Running has been the trending sport of 2025 (thanks Harry Styles), and whilst marathons are soaring to an all-time high, hiking is now entering the spotlight as the go-to movement for 2026. Demand for ‘best UK hikes’ in the UK increased by +194% in the past month, with 7,000 searches in the past 30 days alone, showing many Brits are keen to get the walking boots out and explore what England has to offer.
That’s why car rental experts SIXT have created a new ranking for the best hikes in England, from hidden treasures to popular bucket list trails. Using UK search data, plus metrics including distance, elevation, rating, and difficulty level, plus average precipitation and temperature, the best beginner-friendly walks have been revealed – and the North West does not disappoint.
Dovestone Reservoir named no. 2 beginner-friendly hike in England
Dovestone Reservoir is located in Greater Manchester, on the edge of Saddleworth Moor. The trail, ranked easy for hikers and walkers, will take you on a loop around the picturesque reservoir, with sweeping peaks and woodland. This trail is slightly longer at 4.3km and has an elevation of 108m, but has been rated highly (4.7) for enjoyment, sights, and accessibility.
At just 40 minutes from Manchester, this walk is particularly accessible when you’ve had enough of the city and with plenty of pubs and restaurants in the surrounding Saddleworth area, you’re covered for the whole day.
The North West dominates the rankings
In total, four Cumbria trails, one Derbyshire and one North Yorkshire trail all came within the top 10, bringing the North West total up to seven out of 10 – pretty strong stats. More obvious Lake District destinations like the Buttermere Circular and Lake Windermere made appearances, with the likes of Curbar Edge and Malham attracting more local crowds.
Of course, our region is truly full of stunning scenery, but research like this really does bring it to the forefront of our minds. From crags and cliffs, to reservoirs and lakes, you really can’t beat a day out in and around Greater Manchester.
Other beginner-friendly hikes in England
Coming in first place, Tall Trees Trail in the New Forest is a scenic hike in the county of Hampshire. The loop is flat (just 60m elevation) and perfect for families or beginners, and is just 3.2km long.
The third-place hike was the Virginia Water Circular, a beginner-friendly hike in Surrey that features waterfalls and streams. The circular route is just 6.9km, making it perfect for kids, couples, and everyone in between. The area also sees the best weather on average of the top 10 hikes, with just 22% chance of precipitation and an average daily temperature of 12ºC – worth the trip when our weather gets too bad!
Top 10 beginner-friendly hikes in England to tick off this spring
- Tall Trees Trail Circular, Hampshire – 83.1
- Dovestone Reservoir Circular, Greater Manchester – 64.1
- Virginia Water Circular, Surrey – 55.7
- Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Circular, Wiltshire – 47.2
- Malham Walks, North Yorkshire – 43.0
- Buttermere Circular, Cumbria – 40.9
- Tarn Horns and Rose Castle Plantation, Cumbria – 40.9
- Curbar Edge and Froggatt Wood, Derbyshire – 40.9
- Latrigg Circular, Cumbria – 38.8
- Lake Windermere, Cumbria – 28.2
