ON FOOT · UK HIKING TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 uk hiking tours earn the slot, priced and timed so you can decide over breakfast and still make the trailhead.
Join a small group of up to eight for a guided ascent of Yr Wyddfa, also called Snowdon. Guides such as Simon, Tom, Keith, and Hywyn help you manage the climb, share local stories, and reach the summit safely. Expect changing weather, steep sections, and a rewarding six-hour walk from Llanberis.
“10/10 to Tom our guild absolutely wealth of knowledge and was always motivating the group to keep going 👌”
Spend 13 hours exploring Skye from Inverness in a comfortable 16-seat mini-coach. Walk at the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, and Cuillin Mountains, stop for lunch in Portree, and photograph Eilean Donan Castle. Guides such as Tim and Murdoch add Scottish history, local tales, humor, and practical help on the trails.
“Rainy and yet, Tim made it fun. Great experience that we would recommend for others who want to see the Isle of Skye and like a walk. Recommend ensuring you have good shoes and good rain jackets (because it’s Scotland). The lunch provided was also really fantastic.”
Meet Rishi at King’s Theatre for a half-day walk in the Pentland Hills. Expect 5 to 6 miles of hiking, a steep climb to a 493-meter summit, views over Edinburgh and nearby lochs, and possible sightings of Highland cows, sheep, deer, and birds. Snacks, water, and an all-day bus ticket are included.
“So worth it! Definitely perfect for those wanting to get out of the city and be in nature. The first bit is definitely a bit steep, but as long as you have somewhat good fitness, you’ll be fine. Rishi is a wonderful guide! He is very knowledgeable of both local and natural history; making sure to stop a ton of times and share very interesting location based information.”
Meet your guide at Snowdon Mountain Railway station in Llanberis for an eight-hour summer hike to Snowdon’s summit and back. Tom, Simon, and other guides lead small groups of up to eight, check your gear before setting off, share mountain facts and Welsh language, and help you manage the route safely in changing weather.
“Fantastic experience! Would 100% recommend! The whole experience was wonderful and our guide very interesting and knowledgeable! Fossils on the top of snowdon who would have thought!”
Meet David, Sabine, or another Local Eyes guide at The King’s Gallery for a two-hour walk through Holyrood Park. You’ll follow quieter paths, learn about local plants, animals, geology, and Edinburgh’s past, then climb 251 metres to Arthur’s Seat for wide views over the city and southeast Scotland.
“David was a considerate tour guide who made sure the pace suited everyone in the group. He also offered up plenty of interesting natural environment and history information throughout the walk.”
Climb Arthur’s Seat through Holyrood Park with a local guide in a group of up to 10. Expect regular rests, views over Edinburgh, local history, plants, wildlife, and route advice from guides such as David, Zander, Chris, or Alexander. The walk starts at 10:00 am and returns to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
“I really enjoyed our guide, Chris! Super knowledgeable, and attentive to everyone’s safety - especially since it was rainy and cold and somewhat slippery! I recommend others give a try!”
Travel from Cardiff to Pontneddfechan in a small electric minivan, then follow Andy, a Mountain Leader and former National Park Warden, on a 15 km circular hike through the Brecon Beacons waterfall country. Expect eight main falls, smaller cascades, rough and muddy paths, 400 metres of climbing, local history, and a possible swim at the final pool.
“We recently went on a guided tour of six waterfalls in Brecon Beacons, and it was a great experience. The atmosphere felt very friendly, making everyone comfortable and engaged. The tour was interactive, filled with interesting conversations and plenty of information. Our guide, Andy, was particularly impressive; he shared interesting stories about local attractions and actively encouraged us to share about our own countries. His sense of humor added to the enjoyment. Overall, a delightful and enriching adventure!”
Join Andy from Wales Outdoors for a six-hour guided walk from Pontneddfechan, near Glynneath. You’ll visit eight waterfalls at a relaxed pace, including Sgwd Gwladys, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, and the famous Sgwd yr Eira, where the path runs behind the falling water. Bring lunch, sturdy boots, and good fitness.
