Features Archive
Find our back catalogue of features
November's walk of the month: a route at risk
Coul Links is a globally-important wetland site in the North East of Scotland. It’s home to spectacular dunes, rare wildlife and the John o’ Groats Trail long-distance route. Plans to build a golf course have been approved which the Ramblers believe will permanently harm access, the landscape and the experience for walkers. Access will be limited by the golf course and the pleasure of enjoying the natural dune landscape will be lost forever
Discover Britain’s favourite paths
Now BFP 2025 has been crowned, we have brought together easy-to-follow routes so you can explore our 8 fantastic finalists for yourself.
8 market towns perfect for a short walking holiday
Whether close to home or further afield, a short walking holiday is a great way to explore a new area. It’s an opportunity to discover monuments to history, stunning views, and nature’s bounty all at your own pace.
Helping asylum seekers experience the joy of walking
Liverpool Ramblers connect with asylum seekers, offering walks and friendship to some of those who face the biggest barriers to enjoying the outdoors.
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Don’t let your bladder rule your life or your walks
Ann and Caroline share a renewed love of walking now that Jude’s Bladder Health Food supplements mean they no longer have to plan walks around loo stops.
2 great walks that end with a rewarding pint of Wainwright
Inspired by famous fell walker, Alfred Wainwright, Wainwright beer is the perfect reward after a great walk in the British countryside.
Recovering from brain surgery through walking
After being diagnosed with a brain tumour, Israr had to learn how to walk again. Now, with the support of her Ramblers group, she is walking ultramarathon distances.
5 fantastic Greenland experiences with HX Expeditions
Torstein Gaustad, HX Expedition Leader on the MS Fridtjof Nansen tells us about his top experiences in Greenland.
My Walk of Life: Dr Adrian Yip
As an immigrant exploring the English countryside, the sociolinguist finds rural racism often comes with a veneer of polite respectability.
The 10 best National Parks walks for beginners
From Dartmoor to the Cairngorms and Bannau Brycheiniog to the Peak District, discover our treasured National Parks with our curated selection of the 10 best intro walks.
Cruising mindfully with HX Expeditions
Dr. Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at Ramblers partner HX Expeditions tells us about how the company explores the polar regions sustainably.
6 top tips for planning a stargazing walk
It’s the perfect time of year to go stargazing, spot the Milky Way or be amazed by the Aurora Borealis – also known as the Northern Lights.
I’m no longer ducking behind a wall to pee, thanks to Jude supplements
Louise, an avid rambler, tells us how Jude supplements allowed her to enjoy walking again after struggling with bladder incontinence.
Challenges experiencing nature in a wheelchair
Discover the accessibility issues a young wheelchair user encounters whilst out with her family.
Britain’s Favourite Path: Thursley Common boardwalk
Why winner Michelle Presley nominated the Surrey boardwalk as Britain’s Favourite Path.
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Our top tips for writing to your MP
Writing to your MP is one of the simplest and most powerful ways you can make change happen.
6 top tips to help you photograph your favourite path
We asked expert landscape photographers Daniel Casson and Lilly Husbands to share their top tips to help you tell the story of your favourite path through a powerful image.
A personal perspective on rural racism by Nadia Shaikh
Nadia Shaikh shares their experience and views relating to rural racism to help broaden our understanding of this complex issue.
A personal perspective on rural racism by Jo Yuen
Jo Yuen shares their experience and views relating to rural racism to help broaden our understanding of this complex issue.
Nine of the most beautiful winter walks
Wrap up warm and wander among the prettiest landscapes sparkling with frost and bustling with birds and other wildlife.
6 wins for walking in 2024
From standing up for our treasured path network to bringing the benefits of walking to ever more people, here are some highlights of what you’ve made possible in 2024.
Walking with the London Blind Ramblers
London Blind Ramblers organise walks for visually impaired people, thanks to support from Ramblers groups who lead walks and provide sighted guides
Mindful walking in nature
Iman tackled her own anxiety through walking in nature and now is helping other young Londoners feel connected through walking.
Your most rewarding walks with Wainwright
We teamed up with Wainwright beer to celebrate the most rewarding trails across Britain – the ones that make that refreshing pint at the end feel truly well earned.
A personal perspective on rural racism by Corinne Fowler
Corinne Fowler shares their experience and views relating to rural racism to help broaden our understanding of this complex issue.
Walking with the Ramblers and my local Muslim women’s group
Farkhanda is a member of the Ramblers and also leads walks for Muslim women who might feel hesitant to join mainstream walking groups.
Rambles on wheels
If your mobility is limited, it doesn’t mean the countryside is off limits. Debbie North explains that all-terrain vehicles and accessible trails can help.
New group walking holiday to the Austrian Alps
Discover the first-ever Inghams Walking Group Holiday, a week of expertly guided walks on scenic trails with good company and a charming Alpine hotel.
Walking with a young baby
As a new mum, Nicky has swapped challenging walks for gentler walks in local green spaces and has experienced some challenges she hadn’t anticipated.
