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Adrenaline packed walking trails in the UK for solo adventurers

Exploring the great outdoors on foot by yourself is an adrenaline packed adventure, especially when you are targeting the most adventurous walking trails in the UK.

Solo hikers, who wish to test their limits in the midst of raw nature, can walk a selection of these walks, tailored to challenge their endurance and ignite their adventurous spirit to provide a walking holiday that will remain etched in the mind forever.

St Oswald’s Way

Best time to go: April to mid September 

Duration.         : Eight nights 

Grade.             : Moderate 

Named after St Oswald, the king of Northumberland in the 7th century, St Oswald’s Way offers a beautiful self-guided walk for the solo hiker.

This great 94 miles trail was established in 2006 and passes through some of the finest stretches of the coastline beginning from the holy island of Lindisfarne to as far as south to Warkworth before ending at Heavenfield on the Hadrian’s Wall.

This seven day moderate walk offers a mix of inland and coastal walking, with a good share of the history of Northumberland thrown in for good measure.

The walk passes through quaint fishing villages, castles perched high on the rocks, lovely sandy bays, villages and farmland. If you are looking for a solo action packed walking holiday, look no further.

If you prefer not to go solo for safety concerns, you can try a Walk with Williams and be assured you will be in good hands. 

Teesdale Way

Best time to go: April to October 

Duration.         : Nine nights

Grade.             : Moderate 

The 100 mile Teesdale Way terrain for the majority of its length is a moderate trail, perfect for solo travelers. There are a few steep climbs and descents in the central part.

The walk follows the River Tees from the site of  Redcar steelworks and ends at Dufton in the Eden Valley. The best direction to do the walk is from East to West.

On the way the path passes through the spectacular Tees Transporter Bridge, the Roman ruins at Piercebridge, Bernard Castle, Cauldron Snout Waterfall and High Cup Nick Chasm before ending at the remote Pennines.

Solo travelers should note that most B&Bs on the trail do not offer single rooms and charge the same for a single supplement as for two persons.

Yorkshire Wolds Way

Best time to go: April to October 

Duration.         : Seven nights

Grade.             : Moderate 

Designated as a National Trail in 1982, the 79 miles long Yorkshire Wolds Way runs from Hessle to Filey in North Yorkshire following the Yorkshire Wolds hills and valleys for most of the way. This walk is ideal for adventure seekers looking to walk the path less trodden.

A particular delight for the solo hiker is the deserted village of Whartam Percy dating back to the mediaeval times. Though the trail is relatively easy, there are a few steep inclines when coming out of the Wolds.

The walking surface is also good but can get muddy in please depending on the season you time your walk. The National Trail acorn symbol will be visible throughout the route.

The best thing if you are walking alone is that for much of the duration of the walk you will have the countryside to yourself, despite the path being a National Trail, which adds to the excitement.

Cleveland Way 

Best time to go: April to October 

Duration.         : Ten nights 

Grade.             :  Moderate 

The 110 miles long Cleveland Way was accorded National Trail status in 1969 and runs from the town of Helmsley and finishes at Filey Brigg after passing through the stunning ruined Abbey at Whitby.

It is no wonder that this epitome of the English countryside has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its quaint villages and rolling hills all preserved in their natural state.

There is no better way for a solo Walker to explore this region of patchwork fields, surrounded from all sides by stone walls and acres and acres of unspoilt woodland.

Postcard perfect mediaeval villages, churches and stately homes adorn this region of England and there is nothing more rewarding than an adventurous walk in the Cotswolds.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

The 84 miles Hadrian’s Wall Path is an adventure seekers delight as it takes one past one of the most rugged countryside terrain to be seen in Northern England.

Walkers can hike along one of the largest and last remaining Roman artefacts in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.

As you walk in this scenic environment, you will pass through small towns, pretty villages and large cities which showcases the diversity of this part of the country.

Spend nights in family-owned B&Bs and experience the traditional British hospitality and sample delicious food and drink as you wind your way in the footsteps of the Romans.

Ridgeway 

Best time to go : April to October 

Duration.          :  Nine nights 

Grade.             :   Easy to moderate 

Ridgeway is a National Trail, named after Britain’s oldest road, which covers the ancient 5000 years old walking route from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. The entire 87 miles route is well-marked with the acorn symbol of the National Trail.

A key attraction on the way is Cheques Court, the retreat of the country’s Prime Minister located at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. There are a few ups and downs, but on the whole the walk is moderate.

The solo thrill seeker can experience great views of the rolling chalk downland and get to explore some great archaeological treasures on the way including Neolithic long harrows,Iron Age forts and white horse figures cut in chalk.

In the evening, there are a plethora of cosy pubs in the small towns and the villages along the trail. Apart from a few sections of paved roads, the surface is of either earth or grass which can get quite difficult to traverse during and after wet weather.

South Tyne Trail

Best time to go: April to October 

Duration.         : 3 nights

Grade.  .           : Easy

This is an easy 22 miles trail, best done from South to North near the Haltwhistle train station. The path winds its way along the South Tyne River, starting from Garrigill in Cumbria, past the impressive Ashgill Force waterfall and ends at Haltwhistle in Northumberland.

Some key attractions on the way are the tracks of the narrow gauge railway network operated by the South Tynedale Railway before they cross the breathtaking Lambley Viaduct, which offers unparalleled views of the landscape.

Adventure lovers will enjoy watching on this multi user trail with well paved paths, bridleways and remote roads, not to forget the old railway line that offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

Solo hikers will enjoy traveling through this fabulous North Pennines region and enjoy spectacular views on this shared walking and cycling trail. The trail is linked with the Pennines Way and the Isaac’s Tea Trail.