Walks for challenge seekers

Walkers on a trail on Sugar Loaf in the Brecon Beacons, Powys. — Walkers in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Walking is a great way to explore, and see the beauty of, many places you would otherwise not be able to experience. Many of the landscapes we care for are full of opportunities to test yourself against the terrain.

Challenging walks to explore

Take a look at some of the best walking routes that'll push you that bit harder and further. From summit climbs to lengthy trails, there are plenty of routes for you to try. It's time to get your walking boots on and start exploring one of the more challenging routes.

Kinder Scout circular walk, Derbyshire: Follow this challenging four-hour moorland walk high up onto the Kinder plateau in Derbyshire. Along the route you'll discover how this landscape is set to change as a result of National Trust plans for the High Peak moors.Climb to the Kinder plateau
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) horseshoe ridge walk, Powys: If you love a challenging peak, try out this circular 9-mile (14km) upland mountain walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Conquer the summits of Corn Du, Pen y Fan (the highest mountain in south Wales), Cribyn and Fan-y-Big in turn, soaking in wide views over the National Park. Burial cairns are a common feature on the summits.Climb to the summit in the Brecon Beacons
Boundary trail at Castle Ward, County Down: Enjoy the scenery of Castle Ward along the 8-mile (13km) boundary trail, the longest trail on the demesne. You’ll pass through woodland, farmland and along the shores of Strangford Lough where you’ll find the ruins of Audley's Castle. The route follows a multi-use trail so expect to see cyclists and horse riders along the way.Enjoy varied scenery on the Boundary trail

Visitors walking on the hills around Ivinghoe Beacon Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire in summer — Visitors on a summer walk around Ivinghoe Beacon on Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Felbrigg Estate Mountain walk, Norfolk: Follow the varied terrain of this circular 16-mile (26km) walk through the Norfolk countryside near the Felbrigg Estate and you’ll cover ascents totalling 1140ft (347m), the equivalent of a small peak, including climbs to the top of Incleborough Hill and Beeston Bump. You’ll encounter unsurfaced and rough paths which can be very muddy.Enjoy a countryside ramble at Felbrigg
Heddon Valley to Woody Bay walk, Devon: The exposed cliffs of the Exmoor Coast make this 6-mile (9.6km) circular walk from Heddon Valley, via Heddon’s Mouth, to Woody Bay a potentially testing one. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with views of Lynmouth Bay and Foreland Point and towards the Welsh coast. You can also visit the Martinhoe Roman fortlet along the way.Explore the Heddon Valley coast
Llanwrthwl horseshoe walk, Powys: This circular 10-mile (16km) walk on the eastern side of Abergwesyn Common will see you tackle mountain moorland and peat bog. You’ll climb to the summit of Trembyd, which means 'view of the world' in Welsh, from where you can admire the Wye Valley below and beyond. You’ll also walk to the top of Y Gamrhiw.Take a mountain hike at Abergwesyn Common

Hill path at Heddon Valley, Devon | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

A walk to the top of the Long Mynd, Shropshire: The Long Mynd is a heath and moorland plateau which forms part of the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This circular 5-mile (8km) walk will take you from the Carding Mill Valley up to the highest point of the Long Mynd, Pole Bank, where you can see as far as the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and the Malvern Hills on a clear day.Admire the views from the top at Carding Mill
Windmill Hill long trail, Wiltshire: Go the long way round on this trail that takes in panoramic views of the Wiltshire countryside, including the World Heritage Site of Avebury. Discover prehistoric archaeology and look out for wildlife like red kites, skylarks and hares.Go the long way round Windmill Hill
Seathwaite to Sty Head and Grains Gill walk, Cumbria: Head into the heart of the Lake District on a 5.5-mile (9km) walk from Seathwaite following an ancient packhorse route. The walk passes Sty Head Tarn, where you’ll get views of Great Gable mountain, and Sprinkling Tarn, both lovely waterside spots to rest your legs. You can also marvel at Great End, a sheer rock face at the head of the Borrowdale valley.Get your walking boots on in Borrowdale