12 Incredible Hikes in the UK (By Month)
A year of stunning walks: The best hikes in the UK by month (one hike a month until the end of the year)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of walking in the UK, it’s that timing matters just as much as location. The same trail can feel completely different depending on the month — from snow-dusted ridges and roaring waterfalls to bluebell woods, golden bracken, and misty autumn valleys.
So if you’re planning ahead and saving for more adventures in 2026, here’s a month-by-month guide to some of my favourite UK hikes, chosen for when they’re at their very best.
Of course, we can never fully predict the weather conditions in the UK. Our summers can be rainy, our springs can be snowy, and our Octobers can be balmy. But nevertheless, these are walks I return to again and again — not because they’re always easy or quiet, but because each one has something unique to offer at the right time of year.
Winter: Quiet trails & dramatic conditions
January: Y Garn, Ogwen Valley, Eryri National Park
Where is it?
Y Garn sits above the Ogwen Valley in northern Eryri (Snowdonia), surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Wales. It rises directly above Llyn Idwal and Ogwen Cottage, making it one of the most accessible high peaks in the Glyderau range.
Why January?
Y Garn is beautiful year-round, but January transforms it into something special. If you get really lucky and arrive in January just as the snow does, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to The Alps.
The hike to view ratio is one of the strongest in Wales, offering incredible views for little mileage. So if you’re looking for a relatively short hike up to one of the higher peaks in Snowdonia National Park, then Y Garn is the summit for you.
Note: This is a serious mountain walk in winter conditions, so it’s one for confident hikers with the right kit. Please don’t attempt this one in winter conditions unless you have prior winter hiking experience.
Walk details
Start: Ogwen Cottage // Distance: 3 miles // Elevation: 1,800 feet // Duration: 2-3 hours
Where to park for Y Garn?
Paid parking is available next to the Ogwen partnership centre at the western end of Llyn Ogwen. If the car park is full, you’ll find additional free parking on the side of the A5 next to Llyn Ogwen.
February: Pistyll Rhaeadr, Mid Wales
Where is it?
Pistyll Rhaeadr is located in mid-Wales near the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, close to the Berwyn Mountains. It sits in a steep, wooded valley and is easily accessed from a dedicated car park. Pistyll Rhaeadr is often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The waterfall is formed by the Afon Disgynfa falling in three stages over a 240-foot cliff-face, into the Afon Rhaeadr below. The tallest stage is estimated at about 40 metres.
You’ll find a small car park at the foot of the waterfall, as well as a small café, and it’s a great place to explore the Berwyn Mountains (Berwyn comes from the Old Welsh ”bre”(hill) and ”gwyn”(shining white) and surrounding hills, with many walks on all levels to suit a variety of walkers.
Or if you’re looking for a short walk, you can simply walk from the car park to the falls in just a few minutes.
Why visit in February?
Late winter is peak waterfall season. After weeks of rain, Pistyll Rhaeadr is at its most powerful, with water thundering down the cliff face. February is ideal if higher ground feels uninviting but you still want something dramatic, accessible, and weather-dependent in the best way.
About the walk
Distance: Various (3 minute walk from car park, or options between 1-7 miles)
Where to park for Pistyll Rhaeadr
Parking for Pistyll Rhaeadr is available directly in front of the waterfall at Tan-y-Pistyll café.
Early spring hikes
March: Lake Vyrnwy + Rhiwargor Waterfall, Mid Wales
Where is it?
Lake Vyrnwy lies on the edge of Snowdonia National Park in Powys, surrounded by rolling hills and forested slopes. The Victorian dam and visitor centre form the main hub for walkers.
Why March?
As the hit-and-miss weather of March rolls in, you never know what you’re going to get: blue skies, hail, snow, or 20 degrees a couple of months early (sometimes all at once). Temperamental weather calls for easygoing but beautiful walks — and this one has ample amounts of both.
About the walk
There are a number of walks around the lake, ranging from one to five mile circular routes. Or you could venture further down the road to Rhiwagor Waterfall: a spectacular high waterfall, and one of the hidden gems of Wales. The waterfall gushes down the heather clad slopes of the valley of Afon Eiddew.
April: Hafren Forest, Mid Wales
Hafren Forest features a host of walking trails that are ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities, with short, twenty-minute options and longer rambles through the trees and along to the nearby waterfalls. Home to a fully accessible boardwalk circuit known as the Cascades Walk, this is a great one to save for early spring when the surrounding landscapes begin to bloom.
Usually a popular walk in cloudy conditions, this is a great route to save for a sunny day. The forest comes to life, and most visitors head for the nearby lakes and coast to soak up the sun, leaving the forest near-empty when I visited in April.
Blaen Hafren Falls Trail
The Blaen Hafren Falls Trail follows the boardwalk section of the Cascades Walk to its farthest point at the picnic table. From here, the two trails part ways, and the Blaen Hafren Falls Trail climbs straight ahead onto an undulating footpath that soon levels out to follow the Severn through the trees.
Start: Rhyd-y-benwch car park // Distance: Various // Difficulty: Easy
May: Shining Cliff Woods, Peak District
Where is it?
