If you’re dreaming of a hiking holiday and eager to cross another adventure off your bucket list, you’re in the right place. Read on for a list of some of the most popular and breathtaking hiking trails across Ireland, Scotland and England. These tours can fill up pretty early in the season so if you are interested, be sure of your preferred dates and book early!
Set out on a journey to ‘the edge of the world’ along the spectacular Dingle Way. Long established as our most popular Irish hiking tour, people from across the globe come to experience the magic of the region with its rugged Atlantic coastline and wild feel. Why not experience the jewel in Scotland’s hiking crown on the West Highland Way where the lochs and mountains create unforgettable backdrops and just 30 minutes from Glasgow Airport? Every year it grows in popularity.
Another easy hiking trail to get to is the Wicklow Mountains tour just 90 mins from Dublin. Famous for its tranquil lakes, monastic ruins and waterfalls you will be rewarded for your hiking exertions with lasting happy memories. A perennial and gentle hiking favourite is the trail along the ancient Roman fortification of Hadrian’s Wall Path. You can start this hike either on the East or the West side and walk across northern England from the North Sea to the Irish Sea. The scale of the structure with its milecastles and forts is extraordinary. A busy trail during peak season you are sure to meet other friendly hikers along the route.
The Kerry Way has immense variety along its trail. You begin in Killarney with its famous lakes and national park. Wind your way through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Black Valley then break out to explore the Iveragh peninsula and the Ring of Kerry region. All the while you trek through towns of great character, historic sites and ruins.
All our tours are excellent, each trail has its own unique calling card and this selection represents those that have grown in popularity through the great experiences our clients have had. You choose the dates and how long you want to hike for and we will do the rest. No matter what trail you choose, each promises to create unforgettable memories.
Ever dreamed of hiking in a place often described as the most beautiful on Earth? Look no futher than the Dingle Way, a 179km (112 miles) National Waymarked Trail that circles the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. One of the many reasons for the Dingle Way’s popularity is the diverse views it offers as you cross the shoulder of Mount Brandon to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean at Slea Head. Between those extremes is farmland and calming golden beaches around Castlegregory. It has a vast array of archaeological monuments and with charming Irish towns like Tralee and Dingle on the route you will experience the local culture such as the unique sounds of traditional Irish music. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the Dingle Way promises a hiking adventure that beautifully combines breathtaking scenery with a taste of local history and culture making it a feast for the senses and one of the most popular hiking trails in Europe.
Would you like to hike one of the most popular trails in the world? The West Highland Way stretching 154km (96 miles) from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the heart of the Scottish Highlands offers an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s most iconic scenery. From the peaceful shores of Loch Lomond to the dramatic vistas of Glencoe and the towering heights of Ben Nevis, this trail captures the essence of the country’s natural picture book beauty. As it is Scotland’s finest long distance trail you will discover historic sites along the way and experience a special camaraderie with fellow hikers from around the world. Enjoy the warmth of Scottish hospitality and make your holiday more than just a scenic walk by riding on the Harry Potter steam train or climbing Ben Nevis after finishing in Fort William. Designed for all levels of hiking the West Highland Way is a must-do for hiking enthusiasts around the world.
Are you eager to experience some of Ireland’s most picturesque landscapes? Located just outside Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains tour offers hikers hundred of kilometers of unspoiled trails through diverse terrains including rugged mountains, serene lakes, glacial valleys, dramatic waterfalls and mysterious forests. Offering a perfect blend of upland paths, forest tracks, lakeside vistas and quiet country roads the Wicklow Way is one of Ireland’s most popular hiking routes. The section from Roundwood to Enniskerry is widely considered to be the highlight of the trail. Glendalough hosts the remains of one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in Ireland as well as one of its best preserved round towers. For those seeking gentler, shorter walks we offer the Heart of Wicklow tours. This area is a hikers paradise, you are bound to meet fellow travellers on one of Europe’s most popular hiking trails.
If you’re looking to combine a walk through stunning landscapes with a journey back in time, the Hadrian’s Wall Path is the perfect choice. This 134km (84 miles) National Trail can be walked in either direction from Wallsend on the east coast to Bowness-on-solway on the west coast. The path follows what remains of the longest existing defensive fortification from Roman times (122 AD) and is now a British cultural icon as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most popular hiking trails in the United Kingdom, the Hadrian’s Wall Path offers more than a scenic walk, there are opportunities to visit exhibitions, museums and see replicas along its length. You’ll encounter ancient Romans settlements, forts and breathtaking countryside views. With its well-maintained paths, minor climbs, and predominately flat terrain, this trail is accessible of walkers of all levels and there is great sense of camaraderie when you meet fellow hikers. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy England’s beautiful landscapes, the Hadrian’s Wall Path provides a unique opportunity to explore both making it a must-do when it comes to hiking trails.
The Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s most popular hiking routes and also the country’s longest signposted walking trails covering 214km (133 miles). Starting and ending in Killarney, the trail loops around the Iveragh Peninsula, showcasing stunning natural features. In the first half of the tour you will experience the Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall, Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley. Once through the Windy Gap the landscape opens up with magnificent views of Inch Beach and the Dingle Peninsula to the north. Along this part of the trail you visit towns like Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, the incredible views at Coomakista, Caherdaniel, Sneem and the food capital of Kenmare. The Kerry Way has a huge variety of scenery and landscapes with everything from Ireland’s tallest peak of Carrauntoohil to mysterious ring forts and Ogham Stones along the way. A popular choice for hikers seeking a challenging and rewarding trek there are few tours that can rival its range of experiences.
Match the type of hiking adventure you are looking for by reading through our ‘Best For’ guides below.
Hillwalk Tours has over a decade of experience in organising self-guided hiking holidays. We take pride in specialising & crafting unique and unforgettable hiking tours across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Spain and Portugal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, we have a huge range of tours to match all fitness levels and interests, ensuring a walking holiday with Hillwalk Tours will be an experience of a lifetime.
Furthermore, our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to “create experiences that make people happy”, and we strive towards fulfilling this purpose in everything we do. The following are just some examples of what you can expect with Hillwalk Tours as standard:
