The UK countryside offers extraordinary variety. Its landscapes range from ancient forests and rolling hills to rugged coastlines and majestic mountains. With this variety, comes many options for adventure.
From braving white waters to taking on extreme hikes across hundreds of miles of rugged coastline, we have picked ten of the best countryside adventures in the UK that will immerse you in the wild beauty of the British Isles.
The Jurassic Coast Path, Dorset
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for 95 miles along the southern coast of England, providing one of the most awe-inspiring coastal walks in the country. This area is renowned for its geological history, where the cliffs reveal layers of sedimentary rock formed over 185 million years, making it a hotspot for fossil hunting.
Starting in the charming town of Lyme Regis, known as the "Pearl of Dorset," you can explore its fossil-rich beaches before embarking eastward on a spectacular walk. Along the way, you'll encounter postcard-worthy natural landmarks like Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch; and Old Harry Rocks, a striking set of chalk formations.
Whether you're after a short stroll or a multi-day hike, the ever-changing coastline offers unparalleled views of cliffs, beaches, and hidden coves. In summer, you can swim in coral blue waters and for the fortunate (and brave) souls during winter, you might even get the chance to take a dip in the snow!
The Lake District Fells, Cumbria
The Lake District is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful destinations for outdoor adventure in the UK. Offering a range of activities from challenging mountain hikes to tranquil lake cruises, the fells (otherwise known as hills) are the stars of the show, none more so than Scafell Pike. At 978m above sea level, it is England's highest peak, with panoramic views over the surrounding mountains, lakes, and valleys from the summit.
For a more leisurely adventure, there are walks at a lower altitude in the area, such as the popular routes around Lake Windermere where on a calm day, you can enjoy the reflection of wooded hills on the lake’s surface. For a touch of culture, stop by Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where acclaimed poet William Wordsworth found his inspiration.
As this is the great British countryside, you will find no shortage of cosy pubs and tearooms, to either make your stay whilst exploring the lakes, or find the perfect spot to eat, drink and unwind after a day of adventure.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest national park, offering a vast expanse of wilderness and adventure. Its rugged mountains, ancient Caledonian forests, and crystal-clear lochs are the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts looking to go somewhere truly wild in the name of adventure!
Hillwalking is a popular activity, with trails leading to some of Scotland’s most iconic peaks, including Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in the UK. Wildlife lovers will delight in spotting red deer, ospreys, and golden eagles, while the more fortunate might catch a glimpse of the elusive Scottish wildcat.
The park is also a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with Cairngorm Mountain and Glenshee providing excellent skiing and snowboarding options during the winter. If you wish to explore the area at a slower pace, you can visit the many picturesque villages and historic castles that are dotted around this hauntingly beautiful part of the world.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Snowdonia is famed for its rugged beauty and its crowning jewel, Mount Snowdon, which stands at 1,085 metres. Reaching the summit is a must-do for any adventurer, with several routes to choose from depending on your experience and fitness level. The most popular route is the Llanberis Path, which offers a steady climb and spectacular views over the valleys and lakes below.
For seasoned hikers, the Snowdon Horseshoe is a thrilling ridge walk that involves scrambling across rocky ledges, rewarded by breathtaking vistas on clear days. However, it is possible to ascend the mountain without walking up it. The Snowden Express funicular railway runs several services a day throughout the year, allowing visitors the chance to ride up the mountain and explore the top, before departing back down.
Beyond Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park is a landscape of deep forests, tumbling waterfalls, and pristine lakes like Llyn Tegid. The Welsh Highland Railway is a great alternative to explore the area. Running from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, this heritage steam railway passes right by the base of Snowdon and is one of the most inspired ways to take in the beauty of the area!
Wye Valley Canoeing, Herefordshire
The Wye Valley, with its lush woodlands and gently flowing river, is the perfect destination for an active watersports adventure. Canoeing along the River Wye allows you to soak in the beauty of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at a leisurely pace, as you traverse the fourth longest river in the UK down the border between England and Wales.
The river is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with its steep limestone cliffs and dense forests. Symonds Yat Rock, a viewpoint perched high above the valley, where you can often spot peregrine falcons soaring overhead, is a notable highlight.
Along the river, you’ll pass through charming villages like Ross-on-Wye, where you can stop for a well-earned rest and take a break from paddling along the river. For those seeking a more immersive outdoor adventure, multi-day trips with riverside camping are another popular option for exploring this often-overlooked part of Britain.
