The Uk Hiking Index Best Uk Hiking Routes And Walking Trails | adidas UK

Britain's Hiking Boom Has a Confidence Problem

More Brits are heading outdoors than ever, with hiking now the fastest-growing activity on route planning platform komoot, up 39% year on year, while Google searches for “hike near me” have risen 136% in the past three months. But as interest grows, new adidas research suggests confidence and preparation are not always keeping pace. Nearly half of UK hikers (47%) say they would hike more if routes were better matched to their ability, while a third (33%) do not feel they have the right footwear or clothing.

This gap is especially clear among the groups driving hiking’s growth. Perhaps surprisingly, city dwellers and Gen Z hikers are heading outdoors more often than anyone else, but many also report practical barriers around navigation, weather, footwear and knowing which routes match their fitness level. From choosing outdoor shoes built for the route to layering effectively for fast-changing UK weather, getting the basics right makes every hike safer and more enjoyable.

To help more people get outside with confidence, we've created the ultimate UK Hiking Index for 2026 in partnership with komoot. Our index ranks more than 100 UK hiking routes across quality, popularity, ease of access and affordability, then organises them by experience level from beginner-friendly to challenging so you'll be able to find the best walking trail to suit your needs and ability.

You'll also find regional guides for hikes near London, the Scottish Highlands, the coast and the UK's fastest-trending trails for 2026.

Contents

• Key Findings
• How Brits Are Hiking
• How We Ranked the Hikes
• The Best Beginner Hikes
• The Best Moderate Hikes
• The Best Challenging Hikes
• The Best Hikes Near London
• The Best Scottish Hikes
• The Best Coastal Hikes
• Top Trending UK Hikes
• Why More Brits Are Hiking
• Expert Hiking Advice
• Methodology

Key Findings

• Hiking is komoot’s fastest-growing outdoor activity, increasing by 39% year on year, while 50% of Brits say they want to hike more often than they currently do.
• Confidence is one of the biggest barriers to participation, with 47% of hikers saying they would hike more if routes were better matched to their ability.
• Gen Z hikers are especially affected by the confidence gap, with 56% saying they would hike more if they knew routes matched their fitness level.
• City dwellers are among the UK's most active hikers, averaging 4.9 hikes per month, with 51% planning to take on a harder hike this year.
• Gen Z hikers are hiking more than any other age group, averaging 5.1 hikes per month, and spending £432 a year on hiking gear, compared with the national average of £280.
• Proper gear makes a difference, with 83% of beginners saying they feel more confident with proper footwear.
• Beginner-friendly routes remain important, with 78% of people sticking to hikes under one hour.

How Brits Are Hiking in 2026: Habits, Trends and Behaviours

To understand how the hiking scene in the UK is developing, we surveyed over 2,500 UK adults on their habits, confidence levels and spending. The findings show how hiking has moved into everyday life, especially among younger and city-based audiences.

Hiking Is Becoming Part of Everyday Life in the UK

Hiking is becoming a regular habit for many Brits. On average, people are heading out on 3.5 hikes a month, spending around 99 minutes on each trip. More casual walking happens even more frequently, averaging 14 times per month at around 61 minutes per walk.

For some, it is already a regular habit. One in four (25%) say they hike every week, while advanced hikers average as many as 9.5 hikes per month.

More Brits Want to Hike - and Take on Bigger Challenges

Half of Brits (50%) say they want to hike more often, and 46% are open to exploring hikes elsewhere in the UK. Right now, shorter hikes are still the most popular - over three quarters (78%) typically stick to hikes under an hour, showing that quick, accessible routes remain the entry point for most people.

But ambition is increasing. One in ten (11%) have taken a hiking holiday abroad, and 8% have completed multi-day hikes.

Grace Wilson, Senior Community Manager at komoot, adds: "Multi-day hiking is on the rise in the UK, with longer-duration recordings increasing by around 10–20% year-on-year over the past three years."

This points to a clear progression from shorter, local walks towards more challenging and immersive hiking experiences.

Britain’s New Hikers Are Young, Urban and Ambitious

Britain's fastest-growing group of hikers doesn't live near the trails. Younger and city-based hikers are helping to reshape outdoor participation.

