The best hiking trips in the UK for Muslims
Here are some beautiful spots across the country with excursions led by organisations working to make outdoor spaces more inclusive
Outdoor spaces are for everyone, yet people of colour still find the countryside to be a predominantly white and middle class environment. Data from Natural England suggests that only 1% of visitors to national parks are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
In the face of this, many organisations have emerged specifically encouraging more diversity in green spaces. As Muslims, we are told in the Qur’an that we are considered Khalifas (custodians) of the earth, reaffirming the special relationship between humans and nature.
With that in mind, here is a list of hiking spots in the UK and organisations working to make these spaces more inclusive.
Ben Nevis
At 1,345 metres, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. It takes around seven to nine hours to climb, including the descent. If you’re travelling by train or plane, you will probably have to transit in Glasgow, followed by a three-and-a-half-hour train to Fort William, the closest town to the base of this peak.
If you’re new to hiking, it’s worth starting with some more moderate trails and building your endurance before taking on Ben Nevis. Muslim Hikers — a network that organises outdoor adventures for both Muslims and non-Muslims — runs an annual trip in the summer, led by professional mountaineers, and catering to the specific needs of Muslim participants.
Cotswolds
Known for its rolling hills and picturesque villages, the Cotswolds makes for a very charming walking location. Spanning almost 800 square miles across five counties, it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966.
Walks include gentle, waterside strolls from Bourton-on-the-Water to The Slaughters villages, Cleeve Hill via Belas Knap is a more demanding 9.1 mile circular route that takes you to the Cotswolds’ highest point.
In September, Muslim social group Successful Sisters in Islam is leading a walking trip to the Cotswolds alongside Summit Special, a community group of Black, Asian and minority ethnic mountain leaders, and not-for-profit women’s network Rosebuds Sisters.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor National Park in Devon is a vast space of moorlands, forests, rivers and tors (rock formations). Considered one of the last great wildernesses in the UK, it offers 450 miles of paths for hiking or cycling and thousands of archeological sites scattered along its trails.
Muslim Hikers organises a trip to Dartmoor as part of its Annual Devon Retreat — a weekend getaway to encourage meaningful connection and spiritual reflection.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park is home to Mount Snowdown, or Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. It takes six to seven hours to complete a round trip to the top.
Muslim Hikers frequently holds treks to Snowdonia, which is where the group was first born. Charity organisations such as Islamic Relief UK, Muslim Hands and Human Appeal also host regular sponsored walks to Snowdon as a way of fundraising.
Malvern Hills
Stretching across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, the Malvern Hills is a nine-mile ridge dotted with historic sites, natural springs and wells. Carved by volcanic activity roughly 700 million years ago, the rocks that make up these peaks are some of the oldest in England.
Walks have previously been organised by the Muslim Hiking Group, a club offering inclusive experiences to hikers regardless of their background. Muslim Hikers is also due to host an event there in October.
Peak District
The Peak District is a favourite for the Somali Hikers. The community group hosts regular hikes to spots such as Bamford and Stanage Edge. Muslim Hikers also chose this location for its Great Walking Weekend 2026, and routinely returns for its annual winter trek to Mam Tor.
The UK’s first national park is home to green pastures, deep river valleys and quaint towns such as Bakewell and Castleton. Sheffield is the closest major city and offers the easiest access.
Seven Sisters
If you prefer coastal landscapes, try the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk in East Sussex. This scenic 12-mile route is a popular day hike, taking anywhere between five and seven hours depending on your pace. It’s a moderately challenging trek, with steep climbs and descents over the chalky hills.
Several of the Muslim walking groups mentioned above have organised trips there, including a special Eid al-Fitr hike by Somali Hikers earlier this year.
White Cliffs of Dover
This is where Muslim Hikers chose to have its first coastal walk back in 2023. Other organisations have since followed suit, including a sponsored trek in 2025 by Forgotten Women, a charity working to transform the lives of vulnerable women around the world.
Set in the Kent Downs, the most popular route is the White Cliffs of Dover Circular, a moderate 3.6-mile hike that takes you along the dramatic chalk coastline in under two hours.
