Whether you're a keen hiker looking for a challenging trail or a casual walker wanting to enjoy the fresh air, the North of England is one of the best destinations for a walking holiday. Home to breathtaking national parks, rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines and historic towns, it offers some of the best walks in the North of England, whatever your experience or fitness level.
A walking holiday isn't just a great way to stay active; it also lets you slow down, discover hidden gems and experience landscapes you might otherwise miss. Travelling with your dog? Many of the region's most popular walking trails are dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the adventure too.
Whether you're searching for hiking holiday ideas, easy countryside walks or the best hiking trails in northern England, our guide will help you find the perfect route before you lace up your walking boots.
A walking holiday isn't just a great way to stay active; it also lets you slow down, discover hidden gems and experience landscapes you might otherwise miss. Travelling with your dog? Many of the region's most popular walking trails are dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the adventure too.
Whether you're searching for hiking holiday ideas, easy countryside walks or the best hiking trails in northern England, our guide will help you find the perfect route before you lace up your walking boots.
View of Kip Law Over Alston, the Pennines, North England
The Pennines: Spread across the northeast, northwest England and the Yorkshire and Humber regions, the Pennines uplands are naturally suited to walking holidays. In particular, the North Pennines are packed with a range of diverse walking trails, including the famed long-distance Pennines Way National Trail. If you feel like taking a less challenging ramble through this famed area of outstanding natural beauty, there are more gentle routes on the trail that are perfect for beginners.
Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire has 4 circular walks to choose from
Ilkley Moor Walks: Some people may only know Ilkley Moor from the traditional folk song On Ilkla Moor Baht’at, however this charming West Yorkshire location is in fact one of the best walking spots in the whole of the UK - the good news is, you can reach Ilkley from Leeds in less than 30 minutes by train. You’ll find four circular routes to should suit any level of walker - these include Ilkley Moor Cow, Calf Rocks and White Wells Walk (3.7km), Hebers Ghyll Waterfall and Moorland Views Walk (4.4km), Twelve Apostles and the Eastern Ilkley Moor Walk (5.7km) and the Peak of Ilkley Moor and Twelve Apostles Walk (11.5km).
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal stretches for 127 miles
Leeds and Liverpool Canal: Constructed between 1770 and 1816, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is one of the best-preserved monuments to Britain’s proud industrial past. Considering that the Canal stretches for around 127 miles, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of walking routes along the way, none more picturesque than the famed Skipton to Saltaire trail, where you’ll find remnants of northern industry mixed with stunning Yorkshire scenery.
Hiking the Yorkshire Dales you will see miles of rolling hills before you
Yorkshire Dales: Stretching from the Vale of York to the Pennine watershed, the Yorkshire Dales’ diverse and scenic terrain makes for a vast hiker’s paradise. From limestone caves and windswept valleys to dramatic waterfalls and untouched woodland, this beautiful area of the north is well served by popular hiking trails - some of the best include the Hawes to Sedbusk trail and James Herriot Way.
Thinking of an Outdoors Trip this year? Here's more inspiration:
Hiking Solo: All You Need to Know
Top Tips for a Staycation
Best Motorhome Destinations in Northern Ireland
Best Hikes in the Alps
Top Tips to Make Your Camping Trip a Success