City dwellers average 4.9 hikes per month, compared with 3.1 among those living in towns and 3.5 among rural residents. They are also more likely to be looking for a bigger challenge, with 51% planning to take on a harder hike this year, compared with 32% of people in towns and 27% of rural residents.

Gen Z are also driving the shift as those aged 18-28 now average 5.1 hikes per month, more than any other age group. They also spend more on hiking gear than the national average, investing £432 a year compared with £280 across all UK adults.

Confidence On The Trail Starts Before You Set Off

But the barriers they report are not just about cost or motivation. For many, they come down to confidence, navigation and knowing which routes are right for their ability.

Almost half of hikers, 47%, say they would hike more if routes were better matched to their ability. Among Gen Z, that rises to 56% who say they would hike more if they knew routes matched their fitness level. A further 50% worry about getting lost on unfamiliar routes, 49% say they would hike more with better navigation skills, and 58% say they prefer hikes with clear signage.

City-based hikers face similar practical barriers. Nearly half, 45%, say unsuitable hiking footwear or clothing has stopped them hiking as often as they would like, compared with 31% in towns and 29% in rural areas. Half say weather uncertainty puts them off, while 41% have concerns about navigation.

Those challenges matter as more hikers look for new routes. Many of the UK’s most motivated hikers are also the ones most likely to face practical concerns around equipment, weather and navigation. For beginners, the right gear can make a real difference too, with 83% saying proper footwear makes them feel more confident.

How Hiking Spend Changes With Experience

As hiking becomes more regular, investment in the outdoors increases too. On average, Brits spend £280 on hiking gear, alongside £112 on subscriptions or memberships and £240 on hiking trips.

Outdoor accessories and technology account for the highest spend within gear categories, averaging £79.92 across all adults. People are not just buying into hiking as a lifestyle, they are investing in the essentials that help them plan, track and enjoy their routes.

Among advanced hikers, total annual spend climbs to £1,290, showing how participation can deepen over time. What starts as a short local walk can become a more regular outdoor habit, with kit, travel and route planning becoming part of the experience.

How We Ranked the Best UK Hiking routes

To help compare the UK’s best hiking routes across different categories, we created a data-led ranking based on four key pillars: quality, popularity, ease of access and affordability.

Each route was scored using a weighted index across 10 metrics, combining route data from komoot with wider indicators such as search demand, social engagement, transport links and overall costs. This approach makes it easier to identify hikes that balance scenic quality, practical logistics and real-world cost.

Safety Note

The routes in this guide are organised by difficulty level and intended experience. The challenging routes section is for experienced hikers only. These routes are not suitable for beginners or for anyone without appropriate gear, fitness and navigation skills.

Whatever your level, always:

• Match the route to your ability and the conditions on the day
• Wear footwear and clothing suited to the terrain and weather
• Carry a map and compass, not just a phone, and know how to use them
• Check the mountain or local forecast before you set off
• Tell someone your route and expected return time
• Carry enough food, water and layers for the full route

Mountain Rescue teams are volunteers. One of the best ways to support them is to plan properly and avoid preventable callouts.

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in the Uk

To kick of our list of the best places to hike in the UK, we've picked five routes that are perfect for beginners. The top five beginner hikes in the UK are defined by short distances, manageable elevation, and relatively low time commitment. Every route sits up to 1,000 ft and can typically be completed in around two hours or less, making them ideal entry points for those building confidence and at the beginning of their hiking journey.

Best beginner-friendly UK hikes:

1. Giant’s Causeway via The Amphitheatre (County Antrim, Northern Ireland) Easy | 2.8 miles | 1.3 hours | 314 ft ascent

A coastal walk to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a standout beginner route thanks to its short distance and easy-to-follow paths.

2. Cheddar Gorge Loop (Somerset, South West England) Easy | 3.6 miles | 1.9 hours | 863 ft ascent

A scenic route through England’s largest gorge, offering an accessible way to experience dramatic landscapes on a shorter walk.

3. Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk (Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog, South Wales) Easy | 4.5 miles | 2.0 hours | 394 ft ascent

A woodland trail linking multiple waterfalls, offering a varied and immersive nature experience while remaining manageable for beginners.

4. Warpers Trail (Lancashire, North West England) Easy | 2.9 miles | 1.3 hours | 142 ft ascent

A gentle countryside walk through open farmland and quiet rural paths, offering an easy, low-effort route suited to beginners or those looking for a short walk.

5. St. Abb’s Head Trail (Scottish Borders, Scotland) | Easy | 3.5 miles | 1.6 hours | 338 ft ascent

A coastal clifftop route with sea views and abundant wildlife, offering a rewarding but steady introduction to coastal hiking.

The Giant’s Causeway walking trail takes the top spot at just 2.8 miles and 1.3 hours, making it the best entry point. Its 4.9 rating and over 1,800 recorded hikers show that it combines accessibility with strong route quality. Cheddar Gorge and the Four Waterfalls Walk extend the distance slightly, but still remain firmly within beginner-friendly territory, offering a balance between scenery and manageable effort.

Warpers Trail and St. Abb’s Head, round out the top five, both sitting under 3.5 miles with minimal elevation. Warpers Trail is particularly noteworthy for its transport links, while St. Abb's Head offers strong mobile signal coverage at 81%, giving newer or more cautious hikers an added layer of reassurance when starting the trail.

The Best Moderate Hikes in the UK

A step up in distance, elevation or both. These routes suit hikers with some experience who are looking to progress beyond shorter walks without venturing into genuinely demanding terrain.

Best moderate UK hikes:

1. Bakewell & Hassop Monsal Trail Loop (Peak District, East Midlands, England) | Moderate | 3.7 miles | 1.6 hours | 267 ft ascent

A scenic, traffic-free trail along a former railway line, featuring tunnels, viaducts and easy terrain.

2. Buttermere Loop (Lake District, North West England) | Moderate | 4.9 miles | 2.1 hours | 205 ft ascent

A picturesque lakeside walk surrounded by dramatic fells, often considered one of the most scenic routes in the Lake District.

3. Yr Wyddfa via Pyg & Miners Track (Eryri / Snowdonia, North Wales) | Moderate | 7.6 miles | 4.9 hours | 2,245 ft ascent

A varied and scenic route combining lakes, rocky terrain and some of the best summit views in North Wales.

4. Ladybower & Derwent Dam Loop (Peak District, East Midlands, England) | Moderate | 8.0 miles | 3.4 hours | 308 ft ascent

A reservoir walk with forest trails, open water views and iconic dam architecture.

5. Lose Hill Summit Loop (Peak District, East Midlands, England)| Moderate | 7.0 miles | 3.5 hours | 1,328 ft ascent

A rewarding loop with panoramic views across the Hope Valley and beyond.

The Bakewell and Hassop loop on the Monsal Trail takes the top moderate spot, and its popularity speaks for itself, with 33,450 monthly Google searches, it is the most searched route in the entire ranking. At just 3.7 miles and 267 ft of ascent, it sits at the gentler end of moderate, making it a natural stepping stone from beginner routes. Transport access is strong too, with Bakewell station around 0.6 miles from the start, and cafés and facilities along the way.

Buttermere and Ladybower offer a scenic, water-centred walk that draws repeat visitors. Buttermere is one of the most hiked routes in the Lake District, with over 4,500 people logging it on komoot and a 4.8 rating from more than 440 reviews.

Yr Wyddfa via Pyg and Miners Track represents a genuine step up, 4.9 hours and over 2,200 ft of ascent, but remains manageable for prepared hikers, with over 8,500 people having completed it. Lose Hill, in fifth, introduces proper ridge-walking with its 1,328 ft of elevation gain and 4.9 rating from nearly 400 reviews.

The Best Challenging UK Hikes

All five of these challenging UK hikes involve significant elevation, demanding terrain and conditions that can change rapidly. None of them are suitable for beginners or for those without the right gear and navigation experience.

