A list of nine long-distance hikes to do in a long weekend in Great Britain (give or take a day…).
As much as I would like to head off to hike all of Great Britain’s amazing National Trails (and then a bunch abroad, too), life doesn’t provide quite enough free time to go on an endless hiking adventure. But that fact doesn’t mean hiking adventures are off the table altogether.
Even when you’ve used up most of your annual leave, or you can only be away from family for a few days at a time, there are heaps of long weekend length hikes here in Great Britain that can answer the call of the wilds on foot.
We are blessed with thousands and thousands of miles of public rights of way in this country, and a lot of those are organised into official waymarked trails. Those recognised long distance hikes marked on the ground and on Ordnance Survey maps aren’t all pushing the 100-mile-or-more distance.
And for me, hikes that last three, four or even five days feels like a spot-on length of time. Hikes you can do in a long weekend have it all – you can get deep into the wilds of the Great British countryside, challenge yourself, and get a real taste of living the hiker life – and you don’t even smell that bad at the end!
In four days, for example, it’s possible to hike 40-miles very comfortably, even on reasonably challenging terrain. I’ve come to really enjoy this kind of hiking adventure – completing one of these hikes is a long weekend very well spent.
Hikes to do in a Long Weekend
There are hundreds of long-distance hikes in Great Britain I could have included in this article. But for this particular list, I have chosen just nine. I have included some trails I have hiked and some that are on my to-hike list – I’ll make it clear which are which. Each hike is around the 40-mile mark (very ish), and can be broken up into three or four (or five…) chunks to be completed in one long-weekend each.
I present my list of nine hikes to do in a long weekend in Great Britain from north to south (I think…).
Affric Kintail Way, Highlands
The Affric Kintail Way is a fairly new cross-country hike stretching 44 miles from Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness to Morvich in Kintail by Loch Duich. Of all of the routes in this article featuring nine hikes to do in a long weekend, this is probably the most remote, as the upper reaches of Glen Affric is one of the most isolated areas in the Highlands.
The route, which is fully signposted, links several rights of way, forest trails and footpaths, some that have existed for centuries. It starts by taking walkers (and cyclists – this is a dual-purpose trail) through forestry land above Glen Urquhart, goes through Cannich in Strathglass, and then heads right up Glen Affric. This is regarded by many as Scotland’s most beautiful glen, with high Caledonian pinewoods, lochs with beautiful backdrops, and waterfalls galore. You’ll find Scotland’s remotest youth hostel on the route (a bucket list stay in itself), high in the wild and remote upper reaches of the glen. Once up and over the top, you finish with a descent through the incredibly dramatic-looking mountain landscapes of Beinn Fhada and the Five Sisters of Kintail on the way to the finish point at Morvich.
This is a hike to be taken seriously, due to the remoteness, the Scottish weather, and the 6,000 feet of ascent along the way. But it is exactly this that would make it the perfect long weekend hike for me… As a lover of the wild and rugged landscapes of the Highlands, I feel like I need to do this one. It would be a real adventure hike, a challenge with the reward of getting right into the wilds of Scotland. Yes please!
Read more about the Affric Kintail Way on the route website.
See the Affric Kintail Way route in OS Maps.
Isaac’s Tea Trail, North Pennines
As a tea lover, the name of this route alone makes me want to go and hike it. It’s one of only two circular routes in my list of nine hikes to do in a long weekend. Perhaps that’s an oversight?!
Isaac’s Tea Trail is a 37-mile loop within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), linking Allendale, Nenthead, Alston, and Ninebanks. It takes hikers over high moorland and deep into river valleys, including of the East Allen, Nent, South Tyne and the West Allen. Being circular, you can start and finish the trail anywhere along the route, and walk it in either direction – but most people start in Allendale and go clockwise.
The trail is inspired by Isaac Holden, a Victorian grocer who would walk for miles delivering tea to remote farms and hamlets, and who raised funds for community projects. Along the way, walkers can see a few memorials to this famous tea seller, as well as old chapels, farmsteads, ancient field patterns, and remnants of the lead mining industry.
I particularly like that the route is “not meant as a challenge walk, but an experience to enjoy because of the variety of wildlife and the range of landscapes passed on the way”. It’s for those of us who like walking because it’s the best way to see the countryside of Great Britain up close. Perfect.
You’ll find more details about Isaac’s Tea Trail on the route website.
See the Isaac’s Tea Trail route in OS Maps.
Lyke Wake Walk, North York Moors
The Lyke Wake Walk is a complete crossing of the North York Moors, taking hikers from Osmotherly on the west to Ravenscar on the east. It is approximately 40 miles long and involves over 5,000 metres of ascent.
