Hotels near the UK’s best walking trails

There’s something brilliantly simple about lacing up your boots and heading out on one of the UK’s best walking trails. No complicated itinerary, no rush – just you, the map and miles of scenery waiting to unfold. Coast, countryside or craggy peaks, it’s all there.

A walking holiday lets you see places properly. You notice the shift in light, the smell of the sea, the quiet drama of rolling hills. From long-distance epics to scenic day hikes, the UK’s trails serve up variety in spades – and plenty of excuses to stop for lunch.

The secret to making it even better? Choosing the right base. A well-placed hotel means easy access to the route, a hot shower at the end of the day and somewhere comfortable to refuel before you head out again tomorrow. Here's our round-up of the best places to stay near the UK's walking trails...

South West Coast Path, South West England

England’s longest National Trail is a full-throttle coastal epic. The South West Coast Path serves up cliff-hugging drama, hidden coves, fossil-studded beaches and big Atlantic views at every turn. You can dip in for a gentle seaside stroll or tackle thigh-burning headlands. Either way, it’s raw, salty and wildly rewarding.

We recommend: The Royal Duchy Hotel

Falmouth is an easy, scenic place to hop onto the coast path, and The Royal Duchy makes a very comfortable base. It’s independently run, right on the seafront, and feels grown-up without being stuffy. Walk the cliffs all day, then come back for sea views and a well-earned dinner.

Or browse hotels in Minehead >

West Highland Way, Scotland

A Scottish classic for good reason. The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William, moving from lowland lochs to the brooding grandeur of Glencoe and Ben Nevis country. Expect vast skies, mirror-like waters and a real sense of journey as landscapes grow wilder with every step.

We recommend: The Winnock Hotel

Milngavie is where it all begins – that iconic obelisk, the first photo, the nervous excitement. The Winnock Hotel in nearby Drymen makes a cosy first-night base, with a traditional inn feel and a proper bar for pre-hike carbs. It’s relaxed, friendly and right at the gateway to Loch Lomond.

Or browse hotels in Fort William >

Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northern England

History buffs, this one’s for you. Following the line of the Roman frontier from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, Hadrian’s Wall Path pairs rolling countryside with ancient forts and milecastles. You’ll walk through Northumberland’s big skies and the rugged Whin Sill crags, where the wall snakes across the landscape in unforgettable style.

We recommend: The Twice Brewed Inn

For big-sky central sections of the wall, Bardon Mill is hard to beat. The Twice Brewed Inn sits right in the thick of it – part country inn, part microbrewery, all walker-friendly. You can stride out to Housesteads or Steel Rigg by day, then come back for craft beer and hearty plates.

Or browse hotels in Wallsend >

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales

Clifftop drama doesn’t get much better than this. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path loops around Wales’ wild western edge, revealing turquoise bays, seabird colonies and tiny fishing villages. It’s a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but every climb pays off with cinematic sea views and the chance to spot dolphins offshore.

We recommend: Twy Y Felin Hotel

St Davids drops you straight onto the coast path – no warm-up required. Twr y Felin feels quietly special without shouting about it, with bold artwork and plenty of space to unwind. After a day of steep climbs and sea spray, it’s a pretty satisfying place to kick off your boots.

Or browse hotels in Tenby >

The Lake District Fells, Cumbria

Not a single trail but a whole playground of peaks. The Lake District fells range from manageable rambles around Derwentwater to lung-busting hikes up Scafell Pike. Think craggy summits, glassy lakes and sheep-dotted slopes. Whether you’re bagging Wainwrights or wandering valley paths, the scenery is pure romance.

We recommend: Rothay Garden Hotel

Grasmere is a sweet spot for ticking off classic Lake District routes. Rothay Garden Hotel sits just outside the village centre, close enough for easy access, far enough for peace and quiet. Long hike up Helm Crag? Reward yourself with the spa and a proper dinner afterwards. You’ve earned it.

Or browse hotels in Keswick >

The Cotswold Way, Gloucestershire to Somerset

Quintessentially English and effortlessly pretty. The Cotswold Way winds past honey-coloured villages, ancient beech woods and sweeping escarpment views over the Severn Vale. It’s long-distance walking without the wilderness extremes, blending pastoral calm with historic landmarks and cosy pub stops that make each stage feel indulgent.

We recommend: No.131 The Promenade

Starting the Cotswold Way in Cheltenham means you don’t have to compromise on style. No.131 is bold, buzzy and anything but beige, set in a Regency townhouse just moments from the trail’s beginning. It’s the kind of place that makes day one feel like an occasion.

Or browse hotels in Bath >

Snowdonia Slate Trail, North Wales

For something a little different, the Snowdonia Slate Trail dives deep into Wales’ industrial past. Circling the heart of Eryri, it threads through old quarries, mountain passes and quiet villages. Expect rugged terrain, big peaks and stories etched into the landscape, with fewer crowds than the better-known summit routes.

We recommend: Plas Dinas Country House

The Snowdonia Slate Trail loops in and out of Caernarfon, so basing yourself nearby makes life easy. Plas Dinas has that relaxed country house feel – elegant but welcoming. After a day of quarry tracks and mountain views, coming back to gardens and good food feels like a smart move.

Or browse hotels in Porthmadog >

The Norfolk Coast Path, Norfolk

Big skies, shifting sands and a slower pace of life. The Norfolk Coast Path is wonderfully varied, linking salt marshes, sand dunes and traditional seaside towns. It’s ideal if you like your walking with birdwatching, beachcombing and excellent seafood on the side. Flat in places, but never dull.

We recommend: The Globe Inn

Wells-next-the-Sea is right on the path and perfectly pitched for big-sky coastal walking. The Globe Inn is lively, independent and full of character, with a restaurant that’s popular for good reason. Walk the marshes by day, grab fish and chips by night – simple, done well.

Or browse hotels in Hunstanton >

The Pennine Way, Northern England

The grand old trail. The Pennine Way is a serious undertaking, running 268 miles along England’s rugged backbone, right up into the Scottish Borders. It’s peat bogs, windswept moorland and dramatic waterfalls, with stretches that feel beautifully remote. Challenging, yes – but if you’re after bragging rights and big scenery, this is it.

We recommend: The Fleece at Ruleholme

Edale is where the Pennine Way kicks off – all excitement and fresh boots. For a more comfortable start or finish, The Fleece at Ruleholme near Brampton offers boutique bedrooms and a seriously good pub menu. It’s a softer landing than most long-distance walkers expect.

Or browse hotels in the Scottish Borders >

The Giant’s Causeway Coast Path, Northern Ireland

Shorter but show-stopping. This coastal route connects cliff paths, ruined castles and the legendary basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway. One minute you’re tracing grassy headlands, the next you’re staring at geological marvels sculpted by myth and lava. Compact, spectacular and packed with wow-factor from start to finish.

We recommend: The Causeway Hotel

You can’t get much closer to the end of the Giant’s Causeway Coast Path than this. The Causeway Hotel sits right by the basalt columns, which means early-morning or sunset wanders without the tour buses. It’s straightforward, comfortable and all about that unbeatable location.

Or browse hotels in Ballycastle >

Of course, if you’re planning an easier walking holiday, there’s nothing wrong with mixing things up. Base yourself in a spa hotel, head out for a light hike in the morning, then swap muddy boots for a massage. It’s the perfect way to soothe tired feet and still enjoy the best of the UK’s walking trails.