Top Hiking Blogs You Should Read Before Going for Long Walks
The best UK hiking blogs from writer, creators, and walking communities, you should read before going for long walks.
Drawn by the journey, the sense of achievement and the views along the way, more British walkers are taking on long distance trails. Throughout the UK, routes wind through some of the country’s most striking scenery, offering both challenge and reward to long distance hikers.
At Bolton Abbey Escapes, our collection of Yorkshire based holiday properties are rooted in this love of the outdoors. Each is a welcoming base from which to explore riverside rambles, woodland paths or multi day hikes deep into the Dales.
Alongside our favourite walks in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, we have gathered some of the UK’s best hiking blogs, exploring fresh trail inspiration, practical tips, reviews and the experiences of others – all invaluable before going for long walks.
Why Did We Choose These Blogs?
These excellent blogs from writers, creators and walking communities capture an experience of walking that’s more than just the trail. Including the challenges, discoveries, quiet joys and reflections that come with time outdoors.
Our recognition is a thank you to all who are featured on this list, for their contributions to the hiking community.
To make things easy, we’ve grouped them into clear categories so you can quickly find the stories that suit you best.
Guides & Reviews
OS Get Outside is a brilliant starting point if you’re looking to build confidence in long distance walking. Run by Ordnance Survey, it’s packed with practical guides and advice from experts alongside their OS Maps app, which holds thousands of tried and tested routes across the UK.
A trusted hub for hikers seeking practical inspiration and reliable advice. Their seasoned editors, writers and testers live and breathe the outdoors and offer trusted recommendations on routes, kit, and gear.
One of the world’s first websites devoted to outdoor pursuits, trusted for its expert reviews of hiking equipment. Their team tests every item of gear they review in the environment it’s been designed for, and they don’t shy away from criticism where warranted.
A personal and practical hiking blog from Stacy, who has been exploring UK trails since 2020. She offers honest route guides and reviews based on walks she’s completed firsthand, with occasional contributions from guest writers.
Reece is a passionate writer and outdoor enthusiast, whose blog explores hidden waterfalls, unique discoveries, wild camping spots, and guides to summits like Scarfell Pike and Ben Nevis. Every post provides practical insights to help you to plan your own adventures.
Long Distance Hikes
National Trail pulls together trustworthy route data on the UK’s 16 premier long distance walking routes, each officially waymarked and maintained, ranging from the rugged Pennine Way to the beautiful South West Coast Path.
The definitive resource for anyone needing trusted, timely data on the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest National Trail, covering 630 miles of coastline from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Long Distance Walking Association
The Long Distance Walking Association houses the most comprehensive database of the UK’s long distance footpaths. With over 10,000 routes, the LDWA’s breadth, detail and practical guidance makes it an essential resource for anyone serious about multi day walking.
Detailed guides for easy walks, challenging multi day treks and backpacking routes. Leigh’s firsthand accounts bring each trail to life and provide a great source of inspiration for your next long distance hike.
Invaluable for anyone planning walks in the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Peak District, with free maps, journals, statistics and elevations, alongside insights from Mike’s own walking adventures.
A practical resource for long distance walkers across the UK with detailed guides for routes like the Pennine Way, Coast to Coast, Dales Way and South Downs Way, including itineraries, accommodation, transport and tips from firsthand experience.
A 200 mile figure of 8 trail around Shrewsbury and some of England’s most beautiful and unspoilt countryside. Maintained by a dedicated volunteer team, the blog offers detailed maps, GPSX files and points of interest, ideal for short and long adventures.
Honest, practical appraisals of Britain’s long distance trails. Here you’ll find both the rewards and the challenges of routes including Hadrian’s Wall Path, North Downs Way and the Cleveland Way, among many more.
Mark’s personal exploration of the West Yorkshire hills and moors, northern Peak District and more in the UK and abroad, packed with inspiring insights into his hiking experiences.
Starting in 2006 and taking in a six month round the world trip, Simon combines practical guidance with an international perspective, creating a valuable resource for anyone seeking inspiration beyond the usual routes.
Here you’ll find a rich personal archive of remarkable journeys, full of honest stories of national and international adventures with photos and personal reflections from Neil and Tanya.
Hiking, climbing, surfing, paragliding, wakeboarding and mountain biking guides are weaved into this mix of local adventures and ambitious international trips. Inspiring for anyone looking to get outside.
National Parks
A vast network of reliable route and safety information, perfect for families looking for manageable routes and committed walkers planning more challenging multi day treks, including distance, time, ascent and grade.