Shining Cliff Woods sits above the Derwent Valley near Matlock, tucked between steep slopes and old industrial ruins. It’s one of the Peak District’s quieter woodland areas.
The wood supports a diverse bird community including warblers, flycatchers and bramblings. In the spring, coppiced sycamore trees provide a canopy for a carpet of bluebells, something that can't be missed.
This is an easygoing walk, with a circular waymarked trail for visitors which pass by the remains of the Betty Kenny Tree (which is thought to be 2000 years old!).
Start: Rowsley or Holloway
Landscape: Ancient woodland, valley views, historic ruins
Navigation: Clear paths with gentle climbs
Why May: Peak bluebell season transforms the forest floor into a carpet of bluebells. A must-see
Good to know: Best to visit early morning or mid-week to avoid crowds
June: Catbells, Lake District
Where is it?
Catbells sits on the western side of Derwentwater in the Lake District, opposite Keswick. It’s one of the most accessible fells in the area, rising steeply from the lakeshore with well-used paths and constant views over the Borrowdale Valley.
At just 451 meters (1,480 feet), Cat Bells is accessible to beginners, families, and experienced hikers alike, making it one of the most beloved fells in the Lake District (and one of my own personal favourites).
What you’ll see:
Derwentwater stretching below almost the entire route
Views towards Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the Newlands Valley
Early summer light that makes this one of the most photogenic fells in the Lakes
About the route
Start: Hawse End (via ferry from Keswick) or Catbells car park near Little Town
Landscape: Open fell, short rocky sections, expansive lake views
Navigation: Clear, well-trodden paths throughout (short scrambling section)
Why June: Long daylight hours, fresh green fells, and usually more stable weather. Great to time with sunset.
Good to know: Popular, but manageable with an early start or ferry approach
July: Cadair Idris, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Where is it?
Cadair Idris rises above Dolgellau in southern Eryri, overlooking the Mawddach Estuary. It’s one of Wales’ most iconic mountains, known for its dramatic corrie lake and wide summit plateau.
About the route
The Cadair Idris horseshoe is named as one of the best summit hikes in Eryri (Snowdonia), and after my first hike here last July, it was clear to see why. Amazing views, stunning mountains, beautiful lakes – what more do you need?
Start: Minffordd Path car park
Landscape: Mountain lakes, steep paths, open plateau
Navigation: Clear paths in summer conditions
Why July: Long daylight hours suit a full mountain day
Good to know: Challenging but non-technical in dry weather
August: Rydal Cave + Loughrigg Fell, Lake District
Where is it?
This route sits between Grasmere and Rydal Water in the central Lake District, with easy access from Ambleside and surrounding villages. As far as small climbs in the Lake District go, Loughrigg Fell is right up there amongst the very best for impressive views. Perfect for families, perfect for all weathers and perfect for escapism, even if you only have half a day.
Why August?
Long evenings make sunset walks possible - a great route to time with sunset (Loughrigg Fell
Start: White Moss car park
Landscape: Lakes, open fell, cave viewpoint
Navigation: Clear paths throughout
Good to know: Busy midday, quieter later on
September: Raven Crag, Lake District
Where is it?
Raven Crag sits on the eastern side of Thirlmere reservoir, tucked into mixed woodland below the Helvellyn range.
Start: Thirlmere roadside parking
Landscape: Woodland ascent, reservoir views
Navigation: Clear, short route
Why September: Cooler air and early autumn colour in the surrounding woodland
Good to know: Short but rewarding viewpoint walk
Where is it?
Hardcastle Crags is a steep wooded valley just outside Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, centred around the historic Gibson Mill. Don’t miss a visit to Heptonstall after your walk, a beautiful sleepy village with cobbled streets.
Start: Gibson Mill
Landscape: Woodland valley, river paths, historic mills
Navigation: Waymarked routes
Why October: One of the best autumn colour locations in the North
Good to know: Paths can be muddy after rain
Where is it?
Win Hill sits within the Derwent Valley area of the Peak District, easily reached from Sheffield and Hope Valley, with beautiful views over Ladybower Reservoir.
Start: Various laybys and car parks, see more details here
Landscape: Gritstone edges, open hills, valley views
Navigation: Clear paths
Why November: Prime cloud inversion season
Good to know: Still mornings are best, great chance of catching a cloud inversion if the weather aligns
Where is it?
Alport Castles is in the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District, on the remote eastern side of Kinder Scout, between Hayfield and Castleton. It’s a vast landslip area rather than a traditional “castle”, made up of towering gritstone blocks scattered across the moorland edge.
What you’ll see
Huge, isolated gritstone towers rising out of the hillside
Wide, empty views across the Derwent Valley
Frosted moorland and occasional snow transforming the terrain
About the walk
Start: Fairholmes car park (Upper Derwent Valley) or Hayfield via the Snake Pass side
Landscape: Open moorland, steep valleys, dramatic rock formations
Navigation: Clear paths in places, but exposed and remote in winter conditions
Why December: Cold, clear days strip colour from the landscape, making the rock towers feel even more dramatic and otherworldly
Good to know:
Very exposed and can feel wild in winter weather
Best saved for calm, clear days with good visibility
Not ideal in high winds or poor visibility due to remoteness
