The UK is home to some of the finest woodland and coastal walks in all of Europe. So it’s no surprise that many of us have been looking to find the most romantic walks in the UK to enjoy with our loved ones!
So if you’ve still not used those new hiking boots you got for Christmas or you’re just looking to get out into the wonderful British countryside and walk hand in had with your partner, here’s a list of some of the most romantic walks in the UK to check out this Spring!
Disclaimer: The UK is currently in a national lockdown. As beautiful as some of these walks are, please do your bit, stay local and adhere to lockdown restrictions.
Ingleton Waterfall Trail
One of my favourite Relaxing and romantic walks in the whole of the UK is the Ingleton Waterfall Trail.
Most of us get hung up on the fact that if we want to see waterfalls and visit exotic locations then we need to go abroad. Think again… it doesn’t get any more exotic than Yorkshire! The Ingleton Waterfall Trail is an 8km walk around some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the north of England. The walk takes around 2 0 2.5 hours dependant on your fitness levels.
If you’re looking for one of the most romantic walks in the UK then look no further, Yorkshire has got you covered. The dense woodland and 6 different waterfalls on the Ingleton trail will definitely take your breath away and make the perfect setting for a peaceful stroll with a loved one!
Located in the Yorkshire Dales the hike is perfect for walkers of all abilities. The falls are open all year round but times vary dependant on the season. If you’re visiting in February the trails are open to the public from 9am until 2.30pm so it’s better to visit earlier in the day 0r at the weekend. You can check the opening times for the rest of the year on the official website.
There’s also parking on site which is included within the entry fee of £7 per adult. (reduced fees if you’re taking the kids).
White Cliffs of Dover
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple on the North Coast of Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The temples sits right on the edge of a 120-foot cliff that towers above the Atlantic Ocean. The temple is on the grounds of Downhill Demesne and is surrounded by green fields, historical ruins, beaches and the ocean. The whole area is open for you to walk along and explore but the highlight is definitely walking along the cliff edge to Mussenden Temple.
There is a small car park on site, which costs £5 per car. If you park at one of the nearby beaches you can walk in for free. The area around Mussenden Temple is quite vast so you could spend hours walking around it all but to see the historical ruins, enjoy the cliff top walk and see the temple you will only need around 45-minutes.
Follow the route straight from the car park to the old Bishops house which is a beautiful set of old ruins. You can walk through the ruins and explore the different rooms that once stood here. Continue right through the middle of the ruins and exit through the front door where you will get a magnificent view down to Mussenden Temple.
It’s only a couple of hundred metres to the temple and when you arrive you will see that it is precariously perched right on the edge of a cliff and you get incredible views over Downhill Beach to the West and Castlerock Beach to the East. This place is particularly beautiful at sunset and the combination of stunning natural scenery and historical buildings combine to make this one of the best places in Northern Ireland.
It is also locally known as the best place to take your other half when you want to propose to them. I personally know a handful of people who have gotten engaged here and it’s easy to see why. There are few places with such a beautiful backdrop to spend a romantic evening with your other half.
Contributed by Luke of: Wild About BC.
Arthurs Seat
There are several easy walks in Edinburgh and Arthur’s Seat is one of the most popular with visitors. Depending on your ability, the trek up the extinct volcano only takes around 1-2 hours so you can fit it into a morning or afternoon during your trip.
To make it more romantic, why not consider a sunrise or sunset hike? If you plan to propose or want to document the moment, there are a number of affordable photographers on Airbnb Experiences.
Arthur’s Seat is a popular engagement shoot location; photographers know it well.
The hike starts at Holyrood Park, which is free to enter. There is a paid-for car park if you have to drive, although driving in Edinburgh is never recommended.
From the park, you join the well-trodden path all the way to the summit (251 m) where you are rewarded with panoramic views over the city and the Firth of Forth waters to Fife.
At the top, you can point out city attractions Holyrood House, Dynamic Earth, the Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh Castle.
If this hike seems too difficult for your level, you can try the Salisbury Crag route (46 m) which runs alongside Arthur’s Seat.
Fans of the popular romance movie featuring Anne Hathaway, One Day, will recognise Arthur’s Seat. It stars in the scene where Dexter tries to climb the hill in brogue shoes and complains about it…
Don’t be Dexter! You can climb in sturdy trainers but watch for ankle rolling. Remember your layers and waterproofs even on a sunny day. It can be breezy up there.
John O’Groats to Duncansby Head Circular
Nothing can beat the feeling of being on a rugged coast. Even more so if you know that you and your walking partner are more than likely the furthest north you can get without needing a boat.
John O’Groats is the iconic most northerly point of the island of Great Britain (although Dunnet Head is officially the most northerly point!) and this walk follows the coast along to Duncansby Head which is the most north easterly point on mainland Britain.
