Discover the Wonders of England's Outdoors

Calling all hikers, bikers, and nature lovers—have you explored the majestic National Trails and National Parks of England? From dramatic coastlines to rolling hills and dense woodlands, England features a network of trails and parks that put you in the heart of nature’s finest spectacles. 

National Trails are long-distance hiking, biking, and riding routes that showcase the best landscapes in England, while National Parks are protected areas designed to preserve natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. 

If you’ve been dreaming of endless adventures on trails like the Cotswold Way or in parks like the Yorkshire Dales, this guide will show you why England’s outdoors should be your next destination. You'll also learn about self-guided hiking and biking tours, what makes each park unique, and how to plan your trip like a pro. 

Whether you're trekking through the North York Moors or cycling the Cornish coast, Macs Adventure is here to empower you to explore England’s extraordinary landscapes at your own pace.

Explore England’s Iconic National Trails and Parks

England’s National Trails and National Parks are celebrated globally for their beauty, cultural heritage, and accessibility. With 16 National Trails and 10 National Parks, these outdoor sanctuaries cater to adventure seekers of all levels. 

Did you know that England’s national trails are much more compact compared to the sprawling trails in the US? For example, the South Downs Way, at 100 miles long, could fit into the Appalachian Trail nearly 22 times, showcasing how England offers diverse, accessible adventures without the need for epic distances! Here's a quick overview of some standout names on the map.

Check out our guide to hiking in England for tips and advice > 

Must-Visit National Trails

•    South Downs Way 

Stretching for 100 miles from Winchester to the idyllic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs , this historic trail will take you through idyllic rolling hills and chalky cliffs. It’s perfect for both hiking enthusiasts seeking postcard-worthy views, and it’s only an hour away from London.  
Browse our South Downs Way self-guided hiking trips >

•    Cotswold Way 

At 102 miles long, ending in historic Bath, this trail takes you through quintessential English villages, woodlands, and ancient landmarks. It’s an experience steeped in history, natural beauty, and a warm rural spirit.

Browse our Cotswold Way self-guided hiking trips >
For more tips and advice, check out our guide to hiking in the Cotswolds>

•    Cleveland Way 

Love moody coastlines and dramatic edges? This trail shows off the best of the North York Moors National Park, winding through heather-covered moors before hugging the rugged Yorkshire coast. It’s a great option for active folks new to inn-to-inn hiking.
Check out our Cleveland Way self-guided hiking trip >

•    Pennine Way 

Known as the “backbone of England,” this trail is a bucket-list hike for seasoned adventurers. It spans 268 miles through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland National Parks.  It was England's first National Trail, opened in 1965, and is arguably the most famous one.
Browse our Pennine Way self-guided hiking trips >

•    Hadrian's Wall Path

Step back in time on this 84-mile trail along the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall. An ancient Roman fortification that runs from the east coast to the west coast, built in AD 122 to defend the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. It’s an easy to moderate hike that offers stunning views of rolling countryside and Roman history at every turn.
Browse our Hadrian’s Wall self-guided hiking trips >

•    South West Coast Path

At 630 miles, this is England’s longest trail. Wrapping around the coast of Cornwall in the southwest, you'll see dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. It’s perfect for those who love epic coastal scenery and a challenge. Macs offers trips that let you explore the route in stages if you want to tackle a section at a time.

Browse our South West Coast Path self-guided hiking trips >

•    Thames Path

Follow the iconic River Thames for 185 miles from its source to the city of London. This flat, easy-going trail is ideal for hikers of all levels, offering riverside pubs, historical landmarks, and tranquil countryside.
Browse our Thames Path self-guided hiking trips >

•    Coast to Coast  

As of 2022, the famous "Coast to Coast" path has been officially designated as a National Trail in the UK, marking a new milestone for this stunning route. Stretching 190 miles from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea, this trail offers a truly iconic walk through the diverse landscapes of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.
Browse our Coast to Coast self-guided hiking trips >

•    King Charles III Coast Path (previously the England Coast Path)  

This trail is set to become the world’s longest-managed coastal path at 2,700 miles. While still under development, Macs offers trips to key sections, including St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, the Cleveland Way, the South Downs Way, and the South West Coast Path, showcasing England's stunning coastal scenery.

Standout National Parks 

•    Lake District National Park 

England’s largest national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Northwest of England and famous for its lakes, rugged mountains, and timeless villages. It’s also home to part of the famous Coast to Coast trail, offering stunning journeys through the Lake District. 

For more tips and advice, check out our guide to hiking in the Lake District > 
Browse our Lake District self-guided hiking trips >

•    Yorkshire Dales National Park 

Think rolling hills, iconic dry-stone walls, hidden waterfalls, and the famous Dales Way and Herriot Way. You’ll love the sweeping valleys and vibrant greenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England.

For more tips and advice, check out our guide to hiking in Yorkshire > 
Browse our Yorkshire Dales self-guided hiking trips >

•    North York Moors National Park 

This park is home to one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK. It's also a haven for wildlife lovers, with trails passing through woodlands, villages, and cliff-edge views. The Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast trails both pass through the stunning North York Moors National Park, making it a must-visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

For more tips and advice, check out our guide to hiking in Yorkshire > 
Browse our North York Moors self-guided hiking trips >

•    South Downs National Park 

For sweeping vistas of charming patchworks of fields, the South Downs offers a serene escape just south of London, with the South Downs Way guiding you through this stunning national park.