Best challenging UK hikes:

1. Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire and the Humber) Difficult | 25.2 miles | 12.7 hours | 4,649 ft ascent

A classic endurance route linking three iconic peaks, known for its panoramic views and challenge-driven appeal.

2. Llanberis Path up Yr Wyddfa (Eryri / Snowdonia, North Wales) Difficult | 8.7 miles | 5.3 hours | 3,037 ft ascent

The most gradual route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, offering expansive mountain views and a popular first summit experience.

3. Edale to The Woolpacks (Peak District, East Midlands, England) Difficult | 8.0 miles | 4.0 hours | 1,269 ft ascent

A rugged moorland hike leading to striking rock formations, offering a more remote and wild Peak District experience.

4. Beachy Head Lighthouse Loop (East Sussex, South East England) Difficult | 15.4 miles | 7.0 hours | 1,710 ft ascent

A dramatic coastal hike along chalk cliffs, offering some of the UK’s most iconic seaside scenery.

5. Box Hill, Mickleham Downs & Denbies Vineyard Loop (Surrey Hills, South East England) Difficult | 11.7 miles | 5.5 hours | 1,489 ft ascent

A varied Surrey Hills route combining woodland trails, open downs and vineyard views.

Yorkshire Three Peaks tops both the challenging category and the overall UK Hiking Index. Covering 25.2 miles over approximately 12.7 hours, with 4,649 ft of ascent across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, it is firmly geared towards experienced hikers. Despite its difficulty, it remains one of the UK's most popular long-distance hikes. Over 5,000 hikers have logged it on komoot, alongside more than 27,000 monthly Google searches. What sets it apart in the index is its ease of access, the start point is just 0.4 miles from the nearest train station, with 79% mobile signal coverage and accommodation averaging around £129 per night.

The Llanberis Path sits in second place as the most gradual route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. At 8.7 miles and 3,037 ft of ascent, it is a serious undertaking but benefits from the most affordable accommodation among the top three (approximately £82 per night).

Edale to The Woolpacks, in third, stands out for its remoteness and wild moorland terrain, with strong mobile signal coverage at 81% offering reassurance on more exposed ground. Beachy Head brings the strongest mobile signal in the list at 88% and a 4.9 rating, while Box Hill stands out as the closest challenging route to London at just 27 miles, drawing over 2,200 recorded hikers on komoot.

The Best Hikes Near London

For hikers based in or around London, the top nearby routes combine strong accessibility with standout scenery, making them ideal for day trips without travelling too far from the capital. All of the routes below sit within roughly 100 miles’ driving distance of central London, offering a mix of coastal views, countryside trails and relaxed parkland walks.

The Best Hikes Near London

1. Beachy Head Lighthouse Loop (East Sussex, South East England) | Difficult | 15.4 miles | 7.0 hours | 1,710 ft ascent | around 70 miles from London

Running along the South Downs, this coastal walking route near London offers sweeping views across the English Channel and the area’s iconic chalk cliffs.

2. Box Hill, Mickleham Downs & Denbies Vineyard Loop (Surrey Hills, South East England) | Difficult | 11.7 miles | 5.5 hours | 1,489 ft ascent | around 27 miles from London

A varied Surrey Hills route combining woodland trails, open downs and vineyard views, making it a standout option for a more challenging day hike.

3. Ashridge Estate & Ivinghoe Beacon Loop (Chiltern Hills, East of England) | Moderate | 8.8 miles | 3.9 hours | 874 ft ascent | around 40 miles from London

A classic Chilterns route featuring woodland, rolling hills and far-reaching views, offering a well-balanced countryside hike within easy reach of the capital.

4. Virginia Water Loop (Windsor Great Park, South East England) | Moderate | 4.6 miles | 1.9 hours | 99 ft ascent | around 25 miles from London

A relaxed lakeside walk near London with landscaped gardens and flat terrain, ideal for an easy and accessible day out.

5. Solent Way (Hampshire, South East England) | Easy | 4.4 miles | 1.8 hours | 89 ft ascent | around 91 miles from London

A gentle coastal route with open sea views and flat terrain, offering one of the most accessible seaside walks within reach of London.