At Duncansby Head is a pretty lighthouse with views across the rough waters of the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands as well as having some large and impressive sea stacks.
The walk starts at John O’Groats where there is parking. At some times of the year this is paid so do check before leaving. The route follows the path that runs through the sand dunes to the east of the small harbour before heading inland to meet the minor road to the lighthouse. Once you get to the lighthouse you will see a trig point on the hill and from here you will see the path and the sea stacks stretching out ahead.
After spending time watching the waves around the base of the sea stacks and looking for seals who haul out on the beach below there is the option to walk back following the same route or continue south until the path meets the road that returns to John O’Groats.
The walk is just over 6km and will take about 2 hours with time to enjoy the landscape, look for seals and make the most of being in this remote location.
St Ives to Carbis Bay
The journey takes in a section of the south-west coast path – a 630-mile walk around south-west England from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The starting point is at Porthminster beach in St Ives, with its white soft sand and crystal clear waters. There’s some convenient parking at St Ives train station just next to the walk start point.
Contributed by Sylvie of: Kids 2 Cornwall.
Sevens Sisters Cliff Walk
With pristine white cliffs set against a backdrop of rolling farmland, the Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk is one of the most scenic coastal trails in the country. A blanket of green grass covers the top; the sea glows from below, and white cliffs illuminate the whole scene. This trifecta of panoramic goodness creates one of the most picturesque and romantic walks in the UK.
The walk starts at Seaford on the south coast, 12 miles from Brighton. The trail follows the South Down Way over the top of the famous white cliffs. The most beautiful section of the hike is between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap. At this point, the seven hills stretch out in an undulating row, perfectly compressed into one breath-taking scene. The cottages on the path at Cuckmere provide a scenic spot for a romantic picnic.
Follow the well-worn path over the seven cliffs, working the legs as you breathe in the fresh coastal air. As the red and white striped Beachy Head lighthouse comes into focus under the top of the white cliffs, take a less-visited diversion to the village of East Dean. Here, a quiet rural track sculpted into sheep-strewn farmland, ends at the Tiger Inn. This cosy pub is the perfect place for a romantic post-hike pint.
The walk from Seaford to East Dean is just under 18 kilometres and should take around 6 hours including stops. There is plenty of parking at the esplanade in Seaford and regular bus services run from East Dean back to the car park.
Chatsworth - Peak District
Used as the backdrop for many an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth Estate, located in the Peak District, has to be one of the most romantic places for a walk in the UK.
Entry is free to the estate itself, and you could easily spend all day walk around the grounds, up into the woods, or along the River Derwent to find a place to place your blanket to picnic like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. Forgotten the picnic food? Then why not walk to the picturesque Chatsworth village of Edensor (pronounced ‘Enza’), for tea at the Tea Rooms.
Start your walk at the pay and display car park in Baslow, and take the footpath on the right right over the bridge on Church Lane. Follow the pathway towards Chatsworth House and turn right over Paine’s Bridge. Follow on up and over the hill to Edensor. From the car park to Edensor and back again is 5.6km.
If you’re looking for a shorter stroll around the estate, you could park at one of the two Chatsworth car parks (House or Carlton Lees); online pre-booking is essential.
With time to spare, it’s worth visiting the house itself (when it’s open) to marvel the grand rooms and decor. It’s always beautifully decorated for Christmas, with a superb Christmas market outside.
Contributed by Jenny of: Peak District Kids.
Needles and Alum Bay on Isle of Wight
If you’re looking for a romantic walk in the UK, head to the Isle of Wight. This beautiful island has some lovely walks, both inland and around the coast, but one of the most spectacular has to be the Needles and the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay.
Depending on how you’re travelling, you might want to park up at the Needles and then walk back to Alum Bay, but you can also do this in reverse. National Trust members get a discount on parking charges. If you’re staying on one of the many Isle of Wight campsites nearby, then you might prefer to walk from the campsite.
The distance from Alum Bay to the Needles is just under a mile, and shouldn’t take much longer than half an hour. The cliff path is wide and well-surfaced and should be suitable to pushchairs and wheelchair users. You can also walk one day and catch the day-tripper bus back (there is a fee for the bus but it’s not expensive).
If you want a longer hike, you can walk from Alum Bay across the downs to Freshwater Bay, and then back along the coast to the Needles. This route is about 6 miles.
The views from wherever you are walking are spectacular and you’ll probably want to stop often for photos. It’s also a wonderful place to bring a picnic and either make use of the benches or bring a rug. If you decide to visit in the evening then it’s definitely one of the most romantic walks in the UK.
Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
Stonehaven is a tiny fishing town in Scotland about 25 km south of the city of Aberdeen. The town prides itself in having the best Fish and Chips in the UK and is the starting point of one of the most popular hikes in the area. If you’re looking for a romantic walk with your significant other than the walk from Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle is a great choice.
