as fast as the weather. The shorter daily distances give plenty of time soak up the views and the wild rocky coastline has to be seen to be believed. Bedruthan Steps and Holywell Bay, Newquay town beaches all add their atmosphere and charm to this great walk.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW05PP
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration5 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1799per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Literary Walking in the Lake District
United Kingdom: Lake District

Literary Walking in the Lake District

The Lake District National Park is England's most visited national park and this 6 night self-guided walking holiday takes in some of the highlights. Whether you're visiting the home of William Wordsworth while nibbling famous Grasmere gingerbread, surveying Lake Windermere from the top of Latterbarrow Fell, or following the Cumbria Way through beautiful country estates owned by the National Trust, you'll be sure to enjoy an authentic Lakeland experience!

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06LD
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2060per person, tour only

  • 33 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast
United Kingdom: Wales

Highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast

This twin centre walking holiday incorporates some of the best walking on both the northern and southern sections of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Stay in pretty St David’s, Britain’s smallest city and discover its immaculate beaches, tranquil harbour villages and rugged cliffs,. Then head to Tenby for superb walks with extensive sea views, passing Norman castles, towering sea stacks and unspoilt bays.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06DT
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2375per person, tour only

  • 6 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Best of the Cotswolds Walk
United Kingdom: The Cotswolds

Best of the Cotswolds Walk

Walk through some of the finest North Cotswold villages with shorter walking days allowing you the maximum time needed to explore the villages and walk at a relaxed pace. Visit beautiful villages including Guiting Power, Broadway and Chipping Campden as well as places of historical interest and some spectacular gardens.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW08CC
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration8 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2720per person, tour only

  • 13 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfast daily
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking Devon's Coastal Highlights
United Kingdom: Devon

Walking Devon's Coastal Highlights

Walk the highlights of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Devon, home to stunning cliff top paths and coastal panorama.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW04DE
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration4 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1180per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking the Antrim Way
United Kingdom / Ireland: Northern Ireland

Walking the Antrim Way

This 4 night self guided walk along part of the Antrim Way explores one of the most beautiful sections of Ireland's northern coast. Boasting the fabulous Glens of Antrim, the magnificent Giant's Causeway, fantastic castles & beautiful beaches - to say nothing of a wonderful distillery - it is a place that is a pleasure to discover. This way-marked trail passes rugged and windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoiled beaches.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW04AN
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration4 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1490per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Contrasts of Devon Walking
United Kingdom: Devon

Contrasts of Devon Walking

Walk along South Devon’s Coast and Southern Dartmoor, admiring stunning seascapes and river valleys.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07BK
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1700per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Jewels of the Jurassic Coast Walk
United Kingdom: Dorset

Jewels of the Jurassic Coast Walk

This stunning 6 night walk along some of the UK's most beautiful coastline will introduce you to Dorset and the 185 million years of history that is the Jurassic Coast - Britain's first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Take in elements of the South-West Coast Path and the Purbeck Way along with historic seaside towns and sleepy villages, spectacular natural landmarks (like Durdle Door), rolling green hills and towering white chalk cliffs, National Trust castles and beaches, and (of course) traditional English tea-rooms serving tea and home-made cake!

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06JC
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1775per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts in Weymouth and Corfe Castle
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark
United Kingdom: The Channel Islands

Walking in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark

Explore these unique islands In a large splash of green and blue and get ready to be amazed!

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06CI
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1820per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Highlights of the Gower Peninsula Walk
United Kingdom: Wales

Highlights of the Gower Peninsula Walk

Walk the coastal paths of the Gower Peninsula on our twin centre holiday, discovering the rich and diverse scenery which ranges from dramatic limestone cliffs and sandy beaches along the south coast to fragile dune and salt marsh in the north. You'll walk in two nature reserves and Llanrhidian Marsh, a salt marsh which is home to Oystercatchers and Turnstone.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW05GW
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration5 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1910per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking the Western Tip of Cornwall
United Kingdom: Cornwall

Walking the Western Tip of Cornwall

A 6 night self guided holiday including Lands End; the most westerly tip of mainland UK. Exploring pretty fishing villages such as picturesque St Ives and beautiful Mousehole and featuring the wonderful coastal path each day.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06IM
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1925per person, tour only

  • 15 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
North Pembrokeshire Coast Walk
United Kingdom: Wales

North Pembrokeshire Coast Walk

This self-guided twin centre walking holiday takes you on a discovery of the dramatic yet untouched cliffs of the northern section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Trail. Stay in Newport while you explore roller coaster cliff top routes, dipping in and out of pretty coves. Then continue to charming St David’s and follow trails over undulating cliffs to sandy beaches and sleepy harbour villages.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06NP
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1925per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
The Antrim Coast and Glens Walking
United Kingdom / Ireland: Northern Ireland

The Antrim Coast and Glens Walking

This 7 night self guided walk along part of the Antrim Way explores one of the most beautiful sections of Ireland's northern coast. Boasting the fabulous Glens of Antrim, the magnificent Giant's Causeway, fantastic castles & beautiful beaches - to say nothing of a wonderful distillery - it is a place that is a pleasure to discover. This way-marked trail passes rugged and windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoiled beaches.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07AN
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2000per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Navigation app provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walk the Welsh Highland Railway
United Kingdom: Wales

Walk the Welsh Highland Railway

This self-guided walk through the Snowdonia National Park starts on the coast at Porthmadog and explores the rivers, peaks and ridges of Snowdonia, culminating in summiting Snowdon. The Welsh Highland Railway is used to cover more distance and to get you to the start or from the end of some walks.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06WR
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2030per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking South Devon's Coastal Path
United Kingdom: Devon

Walking South Devon's Coastal Path

Walk through South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07DE
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1950per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark Premium
United Kingdom: The Channel Islands

Walking in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark Premium

Explore these unique islands In a large splash of green and blue and get ready to be amazed!

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW06CU
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration6 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2600per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking Offa's Dyke Path (North)
United Kingdom

Walking Offa's Dyke Path (North)

Walk the northern half of this 8th Century ancient monument from Prestatyn to Knighton on a 9 night trip along the Welsh/English border. You'll walk in two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clwydian Range and the Shropshire Hills, through a landscape of limestone quarries, heather-clad ridges and Iron Age hillforts.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW09OF
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration9 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2870per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
The Cotswold Way Walk
United Kingdom: The Cotswolds

The Cotswold Way Walk

Follow the Cotswold Way National Trail from its start at Chipping Campden to the end on the steps of Bath Abbey. Walking along the escarpment of the Cotswolds Hills you'll have far-reaching views across the Severn Vale.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW09CO
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration9 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$3050per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking from Coast to Coast
United Kingdom: Northumberland

Walking from Coast to Coast

The world famous Coast-to-Coast is an exhilarating long-distance walking route which takes you from Cumbria's St Bees, on the shores of the Irish Sea, to the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. You pass through three national parks in northern England - the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors - and witness some of the most spectacular and beautiful scenery in the country.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW17LY
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration17 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$3650per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
Walking Offa's Dyke Path (North to South)
United Kingdom: Wales

Walking Offa's Dyke Path (North to South)

Walk the full length of the Offa's Dyke National Trail from Prestatyn to Chepstow on a 17 night trip following the Welsh/English border from North to South. Discover Norman castles, medieval abbeys and iron age hill forts whilst walking through three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clwydian Range, the Shropshire Hills and the Wye Valley.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW17OF
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration17 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$4415per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

    Walking Holidays in the UK

    Overall customer rating, based on 117 reviews