All five routes offer a balance of accessibility and variety, from challenging coastal hikes to shorter, more relaxed walks. Beachy Head delivers the most dramatic scenery, combining high cliff paths with sea views. Box Hill stands out as a varied day route with woodland, downs and vineyard views within easy reach of the capital. Meanwhile, Virginia Water has over 1,400 recorded hikers on komoot, reinforcing its popularity as an accessible, high-footfall route close to London.

The Best Hikes in the Scottish Highlands

For those looking to explore more remote and dramatic landscapes, the Scottish Highlands offer some of the UK’s most iconic hiking experiences. Defined by rugged terrain, sweeping mountain views and a sense of scale that’s hard to match elsewhere in the UK, these routes are best suited to hikers looking for a more challenging and immersive experience.

Top Scottish Highlands hikes:

1. Ben Nevis Mountain Path (Scottish Highlands, Scotland) | Difficult | 10.1 miles | 6.4 hours | 4,303 ft ascent

The UK’s highest peak, offering a challenging but rewarding ascent with far-reaching summit views.

2. Glen River Trail (Scottish Highlands, Scotland) | Moderate | 6.1 miles | 4.7 hours | 2,655 ft ascent

A scenic trail through rugged Highland terrain, combining river valleys with steep climbs.

3. Ben Lawers Trail (Scottish Highlands, Scotland) | Moderate | 7.1 miles | 4.4 hours | 2,656 ft ascent

A high-altitude route with views across Loch Tay, known for its open ridgelines and distinctive Highland scenery.

4. Beinn Eighe Mountain Path Loop (Scottish Highlands, Scotland) | Moderate | 3.6 miles | 3.1 hours | 1,710 ft ascent

A shorter but steep route with panoramic views over Loch Maree and surrounding peaks.

5. Beinn Dorain loop (Scottish Highlands, Scotland) | Moderate | 11.3 miles | 4.9 hours | 728 ft ascent

A longer Highland route offering a mix of open landscapes and mountain backdrops, with a more gradual overall climb compared to other peaks.

Ben Nevis has the highest number of recorded hikers in the wider ranking, with over 12,000 people logging the route on komoot, highlighting its status as one of the UK’s most iconic climbs. Meanwhile, Glen River Trail and Ben Lawers deliver similarly high elevation gains over shorter distances, offering a more condensed but equally demanding experience.

The Best Coastal Hiking Routes in the UK

For those drawn to sea views and dramatic landscapes, the UK’s coastal routes offer some of the most visually striking hiking experiences. From rugged cliffs to sandy bays, these hikes combine fresh air, open views and varied terrain, making them popular across all experience levels.

Top coastal hiking routes in the UK:

1. Beachy Head Lighthouse Loop (East Sussex, South East England) | Difficult | 15.4 miles | 7.0 hours | 1,710 ft ascent

A dramatic clifftop route along the South Downs, offering iconic views over chalk cliffs and the English Channel.

2. St. Abb’s Head Trail (Scottish Borders, Scotland) | Easy | 3.5 miles | 1.6 hours | 338 ft ascent

A scenic clifftop walk overlooking the North Sea, known for its seabird colonies and expansive coastal views.

3. Old Harry Rocks Loop (Dorset Coast, South West England) | Easy | 3.9 miles | 1.8 hours | 395 ft ascent

One of the UK's shortest coastal routes that featuring dramatic chalk stacks and sweeping views along the Jurassic Coast.

4. Norfolk Coast Path (Norfolk Coast, East of England) | Easy | 2.6 miles | 1.1 hours | 35 ft ascent

A flat and accessible coastal walk with wide-open views, gentle terrain and classic North Norfolk scenery.

5. Bosherston Lily Ponds to Barafundle Bay Loop (Pembrokeshire Coast, South Wales) | Moderate | 6.1 miles | 2.6 hours | 249 ft ascent

A varied coastal route linking inland waterways with one of the UK’s most picturesque sandy beaches.

Beachy Head leads the coastal route ranking, combining cliff scenery with the strongest mobile signal performance in the coastal list at 88%. It has also been completed by over 3,000 recorded hikers. St. Abb’s Head, Old Harry Rocks and Norfolk Coast Path show the appeal of shorter, easier coastal routes, while Bosherston adds variety by linking inland paths with a standout beach finish.

