The 5 Best Trails For Beginner Walkers

When you’re just starting out with walking or hiking, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices — from routes and distances to terrain and equipment. But the truth is, you don’t need to be an expert trekker to experience the joy of outdoor adventure. With the right trail and preparation, anyone can begin discovering adventure on foot.

As a UK-based tour operator that has guided people through both local trails and high-altitude expeditions across Asia, we’ve seen how starting small builds confidence for bigger journeys later — whether that’s a weekend hike in the Lakes or a full-scale Nepal trekking tour.

Here are five of the best trails for beginners who want to get outdoors, explore nature, and prepare for bigger adventures ahead.

1. The Ridgeway, England

Known as Britain’s oldest road, The Ridgeway offers an easy introduction to long-distance walking. The path stretches about 87 miles through the rolling landscapes of southern England, from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.
What makes it ideal for beginners is the terrain — mostly gentle chalk downs with clear signposting throughout. You can walk it in short sections over weekends or challenge yourself to complete the entire trail in stages.
It’s a great place to build stamina and get comfortable walking with a daypack before moving on to more demanding trails abroad.

2. The Cotswold Way

If you’re after classic English countryside views, the Cotswold Way is a perfect choice. It runs for 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, following quiet ridges, meadows, and small historic villages.
The walking is moderate — a few rolling hills, nothing too steep — and it’s easy to access accommodation and local transport along the route.
Many of our travellers who later book India group tours or holiday trips in Nepal start with this kind of trail to get used to consistent walking days. It’s the ideal balance between challenge and comfort.

3. Ben A’an, Scotland

For those looking for a short but rewarding climb, Ben A’an in the Trossachs National Park is a great first hill. The ascent is under 3 km, and you’ll gain about 450 metres in height — enough to test your legs but not so much that you’ll struggle.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills.
This is often where walkers first experience that mountain feeling — a sense of achievement and calm that leads many to look towards international adventure tours in Nepal or Bhutan later on.

4. Snowdon via the Llanberis Path, Wales

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is Wales’s highest peak and one of the most accessible mountains in the UK. The Llanberis Path is the most straightforward route, about 9 miles round trip, with a steady gradient.
It’s an excellent training ground if you’re planning to join a trekking holiday in Nepal or an adventure trip in India.
You’ll get a taste of altitude, variable weather, and the satisfaction of reaching a summit — all valuable experiences before attempting higher peaks abroad.

5. Malham Cove & Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales

This loop in the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers dramatic limestone scenery without excessive effort.
You’ll walk through lush valleys, cross stone paths, and reach the impressive amphitheatre-like cliff of Malham Cove. The area is a great introduction to uneven terrain and helps improve balance and foot placement — useful skills for international trekking routes in Nepal or Bhutan.

Building Confidence for Global Adventures

Starting with beginner-friendly UK trails helps new walkers gain experience in:

• Managing pace and hydration

• Using basic gear like trekking poles and boots

• Understanding how terrain affects endurance

These are all essential lessons before joining more challenging adventure tours abroad.

For example, many travellers who complete their first few trails in the UK later go on to:

• Explore Nepal trekking and tours around the Annapurna or Everest regions

• Take India group tours through Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh

• Visit Bhutan for short highland hikes and cultural walks

• Discover places to visit in Sri Lanka with coastal and hill-country walking routes

At High Places UK, we’ve spent over 35 years guiding small-group travellers on both domestic and international adventures — from Britain’s classic trails to the peaks of the Himalayas.

Tips Before You Start

1. Start with short distances – 5–10 km walks are enough for beginners.

2. Use proper footwear – invest in lightweight trekking shoes with ankle support.

3. Plan your route – use official maps and check local weather forecasts.

4. Stay hydrated and fuelled – carry water and small snacks.

5. Join a small group – guided walks help you learn navigation, safety, and pacing.

Final Thoughts

Walking is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to begin your journey into adventure travel. The trails above aren’t just routes — they’re starting points that lead to bigger challenges, from the Scottish Highlands to the Himalayas.

If you’re ready to take your first step, start local, then think global. When you’re ready for something beyond the UK, destinations like Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka await — each offering unique landscapes and experiences for those who’ve built their walking confidence here at home.