General Information
Path Listings
over 200 routes
About these pages
There are hundreds of long distance walking routes in Great Britain and many more shorter local waymarked routes, covering every corner of the land and varying in length from short health walks up to lengthy trails of 1000km/600 miles or more.
The term promoted route is used to cover all of these routes, reflecting the fact that they have received some promotion over and above the network of local footpaths and rights of way. This may be a published guide or leaflet and/or special signing or waymarking to indicate the route on the ground.
These pages currently list a selection of routes, giving concise and useful information about each one. The longer and more important routes have their own pages, while a number of shorter, more local routes are discussed either alongside the longer routes with which they interconnect, or on regional pages where a number of local routes are summarised. A comprehensive listing of routes over 32km/20 miles is maintained by the Long Distance Walkers' Assocation: see Route Planning.
To find any route listed by name, use the alphabetical index.
To find routes by region, use the regional index. This page also enables you to find quickly National Trails and Long Distance Routes, European paths and easy or challenging paths.
Read on for background information and general practical advice, or see the menu above.
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How promoted routes developed
Promoted routes in Britain have largely developed from the extensive network of public rights of way and other local footpaths open to the public (see An Introduction to Walking in Britain). Anyone with the time and energy can create a route by devising, describing and publicising an itinerary using existing public paths. Routes have been created in this way by Ramblers and other walking and countryside groups, and even by individuals. In many cases local and national government agencies get involved to lend the route some official status, helping to get it waymarked and kept in good repair, and sometimes creating new links where existing paths are inadequate.
The extensive system of local footpaths in Britain makes it quick and easy to create new trails, but since the promoted route network has developed as the result of many different initiatives without any single central co-ordinating body, its glorious diversity can sometimes appear haphazard and difficult to research. Unlike in some other countries, there is no numbering and classification system, and no standard format or central source for waymarking and guidebooks, though the Long Distance Walkers Association monitors and documents the network of longer paths (see below). Many routes are also now marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer and Landranger maps.
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Types of promoted route
National Trails
These are nationally recognised trails in England and Wales, designated and managed by the Countryside Agency or the Countryside Council for Wales. They include some of the best-known routes in Britain, passing through some of its most beautiful countryside and areas of great historic interest. They are all well-waymarked using the standard acorn symbol, and described in a series of official guide books published by Aurum Press and easily obtainable from bookshops. 
Long Distance Routes
The Scottish equivalent of National Trails, designated by Scottish Natural Heritage and managed by the local authorities through which the routes pass. They are well-waymarked using the thistle symbol, and also pass through countryside of exceptional beauty and interest.
For a list of National Trails and Long Distance Routes, click here. - Recreational Routes
In addition to the nationally recognised trails, there are many more waymarked routes, usually created with the involvement of local authorities and with the help of local Ramblers and other walkers who work voluntarily to waymark, maintain and describe the routes. There is an enormous variety of these paths, from short health walks and urban 'green chains' to lengthy cross-country treks of several hundred kilometres. Each is waymarked with its own logo or the name of the route, though standards of waymarking and format and availability of leaflets and guidebooks vary enormously. - Unwaymarked Routes
These are "unofficial" routes along existing public paths that have been described in print but are not specially waymarked on the ground. They can be created by anyone who is prepared to research and publicise a route, and many fade into obscurity, but others find a gap in the market and can become as popular and well-known as National Trails: Wainwright's Coast to Coast is a good example. Many of the present waymarked routes began as unwaymarked "unofficial" routes created by walkers' groups and individuals.
In recent years, a number of off-road multi-user routes have also been developed as part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. All these routes are numbered and signed, and illustrated in a series of standard maps. The routes are not always ideal for walkers, many are hard-surfaced and there are extensive sections along (usually quieter) roads; walkers using busy cycle routes may also feel vulnerable even though the route is open to walkers too. There are exceptions and some are shown here as walking routes in their own right. Full details of the network are available from Sustrans.
European Long Distance Paths (E-paths)
The E-paths, designated by the European Ramblers' Association, form an international network of 11 ultra-long-distance walking routes running for many thousands of kilometres across not just the European Union but the whole of Europe, linking the national and local path networks of member countries. They are usually superimposed on existing path networks, though a number of new paths have been developed to fill gaps. Some parts of the network are still under development.
In Britain, the E-paths are being implemented by the Long Distance Walkers Association. There are three routes passing through the country, connected to neighbouring European countries via ferries. As in most other parts of Europe, the E-paths largely follow sections of existing trails and are not waymarked in their own right except at major junctions.
