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Basic information about the UK

The United Kingdom is a union located in the British Isles in North West Europe. Divided into four parts, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island, the United Kingdom offers around 242,495km2 of land and plenty of space for wonderful walks through unspoiled nature. Every region of the country offers special treasures and natural gems than can be explored on a hiking holiday without luggage. England consists primarily of lowlands interspersed by hills with low mountain ranges in the north and flatter regions in the east and south of the country. Located in the north, Scotland offers plenty of hiking opportunities for active holidaymakers who are hungry for exercise, from the Highlands in the north and west or the Central Belt. The beautiful regions in Wales or Northern Ireland also offer ideal conditions for active time in the fresh air.

The most beautiful hiking tours in Great Britain

West Highland Way

An absolute highlight among the active holidays is our hiking tour on the West Highland Way, 10 days or West Highland Way, 8 days. On the way on Scotland’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, you hike individually and away from the crowds on well-signposted hiking trails through the rugged natural landscape. The starting point of this holiday is Milngavie and the route takes you on the first three stages to Drymen, Rowardennan and Inverarnan and surroundings. On the fifth day the route leads you to Crianlarich and surroundings and on the following day of hiking to the small village of Bridge of Orchy. After another quiet night in the middle of the Scottish Highlands you go to the Kingshouse, Kinlochleven and finally to the stage destination of Fort William. Note: The tours of the fifth and sixth days are not included on the 8-day hiking tour.

Cornwall's Coastal Path

Our hiking holiday Cornwall's Coastal Path, 6 days promises an excellent active experience. The route guidance always takes you over good hiking trails and along the beautiful Cornish coast and inland. You start your hiking holiday with a circular hike around St. Ives before heading to St. Just the following day. On this stage you will get to know Cape Cornwall, the most westerly point of Cornwall, where the Atlantic currents divide. On the fourth day the hiking tour takes you to Porthcurno. Our tip: take your time and enjoy the endless view of the Atlantic at ‘Land’s End’, the southernmost point of Great Britain. On your last hiking stage, you first walk to the subtropical bay of Lamorna and on to the final stage destination of Penzance. One thing is guaranteed: after this wonderful trip you will take home very special souvenirs – unforgettable panoramas and wonderful memories of Cornwall.

Cotswolds & Shakespeare

Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and discover the pristine natural landscape including the romantic hills of the Cotswolds on foot. On our hiking holiday Cotswolds & Shakespeare, 8 days and Cotswolds & Shakespeare, 7 days, you will walk through central England in the historic counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The route crosses farmland and quaint villages from Stratford to Moreton-in-Marsh and on to Bourton-on-the-Water. Our tip: The unique Mughal House in Sezincote, also known as Sezincote House, with its Indian style is definitely worth a visit. The next day’s stage leads to Winchcombe, the former capital of the Saxons, and on the last hiking stage to the village of Broadway, where you can review your hiking trip over a leisurely meal. This hiking trip can also be experienced as a hiking holiday with a dog.

The best of Pembrokeshire

Immerse yourself in the great coastal landscapes of Wales, walk along pristine sandy beaches, enjoy the peace and quiet in the secluded bays and get to know the hospitality of the people who give the country and culture a face. On our walking holiday you hike through the best of Pembrokeshire, 8 days and enjoy the beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on good hiking trails, most of which lead along the coast. Starting from the artist town of Newport, explore the route on foot to the coastal town of Fishguard and on to Trefin. Our tip: A unique photo opportunity awaits you in the north of Pembrokeshire – a rocky headland with a lighthouse, also known as ‘Strumble Head’. After a hike around Trefin, you walk to St. Davids on the sixth day and enjoy a circular hike through the beautiful region and the idyllic fishing village of Solva on the last day. With beautiful hiking moments in your luggage, you will head home after eight active days.

Our Eurohike moments in Great Britain

  • It’s tea time: Whether as a cream tea with a delicious cup of tea with milk, scones, cream and strawberry jam or as a typical afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches, shortbread and tarts – tea time should not be missed after a day of hiking.
  • Wildlife viewing in a natural paradise: Spot special and rare animal species while hiking in the UK. Along the Cornwall's Coastal Path, 6 days you might even spot peregrine falcons, seals or dolphins.
  • Relaxing moments of joy: You will experience plenty of quiet hiking hours on our hiking tours in Great Britain. The pristine natural landscape and wonderful coastal walks offer just the right opportunity to take a deep breath and enjoy the happiness of small moments.

Useful information about Great Britain

Facts and details

  • Location: Located on the British Isles in North West Europe
  • Area: 242,495km2
  • Population: 66.65 million
  • Capital: London with around 8.9 million inhabitants
  • Official language: English
  • Highest mountain: Ben Nevis at 1,345 metres (located in the Scottish Highlands)
  • Coast: 12,429 kilometres
  • Season to travel: The best climate for hiking tours is from March to October
  • Government and head of state: Unitary state based on a Kingdom / Queen Elizabeth II.
  • Special feature: Largest island nation in Europe, third most populous country in Europe (after Russia and Germany)

Climate in Great Britain

The mild climate in Great Britain is ideal for hiking tours, especially in the months from March to October. The country lies in the temperate climate zone and is characterised by maritime weather conditions. Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate is relatively mild compared to the other regions in the same latitudes, despite the geographical location. The Gulf Stream brings the mild air into the country directly from the Atlantic and is responsible for the mild temperatures in the northern region. Although Great Britain is generally known for its high rainfall, the regions in the south in particular are drier than the areas in the western or northern parts of the country. In our Eurohike hiking destination Cornwall, the climate is particularly mild all year round and is therefore ideal for a successful hiking holiday.

