Great Britain and Ireland – West Highland Way, Coast to Coast and more classics

HikingStore |15/10, 2026

Hiking tent on a grassy area in the Scottish Highlands with mountains in the background

This is part 5 of 8 in the Europe section of the World's Walking Trails series. After the Alps, the Dolomites, the Pyrenees and Corsica, we move on to an area where the weather often sets the pace and where access rules vary between countries. The British long-distance trails are well marked, but marking does not make the terrain dry or the rules the same everywhere.

Six long-distance trails – from the Scottish Highlands to the Irish coast

West Highland Way: 154 km through the Scottish Highlands

The West Highland Way runs 154km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. The official route is divided into eight stages, but you can plan it over 5–8 days . Seven days is a common plan for someone walking their first long distance; choose shorter stages if you want time for breaks or if your body needs recovery.

The trail passes Loch Lomond, continues across the open Rannoch Moor and climbs over the Devil's Staircase before continuing towards Fort William and the views of Ben Nevis. The terrain alternates between paths, gravel roads and wetter ground. April–October is the usual walking season, but early and late summer can offer calmer conditions than high summer.

Scotland's little biting midges are often at their most troublesome between June and August, especially at dawn and dusk and when the air is still. Pack mosquito repellent and a head net. The official West Highland Way website has up-to-date route information and stage distances.

Coast to Coast Walk: a classic with new National Trail status

The Coast to Coast Path runs 190 miles, approximately 305 km, from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea. The trail was granted official National Trail status and opened in that form in 2026. It crosses the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, with mountains, valleys, moors and farmland along the way.

Alfred Wainwright described his classic walk in 1973, suggesting twelve stages. In practice, many people choose to split the walk over two to three weeks, especially if they want to keep the days short. The new National Trail route may differ from older guidebooks, so check the current National Trails information before setting off. The Wainwright Society is preserving Wainwright's legacy; the new trail is managed through a special partnership.

Pennine Way: Britain's toughest classic

The Pennine Way stretches 268 miles, about 431 km, from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border. It is England's oldest National Trail and one of the most demanding. Most people who walk the entire route plan on 16–19 days .

Peatlands, moors, exposed ridges and long distances between service points mean that both fitness and navigation are important. Mid-May to September is the most common period. The trail can be walked year-round, but winter conditions require knowledge of snow, ice, short days and navigation in poor visibility. Wet peatlands are still a reality after rain – and sometimes even after several dry days. See the National Trails map and planning advice .

Offa's Dyke Path: borderlands, history and coast

Offa's Dyke Path is 177 miles, approximately 285 km, from Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow to Prestatyn on the Irish Sea. The path often follows the historic earthwork and moat built by King Offa in the 8th century. It runs through the Welsh borderlands, with coastline at both ends, valleys and woodlands, and higher, open moorland.

About two weeks is a typical plan for the entire trail. Some parts can of course be walked separately; the Chepstow–Knighton section is about 96 miles and Kington–Knighton is about 13.5–14 miles, depending on the chosen division of stages. The official National Trails website shows route information and current deviations.

Hadrian's Wall Path: an accessible first long walk

Hadrian's Wall Path is 84 miles, about 135 km, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. The walk follows parts of the Roman border wall and passes forts, museums and open countryside. Six stages are a common arrangement: Wallsend–Heddon-on-the-Wall (15 miles), on to Chollerford (15.5), Steel Rigg (12), Walton (16.25), Carlisle (11) and finally Bowness-on-Solway (14.75). Many walk it in six to seven days.

The trail is relatively accessible for a first long walk in England, but some parts are more demanding than the map suggests. National Trails particularly highlights the Chollerford–Birdoswald section for its repeated short climbs and descents. May–October is a common season. Read up-to-date information at National Trails .

Kerry Way: nine stages around the Iveragh Peninsula

The Kerry Way is a circular National Waymarked Trail from and to Killarney on the Iveragh Peninsula. The official route is given as approximately 215 km; other estimates vary with route choice and measurement method. The nine classic stages pass through Killarney, Black Valley, Glencar, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem and Kenmare before returning to Killarney.

Here you’ll find mountains, sea and the Atlantic coast, with views of the Ring of Kerry landscape. The weather can change quickly, and the long stages mean it’s wise to check accommodation and daily distances in advance. The official Kerry Way website describes the stages and warns of dangerous mountain passes and water crossings in the event of weather warnings.

