The UK is renowned for its spectacular hiking trails, with well-known spots like the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands attracting millions of outdoor enthusiasts every year. However, beyond these popular destinations lie hidden gems—lesser-known trails that offer the same breathtaking views, unique landscapes, and a sense of solitude. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and discover some of the UK’s best-kept hiking secrets, here are some hidden gems worth exploring.

1. The Black Mountains, Wales

Nestled in the southern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Black Mountains offer a quieter alternative to the more crowded trails of the park. This area is filled with undulating ridgelines, moorlands, and tranquil valleys. The hike to the summit of Waun Fach, the highest peak in the Black Mountains, is particularly rewarding, providing stunning views over the surrounding Welsh countryside. The trails here are relatively quiet, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature without the usual crowds.

2. The Trossachs, Scotland

Often overshadowed by the rugged beauty of the Highlands, the Trossachs offers a peaceful yet equally beautiful hiking experience. Located between Loch Lomond and the Forth Valley, this area is full of forests, lochs, and rolling hills. The Ben A’an hike, with its panoramic views of Loch Katrine, is one of the best in the region. Unlike the busy Highlands, the Trossachs offers a more secluded atmosphere, making it perfect for those looking to escape into nature.

3. The Cotswold Way, England

While the Cotswolds are famous for their charming villages and rolling hills, the Cotswold Way National Trail is often overlooked by tourists. Stretching 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, this trail takes hikers through quintessential English countryside, including ancient woodlands, limestone escarpments, and picturesque market towns. It’s perfect for those looking for a relatively easy and scenic hike with plenty of history and culture along the way.

4. The North York Moors, England

The North York Moors offer a fantastic hiking experience with their vast heather-clad hills, deep valleys, and rugged coastlines. While the moors are known to locals, they remain less popular among international hikers. The trail to the top of Roseberry Topping provides sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and the Cleveland Way offers a chance to explore the diverse terrain of the moors and the stunning coastline. With its quiet beauty, the North York Moors are ideal for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path hiking adventure.

5. The Brecon Beacons, Wales (Fforest Fawr)

Though the Brecon Beacons are well-known, the Fforest Fawr area offers a more tranquil experience compared to its busier counterparts. With ancient woodlands, sweeping hills, and rugged cliffs, the area provides an abundance of hiking opportunities. The trail up to the summit of Fan Fawr offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Fforest Fawr area also features stunning waterfalls, including the picturesque Sgwd Clun-gwyn waterfall.

6. The Isle of Harris, Scotland

Located in the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Harris offers a stunning, remote hiking experience. Known for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and breathtaking mountain views, Harris is a hidden gem for adventurous hikers. The trail to the top of Clisham, the highest point on the island, provides panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Harris is perfect for those seeking isolation and natural beauty far from the crowds.

7. The South Downs Way, England

While the South Downs Way is a popular trail for locals, it’s often overlooked by international hikers in favor of more iconic locations. This 100-mile trail runs from Winchester to Eastbourne, taking in beautiful chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and scenic villages along the way. The views across the countryside, particularly from the Seven Sisters cliffs, are stunning. The South Downs Way offers an excellent balance of nature and culture, with historic sites like the Iron Age hill forts of Old Winchester Hill and the South Downs’ ancient villages.

8. The Pennine Bridleway, England

The Pennine Bridleway is a long-distance trail primarily designed for horse riders, but it’s also an excellent choice for hikers. The trail runs through the heart of England, stretching from Derbyshire to the Scottish border. The section through the Yorkshire Dales is particularly striking, with its wild, open moorlands and picturesque valleys. Hikers on the Pennine Bridleway can experience a quieter and less touristy part of England’s beautiful countryside, far from the more crowded walking paths of the Lake District or Peak District.

9. The Dartmoor National Park, England

Dartmoor is a beautiful yet often underappreciated hiking destination in the South West of England. With its unique granite tors, boggy moorlands, and rich history, Dartmoor offers a hiking experience like no other. The hike to the top of Haytor offers fantastic panoramic views, and the trek along the river Dart allows hikers to explore Dartmoor’s wild and untamed nature. While popular with locals, Dartmoor remains a hidden gem for those unfamiliar with the area.

10. The Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

The Mourne Mountains, located in County Down, are a haven for hikers who enjoy rugged, challenging terrain with dramatic views. The Mournes are often overshadowed by the more famous peaks of Scotland and Wales, but they offer some of the best hiking experiences in the UK. The hike to the summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, is a popular choice, offering stunning views over the Mourne Wall and Mourne River. The Mournes are perfect for those looking to explore Northern Ireland’s untouched beauty.