The Top Trending UK Hikes for 2026

Top trending UK hiking routes for 2026:

1. Windermere Loop (Lake District, North West England) | +166% Moderate | 6.8 miles | 3.7 hours | 1,755 ft ascent

A scenic circuit around England’s largest lake, combining lakeside paths with mountain backdrops.

2. Llyn Idwal Loop (Eryri / Snowdonia, North Wales) | +124% Easy | 3.0 miles | 1.5 hours | 658 ft ascent

A dramatic glacial valley walk surrounded by rugged peaks in the heart of Eryri.

3. Cat Bells & Derwent Water Loop (Lake District, North West England) - +86% Moderate | 4.4 miles | 2.5 hours | 1,177 ft ascent

A classic Lake District hike offering panoramic views with relatively accessible terrain.

4. Conic Hill (Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland) | +78% Moderate | 3.0 miles | 1.8 hours | 1,029 ft ascent

A short but rewarding climb with iconic views over Loch Lomond.

5. Old Man of Coniston Summit Loop (Lake District, North West England) | +74% Moderate | 6.6 miles | 4.4 hours | 2,399 ft ascent

A challenging ascent with rich mining history and expansive summit views.

Windermere leads with a 166% year-on-year increase, while three of the top five trending hiking routes in the UK are in North West England, reinforcing the Lake District’s position as one of the UK’s most in-demand hiking destinations.

Why More Brits Are Getting Outdoors

Hiking’s growth is not happening by chance. More people are looking for ways to move, reset and spend time outside without needing a complicated routine.

Grace Wilson, at komoot, explains: “Hiking’s growth in the UK is being driven by a mix of accessibility and mindset shift and more people are looking for ways to stay active with a low barrier to entry. They also want to disconnect from screens, connect more socially and spend more time in nature. Hiking is an activity that fits easily into everyday life, whether that’s a short local walk around your schedule or a full-day route.”

Hiking’s Mental and Physical Health Benefits

For many, hiking is closely linked to improved mental and physical wellbeing. Over three quarters of Brits (78%) say it boosts their mood, rising to 85% among Baby Boomers. Meanwhile, 72% say it has had a positive impact on their overall lifestyle, showing how time outdoors is becoming embedded in everyday routines.

Corena Pezzella, Clinical Manager at Unobravo, Europe's largest online psychological centre, explains: “Time spent in natural environments has been associated, across several studies, with positive effects on psychological well-being and stress regulation. Activities such as hiking, which combine moderate physical movement with exposure to natural settings, are often linked to improved perceived mood, concentration capacity, and recovery from everyday stress.”

She also highlights the importance of accessibility and confidence when it comes to building sustainable habits. “A further relevant aspect concerns accessibility and the perceived sense of safety when starting and maintaining a habit. For many people, the main barrier is not motivation itself, but uncertainty regarding their ability to manage the activity. Having clear and realistic information about routes and difficulty levels may help reduce anticipatory perceptions of effort and support greater long-term consistency.”

How Social Media Is Changing Hiking Routes

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are increasingly shaping where people go. Over a third of hikers, 35%, say social media influences the routes they choose, rising to 51% among city dwellers, compared with 31% in towns and 28% in rural areas.

That inspiration can be a positive thing. A single post can help someone discover a new route, plan a weekend outdoors or feel more confident about getting started. But it can also concentrate footfall on the same highly visible places, with 55% of advanced hikers saying popular routes are now too crowded.

That doesn't mean people should stop discovering hikes online. It means route choice needs to be more thoughtful. Before heading somewhere because it looks good on a feed, check the difficulty, terrain, parking, public transport and weather, and look for quieter alternatives nearby.

Responsible hiking also means staying on marked paths, taking litter home, respecting wildlife and local communities, and choosing routes that match your experience. The outdoors is there to be enjoyed, but it also needs to be looked after.

