Getting out into nature for a breath of fresh air is great for the mind and body. Lace up your walking boots and get ready to explore some great walks in the UK, some of which might be right on your doorstep.

We’ve brought together a list of the best UK walks, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll with family and friends, a day’s hike or a longer ramble.

We've picked our favourites from a list of Britain's 100 best walks, created from a survey of thousands of walkers by the Ordnance Survey and The Ramblers, as well as some great finds from The Outdoor Guide with Julia Bradbury.

The top 5 voted walks in the UK

Revealed on ITV's Britain's Favourite Walks and presented by Julia Bradbury, these are the top 5 voted walks from walking-enthusiasts across the country - and we can see why! With some amazing views and impressive natural landscapes, these are a must-see that make Britain's beauty stand out to excess.

Helvellyn Via Striding Edge Walk, Lake District

Distance: 12.12km

Start OS grid reference: NY 386 170

Helvellyn is not only the third highest mountain in Britain but the top voted Favourite Walk on the list. This is a thrilling mountain route for walkers who like living on the edge. An ascent of this 950m peak via the narrow ridge of Striding Edge is one of Britain’s most iconic mountain challenges that requires a good head for heights!

The full walk details can be found here.

Snowdon Llanberis Path, Snowdonia

Distance: 14.74km

Start OS grid reference: SH 582 597

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and one of the busiest mountains in the world! The Llanberis Path is one of the most enjoyable walks to its summit that mostly follows the route of Snowdon’s famous trainline to the mountain’s 1085m summit. This is a long walk on a good path that climbs steadily rather than steeply and you can celebrate your climb with a drink or snack at the summit café at the top.

The full walk details can be found here.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Walk, Yorkshire Dales

Distance: 12.19km

Start OS grid reference: SD 900 628

This beautiful countryside walk is full of surprises and fascinating features of geology. Malham Cove was once a mighty waterfall, with its limestone cliffs eroded and sculpted by ice and water over millions of years. For any film-fans, you may also recognise the grand, curving, ampitheatre-shaped cliff formation from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The full walk details can be found here.

Cat Bells Walk, Lake District

Distance: 4.99km

Start OS grid reference: NY 246 211

This walk trails around the England’s widest lake and if the perfect choice for wildlife-loving walkers, including the much loved author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, who passed many summers in the Lake District. The route offers vast views over Derwent Water, Keswick and the surrounding fells and is a great walk for experienced walkers and beginners alike.

The full walk details can be found here.

Scafell Pike Walk, Lake District

Distance: 11.59km

Start OS grid reference: NY 186 084

At 978 metres, Scafell Pike marks the highest point in England and so this walk will be a challenge for any hill walker – make sure to dress appropriately! It’s also the highest war memorial, cared for by the National Trust as a result of a gift after the war. The circular walk up starts and finishes in the remote Wasdale valley on the shore of England’s deepest lake.

The full walk details can be found here.

Some of the best coastal walks in the UK

Take in the fresh sea breeze and amazing views with the best coastal walks in the UK. With golden sandy beaches, fascinating rock formations and rugged clifftops, these walks are sure to fascinate as you gander.

Blakeney to Stiffkey Coastal Walk, Norfolk

Distance: 6.4km

Start OS grid reference: TG 032 436 or TG 028 442

Enjoy Norfolk’s vast open landscape and big skies on this lovely walk along the coast path beside pristine saltmarsh. Make sure to bring your binoculars for some great wildlife-spotting opportunities across the Morston and Stiffkey Saltmarshes and scrub along the way – great fun for all the family!

The full walk details can be found here.

Headon Warren Walk, Isle of Wight

Distance: 6.7km

Start OS grid reference: SZ 322 868

On this breathtaking walk up Headon Warren you’ll be able to enjoy splendid views of the mainland as well as and a Bronze Age burial mound. This walk can be shortened to 4.8km by missing out Alum Bay but we’d choose to visit for the nostalgic fun in The Needles Park and a fabulous view of The Needles.

The full walk details can be found here.

Old Harry Rocks Circular Walk, Dorset

Distance: 5.6km

Start OS grid reference: SZ 038 824

Take in the breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast on this circular walk. Reputedly named after a famous local pirate, this rock formation used to link to The Needles on the Isle of Wight which you can see from Studland Bay on a clear day. See the remains of fields used by Celtic farmers, the chalk grassland flowers and on the cliff top path, make sure to look back to enjoy a fine view of the Pinnacle stack. This is a fairly gentle walk, normally with good conditions underfoot and dog-friendly too for bringing your canine companion.

The full walk details can be found here.

Durham Coastal Footpath, County Durham

Distance: 18.1km

Start OS grid reference: NZ 427 494

This wonderful walk along the coastline is full of hidden treasures, beautiful wildlife and spectacular sea views. The Durham Coastal Footpath from Seaham to Crimdon, explores grasslands, sand dunes and wildlife along the way and showcases everything that’s great about the unique coastal landscape of County Durham. In the summer the route comes alive with the sight of orchids on the ground and the distinctive calls of skylarks.

The full walk details can be found here.