“It was an awesome experience all the regular routes were easy-medium difficulty. But if you want to see everything and get down to some of the hidden parts of the waterfall it does take some skills, but doable. Definitely recommend but anyone with mobility difficulties I would reconsider vs do some hiking at home before coming here.”
Join Lewis for a three-hour small-group walk from Calton Hill to Arthur’s Seat. You’ll see major monuments, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, park wildlife, and wide Edinburgh views while following a quieter route to the 251-meter summit.
“Our ‘Walks with Lewis’ tour was amazing!!! He knows a lot about the history and nature of the area (the whole city actually). During the walk up Arthur’s Seat he was mindful of our pace and he really helped us up and down. He even brought walking sticks for us to use. If anyone in my social circle is going to Edinburgh I would insist they do this tour!”
Join qualified Mountain Leader Marcus for a two-hour sunset hike from the bottom of the Royal Mile to Arthur’s Seat and back. You’ll gain 250 meters, hear stories about Edinburgh’s plants, wildlife, and past, then walk down after dark with a provided head torch. The pace is friendly, but good shoes and a waterproof jacket are essential.
“Marcus was very knowledgeable and friendly. We were lucky enough to just have the two of us and him on the tour and he was able to provide some great knowledge about the plant life in Holyrood Park, as well as some of its history. Book this tour!!”
Join Andy, Kate, or Graham for an eight-hour, roughly 10-mile walk through wooded valleys in Bannau Brycheiniog. From Cardiff, travel by electric vehicle to six waterfalls, including Sgwd Gwladys and Sgwd yr Eira, where the trail passes behind the falling water. Expect rocky paths, climbs, river views, dogs, and a small group of up to seven.
“Wonderfully memorable day’s hike among the trees and rocks and glimpses of Welsh history. A lovely introduction to this side of the Bannau Brycheiniog. Very much doable even for a desk-working, paper-pushing beginner like me, though some reasonable degree of fitness and body-awareness will help. Andy was patient, knowledgeable, friendly, and colourful and his dog was solicitous and energetic without being obnoxious. Best to wear waterproof clothes and bring a packed lunch. Highly recommended.”
Spend about an hour walking an alpaca or, if you are 12 or older, a donkey across Wetley Moor Common. Your guide gives a safety talk, explains the animals, and allows time for photos and animal contact. Rachel is praised for her clear, friendly guidance. Bring wellies, especially after wet weather.
Meet Mountain Marcus or Sarah at The King’s Gallery for a small-group sunset hike up Arthur’s Seat. The roughly two-hour walk follows quieter routes through Holyrood Park, with stops for photos, local stories, wildlife, and city views. A head torch and Scottish snack are included, but you’ll need moderate fitness and should use the toilet before setting out.
“We had a guided sunset tour at Arthur’s Chair with Marcus and it was the most amazing experience! Marcus is extremely knowledgeable of the area and made the experience so fun and enjoyable. He can accommodate the hike for multiple fitness levels. Your reward is the most beautiful views of the city! If you are looking for an experience that is that is an outdoor adventure in the middle of the city I would highly recommend this activity and Marcus as your guide!”
Meet Andy, a qualified Mountain Leader and former Brecon Beacons National Park Warden, at Pontneddfechan for a six-hour, 15km hike to eight major waterfalls. Expect muddy ground, 400m of gentle ascent, local stories, smaller cascades, waterfall walks, and a possible swim at the final pool. Small groups are limited to eight.
“I do encourage anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the Breton and Beacons in a nice joyful company to join Andy in this trip. The route allows you to experience various landscapes in a good pace, making it suitable even for those who don’t have prior experience. I totally recommend it.”
You’ll walk, swim, climb, and slide through a South Wales gorge near Neath with an English-speaking instructor. Beezra Activities supplies 5mm wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and helmets, while guides such as Dave tailor the route to your group. Bring swimwear, a towel, food, and closed-toe sports shoes.
“It was very adventurous and unique. The kids enjoyed it a lot”
Other ways to spend the day on foot
Rock, ice, forest or crater rim.
