Four UK walks have been named in a list of the 20 ‘most incredible walks’ in the world. Though the list includes the likes of a Japanese mountain trek and a 35-day-long and treacherous hike through Turkey, travellers may be surprised to learn that, actually, some of the world’s best walks are right on your doorstep.

From the calm of the British countryside to the slightly more adventurous mountains, you can witness natural beauty at its best without even having to catch a flight. These four walks made the list of Time Out’s 20 best on Earth. 

Scotland

The glorious West Highland Way ranks high on many hikers’ lists for its spectacular views of Scottish mountains. The walk begins outside Glasgow and takes you all the way through the highlands before finishing in Fort William, set amidst green valleys and blue waters. 

Although it’s no easy feat to complete, taking even the most seasoned of walkers around five to seven days. Measuring at 154km, it is a challenge but one that comes with plenty of reward, with wildlife along the way including highland cows, leaping stags and more. 

Wales

It may come as no surprise that pushing its way onto the exclusive list is, of course, the grand mountain, Snowdon, known now as Yr Wyddfa. As the highest summit in Wales, the mountain offers unmatched views across the region, with walks surrounding its entirety with a wide range depending on your walking capabilities. 

For beginners, it’s advised that you choose to take on the Llanberis path, as many consider this to be the easiest route, whilst still offering all the beauty of Snowdon. Meanwhile, the Watkin Path is thought to be the most difficult and should only really be taken on by avid hikers. 

Boasting about the beautiful views, a recent TripAdvisor review claims: “We walked up the Llanberis path, which is deemed the most accessible for all fitness levels. We are relatively fit, and we found roughly one-third of the route very tough with incline. We did it in 4hr 30m there and back with a break at the top.

“There was a very small queue to the summit peak. We had very little cloud and had a lovely view at the top. It was a beautiful walk overall and with friendly trekkers around. Recommend trekking in the morning.”

It seems Wales has plenty more to offer, as one of the most scenic walks in the world is also considered to be along the breathtaking Wales Coast Path – following the entire coastline around the country.

This extensive 870-mile (1,400km) walk would take seven to 12 weeks to complete in one attempt but can be broken into pieces so you can still witness the coastline in all of its glory. Along the way you can expect to see a number of historical castles, as well as wild animals living out in the coastal countryside, and even look out to sea at dolphins, puffins and seals. 

Its expansiveness and variety offers a wide range of small, long and very long walks ranging from the urban watersides of Cardiff and Newport to the Jurassic coast of Glamorgan, the stunning beaches of Pembrokeshire and the history of Conwy Castle.

England

In the North of England, explorers can take on a beautiful walk that doesn’t often get enough attention for just how stunning it is, taking you from coast to coast. Between St Bees in Cumbria and Robin Hood Bay in North Yorkshire, the coast-to-coast path is an unmissable trek for avid outdoors lovers to experience at least once in their life.

Taking you from the picturesque Lake District through the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, this totals somewhere between 12 and 14 days if you were keen to complete the whole thing. Along the way you can pay a visit to some of the country’s most quaint villages dotted around the English countryside. 

1. The French Way, Camino de Santiago

2. The Lycian Way, Turkey

3. West Highland Way, Scotland

4. The Nakahechi Route, Kumano Kodo, Japan

5. The Great Ocean Walk, Australia

6. Kungsleden, Sweden

7. The Jordan Trail, Jordan

8. Snowdon, Wales

9. Kalalau Trail, USA

10. Dientes Circuit Trek, Chile

11. Gotemba Trail, Japan

12. Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica

13. Whale Trail, South Africa

14. Wales Coast Path, Wales

15. Mount Meru, Tanzania

16. Ratikon High Trail Hut-to-Hut Circuit, Austria/Switzerland

17. Coast-to-Coast Path, England

18. Maria Island, Australia

19. Paria River Canyon, USA

20. Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland/Italy/France