Browse our South Downs Way self-guided trips >

•    Northumberland National Park 

This tranquil park is perfect for stargazing (it’s a designated Dark Sky Reserve) and exploring Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Browse our Northumberland self-guided hiking trips >

•    England Peak District National Park 

The Peaks, one of three national parks the Pennine Way passes through, features craggy landscapes and lush valleys perfect for seasoned hikers or relaxed wanderers alike.

•    Exmoor National Park

A blend of wild moorland, wooded valleys, and dramatic coastal views, Exmoor offers a unique charm. Travelers on the Minehead to Westward Ho! leg of the South West Coast Path will pass through this stunning park.

Want to explore more trails? Check out our Best Hikes in England article for inspiration!  

Experience Self-Guided Tours with Macs Adventure 

At Macs Adventure, we believe travel should be flexible, empowering, and stress-free. That’s why we specialize in self-guided hiking and biking tours, letting you explore England’s finest trails and parks at your pace. 

Here’s what makes our trips perfect for adventurers like you: 

1.    Expert Curation 

Our routes are tried and tested to ensure you experience only the best trails, views, and highlights. 

2.    Freedom to Explore 

Travel independently—no guides or groups. Choose your companions, pace, and schedule. 

3.    Logistics? Handled

We take care of accommodation, luggage transfers, and maps so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. 

4.    24/7 Support 

While you lead the way, we’re always here to help should you need us. 

Plan Your Perfect Escape 

Planning a hiking or biking trip across England’s National Trails or National Parks might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are our top tips for a seamless adventure. 

Accommodations 

You won’t be pitching tents on our trips! Instead, we partner with locally owned inns, B&Bs, and boutique accommodations. Sometimes quirky, always charming, these stays offer a unique chance to connect with the people and communities that make each destination special.

Packing Checklist 

•    Sturdy hiking boots or cycling shoes 
•    Weather-appropriate clothing layers 
•    A reusable water bottle
•    Lightweight rain gear 
•    Snacks and first-aid essentials 
•    A daypack for carrying trail must-haves

For a full packing checklist, visit our What to Pack for a Self-Guided Hiking Vacation blog. 
For a full packing checklist, visit our Essential Gear to Pack on Your Next Bike Tour blog.

Travel Light 

With our luggage transfer service, you can enjoy your adventure unburdened by heavy bags. 

When to Go 

For ideal weather conditions, consider visiting between April and October. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while fall offers vibrant colors and cooler hiking temperatures. 

Head to our Guide to Hiking in England  for more advice and inspiration.

Meet England’s Unique Flora, Fauna, and Landscapes 

Each park and trail in England is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty. Here are some examples of what you’ll encounter along the way: 

•    Rugged  hills, serene lakes, and lush woodlands, home to the red squirrel in The Lake District
•    Heather fields in full purple bloom across the North York Moors 
•    Rare bird species, such as curlews and red grouse, in the Yorkshire Dales 
•    Chalkhill blue butterflies and orchids in the South Downs 

Be prepared to encounter striking landscapes too, whether it’s the dramatic cliffs of Seven Sisters or the ancient influences in Northumberland. 

Hear from Fellow Adventurers 

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what travelers have said about exploring England with Macs Adventure. 

Cotswold Way
“My sister and I spent 3 days hiking in the Cotswolds and loved it! We hiked in the off season October during the week, had some rain, but such glorious views!! Sheep, horses, cows! We had no problem using the map and it saved us some steps, otherwise we would have been off track. The accommodations were good.” - Mary, Florida

South Downs Way
"This was a very well organized adventure. My daughter and I started at Lewes and stayed in the cutest Bed and Breakfast -very comfortable, clean and a hearty breakfast. The town was quaint and charming. The hike from Lewes to Alfriston was picturesque- so many wildflowers and magnificent views of the river." - Hilary, Annapolis, Maryland

Hadrian’s Wall
"The walk is challenging, enjoyable and a walk through northern English history. Definitely a bucket list item. Macs provided exceptional support for our walk, including booking superb B&B's, creating the irreplaceable app and using a reliable baggage transfer service. This all allowed us to fully enjoy the challenge of the walk with little worry over the administration of the trip. I'd highly recommend their service." - Dave, Calgary, Canada

Responsible Travel Matters 

Our National Trails and National Parks are treasures worth preserving. By choosing a self-guided hiking or biking trip, you’re already prioritizing sustainability. We also collaborate with local accommodations and vendors, ensuring your adventure supports local communities. Together, we can travel responsibly and reduce our environmental footprint. 

Start Planning Your England Adventure 

From the Yorkshire Dales to the North York Moors, England’s National Trails and Parks are waiting for you. Whether you're looking for a self-guided hiking or biking trip, or a mix of both , Macs Adventure helps you explore with confidence. 

Take the first step toward your adventure now. Start Your Journey with Macs Adventure Here!