Whether it’s a gentle amble through the countryside or a tough trek through wild terrain, walking has a hold on us. It clears the head, lifts the spirits, and reminds us what our legs are really for. Over the years, plenty of people have made walking part of their story — some for the challenge, some out of curiosity, and some just because they loved it.
So, who are the most well-known walkers in the UK? Here are eleven names – from the hills of Cumbria to the deserts of Namibia – who’ve shown us what putting one foot in front of the other can lead to.
10 Famous Walkers in the UK
1. Alfred Wainwright – The Man with the Maps
You can’t talk about British walkers without starting with Alfred Wainwright. Born in Blackburn, he’s best known for his hand-drawn guides to the Lakeland fells. First published in the 1950s and '60s, these little books are still treasured by hillwalkers today.
What made Wainwright stand out wasn’t just the maps – it was how he saw the landscape. Every summit had a story. He brought the fells to life in a way no one else had but he wasn’t after attention – he simply loved walking and wanted to share it with the world. And decades on, people are still following his footsteps across the Lakes, taking on the 214 iconic Wainwrights.
2. Julia Bradbury – Bringing Walking to the Telly
Julia Bradbury has done more than most to get the nation outdoors. Her TV series ‘Wainwright Walks’ took viewers right into the heart of the Lake District, retracing Wainwright’s favourite routes.
Since then, she’s walked all over – from stunning coastal paths in Cornwall to rugged trails in Yorkshire. Julia makes walking feel do-able and proves that you don’t need to be super fit or have a fancy kit – just a bit of curiosity and a decent pair of boots.
3. Chris Townsend – The Distance Man
Chris Townsend is one of those quietly impressive figures. He’s spent much of his life walking across vast landscapes – from the Rockies to the Scottish Highlands – often carrying everything he needs on his back.
He’s written stacks of books and gear reviews, but what makes him so well-respected is his no-fuss approach. Chris doesn’t shout about what he does – he just gets on with it. For anyone thinking of heading out on a proper long-distance walk, he’s one of the best people to learn from.
4. Ray Mears – More Than Miles
Ray Mears might be better known for lighting fires than logging miles, but walking is at the heart of his work. From British woodland to Arctic wilderness, his bushcraft journeys involve some serious time on foot.
What Ray offers is a reminder to slow down. He notices the tracks, the trees, and the weather with every step. It’s not about smashing records – it’s about understanding the world as you move through it.
5. Hamish Brown – The Highland Poet
If Wainwright gave us the Lakes, Hamish Brown gave us the Highlands. In 1974, he became the first person to climb all of Scotland’s Munros in one continuous trip – a proper journey, mostly done solo and on foot.
His book, Hamish’s Mountain Walk, isn’t just a log of miles. It’s thoughtful, poetic, and full of respect for the hills. He didn’t see walking as a sport – he saw it as a way of thinking and feeling. And many still take that to heart.
6. Ffyona Campbell – The Woman Who Walked the World
Ffyona Campbell did what few others ever have – she walked around the world. Over the course of a decade, she covered more than 20,000 miles through the US, Australia, Europe, and Africa. Then she came home and walked the entire British coast to finish the job – why not go the whole hog, ey?
What’s striking about Ffyona is her honesty. Her journey wasn’t easy – physically or emotionally – but she kept going. She walked to make sense of herself and the world around her. She’s a real inspiration amongst avid amblers.
7. Levison Wood – Grit and Grit Again
Levison Wood is a former army officer turned explorer, and he’s taken on some enormous walking challenges – including walking the length of the Nile and trekking through Central Asia and South America.
He brings something different to the world of walking – a bit more edge and a bit more risk. But at its core, his story is about connection. Walking, for him, is a way to understand people and places up close, not from a distance.
8. Helen Skelton – Tough as They Come
You might remember Helen Skelton from her Blue Peter days, but she’s proved herself time and again as a serious adventurer. In 2016, she walked 500 miles across the Namibian desert in blazing heat – all for Sport Relief.
But what sets Helen apart is her grit. She’s not trying to be the fastest or the strongest – she just keeps going. And in the world of walking, that counts for a lot.
9. Ian Botham – Putting His Feet to Good Use
Best known for his cricketing days, Sir Ian Botham has spent decades walking the length and breadth of Britain to raise money for charity. His first big walk was in 1985, and he’s kept going ever since.
He’s raised millions along the way, proving that walking can be more than just a personal challenge – it can make a real difference to communities in need.
10. Ben Fogle – The Gentle Adventurer
If “go big or go home” was a person, it’d be Ben Fogle. A quiet stroll in the countryside is nothing compared to the challenges he’s jumped head-first into, from walking through remote jungles, across frozen tundra, and high into the mountains.
He might not see himself as a walker first, but it’s often how he gets to where he’s going. And that steady, thoughtful way of travelling has earned him a well-deserved place on this list.
Get Kitted Out for Your Own Walking Adventures
Feeling inspired to lace up your walking boots? Whether you're climbing fells, strolling through moody woodlands, or taking on a sweaty hike, having the right kit makes all the difference.
At Rydale, we design outdoor clothing that’s built for style and functionality alike – from waterproof jackets and hiking boots to cosy layers and practical accessories. So wherever your next stomp takes you, you’ll be ready for every step.
Explore Rydale’s full collection of men’s and women’s walking gear and carve your own path in comfort and style.