At Atom Packs, we’re all about hitting the trail. Whether it’s a short loop or an epic thru-hike, each of us has a favourite that we continuously daydream about. We’ve rounded up our top picks, so dive in and discover some of the best trails and walks the UK has to offer, straight from the Atom Packs team!
Will - Atom Packs / Cutting Team
Favourite Trail / Walk: Blencathra via Sharp Edge
Distance: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging (Short but exposed, recommended for experienced scramblers only)
I do most of my adventures on a bike, so my favourite walks are shorter, more local loops that I can run or walk in a few hours on an evening. I’ve gone for this little loop on Blencathra as you get some great exposure, technical terrain, and awesome views on a compact loop. This one is definitely a case of quality over quantity, as there is barely a metre of this loop that doesn’t contain some exciting challenge or heart-stopping vista. Sharp Edge has plenty of interesting sections of scrambling to keep you entertained, and the top of the edge spits you out practically at the summit where you can hang a left and enjoy the dramatic views over the northern Lake District as you tackle the fast descent to Scales.
Definitely not a big day out, but if you want a short, punchy loop with plenty of excitement, then this one is highly recommended! If you want even more technical terrain, then just descend via Halls Fell for yet more scrambling fun!
Rachel - Atom Packs / Customer Experience Team
Favourite Trail / Walk: Wild Swimming Walks - Angle Tarn, Hayeswater and Brothers Water
Distance: 9.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Last summer, Sam and I camped about 30 minutes away from home, so that we could wake up early for a day hike which took in 3 swim spots: Hayeswater, Angle Tarn and Brother’s Water. It was all different weather that day: wind, sunshine and showers. We packed our swim kits, lots of different layers, a generous packed lunch and a hot flask. The thing I enjoyed most about it was the different character of all the swim spots, particularly Angle Tarn, which has a striking beauty with a very distinct formation of islands within the tarn - a swimmer’s paradise. It might have been the miniest of adventures, but it’s surprising how little distance you need to go to feel completely away from it all.
Andy - Atom Packs Ambassador / @andrewbeavers77
Favourite Trail / Walk: Cumbria Way
Distance: 73 miles
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate (Mostly well maintained paths, not too much elevation, probably a great first long distance trail)
Back in June 2023, I completed the nearly 80-mile Cumbria Way, which is a linear hike starting from Ulverston, passing through the length of the entire Lake District, and finishing in Carlisle. By far my favourite UK trail so far, as I love spending time in the mountains and hills of the Lakes. I totally immersed myself in the journey and thoroughly enjoyed every step of the way. I will almost certainly take on the hike again.
Miryam - Atom Packs / Sewing Team
Favourite Trail / Walk: Cape Wrath Trail
Distance: 205 miles
Difficulty: Very Challenging (Very remote and often completely off trail)
With countless waterfalls and lochs, this trail will always be my favourite in the UK. It’s more of an idea than an established trail, with lots of alternate options that all link up, allowing you to choose a path that interests you most. I also saw far more deer than people and didn’t have much phone signal as it winds through the most remote parts of Scotland.
The weather had a big impact on the hike, as heavy rainfall put all the rivers into spate and new waterfalls started appearing all over the Munros. I also walked through a sea loch at high tide (wouldn’t recommend!). With more miles between resupply points, I was out for several days at a time, which makes it feel more wild than a lot of UK trails. Keep an eye out for mountain goats if you hike this trail!
Sam - Atom Packs / Sewing Team
Favourite Trail / Walk: Pennine Way
Distance: 257 miles
Difficulty: Challenging (I hope you like wet feet!)
The Pennine Way will always hold a special affection for me as the first long distance trail I had undertaken. I started the Pennine Way with no idea if I could reach the end. I finished wishing I didn't have to stop.
Tom - Atom Packs / Founder
Favourite Trail / Walk: South West Coast Path
Distance: 630 miles
Difficulty: Challenging (Brutal elevation, rarely flat)
My favourite national trail has to be the 650-mile South West Coast Path. I grew up on the coast of Devon, so this was my closest long-distance trail and the place I did my first multi-day trips. The trail is tough, exposed, and constantly changing. The exposure makes wild camping a fun challenge, and who doesn't love swimming in the sea and having an ice cream every day?
I think this trail would be a great contender to be hiked yo-yo style, as there is a whole world of coves and hidden beaches behind you that you aren't seeing. That would be 1300 miles well walked.
If you don't have that long, just hike the Cornish coast section from Hartland Quay down to Plymouth. I think that's about 250 miles and takes in some incredible scenery!
Dexter - Atom Packs / Customer Experience Team
Favourite Trail / Walk : Lands End to John o’ Groats
Distance: 1,215 miles
Difficulty: Easy - Very Challenging (Super long, some sections very difficult, some very easy)
Okay, this is cheating a little bit, but I’m going to say Lands End to John o’ Groats. I walked Cicerone's version of the route in 2021, which links together lots of shorter, established trails. The walk begins with the pristine beaches of the South West Coast Path, transitions to the open and bleak moorlands of the Pennine Way, and culminates in the remote Scottish mountains. This variety makes the adventure incredibly diverse and fulfilling. Walking between the two furthest points of the mainland is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventure.
I must admit, the sections between the established trails are a bit rubbish. If you’re not interested in the accomplishment of continuous footsteps, then tackling the trails individually could be just as rewarding.