You might know Dunnottar Castle from photos, it’s a very scenic spot with incredible views. The castle is located on a cliff that almost looks like a small island. It’s the final destination of this hike and well worth a visit for anyone staying in the area so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
There is a car park in Stonehaven where the hike begins. There is a parking fee but it’s only a few pounds so quite manageable. The cliffs in this area are quite steep so there is some climbing involved. The hike is beginner-friendly though and not too difficult to master. It takes around 2 hours to get from Stonehaven to the castle and then another two on the way back.
You’ll love the incredible cliffs and unique scenery. The hike is just over 5 kilometres long one way so not too far. Make sure you visit on a day when the castle is open so you get to see the stunning interior and appreciate the history of this incredible place.
Photo by Sniff Outdoors on Unsplash.
Norwich Riverside Walk
Little Venice Walk in London
People don’t usually equate London to a romantic city. But after travelling to London many times, and living here a couple of years, we can safely say that London is indeed one of the most romantic cities in Europe. For instance, walking along the canals of Little Venice is one of the most beautiful walks in London. One has to experience it to believe it.
Walking along the canals of Little Venice is not only romantic, but a great way to escape the crowd that London is known for. Surrounded by serene scenery, colourful boats and buzzing cafes, Little Venice is an oasis and an hidden gem. This is a free attraction in London and there are plenty of interesting things to do in Little Venice.
Little Venice is located near to Paddington Central Station at the junction where Regent Canal and Grand Union Canal meets. For a short romantic walk head to Browing’s Pool, that got its name from famous poet Robert Browning who was said to have lived nearby. You can spot ducks, swans and Canadian geese.
For a longer leisure canal walk, take a 2.5 mile walk to Camden Market which takes roughly 1.5 hours. This takes you through Maida Hill Tunnel, Regent’s Park, Cumberland Basin and into Camden. You can walk one way, and return back on a boat tour or vice versa. The boat tour from Little Venice to Camden takes 45 minutes.
It is impossible not to admire the moored boats and colourful cafes to the side. You can have a picnic either along Little Venice, or at the Rembrant Gardens.
The nearest tube station is Warwick Avenue.
Thames Path
One of the most romantic walks in the United Kingdom is the Thames Path. This is a hiking path that follows the River Thames from where it starts until Charlton in south east London. It has a total length of 296 kilometers, but it is possible to choose to complete only one part of the path.
The path is convenient to reach and there are many parking facilities along the path. The path is suitable for everyone’s liking. This is because there is beautiful nature along some parts of the path, while other parts go through more urban areas. One section that is particularly romantic goes through the busy city of London. This part is called the Queen’s Walk and it goes from Lambeth Bridge to the Tower Bridge along the south bank of the river. The route takes between 1 and 2.5 hours to complete, depending on the walking speed and the number of stops.
Along the way, this route goes by some of London’s most famous sights and attractions, which is great. Because it is so central, it fits in well even if you are only one day in London. What’s romantic about walking here is that it is much quieter than in many other parts of London, while at the same time it is possible to see the busiest parts of London from a distance. This is especially true early in the morning or at the end of the day
Perranporth to St Agnes coastal walk
One of the most romantic walks in the UK is undoubtedly the Perranporth to St Agnes coastal walk. This walk is a 3.6 mile chunk of the South West Coast Path, and is ideal if you’re looking for a moderate walk with breathtaking views without huge crowds. It’s hard to describe the drama of the wild sea crashing against the rocks and cliffs as you walk, but the wild setting is certainly romantic. If you’re visiting Cornwall on a short break, you shouldn’t miss this hike.
Along the trail, you’ll come across hidden beaches, remote, windswept sea cliffs, and the remains of the many mines near St Agnes. This stretch of the coastline is called the St Agnes Heritage Coast, and it definitely feels like the area’s mining history comes to life along the walk.
The Perranporth to St Agnes coastal walk is mostly flat (aside from the very start and the very end) and does not require any specialist equipment. It also has a few benches in the middle of the walk, perfect for a romantic picnic.
The walk starts in Perranporth in Cornwall, and starts just by Droskyn Car Park, overlooking Perranporth beach. In winter, you’ll have this walk completely to yourself, but in summer, although the walk will still be fairly quiet, the car parks fill with beachgoers pretty quickly.
The walk typically takes 2.5 hours, and there are a number of great pubs in St Agnes you can cosy up in after the walk, such as the Driftwood Spars.
Taking a walk in the beautiful British countryside is is one of the best ways to be at one with nature and build deeper love with family and friends. If you’re looking for something to keep you occupied on the weekends then be sure to venture out into the beautiful British countryside.
Be sure to let me know if you found this guide helpful or if you head out on any the walks yourself!
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