The Fife Coastal Path, Fife

Distance: 175.84km

Start OS grid reference: NS 929 872

This is not just one of Britain’s most famous long-distance trails, but certainly one of its best. Stretching 117 miles from the Firth of Forth in the south to the Firth of Tay in the north, the entire trail ranges in difficulty from easy and flat to wild and steep, providing challenges and exhilaration for every kind of walker. Marvel at the rugged beauty of Scotland’s east coast, pass through fishing villages and walk along cliff-tops, award-winning beaches and estuaries.

The full walk details can be found here.

Some of the best walks in the UK for dog walkers

Taking your dog for a walk is one of life's joys and doing so will offer both you and your pooch a welcome change of scenery, fresh air, exercise and a chance to explore! These walks are all dog-friendly and a great way of getting your daily exercise.

Lanhydrock Respryn Ramble, Cornwall

Distance: 1.6km

Start OS grid reference: SX 099 636

This dog-friendly circular walk from Respryn car park takes in fantastic scenery along the River Fowey and through semi-natural ancient woodland on the National Trust's Lanhydrock estate. The river path is well-surfaced and level for prams and wheelchair users too though be wary of some slightly uneven and stony lanes and a couple of short slopes.

The full walk details can be found here.

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Distance: 9.77km

Start OS grid reference: NN 716 984

Situated in the southern Highlands, just a few miles from the geographical centre of Scotland, this trail around the village of Newtonmore is perfect for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. A great walk for people and pups of all ages!

The full walk details can be found here.

Wells Beach and Pinewoods Walk, Norfolk

Distance: 7.62km

Start OS grid reference: TF 916 433

Starting and finishing in the seaside town of Wells-Next-the-Sea, Wells beach is famous for its huts but your dog will be desperate to explore the golden sand dunes. Journey through a bustling harbour and thick pine woodlands before finishing back at the chippy as reward for your ventures!

The full walk details can be found here.

Hathersage Dog Walk, Peak District

Distance: 9.68km

Start OS grid reference: SK 231 813

This lovely walk starts and ends in the pretty Peak District village of Hathersage, and takes in some beautiful countryside along the way. Relatively flat and gentle with only a few small hills, you’ll follow well-made tracks and shout stretches of road. There are dog-friendly cafes and a pub for refreshments on route so you can have a relaxed, enjoyable adventure with your pup in tow.

The full walk details can be found here.

Mill Hill Accessible Dog Walk, South Downs

Distance: 0.74km

Start OS grid reference: TQ 211 074

This short dog-walking circular walk is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs and a perfect route for nature lovers. Follow the woodland trails with excellent views over the River Adur and look out for the beautiful wildlife including the Adonis blue and chalk hill blue butterflies, the yellow herb horseshoe vetch and the distinctive whitethroat.

The full walk details can be found here.

Some of the best family-friendly walks in the UK

Getting outdoors with the family is great for fun, exercise and bonding as you take in nature's sights. All of these walks are great options, offering a range of distances not too challenging for children, exciting woodlands to explore and better accessibility too for prams and wheelchairs on certain routes.

Ickworth Off The Beaten Track Walk, Suffolk

Distance 4.4km

Start OS grid reference: TL 815 615

Enjoy a short walk at the National Trust’s Italianate palace in the heart of Suffolk. With sweeping views of the gently undulating landscape, cross open parkland, sheep pasture, ancient woodland and riverbank. Rest at the peaceful pond close to the church and enjoy the beautiful walled garden built in the early 1700s and lovingly restored to its former glory.

The full walk details can be found here.

Family Friendly Walk along The River Dart, South Devon

Distance 7.94km

Start OS grid reference: SX 804 602

This stile-free walk along The River Dart offers great views of the river as you pass mature, native trees and woodlands. There are plenty of benches along the way which makes it suitable for a gentle and leisurely stroll and there are some great spots too for a family picnic. Alternatively, you could try the café on the Sharpham Estate and buy some quality cheese and wine!

The full walk details can be found here.

Wallington Tree Walk, Northumberland

Distance 1.52km

Start OS grid reference: NZ 028 843

This short walk around the East Wood takes in Wallington’s wonderful collection of heritage trees. Younger members of the family will enjoy clambering over the Nootka Cypress tree which was voted the National Trust’s number one climbing tree in their ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ campaign. This fun short walk is sure to enjoyable for the whole family.

The full walk details can be found here.

Coastal Walk to Anvil Lighthouse, Dorset

Distance 0.86km

Start OS grid reference: SZ 032 772

This wheel-friendly coastal walk is the perfect terrain for getting out with the whole family. Walk through the National Nature Reserve at Durlston with a range of vital habitats including sea cliffs, woodland and hay meadows. There are plenty of seabirds to see and you may even be lucky enough to see dolphins out at sea. The lighthouse, built in 1881, stands tall to pass light along the English Channel coast.

The full walk details can be found here.

Aysgarth Waterfall Accessible Walk, Yorkshire Dales

Distance: 0.93km

Start OS grid reference: SE 011 887

Aysgarth Falls are a series of three waterfalls located on the River Ure, in lower Wensleydale, in the Yorkshire Dales. A place of famous visitors from Wordsworth to Turner, this signposted, wheelchair friendly accessible walk passes through the ancient coppiced hazel woodland and offers views of the middle fall from a specially made view platform.

The full walk details can be found here.

Why not try the #Walk1000Miles challenge?

Run by our friends at Country Walking magazine, the #Walk1000Miles challenge is a great way to try out new walks like the ones in this list, get out and about in the countryside, make friends, stay active and most importantly, have fun!

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