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Sunday, Jul 06, 2025

10 of Britain's best hiking trails for escaping the crowds

10 of Britain's best hiking trails for escaping the crowds

A new study has crowned these as the best spots for social distancing

The 10 best crowd-free places in Britain for a hike have been uncovered in a new heat map — and Crag Lough and Housesteads Roman Fort Loop in Hexham, Northumberland, has taken the top spot.

A new study, which was released by hiking trail experts AllTrails and Holidu, analysed user's recorded hikes to find out which routes were the best for ramblers to social distance.

In second place is Kinder Scout and Mam Tor Circular in Castleton, Derbyshire, which offers a number of activity options, from standard hiking to mountain biking. While it's one of the more challenging routes, it's famed for its stellar views once you reach the summit.

Surrey dominated the list three times, with plenty of dog-friendly trails on offer for adventure-lovers to explore. Meanwhile, Cumbria, Oxfordshire and Derbyshire also all made the list, thanks to their vast countryside space.


Surrey made the list three times


"This year many of us have turned our attention outdoors and taken up hiking as a way to discover new areas, clear our minds, and stay fit. We are spoilt for choice here in the UK, so it can often be hard deciding where to plan your next adventure," the team at Holidu says.

Planning an outdoor ramble this autumn? Slip on your hiking boots and take a look at the top 10 below...

1. Crag Lough and Housesteads Roman Fort Loop in Hexham, Northumberland

2. Kinder Scout and Mam Tor Circular in Castleton, Derbyshire

3. Farthing Downs and Happy Valley Loop in Caterham, Surrey

4. Tilford Birds and Bridges Circular in Farnham, Surrey

5. Haystacks from Gatesgarth in Cockermouth, Cumbria

6. Bledlow Great Wood and Radnage in Chinnor, Oxfordshire

7. Steall Falls Path in Kinlochleven, Scottish Highlands

8. Beinn Chabhair in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire

9. Cader Idris via Minffordd Path in Dolgellau, Gwynedd

10. Witley Trees and Commons Circular – Godalming, Surrey

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