There is no shortage of beautiful sights in the UK. Often all you need is sturdy walking shoes to take you there. While we never incorporate the British countryside during the warm months, outdoors and nature doesn't mean that you'll always have to travel anywhere. There are also many beautiful cities across the country that are ideal for exploring on foot.
In fact, one northern city recently voted as the UK's easiest to walk, and earlier this year, a timeout survey found that this UK seaside destination is the third-walking city in the world. However, when it comes to hiking, there is one destination in the UK where you can play cards for the rest. Hiking generally requires a little more energy than a gentle walk, but there are plenty of beginner routes in the UK and this hiking hotspot can check out many boxes.
According to YouGov, one in ten prefers adventure-filled escapes, including hiking trips. With this in mind, online hiking retailer Sportsshoes.com has been able to look at hiking data from around the world to find the best.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, emerged as the best city in the world for hikers, but one city in the UK was also on the list. Offering many routes offering panoramic views to the historic city, Edinburgh is officially perfect for hiking in the UK.
Each city was ranked based on its number and quality of hikes, as well as high-keyability scores that looked at reviews left by those who took the trail, with Edinburgh earning 89 out of 100.
Not only was it the best city to hike in the UK, it was also the only European city to reach the top 10. There are multiple routes to the famous hills, home to Arthur's seat and actually an extinct volcano.
An unusual opportunity to hike the volcanic peaks in the city, hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill and the Royal Mile. Another volcanic hill, Calton Hill, was once considered a version of the Athenian Acropolis in Edinburgh, but is listed as a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many of Edinburgh's popular hikes are located in the city, but if you feel more ambitious, there are plenty of opportunities to explore beyond, such as nearby Blackford Hills and Pentland Hills Regional Park.
In addition to the city's impressive natural scenery, it also attracts visitors from all over the world. There's no shortage of places to explore between the folded mix of Edinburgh cobblestone streets and the elegant Georgia terraces home to world-class restaurants and museums.
