11 Of The BEST UK Walking Challenges For Daring Hikers 🥾

While certainly not everybody’s cup of tea, many hikers (including myself) love the thrill of a walking challenge.

Pushing you beyond your usual comfort zone, demanding walking challenges are a fantastic way to strengthen both body and mind.

Plus, there’s no denying the whole experience is a real buzz and incredibly rewarding – especially if you’re able to raise money for a good cause in the process!

Extremely fortunate to be a resident of the UK, there’s an endless array of walking challenges (big and small) to tackle on this little isle of ours.

With so many on offer however, choosing the right one for you can sometimes feel a tad overwhelming.

Compiling a list of what we consider 11 of the best walking challenges currently on offer in the UK, head out on any of these and I guarantee you’re in for a grueling yet gratifying adventure.

Varying in length & difficulty, these challenges will also take you through some of the most beautiful countryside our homeland has to offer.

Interested? Let’s get to it 👇👇

Best Walking Challenges In The UK

National Three Peaks Challenge

Perhaps the most iconic walking challenge in the whole UK, any adventurer worth their salt has heard of this mammoth task.

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales within the space of just 24 hours. These are:

• Ben Nevis, highest peak in Scotland (1,344m)
• Scafell Pike, highest peak in England (978m)
• Snowdon, highest peak in Wales (1,085m)

Submitting each of these individual mountains is a challenge in and of itself, but after adding in the stringent time constraints, peak-to-peak logistical difficulties and then topping it off with ever-mounting sleep deprivation – the undertaking quickly becomes a whole new beast.

While there are admittedly more difficult walking challenges mentioned further down this list, this Challenge is a great option due to its notoriety and still being within the ability of the average generally fit hiker.

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this challenge is the logistics.

Getting hold of a dedicated driver (or drivers) can prove tricky, and then on the day you’ve also got to contend with weather conditions, traffic issues and general busy-ness on each trail.

You’re also only going to be as quick as the slowest member in your team since you’ll be waiting for them before you can drive to the next location.

Nevertheless, with the right preparation and a sprinkle of luck, the National Three Peaks Challenge is certainly all-round great adventure to tackle.

Top tip – To ensure you’re fighting fit come the big day, be sure to check out our ‘How To Train For The National 3 Peaks Challenge’

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

If the logistics of the National 3 Peaks Challenge sounds like too much headache however, then the Yorkshire 3 Peaks may be right up your street.

A 25-mile circular loop across mountainous Yorkshire Dales terrain, this challenge involves summiting the 3 highest peaks of Yorkshire within a 12-hour window.

Thee three peaks in question are:

• Whernside – 736 m or 2,415 ft
• Ingleborough – 723 m or 2,372 ft
• Pen-y-ghent – 694 m or 2,277 ft

Starting and finishing at the same point, the whole trail is completed on foot – in some ways making it more difficult from a purely hiking perspective than the National 3 Peaks since you’ve no respite between climbs.

With various starting points on offer, I’d personally go with the Horton-in-Ribblesdale starting point which begins by summiting Pen-y-ghent, followed by the long trail to the peak of Whernside before finally scrambling up Ingleborough, before heading back to the car park.

There’s no denying this is much easier to organise than the National 3 Peaks, and because of this you’re more likely to gather a bigger group of pals up for the task at hand.

For example, on a recent Yorkshire 3 Peaks charity walk, we had a group of 30 strong. Walking in memory of a dear friend, the comradery among the group was incredibly heartening.

Incredibly busy during the summer months however, be sure to get here bright-and-early if you want to snag a parking spot. As the day progresses, you’re likely to bridge a gap between your group and the rest of the crowd, though there does tend to be quite a bit of congestion on the first peak of Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

We were queuing for a good 15 minutes towards the top of the peak, which felt a little precarious since you’re standing around on a steep scramble incline!

For all you need to know, head on over to our detailed Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge Training Guide!

Welsh 3000s

Word of warning – this challenge is not for the faint of heart!

Reserved for extremely fit and experienced mountain hikers & fell runners, the Welsh 3000s involves summiting 15 mountains on foot with over 3000 ft of elevation in the space of just 24 hours.

With no vehicles allowed, this punishing trail unsurprisingly scares many a hiker from ever even wanting to attempt this challenge – especially since it involves Crib Goch; one of the scariest & most exposed scrambles in the whole of the UK.

Some hikers attempting this challenge choose to camp on Snowdon the night before, which can make the hike slightly easier, though you do sacrifice adding extra weight to your backpack.

Weather is also a vital component for this challenge, and you’ll need to be flexible on your starting date to wait for suitable conditions.

You’ll likely never find the perfect day, but you’ll need to ensure that you’re not hiking when its too hot, too cold, too windy, too rainy or too misty – any of these will likely prevent you from safely completing this infamous trial.

Tremendously demanding and lacking quite the same notoriety among the general public as previous challenges mentioned on this list, this trail is only likely to tickle the appetite of the hardcore hiker.

Hadrian’s Wall Challenge Walk

For fellow history buffs who love hiking, this coast-to-coast walk is probably already at the top of your bucket list.

