Britain’s Most Underrated Hiking Trails (And Where to Base Yourself Nearby)
Britain is packed with world famous hiking destinations, but some of the country’s most rewarding walks are often overshadowed by the likes of the Lake District, Snowdonia, and Ben Nevis.
For travellers looking to escape the crowds, there is a different side to Britain’s hiking scene. Hidden coastal paths, rolling hill ranges, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes offer equally memorable experiences, often with far fewer people on the trail.
Many experienced walkers are also rethinking how they travel. Rather than booking hotels and sticking to a single destination, more outdoor enthusiasts are using motorhomes and caravans to explore multiple regions in one trip. According to leisure vehicle specialists Lowdhams, touring holidays are designed for travellers who want the freedom to stay closer to nature and adapt their plans as they go.
If you’re looking for your next walking adventure, these underrated trails deserve a place on your list, along with some excellent motorhome and caravan parks nearby.
The Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
The Malvern Hills offer some of England’s most spectacular views, yet they rarely receive the same attention as larger national parks. Stretching across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, the ridge provides a network of routes suitable for casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike.
The landscape combines open hilltops, woodland trails, and historic landmarks, while the views can extend across several counties on a clear day.
Where to base yourself nearby
For Worcestershire, Lowdhams suggested that the Blackmore Camping and Caravanning Club Site provides a convenient base for exploring the hills. Surrounded by countryside and located within easy reach of the trail network, it allows visitors to enjoy the scenery without the bustle of larger tourist destinations.
The Cleveland Way coastal section, North Yorkshire
While many visitors head straight for the Yorkshire Dales, the coastal stretch of the Cleveland Way remains one of England’s most overlooked long-distance walks.
The route passes towering cliffs, secluded coves, and charming fishing villages including Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay. Sea views accompany much of the walk, creating a sense of space that feels far removed from busier hiking destinations.
Where to base yourself nearby
For North Yorkshire, Lowdhams suggested that the Sandfield House Farm Caravan Park near Whitby offers easy access to several sections of this trail. Its location allows walkers to combine coastal hikes with time spent exploring one of Yorkshire’s most characterful seaside towns.
The Quantock Hills, Somerset
As England’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Quantock Hills have long been appreciated by those who know them. Yet they remain surprisingly quiet compared to many better-known walking areas.
Expect a varied landscape of heathland, wooded valleys, open moorland, and far-reaching views across the Bristol Channel. The combination of scenery and tranquillity makes the Quantocks a rewarding destination throughout the year.
Where to base yourself nearby
For Somerset, Lowdhams suggested that the Halsway Manor Caravan Park provides a peaceful countryside setting within easy reach of the hills. It’s an excellent option for walkers who want to spend several days exploring different routes throughout the area.
The Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
The Mourne Mountains deliver some of the most dramatic hiking in the British Isles. Granite peaks rise sharply from the surrounding countryside, creating a landscape that feels both rugged and remarkably unspoilt.
Routes range from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain ascents, making the area suitable for a variety of experience levels.
Where to base yourself nearby
For Northern Ireland, Lowdhams noted that the Tollymore Forest Park Caravan Park sits close to many of the region’s most popular walking routes. The combination of mountain views, woodland surroundings, and excellent facilities makes it a popular choice for touring visitors.
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Scotland’s national parks often attract the headlines, but Galloway Forest Park offers a different kind of adventure. Vast forests, peaceful lochs, and rolling hills create a sense of wilderness that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
The area is also known for its Dark Sky Park status, making it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing once the walking boots come off.
Where to base yourself nearby
For Scotland, Lowdhams suggested that the Galloway Forest Holiday Park places visitors in the heart of this landscape, with direct access to walking routes and spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.
The South West Coast Path around Exmoor
While Cornwall often receives the attention, the Exmoor section of the South West Coast Path remains one of Britain’s hidden treasures.
Walkers are rewarded with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, wooded valleys, and some of the highest coastal scenery in England. Wildlife sightings are common, adding another layer to the experience.
Where to base yourself nearby
For Exmoor, Lowdhams mentioned that the Lynton Camping and Caravanning Club Site provides an excellent base for exploring both Exmoor National Park and the surrounding coastline. Its location makes it easy to tackle different sections of the path without lengthy journeys.
Why touring holidays are gaining popularity among walkers
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by motorhome or caravan is flexibility. Instead of planning an entire holiday around a single hotel booking, walkers can move between destinations, stay closer to trailheads, and spend more time outdoors.
The ability to combine comfortable accommodation with access to some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes is helping more people discover hiking destinations they might otherwise overlook.
Walking beyond the obvious
Britain’s best hiking experiences aren’t always found in the places that dominate social media feeds and travel guides. Some of the country’s most memorable trails are hidden in quieter corners, waiting to be explored at a slower pace.
With a well-planned touring base and a willingness to venture beyond the obvious, these underrated routes offer a fresh perspective on the landscapes that make Britain such a rewarding place to explore on foot.
Top photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