Complementary Coastal Tour: Causeway Coast Way

The Causeway Coast Way in Northern Ireland is around 52km between Portstewart and Ballycastle. It passes by the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede, among other places. It's a nice shorter extension rather than a long route of the same extent as the six routes above. Check tides and current road conditions; some stretches of coast can be difficult to navigate at high tide. Outdoor Recreation NI's guide describes the route and local advice.

Access rights differ clearly between countries

This is the most important practical difference compared to many trails on the continent. The marking of a hiking trail is not the same as a general right to camp.

In Scotland, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides a statutory right to responsible access over large areas of land and inland waters. Responsible access includes leaving no trace, avoiding disturbing people and wildlife, and keeping a distance from homes, gardens and crops. Responsible wild camping is included in this broad right, but it is not without limitations.

An important exception is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Within designated camping management zones, special rules apply from 1 March to 30 September : you need a permit to camp in permit areas, or you must use an organised campsite. Check the park’s current maps and rules before your trip – wild camping is not freely permitted everywhere in Scotland. Read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the park’s camping information .

In England and Wales, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provides access for outdoor recreation on designated open access land , such as certain mountains, moors, heaths, downs and registered commons. This right does not include camping . The right to walk otherwise follows the established network of public footpaths and other rights of way . Wild camping generally requires permission from the landowner, with special exemptions under certain conditions on parts of Dartmoor. Plan for authorised campsites, B&Bs, hostels or hotels. See GOV.UK's guidance on open access .

In Ireland there is no general right of way. Waymarked trails are based on agreements with landowners, so stay on the marked trail and respect signs and any closures. In short, Scotland's rules are closest to the right of way in the Nordic countries and the Pyrenees; England, Wales and Ireland have significantly narrower rights.

Season, safety and accommodation

April to October is often the most practical time for walking, but the weather can change quickly even in the middle of summer. Fog, heavy rain and wet ground are regular occurrences. After winter rains, paths can be flooded, damaged or difficult to follow. The Pennine Way requires special winter training if you are walking outside of the normal season. In the Scottish highlands, particularly the Cairngorms and western Highlands, weather conditions can be arctic. Check the Met Office Mountain Weather and, in Scotland, the Mountain Weather Information Service .

Accommodation along the trails includes hostels, B&Bs, guesthouses, hotels and campsites. Book early in high season, especially along the West Highland Way and Coast to Coast. Some villages have limited beds. Luggage transfers are available on several trails, making it possible to walk with a lighter daypack. Trains and buses reach many start and end points, but check timetables and connections before locking in your itinerary.

The emergency number is 999 or 112 in the UK and 112 in Ireland . Have insurance that covers mountain rescue and relevant medical care. Mountain Rescue in the UK is made up of volunteers and should be contacted in the event of a genuine emergency, not for planning assistance. Tell someone your route and estimated time of arrival; mobile phone coverage may be poor.

Equipment: prioritize protection and recovery

British trails are often wet even in summer. Waterproof shoes or shoes that suit your walking style, rain gear and layers will therefore outweigh the few grams of weight savings. Bring a map and offline maps, a headlamp, first aid kit and extra warm clothing. For Scotland in the summer, a head mosquito net is a small but useful addition.

If you're wild camping in Scotland outside restricted zones, you'll need a wind-resistant tent and sleeping gear that can handle cold, damp nights. A sleeping bag that's too thin or a sleeping pad with insufficient insulation can lead to ground chill and poor recovery – and the next day's walk will quickly feel like a sore leg. Choose your sleeping bag based on temperature and use, not just weight; our guide to bird down in sleeping bags explains, among other things, the quality of the down and why fill weight matters.

See tents , backpacks , sleeping pads and sleeping bags as part of the same system: what should each item handle, and what kind of night are you preparing for? Those sleeping in booked accommodation can leave their tents and sleeping systems at home. Those camping need to balance lower weight with stability, waterproofness and warmth. Our summer packing list can help you check the basics.

Next part: Camino de Santiago and the Iberian Peninsula

From the British moors, coast and Scottish Highlands, the series continues south again. In part 6 , the Camino de Santiago and the Iberian Peninsula await, with pilgrimage routes and long-distance routes where heat, water and stage planning take on a different role.