For more on European paths, see the European Ramblers' Association website. For a list of E-paths crossing Britain, click here.
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Practical advice on long distance walking
There is no reason why you have to walk a long distance path from end to end in one go: though many people enjoy the sense of achievement in doing this, it is probably not the best approach for those new to long distance walking, and with some lengthy paths is in any case a major undertaking. Many paths, particularly those in more populated areas, can be approached flexibly, as a series of day walks between points connected by frequent public transport. Alternatively, you can complete a path over a number of weekend or longer breaks: some people have even walked from Lands End to John O'Groats this way, over the course of several years. You can also use a long distance path as the basis of a circular walk, completing the circle using other footpaths: some paths even have waymarked circular alternatives along the route.
If you are new to long distance walking, it's advisable to practice before embarking on a longer route. You should try a series of day walks doing the same sort of distance you'll be walking over your intended route, over similar terrain and carrying a similar load.
How far you should aim to walk in a day is a matter of your ability, your preference and the terrain. You will obviously need to stop for meal breaks and rests, but you will also want to take your time to enjoy the scenery and other features along the route: remember to allow for looking around interesting towns and villages and visiting attractions like historic buildings, museums, nature reserves and so on if you are likely to want to do so. Most long distance walkers probably travel somewhere between 15-30km/10-20 miles in a day along relatively flat and easy paths, though there is no reason why you shouldn't do less, and some determined walkers do more. As you do more walking you will get a better idea of your preferences and abilities.
Remember to account for other factors that will increase the walking time. Walking uphill takes more time - a walker's rule of thumb is to add 30 minutes for every 300m of height gained. Muddy, sandy, ploughed or otherwise difficult paths will slow you down, as will navigational mistakes, and even with waterproofs you may still prefer to take shelter for a while rather than walk in the rain. And though paths along popular and widely-promoted long distance routes are less likely to be blocked, you may still encounter problems of this kind. Always allow for delays, and, when in doubt, over-estimate rather than under-estimate the time it will take you to complete a section of route, especially when you have to register at your accommodation or catch a bus or train.
Some routes, for example the Pennine Way, are indicated in these pages as CHALLENGING. These are high-level walks with sections which are not suitable for beginners, especially in the winter, and should not be attempted without experience, stamina, warm and waterproof clothing, appropriate footwear and good map and compass skills. Others, for example the Thames Path, are indicated as EASY and should pose no problem for any averagely fit person, or for those wishing to cover long distances 'on the flat'. Most routes fall somewhere in between, though warm and waterproof clothing, comfortable footwear and some map-reading ability are always advisable whenever you go out walking (see Practical advice).
Find EASY paths.
Find CHALLENGING paths.
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Finding accommodation and transport
It is always best to plan and book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you intend to walk a well-known and popular route during the summer months. General information on finding accommodation can be found under Planning a walking visit.
Our accommodation listings can be searched for B&B accommodation within 3km/2 miles of selected routes. You will also find links from our individual path pages (see above) to the accommodation section. Where a path doesn't have its own entry in our accommodation database, you'll need to search by county or location. Note that our listings are not exhaustive.
Some paths have their own comprehensive accommodation lists and guides, including camping and more basic accommodation as well as : these are listed on the path pages where available.
Accommodation booking services are available, at an extra charge, on some of the most popular routes, often in conjunction with luggage carrying services to give you as trouble-free a walk as possible. Details for these services are given in the path listings where known; services of this kind may also be listed on the path's own website where it has one.
Youth hostels can be found on or near some of the paths, but very few routes can be walked throughout using youth hostels alone. On some paths, one stop shop booking services for youth hostels are available: these are indicated in the path listings. For general information about youth hostel accommodation in Britain see Planning a walking visit.
Transport information for most paths is shown on the individual path pages. Further details can be obtained from guidebooks or accommodation guides and handbooks, from the path's website if it has one, and from Tourist Information Centres. Some paths are particularly easy to walk using public transport; paths in remote areas tend to be more difficult and there may be little choice but to stay in overnight accommodation along the route. See also Public Transport for Walkers.
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Maps and Guides
- Guidebooks. These publications vary enormously, providing at least a description and sketch maps of the route, and in many cases a wealth of historical, scientific and anecdotal information besides. The National Trails now all have standard, widely distributed, official guides with extracts from Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps, widely available through bookshops, and this format is now being extended to some of the principal recreational routes. Guides to other routes come from a variety of sources and in a huge range of formats, from simple free leaflets through card packs to handsome full colour guidebooks. Guides to the lesser-known or more local routes may be harder to find. For some popular routes, more than one guide is available, and we list a selection.