Expert Hiking Advice: How to Choose The Best UK HIKING Routes

Choosing the right trail starts with being honest about your ability level. Opting for routes that match your fitness and experience makes hiking more enjoyable and helps build confidence over time. Starting with shorter, well-marked routes and gradually increasing distance and elevation is one of the most effective ways to progress safely.

How to Choose The Best hiking gear

Having the right hiking gear is just as crucial to ensure an enjoyable time exploring. In fact, 61% of Brits say their hike has been negatively impacted by poor footwear, highlighting how much the right setup affects comfort and performance. Supportive hiking shoes with good grip can reduce fatigue and improve stability, especially on uneven terrain.

In warmer conditions, breathability becomes key. Heavy or waterproof footwear can trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of discomfort and blisters, while lighter, more breathable hiking shoes help regulate temperature and keep feet dry.

The adidas TERREX FREEHIKER SL CLIMACOOL shoe is designed with this in mind - a lightweight, ventilated take on the FREEHIKER, built for comfort from city routes to light trails. With breathable engineered mesh, a perforated sockliner, Dreamstrike cushioning and a Continental outsole, it balances airflow, comfort and grip - making it a great shoe for summer hiking in the UK.

Grace Wilson, Senior Community Manager at komoot, explains: “Having the right footwear can make a big difference on the trail. A comfortable, supportive pair of hiking shoes or boots can help you stay stable on uneven ground and reduce fatigue over longer distances.

Your hiking clothing is just as important, particularly the use of a layering system, which allows you to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Adding or removing layers as the weather changes, or during more strenuous uphill sections, helps regulate body temperature and maintain comfort. In warmer weather, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics can also help keep you cool and comfortable on the move. “

In more changeable conditions, a flexible layering system of lightweight base layers, insulating mid-layers and weather-resistant outer layers lets you adapt quickly to changes in temperature, wind and rain. Choosing the right hiking shoes and clothes not only improves comfort, but also helps maintain your energy levels and confidence on the trail.

Final Note

Hiking is growing fast across the UK, but the data shows that confidence, not motivation, is what's holding people back. The most enthusiastic hikers are also the least prepared. That's the gap this guide exists to close.

The UK Hiking Index 2026 is designed to help you find routes that match your ability, understand what they demand, and get outside more often and more safely. With clear difficulty levels, honest safety information, and practical advice on hiking gear and preparation, the strong foundation you need to get you exploring the Great British outdoors is right here.

The outdoors is for everyone. But it asks that you meet it prepared. With the right walking route, the right hiking gear and the right information, more people can take that first step, keep progressing, and enjoy everything the UK's trails have to offer.

Explore our range of adidas outdoor shoes to starting hiking with confidence today.

Methodology

To understand hiking habits across the UK, we surveyed 2,547 UK consumers aged 18 and over. Respondents were asked about their hiking behaviour, confidence levels, barriers to participation, and spending, helping to build a clear picture of how people engage with the outdoors.

To identify the best hiking routes in the UK, we created a data-led index based on four key pillars, combining core route data (such as difficulty, distance and elevation) with broader measures of popularity, accessibility and affordability.

Quality (15%)

• Route rating on komoot

Route Popularity (40%)

• Number of reviews on komoot
• Number of people who completed the hike on komoot
• Google search volume (average monthly searches)
• Social media visibility

Ease of Access (25%)

• Distance from nearest train station (miles)
• Mobile signal coverage at the start point (%)
• Nearby outdoor equipment shops listed on Google Maps (per 10,000 people)

Note: This metric measures how easy a route is to reach and how well-connected it is. It does not indicate whether the route is suitable for beginners. Always check the difficulty level independently.

Affordability (20%)

• Average accommodation cost (per night, peak season)
• Car parking costs (full day or maximum stay)

Specific route data was provided by komoot, with over 1,000 UK routes initially analysed. These were cleaned and filtered (e.g. minimum rating and number of recorded hikers) to ensure reliability before being scored across all metrics.

Each metric was standardised and indexed to allow fair comparison across routes. Scores were then weighted and combined to generate an overall ranking. This approach ensures the final index reflects not only scenic quality, but also popularity, accessibility, and real-world cost considerations.