Big Days Out. Endless Daylight. Zero Regrets.
June is that magical time for hikers — long days, fewer crowds, and just enough warmth to pack a lighter rucksack. It’s before the height of midge season (just), and you can cram in some proper mountain miles without racing the sunset.
Whether you’re looking for high ridge routes, coastal stunners, or summits with a view, these hikes are ideal for a weekend escape. Most are 4–8 hours long, so you can hike Saturday, chill Sunday, and still make it home in time for work (or pub).
Here’s our pick of the best weekend hikes in June — with wildflowers, wildlife, and summit vibes guaranteed.
1. Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
- Distance: ~11km loop
- Time: 4.5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
- Why It’s Perfect in June:
Ridge is clear of snow, the views over Loch Lomond sparkle, and the Ptarmigan route is quieter than the tourist trail.
- Top Tip: Start early and descend the main path to make a scenic loop. Cool off in the loch after!
2. Helvellyn via Dollywaggon Pike – Lake District
- Distance: ~14km
- Time: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Why It’s Perfect in June:
Long daylight makes this full horseshoe loop doable in comfort. It’s quieter than Striding Edge but just as scenic.
- Top Tip: Start from Patterdale for a circular route with less traffic and better views all day.
3. Pen y Fan Horseshoe – Brecon Beacons
- Distance: ~16km loop
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
- Why It’s Perfect in June:
The ridge path is dry, the views go forever, and you can bag four summits in a single loop: Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big.
- Top Tip: Hit the trail early and walk anti-clockwise to keep the sun (hopefully) behind you.
4. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail – Torridon
- Distance: ~6.5km loop
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Perfect in June:
This is Scotland’s only waymarked mountain trail and the flowers, lichens, and alpine feel are at their peak.
- Top Tip: It’s a perfect Saturday hike with time for a Sunday coastal walk or lochside chill.
5. Ingleborough from Clapham – Yorkshire Dales
- Distance: ~10km
- Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Perfect in June:
The limestone paths are dry, and the views from the summit reach all the way to the Lakes and the Dales. Plus: caves, wildflowers, and ridge vibes.
- Top Tip: Combine with a stop at Ingleborough Cave or a pub lunch in Clapham.
6. Glen Nevis & Steall Falls Walk – Scottish Highlands
- Distance: ~4.5km
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Why It’s Perfect in June:
The falls are in full flow, the valley is lush, and the wire bridge crossing adds bonus drama.
- Top Tip: Great warm-up or cool-down hike for a weekend with bigger ambitions.
Why June is That Monthfor Hiking
- Daylight = freedom: You’ve got up to 18 hours of it in Scotland.
- Trails are blooming: Wildflowers in upland meadows, buzzing bees, new lambs on the hills.
- Warm enough to camp, cool enough to climb: Ideal conditions for bivvy bags and peak days.
- Still off-peak in many areas: Especially midweek or early in the month.
- The joy of not rushing: That summit sandwich hits different when you didn’t have to set an alarm for 4am.
What to Pack for June Weekend Hikes
- Sun protection + shades – even up north
- Midge repellent – essential in western Scotland
- Good boots + trail shoes – routes range from rocky to grassy
- Layers – wind chill is still a thing on ridges
- Map, compass, and phone (with offline nav or Peaky Baggers app)
- Plenty of snacks + water – summer = higher mileage
Final Thoughts
June is a sweet spot for walkers: long days, full trails, clear summits, and just enough warmth to make a wild camp tempting. Whether you’re peak bagging, ridge walking, or just hiking for the views, these routes deliver the kind of weekends that stick with you all year.
Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
