Have you conquered all the big hiking trails? Are you looking for a lesser-known hiking trail that offers just as many thrills as the more obvious destinations? If so read on! Our curated list details some of the best underrated hiking trails in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
St Cuthbert’s Way is a less well known 100km trail that crosses from Scotland into England and ends on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the cradle of northern England’s Christianity. Make your way from Scotland’s finest abbey ruins in Melrose to the great views atop Eildon Hill and the Cheviots before ending your hike on the tidal sand causeway to the island for a unique holiday.
Have your breath taken away by stunning landscapes in Connemara and the West of Ireland, explore seldom-traveled paths and rugged scenery on the Beara Way, see Wales’ underrated Pembrokeshire Coast path with some of the UK’s best coastal walks or visit Scotland and explore the varied and picturesque Fife Coastline. Don’t forget the Rob Roy Way trail either, which follows the routes used for cattle rustling and droving by Rob Roy, Scotland’s very own Robin Hood and outlaw. Also walk on top of England’s magnificent chalk cliffs on the South Down’s Way with its ancient paths and medieval history.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, our self-guided adventures promise unique experiences and these trails offer an unforgettable journey.
If you are searching for an underrated hiking adventure, St Cuthbert’s Way is a true hidden gem. You will begin your hike in the Scottish town of Melrose, overlooked by the brooding Eildon Hills. The trail then meanders through the lesser-known but stunning Borders region, offering hikers a chance to explore this fascinating area. You can expect lush countryside, serene lakes, ruined monasteries and charming villages. Following the footsteps of the 7th-century saint, you’ll uncover the tranquil beauty and antiquity that make St Cuthbert’s Way a standout less-travelled path. The hike finishes on the English tidal island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island). A unique trail element is the crossing to Lindisfarne, which can be walked via a causeway at low tide. It’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
The Beara Way in the southwest of Ireland is a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders. This 152km (95 mile) long circular route follows the outline of the Beara Peninsula passing through counties Kerry and Cork. The trail offers hikers a unique blend of naturally wild beauty and a rich cultural experience. Passing through magnificently rugged mountains and coastal scenery you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and places rarely touched by tourist traffic. The Beara Peninsula is dotted with abandoned farmsteads and ancient stone circles such as at Uragh near Gleninchaquin Park. See the old tin mine in Allihies or even get a cable car to Bere Island! Keep an eye out for regional wildlife like the chough, the peregrine falcon as well as seals and dolphins along the coast. The remote and unspoiled nature of the trail allows hikers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Irish countryside far from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots. An explorers gem.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a hidden gem of a trail replete with attractions such as Norman castles, breath-taking coastline, rugged cliffs, sheltered coves and miles of stunning beaches. In fact it passes 54 beaches and 14 harbours. Some of these harbour towns are world famous such as the kaleidoscope of colourful buildings found at Tenby. As part of the UK’s only truly coastal National Park as well as an official National Trail of England and Wales, it offers the finest coastal walking along the British coastline. Stretching along in the more remote and rugged sections of the trail that recall the ancient ‘Land of Mystery and Enchantment’ you will have these secluded paths practically to yourself.
This scenic hiking trail is one of Scotland’s official Great Trails and a true hidden gem. Stretching for 187 Km (116 miles) across the Scottish coast from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Tay, it offers some of the finest coastal walking in Scotland but still manages to be a less crowded trail. Within easy reach of Edinburgh, the Fife Coastal Path passes through the some of the most picturesque harbours in Scotland at Dysart, Elie, Anstruther and Crail (one of the most photographed harbours in Europe). Later on, the trail visits the historic town of St. Andrews – the home of golf with the largest public complex in Europe. There are other historic sites and stunning beaches along the way and it ends just south of Dundee. This trail is wonderfully varied with plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife such as puffins and seals.
The trail of Connemara & The West of Ireland leads you through the stunning remote wilderness which inspired WB Yeats and painters such as Paul Henry. The legendary landscapes are home to ancient myths, iron age forts on the Aran Islands and sacred pilgrim sites such as Mám Éan where Saint Patrick is said to have rested while on his pilgrimage in the west. Along the route you will encounter lakes, forests, wetlands, mountain ranges, rivers and waterfalls. It finishes in the vibrant town of Westport, known for its great restaurants, lively pubs and warm atmosphere providing you with a worthy place to celebrate the end of a secluded hidden gem.
The Rob Roy Way is one of Scotland’s most historically fascinating yet less crowded trails. Stretching for 127km (79 miles) between Drymen and Pitlochry through the Lowlands, Highlands and past some spectacular Lochs in Perthshire. The trail follows the cattle drovers routes used by Jacobite rebels and Scotland’s famous outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. He was a folk hero of the late 17th and early 18th century who rebelled against the English. The route passes many historical sites such as Roman forts and viaducts, crannogs (iron age settlements), standing stones, stone circles and centuries old bridges. An underrated trail that offers a gateway into the heart of Scotland.
This is another fantastic trail which is underrated for the great hiking it offers and the variety of sites it passes through. The South Downs Way is a 160km (100 miles) trek that starts in the historic city of Winchester and then heads out into the rolling English countryside following ancients paths and past old Roman settlements. Further south, walk on the iconic clifftop chalk hills along the coast which open up to the panoramic views of the landmark location of the Seven Sisters cliffs often used in film and TV. The tour finishes at the Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne beside another iconic site of the white cliffs of Beachy Head. Despite being just an hours train journey from the bustling capital of London you will feel far away from city life on this sparsely populated trail, leaving you with the perfect opportunity to recharge and reconnect with nature.
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:
