Whether you are a history lover or just looking for a great walking holiday then, there’s no better option than England. An epic country that offers walks along the crest of towering sea cliffs, and over wild, open moors. Especially on England’s National Trails where magic is almost real. These are not mere trails; they are thoughtfully designed, far-reaching routes that transport you from the very center of England.
The ultimate dream for any long-distance walker is to walk these trails. They are an opportunity to create a personal challenge, to completely disconnect and to get to know a country in the most rewarding way: One step at a time. This guide will help you find the best trails, from rugged mountain treks to coastal strolls.
The Epic Challenge of The Pennine Way
For those who want a real challenge, the Pennine Way is the top-one of them all being the first and toughest National Trail. It’s 60th birthday in 2025 is a good indication of how iconic this one has become, one of the best walking holidays in England. It’s named the Backbone of England for a reason, as this path invariably relies on that chain of hills.
It stretches 268 miles from the Peak District to the Scottish borders, following the rugged spine of the Pennine hills. The terrain is known for being brutally rugged, with sections that traverse deep peat bogs, wild moorland and ridges.
Across the full distance, the cumulative gain is likened to climbing Mount Everest from sea level. It’s a badge of honor to finish it as a hiker.
The Coastal Beauty of The South West Coast Path
If sea air fills your energy tanks, then the South West Coast Path is a walk you won’t forget. Including England’s longest National Trail, 630 miles along the coast of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. The route offers consistently stunning views as it takes you right along the cliffs, down into hidden coves with clear-blue water, while passing through fishing villages, and ruined castles. This trail is so important and epic that it has been immortalized in a book and a movie named The Salt Path, a true story of healing and hopeful humanity on this very route. Despite the distance, the trail is one that can be easily walked in shorter, one-week sections.
A Walk Through History on Hadrian’s Wall Path
There are few walks in the world where physical exertion directly coincides with a link to the ancient past, and the Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of those, a truly unique experience that follows the course of the wall constructed in 122 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
This 84-mile coast-to-coast trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is almost a living museum. You’ll walk past the ruins of Roman forts, through museum exhibits packed with artefacts, and dramatic lengths of the original stone wall itself, all set within the soft, rolling hills of northern England.
The walking itself is moderate and is accessible to many, but the immersion in history is what makes this so remarkable.
Enjoying a Seamless Walk with OrbisWays
For a lot of walkers, particularly travelling from abroad, the process of organising a multi-day trek in a foreign country is daunting. Which is where a good agency provides peace of mind. OrbisWays has established a solid reputation for reliability and strong customer service, and has received some great feedback from walkers who have praised their smooth organisation and friendly support.
They take care of every little detail when you book with them, and offer many destinations like walking holidays in Ireland. They have an easy itinerary, book you into friendly/good quality guesthouses and hotels each night, and move your luggage effortlessly from place to place. They also provide a support hotline should you have any questions or problems during your journey.
Conclusion
England’s National Trails are among the most varied and rewarding long-distance walking routes on earth, and whether you are attracted to the physical challenge of the Pennine Way, the South West Coast Path, or the historic nature of Hadrian’s Wall, there is a trail for everyone in England. Every trail has a unique story and beauty, and challenges of its own. With some careful planning or the assistance of a reliable guide, you can make the dream of riding one of these epic routes a reality.