It goes in pretty much a straight line between the two villages, and includes all kinds of terrain – the trek goes over several peaks, across moorland, through marshland (and I mean “through”!), along tracks and rural roads, and across streams and rivers (with and without bridges).
This historic route links together the bronze age tumuli (burial mounds) on the high watershed of the moors. When the walk first started, the route was a major test of endurance, with no footpaths, relying on skilled navigation and moorcraft. Paths have since developed – especially where the route matches the Cleveland Way and the Coast to Coast. I can confirm that it is VERY boggy in places even today, and should be taken very seriously, especially regarding navigation.
There is a 24-hour challenge associated with the Lyke Wake Walk, and while that’s all good, it’s not what I’m suggesting in this hikes to do in a long weekend list. I hiked the Lyke Wake Walk back in October 2015 in two long days (staying in a B&B overnight), but it is possible to split it into smaller chunks if you wild camp (or do some logistical planning).
Read my Lyke Wake Walk adventure journal for more, and take a look at the Lyke Wake Walk website. Oh, and I even made a video of this one:
See the Lyke Wake Walk route in OS Maps.
Brenig Way, Denbighshire
The Brenig Way is a 32-mile hiking route meandering from Corwen to Llyn Brenig. It starts at Corwen in the Dee Valley, and heads through what are said to be some of the quietest parts of Denbighshire, North Wales. And it’s stunning.
The paths are hugely varied, snaking through peaceful farmland, natural ancient woodlands, and along winding rivers. There is a drovers’ road, ancient cairns, the rather magnificent Clocaenog Forest, and, of course, Llyn Brenig.
I hiked the Brenig Way with friends in three nice-length days in one long weekend. We asked permission to camp in a couple of farmers’ fields when we hiked it, who were kind enough to point us to suitable ground (remember to be considerate, discrete, and leave no trace). The route is marked with posts and labels denoting a stone cairn typical of those found along the way. Navigation is therefore easy, most of the time, although when I hiked it, our map did get quite a bit of use, especially on the middle day.
It was reasonably challenging, had varied terrain, and was a good way to explore one of the lesser trodden areas of North Wales. I would absolutely do it again, especially the section through Clocaenog Forest.
For more about the Brenig Way, read my adventure journal post, and download the leaflets from Denbighshire Countryside Service.
See the Brenig Way route in OS Maps.
Winchcombe Way, North Cotswolds
The Winchcombe Way is a 42-mile figure-of-eight hike which starts, finishes and crosses through the walker-friendly village of Winchcombe. This long-distance trail is designed to show walkers the hidden gems of the northern Cotswolds, and I can confirm it does just that.
Being a figure-of-eight route based around a decent sized village with good amenities, the Winchcombe Way can very easily be split into two 21-mile walks – a western loop and an eastern loop – and done in one weekend. While these two hikes are still challenging due to their length, they are doable thanks to the reasonably low-level geography. There are some rolling hills, a handful of steep ascents and descents, but nothing too arduous. Underfoot, the terrain is reasonable, thanks to predominantly well-made footpaths and bridleways, some farm tracks and country lanes. And the signposting is excellent, so navigation doesn’t slow things down.
I recently wrote a lengthy adventure journal on how it took me over two years to hike the Winchcombe Way. I would really love it if you read that article, in which I share the lessons I learnt attempting – and failing – to do this hike in one long weekend.
Find out more about the Winchcombe Way (and buy the independently produced guidebook) on the Winchcombe Welcomes Walkers website.
See the Winchcombe Way west loop route in OS Maps | See the Winchcombe Way east route loop in OS Maps.
Wychwood Way, Oxfordshire
The Wychwood Way is a 36-mile circular walk that goes around the heart of the ancient Royal Forest of Wychwood. Normally centred on Woodstock (an excellent place to explore before and after the hike), the route passes through Stonesfield, Chadlington, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Leafield, Ramsden, North Leigh, East End and Combe.
Sadly, Wychwood is no longer the great forest it once was. However, the Wychwood Way has been designed to pass through some of the area’s most interesting historic features and habitats. It follows paths through quintessential English countryside, atmospheric woodland and story-filled landscapes.
The route’s main features include sections of Akeman Street Roman Road, once an important trade route; the village of Stonesfield and its prehistoric history; the Saltway, an old trade route and drovers’ road; the small yet famous hamlet of Old Chalford and its pretty lakes; the tranquil banks of the River Evenlode; the North Leigh Roman Villa; and finally, Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Park has been a World Heritage Site since 1987 thanks to its architectural importance, as the design and building of the palace in the early 1700s represented the beginning of a new style of architecture, and for its landscaped park designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown which is considered as ‘a naturalistic Versailles’.