Known as the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years, construction of Hadrian’s Wall began all the way back in 122 AD, making it a truly treasured British relic.

A popular hiking challenge undertaken by over 10,000 ramblers each year, average finishing times come in at around 6-8 days, though really fit walkers may look to do it in 4-5.

Dotted along the 84-mile trail are a number of accommodation options and campsites, though we’d recommend booking early due to the popularity of the trail.

Rated an easy/moderate route, the trail is well trodden and while it can be hilly in segments, it offers nothing the average rambler should have much difficulty with.

The main difficulty of the challenge comes with hiking consistently over numerous days while carrying all your luggage, especially if you’re camping every night.

For those who really don’t fancy the prospect of lugging heavy loads each day, there are a number of companies which offer daily luggage transportation. Certainly an option if you’ve the money to spare!

For more information you can check out the National Trails website here.

Pendle Way In A Day

A lesser-known walking challenge situated in my home county of Lancashire, this adventure stands up there with the very best in my opinion.

A winter way-marked trail challenge event guiding you through the beautiful & rolling moorlands of Pendle in the South Pennines, there are both hiking and running groups available for this demanding ultra.

Starting and finishing at the foot of Pendle Hill from Barley Village Hall in Barley, the full circular route comes it at around 45 miles with 6100ft of ascent.

For those who may find this a little too daunting, there’s also an alternative option of approximately 30miles with of ascent 4500ft.

Did you know – Famous for its gorgeous fairy-tale scenery throughout the county, Lancashire’s idyllic countryside was even said to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien when writing his Lord Of The Rings trilogy!

Gorgeous winter-wonderland countryside walking, what more is there to say except sign me up!

For more rambling inspiration in Lancashire, head on over to our ‘8 BEST Walks In Lancashire’ post!

Ultra Challenge 100km

Holding events up and down the UK, wherever you’re situated you’re likely not far from an Ultra Challenge event.

Suitable for all experience levels, the events offer distances ranging from 25-kilometres all the way up to a whopping 100-kilometres!

Hosting challenges in the likes of Cotswolds, the Peak District, the Isle of White or the stunning Jurassic Coast just to name a few, whichever event you opt for, you’ll be treated to a whole host of spectacular scenery.

A great option for walking challenge newbies who’d prefer a well-organised outing rather than going at it solo, along the way you’ll conveniently be greeted with food & drink at regular pop-up stations, along with medical staff and plenty other walkers to help boost comradery.

For more information, you can head over to the official Ultra Challenge website here.

Bob Graham Round

Back in 1932, a hotelier named Bob Graham set out on a legendary running route which incorporated 42 of the highest Lake District peaks in a loop of 66 miles (106km) in under 24 hours.

Unbeknownst to Bob at the time, this remarkable feat has gone on to capture the imagination of fell runners and walkers alike through the years, with his route has becoming one of the greatest endurance challenges in Britain today.

Covering a staggering 26,900 feet (8,200m) of ascent, in reality very few walkers can expect to finish this challenge within 24 hours unless you also incorporate some fell running into the equation.

Much more doable (though still difficult) when taken on over 3-5 days however, this challenge is a fantastic way to squeeze in a bunch of the Lake District’s famed fells during one demanding yet memorable trip.

Needless to say, navigation is absolutely essential for successfully completing this challenge, in addition to packing the correct supplies.

Spots to refill your water can be sparse through sections of this trail and weather conditions on the day can pretty much make-or-break your attempt, so please ensure you have adequately prepared beforehand.

For more information, you can check out this great write up of the Bob Graham Round over at Where 2 Walk.

Anglesey Coastal Path

In my humble opinion, the picturesque island of Anglesey, Wales, is one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the whole of the UK.

Providing walkers with awe-inspiring coastlines, postcard worthy beaches and a whole host idyllic towns to explore, the Anglesey Coastal Path encompasses a full loop of the isle over a whopping 208-kilometre waymarked trail.

Along the way, you’ll also pass through plenty of scenic variety, including farmland, coastal heath, sandy dunes, dramatic jagged cliffs and dense woodland to name a few.

Conveniently breaking up the trip and providing hikers with a well-deserved respite, spaced throughout the walk you’ll also pass through a total of 20 unique towns.

Those with a sense of adventure and plenty of time to spare may choose to do this massive hike in one go, which usually takes hikers an average of 12 days to complete.

Alternatively however, many ramblers instead tend to tackle the Anglesey Coastal Path in more sizable chunks over various visits to the isle.

Completing the Anglesey Coastal Path is something I’ve not had the pleasure of ticking off (as of yet!), though I am thoroughly enjoying chipping away at it gradually with each visit.

For those interested in exploring more of this spectacular isle, be sure to read through our detailed post listing 8 of the very best Anglesey walks!

The Old Forge Hike: The Remotest Pub In Britain (Glenfinnan to Inverie)

Would you hike two days for a pint?

Well, that’s exactly what hundreds of daring hikers set out to do each year when they step on the trail to The Old Forge pub in Scotland.

