In this blog, we’ll highlight three of the most unmissable backpacking routes that should be on every wanderer's list. Discover iconic trails and stunning countryside in the UK this year!

 

1 - Pennine Way

The Pennine Way is England's first official national trail. It runs 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border.

Backpacking Itinerary:

  1. Edale to Crowden
  2. Crowden to Standedge
  3. Standedge to Calder Valley
  4. Calder Valley to Ickornshaw
  5. Ickornshaw to Malham
  6. Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale
  7. Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes
  8. Hawes to Tan Hill
  9. Tan Hill to Middleton-in-Teesdale
  10. Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton
  11. Dufton to Alston
  12. Alston to Greenhead
  13. Greenhead to Bellingham
  14. Bellingham to Byrness
  15. Byrness to Windy Gale
  16. Windy Gale to Kirk Yetholm

Trip details:

  • 268 miles or 431km
  • Varied terrain and recommended for experienced walkers
  • Combined ascent that exceeds the height of Mount Everest
  • Mid-May - September is the recommended time of year to visit,  but can also be enjoyed all year 
  • Part of the trip can be remote, so pack accordingly and be prepared

Trip Highlights

The Pennine Way, often regarded as one of the UK's greatest long-distance trails, offers a rich and varied backpacking experience. As you journey through this iconic route, here are some must-see highlights. 

Discover Stoodley Pike for striking panoramic views and Top Withens, which is said to have inspired Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights novel. Tan Hill is the highest pub in England. Cauldron Snout has waterfalls. Finally, Hadrian Wall offers a walk through history and insight into Roman Britain. 

Other parts that deserve mention are High Cup Nick, Pen-y-Ghent, and The Cheviot, which offers sweeping views of Northumberland.

 

2 - South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked footpath and a national trail stretching 630 miles. Running from Minehead to Poole Harbour, this backpacking route offers dramatic cliff scenery and can be enjoyed in small chunks or as a whole. Take a look at our backpacking itinerary below.

Backpacking Itinerary:

First Part: Minehead to Padstow 12 days walking

  1. Minehead to Porlock
  2. Porlock to Lynton
  3. Lynton to Ilfracombe
  4. Ilfracombe to Croyde Bay
  5. Croyde Bay to Instow
  6. Instow to Horns Cross
  7. Horns Cross to Hartland
  8. West Titchbury to Elmscott
  9. Elmscott to Upton
  10. Upton to Boscastle
  11. Boscastle to Port Issac
  12. Port Issac to Padstow

 

Second Part: Padstow to Looe 15 days walking

  1. Padstow to Treyarnon
  2. Treyarnon to Perranporth
  3. Perranporth to Portreath
  4. Portreath to Zennor
  5. Zennor to St.Just
  6. Cape Cornwall to Treen
  7. Treen to Penzance
  8. Penzance to Porthleven
  9. Porthleven to Lizard
  10. Lizard to Coverack
  11. Coverack to Helford Passage
  12. Helford Passage to Porthscatho
  13. Porthscatho to Mevigissey
  14. Mevigissey to Fowey
  15. Fowey to Looe

Third Part: Looe to South Haven Point 12 days of walking

  1. Looe to Portwinkle
  2. Portwinkle to Wembury
  3. Wembury to Hope Cove
  4. Hope Cove to Slapton
  5. Slapton to Brixham
  6. Brixham to Teignmouth
  7. Teignmouth to Sidmouth
  8. Sidmouth to Lyme Regis
  9. Lyme Regis to Abbotsbury
  10. Abbotsbury to Portland
  11. Portland to Lulworth
  12. Lulworth to Swanage
  13. Swanage to South Haven point

Trip details

  • Suitable for intermediate experienced hikers
  • Can be completed all at once in 60 days or shorter parts 
  • The total ascent is climbing Mount Everest 4 times over
  • Spring and Autumn are optimum times to enjoy fewer crowds and affordable accommodation options

Trip Highlights

The South West Coast Path stretches 630 miles across the coastlines of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. It is a dream route for backpackers exploring the UK's South-West. Top highlights include Exmoor cliffs with rugged moorland views. 

Discover the unique rock formations of Lynton and Lynmouth, but be careful when bumping into wild goats. Hartland Quay features the picturesque fishing villages of Clovelly, with charming shops and cobbled streets. 

Check out the Bedruthan steps near Newquay, a vibrant surfing town and a great place to stop for a Cornish pasty or two! St Ives and Zennor in Cornwall are also delightful and offer a chance to spot wild seals and seabirds.

Other memorable stops include: Lands End, Sennen Cove, Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast.

 

3 - London Thames Path

The London Thames Path, an 184-mile journey around Greater London, is a walk through history, past many historic landmarks and bridges. It is ideal for beginners and experienced walkers. Discover our itinerary below from Putney to Oxford.

Backpacking Itinerary:

  1. Richmond to Windsor
  2. Windsor to Shiplake
  3. Shiplake to Shillingford
  4. Shillingford to Swinford Bridge
  5. Swinford Bridge to Lechlade
  6. Lechlade to Cricklade

Trip details:

  • Can be completed in 7-10 days
  • Suitable for all walking abilities
  • Plenty of camping and accommodation options on the route

Trip Highlights

If you're backpacking on the London ThamPath, you'll experience a fantastic mix of history, culture, and riverside scenery. Highlights include the iconic Windsor Castle and the picture-perfect riverside village of Henley-on-Thames. 

Discover Swinford Bridge and Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire for nature lovers. The route ends in Cricklade which marks the westernmost navigable point of the river. See the Saxon town, dine at one of the traditional pubs or visit the North Meadow National Nature Reserve. 

This trip is an excellent choice for backpackers looking to start in the busy city of London and venture out towards the Cotswold Hills. Why not continue your journey through the Cotswold countryside?

 

A final note from us

Whether you're drawn to the rugged mountains of the Pennine Way and the breathtaking coastal scenery of the South West Coast Path or simply want to explore the history of the Thames Path, these three backpacking routes are undoubtedly unmissable. 

So, lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and embark on an incredible journey through Britain's top backpacking routes!

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Header image from UnSplash by Gary Ellis