Hiking Tours · UK HIKING TOURS
Good uk hiking tours cap their group sizes and fill weeks ahead. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how hard they really are.
Hike Yr Wyddfa with a local guide such as Simon, Tom, Keith, or Hywyn. This small-group outing takes about six hours, begins in Llanberis, and includes steady guidance, mountain stories, summit views, and support on the walk back down.
“We had an amazing time our guide Tom was the best he made the experience with all his advice and chatted to us all the way”
Travel from Inverness to Skye in a comfortable 16-seat minicoach with guides such as Tim or Murdoch. Walk the Cuillin Mountains, Fairy Glen, Quiraing, and Old Man of Storr, stop in Portree for lunch, and photograph Eilean Donan Castle. Expect a long, active day with changeable weather.
“Our tour guide Tim was not only funny & informative, he was THRILLED about the weather on the day we took this tour. It's about a 3 hour bus ride overall, but Tim kept us entertained with stories, tidbits & fun trivia. In Portree, had a lovely lunch at Relish (recommended by Tim) & got sandwiches for takeaway dinner (which we ate on the way back to Inverness that evening). The hikes at the Fairy Glen, The Quiraing & The Old Man of Storr were moderately difficult (wear hiking boots/shoes) with stunning views. Tim checked in on our group all the way up & back on each hike. The bus…”
Join Rishi for a 4 to 5 hour hike from central Edinburgh into the Pentland Hills. Expect a steep climb, wide views, Highland cows, sheep, birds, local stories, snacks, water, and an all-day bus ticket for the ride back.
“Rishi led an excellent tour of the Pentland Hills. We had a short bus ride to an easily accessible trail that was moderate hiking on good terrain. The hills were magnificent and we saw about a dozen Highland cows and two white wild horses. Rishi had a great wealth of knowledge to share about Edinburgh history, Scottish history in general, and geographical and geological history of the area, Rishi even pointed out numerous interesting facts about the flora and fauna of as we walked. Following the uphill we descended to a little reservoir and surrounding reforestation woods and then ended the hike by going through what I consider to be…”
Hike Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park in two hours with guides such as David or Sabine. You’ll use quieter local paths, hear stories about Edinburgh’s geology, wildlife, and past, and reach the 251-metre summit. Expect uneven ground, wind, and a real uphill workout.
“This hike kicked all of our butts but it was worth it! Dave, although fast paced, had great comments throughout and always made sure to wait up for those who were a bit slower. I would highly recommend for any one who enjoys nature and likes a little challenge!”
Meet Andy at Cardiff’s National Museum and ride in a small electric minivan to Pontneddfechan. Over about 15 km, follow rough forest paths to the Brecon Beacons’ waterfalls, hear local geology and industrial history, walk behind a fall, and possibly swim in the final pool.
“I was a great day!! The hiking itself is really beautiful and the guide excepcional. We were a small group and it was really appreciated because there's more confidence to talk to each other and enjoy the experience. Andy can give you conversation and it makes you feel like you know him like for ages, and Lyric (his dog) is so cute and makes the way entertaining with his jumps and races! Very cooool experience. I recommend it 100%! You won't regret it!”
Join guide Andy for a six-hour English-language hike from Pontneddfechan, near Glynneath. You’ll follow Welsh countryside paths to eight waterfalls, including Sgwd Gwladys, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, and the walk-behind Sgwd yr Eira. Bring lunch, sturdy boots, and moderate fitness.
“It was an awesome experience all the regular routes were easy-medium difficulty. But if you want to see everything and get down to some of the hidden parts of the waterfall it does take some skills, but doable. Definitely recommend but anyone with mobility difficulties I would reconsider vs do some hiking at home before coming here.”
Join Lewis for a three-hour walk from Calton Hill to Arthur’s Seat, with city views, Holyrood Palace, historic monuments, wildlife, and plenty of rest stops. The five-mile route includes a moderate 232-metre climb and finishes at Holyrood Car Park.
“The tour was great- Lewis did a really nice job sharing information and answering questions, without talking non-stop. The topics ranged from history to architecture to info on the plants and animals that live in the park. Overall, it was a great experience and I’m really glad that I decided to get a guide- I learned much more than if I’d just set out on my own. Thanks, Lewis!”
Join local guide Marcus for a two-hour, small-group hike from the King’s Gallery to Arthur’s Seat. Gain 250 metres, hear stories about Edinburgh, plants, and wildlife, then descend after sunset with a provided head torch.
“I loved it! HIGHLY recommend. Less noise, peace, beautiful views and a great tour guide.”
Join Mountain Leader Andy from Pontneddfechan for a six-hour, 15km circular hike to eight Brecon Beacons waterfalls. Expect 400m of gentle ascent, muddy ground, forest paths, waterfall viewpoints, and chances to walk behind the falls. Small groups are limited to eight.
“I do encourage anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the Breton and Beacons in a nice joyful company to join Andy in this trip. The route allows you to experience various landscapes in a good pace, making it suitable even for those who don’t have prior experience. I totally recommend it.”
Meet Rishi at King’s Theatre for a half-day hike through the Pentland Hills. Walk 5 to 6 miles with 493 meters of climbing, learn about Celtic history, geology, plants, and wildlife, and use the included all-day bus ticket to return to Edinburgh.
“Rishi was a great guide. The hike was great fun. He took great care of everyone. In addition to the hike, Rishi gave us lots of information about the landscape, Edinburgh and nature. We felt very comfortable and would definitely book a hike with him again. Thank you Rishi for this great experience and the hike.”
Meet Mountain Marcus at the King’s Gallery for a two-hour, five-kilometre hike to Arthur’s Seat. You’ll use quieter paths, climb 250 metres, and hear about Edinburgh’s plants, wildlife, and scenery from a qualified Mountain Leader.
“very nice introduction about the landscape and how the plants grow on the mountain”
Follow local guide Paul from Waterloo Station across Westminster, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s, Borough Market, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. This 4.5-hour walk covers just over 10km, with photo stops, London stories, a 45-minute market break, and an optional pub stop.
“This tour was absolutely amazing!!! It ended up only being me and the tour guide, Paul. I was worried that it was going to get canceled, but thankfully it didn’t. Paul took me all around London, keeping the entire tour. I was so happy because I wanted to get out and see the sights right away after arriving in London so it’s an accurate description to say that you will see everything…you definitely will! Honestly; this tour well exceeded all of my expectations and I’m very grateful to Paul for making this happen! Thank you so much!!! :)”
Water, rock, ice or forest. Choose the terrain and the list follows.