- Accommodation Guides and Handbooks. Information about accommodation, transport and other facilities and services on longer routes is sometimes included in guidebooks, but since this information is liable to change more frequently than the route description, it is often made available in a separate and more frequently updated publication. These range from simple A4 lists of B&Bs to substantial handbooks packed with useful information.
- Maps. The more recent issues of Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer 1:25 000 and Landranger 1:50 000 maps clearly show the routes of many long distance paths, as well as the rest of the footpath network in the surrounding area. Some guidebooks have very good maps, but most walkers like to take an OS map too, to help them find alternative routes, to guard against getting lost and to get a wider perspective on the surrounding countryside. Map sheet numbers are shown on the path pages. Some other publishers, notably Harvey, produce strip maps covering the whole length of a route on one map, avoiding the need to buy and carry several different OS maps: these are shown on individual path listings where available. More about maps.
Note that even if the path you intend to use is extensively waymarked, it is nearly always advisable to take a guidebook with you. Waymarks can become eroded, overgrown or vandalised, and most guidebooks contain much additional information about features along the route that will enhance your enjoyment of the walk.
Some guidebooks, and a number of accommodation lists, are available from the Ramblers' Bookshop. For information on obtaining other maps and guides, see our Publications page.
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Route planning
These pages currently show only a selection of routes. For a more comprehensive listing see The Long Distance Walker's Handbook (ISBN 0 7136 6096 1, A&C Black £12.99) and its companion full colour map, the Long Distance Path Chart (ISBN 1 85137 387 X, Harvey £9.95): Order Here!. Both publications are compiled by the Long Distance Walkers' Association.
The Handbook catalogues all known promoted and semi-promoted routes over 32km/20 miles, both waymarked and unwaymarked, and also includes a number of shorter linking and connecting routes. It gives concise and useful details about lengths, starting and finishing points, signing, guidebooks and maps. Sketch maps help locate the principal routes. The Chart shows the network of waymarked routes and some well-known unwaymarked routes listed in the Handbook, covering the whole of the UK on a large detachable waterproof colour sheet. The LDWA membership magazine Strider contains regular updates to the information in the Handbook.
Some walkers, rather than following a particular long distance path, may want to walk between two specific places of their own choosing that aren't connected by a single path. The best known example is probably the challenge of Lands End to John O'Groats, but there are limitless possibilities of other routes: recreating the travels of a particular historical figure, linking two places of importance such as capital cities, or simply connecting two places that have personal significance.
Planning a route such as this often requires some work. To make things easier and to stay away from the roads, you will probably want to stick to existing long distance paths where possible, but you will discover that it is not always easy to find a simple and direct route between major centres of population using this network. Paths are generally designed for maximum interest and attractiveness rather than directness and convenience. And though more and more urban and suburban paths are opening up, many paths begin and end in the countryside.
The LDWA's Handbook and its accompanying chart are an essential starting point for anyone planning their own route. Where there are gaps in your route, you should try enquiring locally, or obtaining the relevant Ramblers' Regional Guide (see the Free Publications section), since there may be shorter routes and sections of circular walks that you could usefully use.
Good sources of information locally are Tourist Information Centres (a complete list is available on the Visit Britain website), libraries, countryside centres and local authorities. In the latter case, it's sometimes difficult to track down who is the most useful person to talk to: recreational routes may be considered the responsibility of parks and countryside, tourism, or highways and rights of way. Make clear you are interested in self-guided walks and not guided ones.
Where no waymarked or otherwise promoted route exists, you will have to rely on the local path network, which is shown on OS maps. See An Introduction to Walking in Britain for an introductory guide to Rights of Way and maps.
If you're thinking about walking from end to end across Britain for charity, the book The Land's End to John O'Groats Walk by Andrew McCloy (ISBN 1871890594, Cordee £11.99) is an invaluable planning guide. It may also be useful to contact the Lands End to John O'Groats Club.
If you are interested in devising and publicising your own long distance route, you may be interested in the Ramblers' publication Preparing Walks Guidebooks. All these publications are available from the Ramblers' Bookshop.
Though we will happily provide as much information about specific paths as we can, and point enquirers in the direction of other sources of information, we regret that the Ramblers' Information Service is unable to provide detailed itineraries for individuals planning long distance walks.
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