If you’re looking for a hiking holiday that blends scenic walks with rich history and archaeology, look no further than our highlighted trails. We’ve curated a list of some of the best hiking trails for history and archaeology enthusiasts that bring history to life in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Experience the ‘edge of the world’ sensation on the Dingle Way or explore the vast imperial legacy of Hadrian’s Wall. Delve deeper into Ireland’s past along the Burren Way & Cliffs of Moher trail, which showcases numerous prehistoric monuments and mysterious heritage. For a taste of England, why not traverse the ancient pathways of the South Downs Way or the Cotswold Way? These trails wind past historic abbeys and through idyllic English villages steeped in medieval heritage. Alternatively, explore the glens and valleys of Scotland along the routes where clan chief Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s very own Robin Hood, once roamed, driving cattle by hook or by crook.
From our extensive list of tours, we’ve selected hiking trails that feature numerous historic and archaeological sites along the route. These trails are sure to satisfy the thirst for knowledge and adventure of even the most passionate history enthusiasts.
Ever wondered what the edge of the Roman Empire looked like? Hadrian’s Wall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the best preserved example of the northern limit of Rome’s ambition in Britain. Just under 2,000 years old, the Wall took 15,000 legionaries six years to build. It stretches an incredible 117.5 km (73 miles) from Wallsend in the East to Bowness-on-Solway in the West of England. Milecastles, forts and turrets dot the wall at intervals where you can walk in the very structures the Romans used. Some sites like Birdoswald and Vindolanda have museums, tours and even excavations. This National Trail faithfully follows the wall across a gently undulating landscape and is very popular with hikers.
Just by looking at a map you can see the Dingle Way is at the very edge of Europe and before Columbus’ discovery of America it was believed this region was at the very edge of the habitable world. This wild and remote landscape has preserved many ancient, historical and archeological sites. Along the trail you will come across mysterious standing Ogham Stones with their early medieval alphabet, circular stone forts and world famous sites like the 1,000 year old dry stone Gallarus Oratory. For those interested in culture and history the Dingle Way is a remarkable experience. All this while you take in glorious vistas of the wild Atlantic and the Kerry Mountains.
The Burren is a distinctive almost prehistoric landscape which features fertile karst limestone rock formations that support a wide variety of rare and protected wildflowers. People have roamed the landscape here for thousands of years as is evidenced by Ireland’s best known neolithic dolmen at Poulnabrone atop the region’s most desolate and highest point. There are around 70 megalithic tombs in the Burren area. As you hike across this mysterious and desolate landscape you will also see prehistoric walls. Further west on this trail are the world famous Cliffs of Moher which tower dramatically over the coastline. The Clare region is wonderfully rich in culture and traditional music so an evening pub visit is essential.
This historic hike begins in Winchester, home of King Alfred the Great, one of the first English kings to successfully take on the Vikings. The city is also home to the longest and one of the most impressive medieval cathedrals in the world. As you trek further into the South Downs, ancient pathways will lead you to sites such as Butser Hill with its Iron Age farm as well as the Roman Villa at Bignor with its extraordinary mosaics and underfloor heating system. At the coast you can see what English people hold dear to their hearts, the first sight of Blighty emerging from the sea at the chalk cliffs of the seven sisters. The trail finishes at the Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne on the English Channel beside the iconic cliffs of Beachy Head.
The Rob Roy Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and it stretches for 127km (79 miles) between Drymen and Pitlochry through the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland. Rob Roy MacGregor was a notable character of the early 18th century. He enjoyed a complicated relationship with the law and his English rulers. Now celebrated as the Scottish Robin Hood his resistance and independent spirit is still an inspiration. His legend lives on in the trail which follows the famous locations where he caused havoc as he drove stolen cattle across the glens. The route passes many historical sites such as Roman forts and viaducts, crannogs (homes built on or beside lakes) as well as standing stones, forts and stone circles left by prehistoric settlers. Along the trail you will encounter military roads and bridges built by English troops during the Jacobite rebellion while sites of clan feuds and the tales of Rob Roy’s adventures add to the charm of this scenic walk. His resistance is eternal and inscribed on his headstone “MacGregor Despite Them.”
The Cotswold Way runs for 164km (102 miles) and connects the 14th century market town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath with its Roman history and famous Georgian buildings (near Bristol). You can visit the Roman Baths in the city which was constructed around 70AD. It is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, where 1,170,000 litres of steaming spring water still fills the bathing site every single day. This National Trail also passes through many picturesque English villages built in golden Cotswold stone and close to a significant number of historic sites spanning millennia. Examples are Hailes Abbey, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe and the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap. This is a quintessential English trail that’s steeped in history and beautiful panoramic views from the Cotswold escarpment.
Match the type of hiking adventure you are looking for by reading through our ‘Best For’ guides below.
Hillwalk Tours has over a decade of experience in organising self-guided hiking holidays. We take pride in specialising & crafting unique and unforgettable hiking tours across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Spain and Portugal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, we have a huge range of tours to match all fitness levels and interests, ensuring a walking holiday with Hillwalk Tours will be an experience of a lifetime.
Furthermore, our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to “create experiences that make people happy”, and we strive towards fulfilling this purpose in everything we do. The following are just some examples of what you can expect with Hillwalk Tours as standard:
