8 Scenic UK Walking Trails for Families with a Sense of Achievement

The UK is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe and there’s no better way to explore these landscapes than on foot. Whether you are exploring the rugged highlands of Scotland or the dramatic coastlines of the south you can always find family-friendly walking trails in the UK that help you traverse these landscapes. 

Walking holidays offer families more than a chance to explore the outdoors. This is a great way to reconnect bonds, disconnect from daily distractions and technology and create moments that last forever. You also get the opportunity to explore nature and slow down which allows you to rethink how you want to share this bond in a meaningful way.

However, with so many trails available you must choose the ones that provide you with a combined sense of achievement, adventure and quality time outdoors. Let’s take a quick look at 8 scenic walking trails in the UK that offer stunning scenery and a sense of collective achievement to families. 

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way remains one of Scotland’s popular long-distance trails perfect for families seeking collective achievement. Stretching 96 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to the picturesque town of Fort William this is one of the scenic paths in the Scottish Highlands. Hence, if you are up for a challenge and want to push physical and emotional boundaries with your family you can look for this one. While the trail does offer challenges there are well-maintained paths that also help you manage your overall journey. This path takes you through forests, rivers and mountains offering family members a memorable time together while on the road. 

Hadrian’s Wall

Opened in 2003, Hadrian’s Wall has remained one of the most popular walking paths in the UK for all kinds of walkers. The route follows the course of northern Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument and allows you to walk coast to coast while enjoying the countryside landscape. Stretching 84 miles from Wallsend near Newcastle to the plains of the Solway Coast, this one is ideal for families who are interested in nature and history. As you move ahead you come across various historical sites, forts, stunning landscapes, rolling hills, woodlands and quiet valleys. The best part about this path is that the trail remains mostly flat and that eliminates some degree of challenge but still offers a sense of adventure with its rich history and stunning views. 

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

If you are looking to explore the rugged Welsh coastline, nothing beats the Pembrokeshire Coast Path which is now one of the UK’s most well-established National Trails. This is considered one of the most beautiful and finest long-distance walks in Britain offering stunning views of the coast and its ever-changing natural beauty. Stretching 186 miles from Amroth to St Dogmaels, this coastal path is dotted with rugged cliffs, charming villages and sandy beaches. Hence, make sure you have relevant tips and travel advice on walking holidays to keep you safe. This is also a great path for nature lovers as they get the opportunity to spot plant life, birds and wildlife including seals and seabirds. The path also has an excellent variety of accommodations that ensure that you can have a great time walking this trail.

Thames Path

When you are thinking of collective achievement one of the best walking trails in the UK has to be the Thames Path. This walking trail follows one of the most iconic rivers in the UK starting from Kemble in Gloucestershire to a few miles before it meets the sea. Stretching 184 miles this walking trail can provide you with an amazing walking holiday experience as you pass through some of the important historical sites, countryside views, charming towns and vibrant cityscapes. The route also takes you through tranquil water meadows where you can discover the local plant life and river birds. Hence, you can enjoy this walking route collectively and feel proud about exploring one of the important rivers in England. 

Fife Coastal Path

Unlike the West Highland Way, the Fife Coastal Path is relatively easier and straightforward. This makes this walking route one of the best walking trails for those who haven’t tried many walking holidays. Spanning 117 miles from North Queensferry and ending at Newport-on-Tay, this is a simple coastal path for families and couples.  As you walk through the earmarked path, you will come across quaint fishing villages, woodlands, dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, abandoned railways and gorgeous grassy paths. With various towns to halt you can make the most of the facilities and amenities available here before you complete your tour. 

South Downs Way

If you are looking for one of the easiest and most beautiful walking routes in southern England it has to be South Downs Way. Stretching for 100 miles from Winchester to the seaside town of Eastbourne, South Downs Way can offer you a fabulous experience if you are planning a walking holiday for the first time. This rural path is dotted with expansive fields, stunning views, picturesque villages, gorgeous woodlands and historical sites. Hence, you need to have the right walking shoes for long travel days to keep you going. While the path is relatively flat you still have to tackle gentle climbs which are suitable with children. You can make multiple stops at various towns to eat before you move further. The path is well marked and easy to follow which ensures that you do not get lost. 

Northumberland Coast Path

Speaking of coastal paths you can also choose Northumberland Coast Path for your upcoming walking holidays in the UK. This is one of the easy-to-moderate walking routes where you get a sense of achievement and enjoy the scenic view. This path is known for its pristine beaches, towering castles, dramatic rock formations, isolated islands, lush greenery and abundance of wildlife. Covering 64 miles from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed this path offers a nice blend of nature and history. As you walk this route you can visit the iconic Bamburgh Castle and at the same time experience the wildlife in the surrounding areas. 

Two Moors Way

If you are looking for a relatively short coast-to-coast walking holiday experience you can walk the Two Moors Way. This route takes you through the heart of Devon and allows you to explore South Devon and end your tour in North Devon. Spanning 102 miles, Two Moors Way begins at Wembury Bay and ends in Lynmouth. This is where you get the opportunity to walk through Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks and enjoy the stunning wildlife these parks offer. As a family, you walk through the rugged moorland, lush valleys and riverbanks. While some sections of the path are moderately challenging it offers a great sense of achievement when you cross the section. You also get the opportunity to spot wildlife such as ponies and birds that add to your overall walking holiday experience.