Our Team’s Best UK Hikes (and the Freet Shoes We Wear)

We asked our team to share their favourite UK hikes - the ones that mean the most to them, from peaceful woodland loops to epic coast-to-coast trails. Here are six walks that inspire us, along with the Freet Barefoot shoes we wear along the way.

Great Glen Way – Scotland Coast-to-Coast Trail

Who? Andrew, co-founder and CEO 

Where? Fort William → Inverness, Scotland

What? One of the most famous long-distance hikes in Scotland, The Great Glen Way stretches over 78 miles from coast to coast along the Caledonian Canal, weaving past Lochs Lochy, Oich and Ness. The walk is a beautiful mix of canal footpaths, forest tracks and mountain trails, all with breathtaking views. 

Why? I loved the variety of paths and scenery - the mix of lochs, forests and mountains was just incredible. Walking it in November meant snowy peaks, quiet trails and cosy hotel stays after long days on the path.

Best Freet shoe for this hike? Arken 2: I tested the new style for this coming winter. It was great to understand how the new boot was fitting and performing. How the warmer, micro fleece lining works, particularly for breathability, on a multi day trek in the winter mountains. Also the performance of the upgraded recycled microfibre, for water proofing and durability, as well as the HillGrip outsole.

South West Coast Path - Stunning Clifftop Hike in England

Who? Sarah, Co-founder & CEO

Where? Minehead (Somerset) → Lyme Regis (Dorset)

What? The South West Coast Path is a beautiful path which follows the coast of South West England. It goes over cliffs, down to deserted beaches and into fishing villages along the way. It is the UK’s longest national trail and a must for coastal hiking lovers.

Why? The beauty is in the variety - the way the view is always changing as you come round one headland and see a completely different view ahead. I love the constantly changing sea - crashing against the rocks one moment but then still and blue another.  The hard part is the up and down!  Having to walk right down to a valley beach one moment and then climb steeply up the other side. I also love the mix of the terrain, narrow steep paths, sandy beaches, grassy fields - this is where I appreciate the flexibility of the footpath. 

Best Freet shoe for this hike? It depends on the time of year! I have worn many shoes, from our original 4+1 shoes with a seperate toe box, Mudees or Esk in winter, but on my latest trip, my green Howgills. I love the connection with the ground which enables you to pick your way along narrow and uneven paths.

Mill Gill & Whitfield Gill Force – Yorkshire Dales Waterfall Trail

Who? Eliza, Marketing.

Where? Askrigg, Wensleydale

What? A hidden gem waterfall walk in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The Mill Gill and Whitfield Gill Force walk is a gentle circular trail starting and ending in Askrigg, right in the heart of Wensleydale. The route takes you through a mix of meadows, woodland and quiet valley paths, passing two spectacular waterfalls along the way. It’s not a long or strenuous hike, but it offers plenty of variety and some lovely sweeping views over the dale once you climb up to the top of the gorge.

Why? It’s a gentle loop through the valley, not too challenging but rewarding with amazing views across Wensleydale. Its peaceful with the sound of waterfalls in the background and it has a nice finish as it loops back into Askrigg, perfect for refreshments afterwards. It’s a walk that feels both refreshing and sentimental to me.

Best Freet shoe for this hike? Feldom 2 : This route covers a number of different terrains including woodland paths, farm tracks and limestone footpaths so I needed one shoe which could cope with all of these. The oustole and ground feel of Feldom 2 combine to give me traction on the steeper sections but help me avoid those pesky tree roots and loose stones! 

Nare Head to Portloe – Scenic Cornwall Coastal Walk

Who? Daisy

Where? Cornwall (South West Coast Path). 

What? One of the most scenic Cornwall coastal walks, this route is my absolute favourite every time I’m on the South Coast. Starting in the pretty fishing village of Portloe and ending at Nare Head, it offers panoramic views on the South West Coast Path.

Why? The last time I walked it was over the August bank holiday, and we were lucky to have perfect weather for those sweeping sea views (something you can’t always guarantee hiking in the UK!). 

Best Freet shoe for this hike? Howgill (pictured with my grandad in his Ibex!)

Easby Loop - North Yorkshire Riverside Trail

Who? Angela, Customer Service.

Where? Richmond, North Yorkshire.

What? A gentle circular, riverside walk along the River Swale, rich with history, nature and countryside views. 

Why? You can’t beat an early morning or late summer evening wander here. With birdsong, rippling water and Molly our Labrador trotting along, it’s the perfect way to start or end the day before refreshments in town.

Best Freet shoe for this hike? Tanga 2 : Especially during dry summers. Minimal, comfy and great walking shoes on dry, well prepared trails. Great for heading into town afterwards too. 

Wales Coast Path in Anglesey- Best Coastal Walk in North Wales

 

Where? Anglesey, North Wales.

What? Part of the epic Wales Coast Path, this section around Anglesey features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and some of the most unspoilt coastal scenery in the UK. 

Why? It has huge variation from open sandy beaches and rocky shores to ancient copper mines. It is always memorable for me having such a happy dog (he loves the beach) and those chilly but refreshing dips in the sea!

Why We Hike in Freet Barefoot Shoes

We all hike for different reasons — the peace, the views, the challenge or simply the joy of being outside. And barefoot hiking adds even more benefits :

• Feel The Ground - Thinner soles allow you to feel the trail, adapt instantly and stay balanced while still being protected.
• Fixed but flexible - Freedom to move instead of stiff ankle support, develops true stability and resilience.
• Foot-shaped Freedom - Wide toe box allows natural splay or improved grip and stability.
• Flat and low - Closer to the ground = less risk of ankle rolls.
• Stronger Every Step - Build endurance, reduce fatigue, hike further.

Read our barefoot hiking blog to find out more : https://freetbarefoot.com/blogs/news/traditional-vs-barefoot-hiking-boots 

Get outside in your Freets this autumn - shop our barefoot hiking shoes here : https://freetbarefoot.com/collections/boots

Don't forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook when you post your snaps! ~ @Freetfootwear