Britain’s culture and traditions

The cultural landscape is diverse in Great Britain, and the authentic traditions have been firmly anchored into everyday life over many years and have merged into a way of life. Influences and traditions from Great Britain have spread out over the continent due to British colonies and are still noticeable today in numerous countries such as India, Australia and Canada. But vice versa, due to its history as an international colonial power, numerous influences from other countries, such as from the Caribbean or India, can also be found in the British culture. Nevertheless, due to the Anglo-Saxon and Celtic customs, the four UK countries of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland differ significantly in their respective regional cultures, traditions and languages.

Cuisine in Great Britian

British cuisine is very indulgent. You start with the most important meal of the day, the traditional ‘English Breakfast’ with fried bacon, sausages, eggs and grilled tomatoes. You can also find black pudding (blood sausage) or classic baked beans (baked white beans in tomato sauce) on the breakfast table. Other regional delights in Great Britain are:

  • Tea, tea and more tea: Of course, you can’t go to Great Britain without having a typical afternoon tea. This is an integral part of everyday life and as soon as the church clock strikes 5, it’s time for a soothing cup of tea with scones, tarts and sandwiches.
  • Fish and chips: Who hasn’t heard of it, the absolute classic among British dishes. The freshly caught fish is served deep fried in a thin batter, with chips and, if desired, with salt and vinegar, ketchup or brown sauce. The locals like to order mushy peas or picked onions as a side dish.

  • Beer and whisky: In addition to the popular tea, other drinks such as regional beer called ale, stout and sparkling cider, as well as various types of whisky are very popular in Great Britain. It is therefore not surprising that there are over 120 whisky distilleries in the country.
  • Pies/Cornish Pasty: A pie with meat and vegetables wrapped in a layer of shortcrust pastry. A typical dish in Cornwall.
  • Apple crumble: An internationally popular dessert made from apples covered with a layer of crumbs made from flour, sugar and butter and baked in the oven. Whether served with ice cream, hot vanilla sauce or just as a classic apple crumble – it tastes wonderful!
  • Haggis: Scotland’s national dish is haggis, a sheep stomach stuffed with offal, onion and oats. You can decide for yourself whether this special dish will become one of your new favourites.

Questions and answers about hiking holidays in Great Britain

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Hiking in Great Britain is particularly recommended from March to October.

Whether in England, Scotland or Wales – the diverse regions and natural landscapes in Great Britain offer the best conditions for an unforgettable hiking holiday.

Great Britain is home to a total of 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 28 of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four are World Natural Heritage Sites and one is a mixed World Heritage Site. These include the Neolithic sites of Stonehenge, Avebury and associated megalithic monuments, the Royal Park of Studley with the ruins of Fountains Abbey in Northern England, the archipelago of St Kilda in Scotland, Westminster (palace and abbey) and St Margaret's Church, the Tower of London, the South Sea island of Henderson Island, the old town and the new town of Edinburgh, the "Giant's Causeway" with its coast and others.

Lots of culture, sightseeing and good hiking paths – that is the basis for a wonderful hiking holiday. But what would a hiking tour in Great Britain be without the corresponding culinary delights of the region? Be sure to try the signature afternoon tea with a lovely cup of tea, scones, cupcakes and sandwiches. It goes without saying that hiking in England is not possible without the classic fish and chips. For this purpose, the fresh fish is fried in a thin batter and enjoyed with fries, salt, vinegar or ketchup. A meat and veggie pie is a must on your walking holiday in Cornwall. Apart from the popular tea there is also a broad selection of drinks in Great Britain. Choose from a wide variety of whiskey and scotch, ale or cider.

Whether you're on a hiking holiday in England, Scotland or Wales – Great Britain, with its picturesque natural landscapecultural sights and culinary highlights ensures a perfect active time-out break. The animal world in Great Britain is correspondingly diverse. You might be lucky enough to spot seals or puffins, or spot dolphins, seals or peregrine falcons on our walking holiday Cornwall's Coastal Path. Either way, hiking in Britain will delight you.

5 reasons for a hiking holiday in Great Britain

  • Hiking tours for all target groups: Whether it's hiking or mountain hiking – the diverse regions in Great Britain offer the right form of active exercise for all types of hikers.
  • Cultural highlights aside the hiking paths: Aside from hiking, there is a wide variety of cultural highlights to be found in Britain. It is not for nothing that the country is home to 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Great hiking climate: The pleasant climate in Great Britain offers ideal conditions for a hiking holiday. The months from March to October are particularly ideal for spending time outdoors.

  • Diverse nature: The nature areas in Great Britain offer a wonderfully varied landscape. Whether in the Highlands of Scotland, along the coasts of Wales, in the green countryside of Northern Ireland or in the lowlands with the hilly country, or in the flat hills of England – hiking in Great Britain offers a particularly varied adventure in nature.
  • Easy to get to: The best thing about this European destination is how easy it is to get to. You can reach Great Britain after a short flight or by train or car.

Therefore hiking holidays with Eurohike benefits that convince

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

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Hikers at Lake Kaltern

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

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Team Eurobike & Eurohike

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

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Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

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Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

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Bavaria's royal castles

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

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Information talk on site

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

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You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.