There are 15 national parks in the UK — and every single one has at least one hike that’ll leave you windblown, wide-eyed, and wishing you brought more snacks.
Whether you’re chasing Munros, Wainwrights, or just that summit-high feeling, this guide gives you one brilliant peak bagging walk per park. Some are famous. Some are underrated. All are epic in their own way — and totally worth adding to your list.
So lace up your boots, pack your sandwiches, and get ready to walk across the UK (one national park at a time).
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1. Cairngorms — Cairn Gorm (1,245m)
- Walk Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: ~8km
- Difficulty: Moderate (high-altitude weather & navigation required)
- Why It’s Amazing: The namesake peak of the Cairngorms offers a proper mountain feel with wide plateaus, views deep into the Highlands, and a real sense of scale.
- Top Tip: Check the forecast before committing — conditions here change fast.
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2. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — Ben A’an (454m)
- Walk Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Distance: ~4km
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: A mini mountain with massive views. It’s short, sweet, and the lochscape from the rocky summit is unbeatable.
- Top Tip: Great for sunrise or sunset — bring a flask and stay a while.
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3. Northumberland — The Cheviot (815m)
- Walk Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: ~12km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: The highest point in the national park. A gentle giant with open moorland vibes and barely any crowds.
- Top Tip: Take the flagstone path to avoid the boggy middle section.
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4. Lake District — Cat Bells (451m)
- Walk Time: 2–3 hours
- Distance: ~6km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Amazing: A true Lakeland classic — short, photogenic, and with views across Derwentwater that punch well above its height.
- Top Tip: Go early or late — this one gets popular fast.
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5. Yorkshire Dales — Ingleborough (723m)
- Walk Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: ~10km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: One of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks. You’ll get limestone pavements, gritstone summit views, and real Dales drama.
- Top Tip: Park at Clapham for a scenic approach through caves and woodland.
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6. North York Moors — Roseberry Topping (320m)
- Walk Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Distance: ~5km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Amazing: Nicknamed the “Yorkshire Matterhorn” — this one’s all about the shape. Fun, short climb with massive views over the moors.
- Top Tip: Great for a morning or evening stretch-your-legs summit.
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7. Peak District — Mam Tor (517m)
- Walk Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Distance: ~6km
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: A ridge walk that feels like a big day out, minus the slog. The views from the top sweep across Edale and Castleton.
- Top Tip: Do the Great Ridge circuit for extra peak-bagging bonus points.
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8. Snowdonia (Eryri) — Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon via Rhyd Ddu Path (1,085m)
- Walk Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: ~12km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: Wales’ highest peak, and rightly iconic — but skip the tourist highway and take the quieter, scenic Rhyd Ddu route.
- Top Tip: Go early and avoid the crowds at the top — or do it off-season.
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9. Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) — Pen y Fan (886m)
- Walk Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Distance: ~6–8km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: The highest peak in southern Britain. Steep but accessible, and with views across the Beacons and Black Mountains.
- Top Tip: For fewer people, try the route from Cwm Gwdi instead of the Storey Arms.
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10. Pembrokeshire Coast — Carn Llidi (181m)
- Walk Time: 1–2 hours
- Distance: ~4km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Amazing: Low in height, high in drama. Coastal crags, sea cliffs, and Atlantic air make this a must-do hike near St Davids.
- Top Tip: Time it for golden hour — the light is magical on this one.
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11. South Downs — Ditchling Beacon & Devil’s Dyke
- Walk Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: ~9km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Amazing: Panoramic chalk ridge walking with views to the sea. The Downs aren’t mountainous, but this route feels iconic in its own way.
- Top Tip: There’s a café at Devil’s Dyke. Just saying.
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12. New Forest — Pipers Wait (129m)
- Walk Time: 1–2 hours
- Distance: ~4km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Amazing: It’s the highest point in the New Forest — and while the “summit” is subtle, the ancient woodlands and ponies more than make up for it.
- Top Tip: Look out for deer in early morning or late evening.
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13. Dartmoor — High Willhays (621m)
- Walk Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: ~8km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Amazing: The highest point in southern England. You’ll cross moorland, tors, and granite boulders — wild and wonderful.
- Top Tip: Watch for army live firing days — check MOD notices before you go.
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14. Exmoor — Dunkery Beacon (519m)
- Walk Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Distance: ~5km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Amazing: Coastal moorland, heather, and sea views from the highest point in Exmoor. Gentle and glorious.
- Top Tip: Best in late summer when the heather turns the hills purple.
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15. The Broads — St Benet’s Level Walk to Mill & Abbey
- Walk Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Distance: ~4km
- Difficulty: Flat and easy
- Why It’s Amazing: The Broads don’t have hills — but this riverside walk is full of historic charm, wildlife, and big skies.
- Top Tip: Bring binoculars — you might spot marsh harriers, owls, or even otters.
🗺️ Want the Full Map?
Check out our interactive UK peak-bagging map (coming soon to Peaky Baggers!) to plan your national park adventure in one go.
🎒 Top Tips for Bagging Across the UK
- Always check local weather — from Scottish peaks to southern clifftops, conditions can vary wildly
- Pack smart — boots, waterproofs, layers, food, map
- Track your peaks — use the Peaky Baggers app to log your climbs, stay motivated, and discover nearby summits
- Respect access rules — stick to rights of way and leave no trace
- Turn it into a challenge — how about ticking off all 15 parks in a year?
🏁 Final Thoughts
From the granite plateaus of the Cairngorms to the rolling ridges of the South Downs, every UK national park has something special to offer. This list isn’t just about heights — it’s about landscapes, legends, and collecting summit stories.
Which park are you heading to next?
Image credit: Craig Birch
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