Dubbed the remotest pub in Britain, The Old Forge is located in the village of Inverie and is only reachable via a 7-mile ferry ride or multi-day trek through unforgiving Scottish Highlands country.

The unrelenting bogs and challenging terrain make this one of the toughest walks on the list, though the breathtaking vistas and prospect of a pint provides plenty of motivation to keep pushing ahead.

For all you need to know, feel free to read through my ‘The Old Forge – Hiking To The Most Remote Pub In Britain’ post. 

The Great Glencoe Challenge

Located in the stunning Glencoe Valley of the Scottish Highlands, you’ll struggle to find a walk with as much atmospheric beauty as the Great Glencoe Challenge.

A 26-mile slog starting from the heart of Glencoe that’ll take you through gorgeous yet rugged mountainous terrain before finishing at the base of Ben Nevis in Fort William, the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’.

Labelled a ‘trekathon’, this walk is the same length as a marathon but much more focused towards off-road trekking! With the opportunity to walk or run, the only rule is that you have 12 hours to complete the challenge from when your wave sets off.

Taking participants through iconic landmarks such as the famous Buachaille Etive Mòr and the stunning Glencoe Lochan, one particular favourite section of this trail tends to be the infamous ‘devil’s staircase’ climb.

Finishing in Fort William where you’ll be greeted to a well-earned medal and evening meal, there’s also the option to grab a few beers with your hiking comrades afterwards.

With a motto of ‘mud, sweat and beers’, what more could you ask for in a day out?!

For more information, I’ll include a link to the Great Glencoe Challenge website here.

John O’ Groats To Lands End Walk

The granddaddy of all walking challenges in the UK, what better way to finish our list than with John O’ Groats to Lands End.

 

An iconic expedition traversing the full length of the United Kingdom, this challenge spans approximately 1200 miles from the northern tip of Scotland, all the way to the southwestern edge of England.

Taking roughly 3 months of consistent rambling to complete, this challenge is undeniably the best way to truly experience the UK’s diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage.

Encountering towns and trails you’ve likely never even heard of before, each destination is a chance to see the ‘real UK’ and bask in the local charm of each distinctive region.

It goes without saying however that this expedition is notoriously demanding and an enormous deal of preparation is required if you wish to succeed.

You’ll need to budget accordingly; ensure you’ve got all the necessary gear (while not over-packing) and plot a route where you’ll be regularly passing through towns to resupply.

You’ll have to decide how often you want to camp versus staying in a hotel or B&B, and you’ll also have to decide how far you’re willing to walk each day.

Levels above your standard multi-day trek, walking for months on end while lugging around all your supplies is going to require tip top endurance and a bulletproof mentality.

Nevertheless, the sheer scope of this epic journey along with the many treasured experiences you’ll encounter along the way makes the recipe for the experience of a lifetime.

Likewise, for those who do succeed in walking John O’ Groats to Lands End, you’ll also be sharing good company with a tiny minority of walkers globally having conquered this challenge.

Safe to say you’ll be hailed as a true hiking legend!

Preparing for a walking challenge

Each individual challenge comes with its own unique challenges and preparation requirements.

With that said, there are certainly some overarching themes that’ll set you in good stead for any upcoming challenge you may be embarking on.

Start Training Early: Start with shorter, comfortable walks and gradually build up your distance and intensity over time. For more information, be sure to check out our ‘How To Train For A Hike’ blog post.

Invest in some proper walking boots: Your feet will take a real beating when walking over long distances, so be sure to take care of them with some high-quality walking boots.

Pack well (but don’t over pack): Ensure you’ve packed all the essentials for your hike, though also don’t go overboard with supplies. Taking too much will only weigh you down.

Hydrate and eat well: Hiking is hungry work! In addition to having an adequate supply of water, you’ll also need to keep your energy levels topped up with energy inducing snacks.

Figure out your route: Familiarize yourself with the terrain and plan your rest stops, along with bringing a navigational device to keep you on track.

Stay Positive: A positive mindset and mental resilience is key to succeeding on a walking challenge. To help push through the soreness and fatigue, why not try raising money for a charity? The prospect of raising money for a good cause can certainly help overshadow weariness when energy levels are low.

Listen to Your Body: With that said, we all have our limits. Country hiking does come with many hazards, so rest when needed, keep your faculties clear and pay attention to signs of serious discomfort. Don’t be hard-headed and compromise your safety. You can always come back another day.

Test Your Gear: Always ensure your equipment is comfortable and reliable before the challenge by heading out on a trial run or two.

Enjoy the Journey: While it can be tough when you’re exhausted, make an effort to embrace the experience and take time to appreciate the scenery along the way. After all, enjoying the wonders of nature is one of the main reason why we hike in the first place!

While you’re here…

We love walking and outdoor adventure here at The Walking Northerners.

For those who share this sentiment, why not explore more of our little ol’ blog?

From detailed walking guides, expert tips and uncovering hidden gems, I guarantee there’s something here to tickle your fancy!

Happy walking 🚶🚶