A curated selection of long distance and multi day hikes in Exmoor National Park, with reliable and detailed route guidance, perfect for hikers ready to tackle Exmoor’s wild beauty. Mapped out hikes cover moor, coast, and valley hikes.
Bursting with essential advice for anyone looking for accessible introductions to some of England’s ancient woodlands. It’s a thoughtfully curated guide for walkers of all abilities, covering more than 140 miles of walking tracks and footpaths.
Community Driven
Particularly valuable for budget conscious hikers looking for affordable adventures, families who prefer inclusive group walks and anyone who values community connections, blending rich historical narrative with the benefits of hiking.
Dedicated hillwalking editorial, equipment reviews, trail news and planning tools within one place, fantastic for community driven organisers and planners.
Designed to inspire, this blog aims to connect people with themselves and with nature. Great for travellers or casual walkers wanting to feel the spirit of a trail before planning.
Bringing technology to the world of hiking. Expect updates on advanced map features, trail planning tools and global hiking inspiration from those working to make hiking safer, more accessible, and better understood through mapping technology.
Events & Challenges
Practical inspiration and motivation to get active outdoors, focusing on outdoor activities in the UK with a blend of event guides, team and family outdoor fitness and local adventures.
With this blend of personal hiking stories and ultra challenge adventures from the UK and abroad, Marc seeks to help readers find a challenge that’s right for them.
Women Led Hikes
Content creator, award winning blogger and Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, Zanna combines travel, hiking and sustainability with a passion for helping others to step out of their comfort zone.
Ruth’s personal 2010 walking journey around the British mainline coast, starting in North Norfolk and heading clockwise. Over the years, Ruth has covered over 4,000 miles, embracing the adventure at her own pace and sharing her photography.
Jacquie shares a blend of UK-based walking and bike packing, emphasising that outdoor adventure doesn’t always need to be a grand expedition. Great inspiration for anyone looking to get more from the outdoors and live sustainably.
A heartfelt resource written by mountain leader Becky who has travelled solo to over 40 countries. From UK National Parks to global treks up Kilimanjaro or the Amazon, Becky’s journeys inspire other solo adventures and anyone with a love of exploration.
Photography
Aesthetically minded hikers will value Stuart’s posts, which combine evocative photography with honest storytelling, as he encourages even less experienced walkers to explore. Here you’ll find inspiring hikes with strong visual impact.
Professional rugby player turned award winning blogger Stephan Knight shares his passion for hiking through his guides, insights and photography. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip, Knight offers detailed explorations of Wales’ diverse landscapes.
Pete, a hiker based in the Chiltern Hills, shares his regular adventures through detailed walk journals and diaries, often full of stunning photography. Pete has also created his own long distance route, which he has coined the Chiltern Chain Walk.
Whether swimming in waterfalls or paddleboarding in the Lake District, UK based photographer Isis Taylor shares her hiking guides, wild swimming locations and outdoor safety advice in her personal adventure stories.
Family Friendly
Easy to follow advice from Lauren for family hikes and camping trips, with a range of helpful material including beginner friendly routes, gear reviews, and campsite cooking guides. Ideal for parents looking to explore more of nature and take on family camping trips.
Adventure mum Katy chronicles her journey from a teenager who dreaded mountain walks to a passionate hiker climbing the UK’s highest peaks with her family. A relatable perspective for parents looking to encourage their children to connect with nature.
Van Life
Zoe’s personal exploration of England’s diverse landscapes, brimming with firsthand accounts of hikes and campervan travel throughout the UK, makes this a great blog for anyone looking for a campervan beginner’s guide.
Chris and Suze are nomadic pet sitters who combine their love of hiking with a passion for travel, providing practical guides and personal insights into van life, hiking, and adventuring around the UK. Great for anyone investigating the freedom that campervans can bring.
Final Thoughts
Each of these blogs offers something unique, from detailed gear reviews to heartfelt reflections and personal discoveries. They inspire a deeper appreciation of long distance walking, one of life’s simplest yet most rewarding pursuits.
In recognition of their contribution to the walking community, each has received the Bolton Abbey Escapes Recognition Award, as a small thank you for all the inspiration and knowledge they share.
Get Walking with Bolton Abbey Escapes
At Bolton Abbey Escapes, we champion the same spirit of adventure. Our cottages and hotels overlook some of the UK’s finest countryside, where you can hike, explore, and discover the Yorkshire Dales and Bolton Abbey Estate. Your next great adventure begins here.
Check out our collection of Bolton Abbey stays in the heart of Yorkshire and plan your next hiking adventure today.