New research has revealed the UK's top 10 valley walks to do this summer 2025. The study analysed AllTrails reviews and Google search data to compile the definitive ranking of Britain's most spectacular valley routes.
Scotland's Coire Gabhail, also known as The Lost Valley, claimed the top spot with an impressive overall score of 9.62 out of 10. The hidden valley in Glen Coe boasts over 2,600 AllTrails reviews and a near-perfect rating of 4.8 out of 5.
England's Heddon Valley and Woody Bay Circular secured second place with a score of 7.89, while Northern Ireland's Glenariff Scenic Trail completed the top three with 7.50.
The research, by GO Outdoors, provides walkers with essential information including trail distances, difficulty levels and visitor ratings to help plan the perfect summer valley adventure.
Coire Gabhail, the top-rated valley walk, has a fascinating history as a hiding place for stolen cattle by the MacDonalds of Glen Coe. The 4.8km out-and-back route is considered challenging due to uneven terrain and boggy conditions caused by Scottish weather, but visitors describe the views as "rewarding" and call it a "great place to get lost in Scottish beauty".
A trail by Glen Coe took the top spot
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The second-placed Heddon Valley and Woody Bay Circular spans 9.5km along West Exmoor coast. Once the favourite landscape of Romantic Poets including Wordsworth and Coleridge, it now attracts hikers with its coastal views and magnificent waterfall. Visitors praise the "stunning views" and can enjoy refreshments at pubs like the Hunters Inn.
Glenariff Scenic Trail in County Antrim takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The 6.3km circular route passes through Glenariff Forest, a river gorge and waterfalls, with visitors describing "gorgeous views" despite the moderately challenging incline at the start.
The remaining seven walks in the top 10 include Little Langdale Valley and Great Langdale Valley in England (4th), Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular in England (5th), and Elan Valley Circular in Wales (6th).
Scotland's Glen Affric Circular shares 7th place with another Glen Coe route, Signal Rock, An Torr, and Hagrid's Hut Circular, both scoring 6.54 out of 10.
Castleton and Cave Dale in England ranks 9th, while Rother Valley Lake completes the top 10 with a score of 5.77.
The full top 10 UK valley walks for summer 2025
- Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley), Scotland - 9.62/10
- Heddon Valley and Woody Bay Circular, England - 7.89/10
- Glenariff Scenic Trail, Northern Ireland - 7.50/10
- Little Langdale Valley and Great Langdale Valley, England - 7.31/10
- Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular, England - 7.12/10
- Elan Valley Circular, Wales - 6.92/10
- Glen Affric Circular, Scotland - 6.54/10
- Signal Rock, An Torr, and Hagrid's Hut Circular, Scotland - 6.54/10
- Castleton and Cave Dale, England - 5.97/10
- Rother Valley Lake, England - 5.77/10
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Glenariff Scenic Trail in Northern Ireland made the list
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Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, offered practical advice for those planning to tackle these valley walks this summer.
He said: "When visiting valleys, it is best to wear comfortable and supportive footwear as there is often uneven terrain.
"On more difficult hikes, such as Coire Gabhail, it may be a good idea to take supportive equipment such as walking poles.
"This will help you stay steady on your feet and make the experience of tougher hikes more enjoyable."
