Make the most of your extra day with these tried-and-tested UK routes
The May bank holidays offer the first real taste of warmer, longer days — perfect for lacing up your boots and getting into the hills. Whether you’re after a lowland ramble or a full-day summit challenge, this planner gives you five great hiking options across the UK, plus top tips to beat the crowds and pack smart.
🥾 1.
Ingleborough via Clapham, Yorkshire Dales
- Distance: ~12 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Why now: One of the Three Peaks, Ingleborough delivers a summit experience without the full circuit. The route from Clapham is scenic and quieter than the Ribblehead approach, and wildflowers are in full bloom along Clapdale.
🌄 2.
Pen y Fan via the Horseshoe, Brecon Beacons
- Distance: ~15 km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Why now: Longer daylight lets you take on this classic circular route over Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big. Start early from Taf Fechan Forest to avoid footpath traffic and enjoy ridge views all the way.
🏞️ 3.
Loch Muick & Broad Cairn, Cairngorms
- Distance: ~18 km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Why now: Spring in the Highlands is something special — snow lingering on the tops, deer grazing by the loch, and fewer midges. This route from Spittal of Glenmuick gives you lochside walking, a Munro summit, and real remoteness without technical terrain.
🌳 4.
Malham Cove, Gordale Scar & Janet’s Foss, Yorkshire Dales
- Distance: ~10 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Why now: This is a family-friendly loop that packs in waterfalls, cliffs, a limestone pavement, and wild garlic-scented woodland. Best done early before car parks fill up — Malham gets busy!
🌅 5.
Helvellyn via Thirlmere, Lake District
- Distance: ~13 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Why now: Avoid the Striding Edge scramble and take the Wythburn route instead. This quieter approach lets you summit one of the Lakes’ most iconic fells with steady gradients, lakeside views, and fewer hikers.
🧭 Tips to Plan Your May Hike
✅ Check parking and access – popular spots like Snowdonia and the Lakes fill up early. Book ahead where possible or use public transport.
✅ Start early – not just for views and light, but to beat the midday trail traffic.
✅ Pack for all seasons – May weather can flip fast: waterproofs, sun cream and extra layers are all essential.
✅ Leave no trace – wildflowers are out, lambs are in the fields — respect both by sticking to paths and keeping dogs on leads.
✅ Build in chill time – you’ve got the day off. Pack a flask, find a summit or fellside bench, and stay a while.
Photo credit: Robin Cross