Not one I’ve hiked yet, but it looks like a very pretty way to spend a long weekend.
See the Wychwood Way route in OS Maps.
Great Stones Way, Wiltshire
The Great Stones Way is a pilgrimage route linking the North Wessex Downs to Salisbury Plain, across the Vale of Pewsey. The 36-mile route, which is easily completed in a long weekend, is designed to connect walkers with our prehistoric past. The landscape is dotted with stone circles, henges, barrows, and historic churches – as well as pretty villages and plenty of pubs.
Cursuses – raised banks – tell us that there have been people walking (and probably marching) along at least part of this route for thousands of years. It’s no surprise, as the Great Stones Way connects two of Britain’s greatest megalithic temples at Avebury and Stonehenge. But not just that, there’s also Old Sarum and Salisbury Cathedral on the list, too.
This route originally went from Barbury Castle to Old Sarum, linking these two important historic sites. However, most people tend to begin the hike at Coate Water in Swindon and finish at Salisbury’s medieval cathedral – the extension at either end makes sense for both interest and travel convenience. The Great Stones Way is approximately 46 miles if you do the optional extras.
I’ve had the Cicerone guidebook for the Great Stones Way for a few years now, and got as far as sticking post-its in various places with some planning notes. Alas, I’ve not managed to get myself organised enough to actually walk it yet. I must, it looks an incredibly interesting (and not difficult) long weekend hiking route.
See the Great Stones Way route in OS Maps.
Note: The Sarsen Way is a similar long distance hiking route – worth looking and comparing for yourself if this is an area you know you want to hike in.
Mendip Way, Somerset
The Mendip Way is a 50-mile long-distance trail that takes walkers across the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Made up of the West Mendip Way (30 miles) and East Mendip Way (20 miles), the route connects Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar, Wells, Shepton Mallet, and Frome. It’s a three- to five-day walk which is normally walked from west to east (although it is signposted in both directions).
This is a really beautiful part of Great Britain – craggy cliffs, deep gorges and hidden caves, along with ancient woodland, Iron Age hillforts and Roman roads. It’s easy to see why the Mendip Hills attracts myths and legends! The Mendip Way takes in a little bit of everything Somerset has to offer, including lots of scenery, history and culture. And it’s the perfect hike to do in a long weekend hike for those who love nature, as it links many nature reserves along the way.
Walkers are encouraged to look out for the 12 “special qualities” of the Mendip Hills, including evidence of ancient human settlement, limestone grasslands, amazing geology (looking at you, Cheddar Gorge!), wooded combes, and miles and miles of drystone walls, to name just a few.
As I did my research to write this feature, the Mendip Way bounced to the top of my own to-hike list – and since then I have indeed hiked it. I wrote a full adventure journal series covering this one. You can also find about the Mendip Way (and download the route guide) on the Mendip Hills National Landscape website.
See the Mendip Way route in OS Maps.
Test Way, Hampshire
The Test Way is a 44-mile long-distance walking route heading south from high on the chalk downs at Inkpen, to where the River Test flows into Southampton Water at Eling. It more-or-less follows the course of the river, and has been split into eight sections which can easily be combined to turn this into a hike for one long weekend.
Spanning 250 square miles, the Test Valley is full of picturesque villages and pretty English countryside. The water of the River Test meanders through meadows and ancient woodland, and supports four main towns – Whitchurch, Andover, Romsey and Stockbridge – plus a number of small yet very pretty villages. The path crosses back and forth over the river, so walkers really get to know this chalk stream well, complete with its abundant trout and watercress crops.
This is a route for those who love British birds. I’ve only walked a small stretch of it (so far!), and definitely wish I’d packed my binoculars. But given this is marshland, watch out for path closures due to flooding (you’ll definitely want to pack spare socks for this one!).
I’m assured the route is well sign posted with the logo of TW on a green arrow – and the parts of it I’ve seen do seem to be. I spent some time exploring the Test Valley earlier this year and the route made it firmly onto my to-hike list then.
Find out more about the route on the Hampshire County Council website.
See the Test Way route in OS Maps.
More Hikes to do in a Long Weekend
Have you hiked any of these (in a long weekend or not…)? What other hikes would you add to my list of hikes to do in a long weekend in Great Britain? Let me and other readers know in the comments below.
OS Maps and Guidebooks
I have included links to each route in OS Maps, either curated by others, or plotted by me. Please note these routes are approximate – use these maps in conjunction with other sources such as a Cicerone Guidebook (as well as your own common sense at thet time…) to ensure you stay on the right path.
If you do not currently have a subscription to OS Maps, I would highly recommend it. Start here (affiliate link).
What do you think? Comment below...