Hadrian's Wall Path, Northumberland
Take a trip back in time across one of Britain’s ancient monuments and through some of its most stunning landscapes. The 84-mile long-distance trail follows the course of the Roman wall built in AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian, which was once the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire.
The trail offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, with sections passing by well-preserved ruins of Roman forts, ancient milecastles, and museums that tell the story of the wall's significance. One of the most popular spots to visit along this stretch of the world was the Sycamore Gap, where a lone tree once stood before being tragically felled by vandals in 2023.
The surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and open moorland, is perfect for walkers who want to combine historical exploration with scenic outdoor adventures. Setting off from the beautiful city of Newcastle is an ideal way to begin the trek, with the official walkway for Hadrian's Wall beginning from the outskirts of the city.
The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
For a more laid-back adventure in the heart of the English countryside, the Cotswolds is the quintessential choice. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known for its idyllic villages, built from honey-coloured limestone, and its gently rolling hills, or "wolds."
Walking or cycling through the Cotswolds is a delightful way to explore the area, with trails like the 102-mile Cotswold Way offering a route through picturesque villages like Chipping Campden and Broadway. Along the way, you’ll encounter an abundance of charming stately homes, historic churches, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
The area’s rural charm has been famously captured in the classic Christmas film The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Kate Winslet. The Cotswolds is an incredibly popular area of the UK to visit and a great alternative for anyone seeking a less strenuous adventure into the countryside.
The Outer Hebrides, Scotland
The Outer Hebrides is a remote chain of islands off Scotland's west coast, offering one of the most extraordinary countryside adventures in the UK. These islands - including Lewis, Harris, and Uist - are renowned for their dramatic landscapes, white sandy beaches, and rich history of Viking raiders, rogue princes and Jacobite rebellions.
Cycling the Hebridean Way, a 185-mile route that spans ten islands, is an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you'll pass ancient standing stones like the Callanish Stones, marvel at the crystal-clear waters and encounter an abundance of wildlife, from seals and otters to golden eagles.
The remoteness of the Outer Hebrides makes it a true escape, where the only sounds you'll hear are the wind, the waves, and the call of seabirds. It is a true adventurer's dream, although there is no greater example in the UK of a place being able to experience four seasons in one day when it comes to the weather!
The Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales offer a striking mix of rugged landscapes and enchanting forests, making it a top destination for outdoor adventures in the UK. Hiking the Three Peaks—Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough—is a classic British challenge, with each peak offering unique rewards, from sweeping views to fascinating limestone formations.
The area is also famous for its underground wonders, and caving is a popular activity in the Dales. Descend into the vast Gaping Gill, a natural cave with one of the largest underground chambers in Britain, or explore the intricate network of passages in the White Scar Caves. You’ll also find no shortage of surging rivers and cascading waterfalls everywhere you go on your adventures in the Dales!
Aside from adventuring, the villages of the Dales, with their stone-built houses and traditional pubs offer a welcoming retreat from the demanding landscape. Those who are in the mood for further rest after their adventures should head to the Spa Town of Harrogate, just south of the Dales, famous for its Turkish Baths and natural spring water!
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most scenic walking routes in the UK, stretching for 186 miles along Wales' rugged southwestern coastline. The path offers breathtaking views of cliffs, hidden bays, and wildlife-rich waters, where you might spot seals, dolphins, and puffins.
One of the highlights is the dramatic cliffs at St. Govan’s Head, where a tiny chapel is wedged into the rocks. The area is also home to several sandy beaches, perfect for a dip after a long walk or, to enjoy the sunset on a long summer’s evening.
Whether you're embarking on a multi-day trek or exploring the route in shorter sections, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers some of the most unspoilt and beautiful scenery in Britain, with charming coastal villages along the way where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood and find a soft pillow to rest your weary head after a hard day’s hike.
Get Outside And Discover Great Adventures Across The UK
The UK’s countryside adventures cater to all types of explorers, from peaceful meanderings along ancient footpaths to thrilling mountain ascents and coastal treks. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll through the picturesque Cotswolds or a multi-day hike in the remote Outer Hebrides, these ten adventures offer the best of the UK's natural beauty and rural charm.
There is no end to exploring in the UK where an escape into the tranquillity of the countryside is always just around the corner, bringing the chance to experience new landscapes, and historical treasures, and creating unforgettable memories.
