There’s no shortage of beautiful sights to behold in the UK, and often all it requires is a sturdy pair of walking shoes to take you there. While there’s nothing quite like taking in the British countryside during the warmer months, getting outdoors and into nature doesn’t always require journeying out to the middle of nowhere, and there are plenty of pretty cities across the country that are ideal for exploring on foot.
In fact, one northern city was recently voted Britain’s most walkable, and earlier this year, a study by Time Out found that this seaside destination in the UK is the third-most walkable city in the world. When it comes to hiking, however, there’s one destination in the UK that manages to trump the rest. Although a hike generally demands slightly more energy than a gentle walk, there are plenty of beginner-friendly routes across the UK, and this hiking hotspot manages to tick a number of boxes.
According to YouGov, one in 10 Brits prefer adventure-filled getaways, including hiking trips. With this in mind, the online hiking retailer SportsShoes.com looked at data on hikes around the world to find the best ones.
While Rio de Janeiro in Brazil emerged as the best city in the world for hikers, one city in the UK also made it onto the list. Offering a number of routes that provide panoramic views over the historic city, Edinburgh is officially the best for hiking in the UK.
Each city was ranked based on a hikeability score that looked at the number and quality of hikes, as well as the reviews left by those who have taken the trails, with Edinburgh scoring 89 out of 100.
Not only is it the best city in the UK for hiking, but it was also the only European city to make it into the top 10. Home to Arthur’s Seat, there are multiple routes up to the famous hill that’s in fact an extinct volcano.
A rare opportunity to hike a volcanic peak in a city, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill and the Royal Mile. Another volcanic hill, Calton Hill was once considered Edinburgh’s version of the Athenian Acropolis, and is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While many of Edinburgh’s popular hikes are located within the city, if you’re feeling more ambitious, there’s also ample opportunity to explore beyond, including the nearby Blackford Hill and Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Attracting visitors from all around the world, besides the city’s impressive natural landscape, there’s no shortage of places to explore amongst Edinburgh’s eclectic mix of cobbled streets, elegant Georgian terraces that are home to world-class restaurants and museums.