Path maintenance partnership: Pendle Ramblers and Pendle Borough Council
Pendle Ramblers path maintenance team have joined forces with Pendle Borough Council to improve the borough’s footpaths.
A new lease of life with Ramblers Wellbeing Walks
A conversation with Paul, who joined a Ramblers Wellbeing Walk after being told he was at risk of developing diabetes.
Walking with the Ramblers helped me rebuild my life
After living with the health condition myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), Ramblers member Nick shares how the Ramblers has helped him recover and rebuild his life
How our green routes campaign is transforming our cities
London’s Green Link Walk is a wonderful example of green routes in action - and clear evidence for why we need more.
A room with a view: the best youth hostel walks in England & Wales
The YHA festival of walking is a wonderful to chance to get out and discover all that walking in England and Wales has to offer.
Four free ways you can make a difference this year
Did you start the year planning to spend more time outdoors, while also making a difference? Here are four free ways you can make a difference this year.
Volunteers celebrate 750km milestone in Carmarthenshire
Volunteers have surveyed 750km of path as part of our Pathways Partnership project with Carmarthenshire County Council.
Walk this way: Finding new ways to get people outdoors
From women-only walks in Plymouth to photography walks in Cumbria, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks partners are finding new ways to lead the way to wellbeing.
Organising walks for asylum seekers
Mole Valley Ramblers are giving asylum seekers in Surrey the opportunity to get out walking in the beautiful Surrey Hills.
Passing on the love of walking through the generations
Daniel’s grandparents inspired in him a love of walking which he is in turn passing on to his young daughter.
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Five walks that were off limits before the year 2000
Twenty-five years ago, the UK government granted greater freedom for the public to access open countryside when it passed the Countryside and Rights of Way Act in England and Wales (CRoW). Here are five walks it made possible.
Towpath walks: the answer to one walker’s failing eyesight
Despite failing eyesight, Peter, a member of the Ramblers, is enjoying long-distance canal-side towpath walks with his son.
5 key moments in the people-powered fight for the Freedom to Roam
We have launched a petition calling for a greater Freedom to Roam. But to explain how we got here, let us take you back to some key moments in history…
Challenging perceptions of the Ramblers
Arron, the chair of Fillyaboots Merseyside Young Walkers talks about being a young, LGBT+, working class Rambler.
In the footsteps of Jane Austen
Love Jane Austen books? On the 250th anniversary of her birth, why not walk the landscapes that inspired her on Hampshire’s new Jane Austen trails
Rossendale Ramblers Footpath Fixers
Rossendale Ramblers work hard to keep local paths, tracks and trails open and accessible to as many people as possible.
Walking when pregnant and as a new mum
Zahrah Mahmood, president of Ramblers Scotland, shares her experiences of walking whilst pregnant and as a new mum.
Walking is about more than what you can see
Ramblers member Marika has been blind since childhood, but that hasn’t stopped her from enjoying walking.
Walking the entire South West Coast Path
Keith recalls getting hooked on walking the South West Coast Path and how it had such a positive impact on his ability to manage stress.
An introduction to Amar Latif, President of the Ramblers
Despite losing 95% of his vision by the age of 18, Amar hasn’t let sight loss be a barrier to walking outdoors or to travelling around the world.
A family friendly walk on the Northumberland coast path
Zahrah Mahmood and her family explore the natural beauty of the Northumberland section of the England coast path.
Access to nature in England - how is the government doing?
The Covid-19 pandemic made us more aware than ever of the importance of being able to access nature. But is the government doing enough to improve access?
A bimble around the coast of Britain
Dissatisfied with staring at screens all day, Emma challenged herself to a walk around Britain’s coast. After four-hundred-plus days, she shared her story.
An accessible woodland walk in Thetford Forest
Haroon Mota, founder of Muslim Hikers, enjoys this peaceful woodland walk on trail that’s accessible to all.
An adventure on the coast path in Kent
Walking the Kent coast for her 70th birthday inspired Helen Wild to begin a journey of annual walking challenges with friends.
Coastal walking – Seven ways to stay safe
Coastal walking is a very safe activity most of the time but there are a few extra safety precautions to consider while enjoying your summer walks.
Feeling at home in the countryside
Nick looks back at discovering walking in the countryside, the lack of diversity in the outdoors, and his passion to make sure his kids enjoy the countryside.
Sunday ‘Big Walks’ with my learning disabled son
Ramblers member Alan shares with us his experiences of walking with his son Eddie who has Downs Syndrome.
Opening the Northumbrian sections of the England Coast Path
Ramblers member Nuala has played a key role in opening her local Northumbrian stretches of the England Coast path.
Walking the entire South West Coast Path
Keith recalls getting hooked on walking the South West Coast Path and how it had such a positive impact on his ability to manage stress.
Walking with dementia
Jane explains how walking has been a comfort for her and husband Geoff since his dementia diagnosis.
Rediscovering the joys of walking
Kandra realised during lockdown that walking had been missing from her life. Now she’s a Ramblers member regularly enjoying group walks and meeting new people.
Rishi Sunak, why is access to the outdoors not available to all?
The new Prime Minister must recognise how vital access to the outdoors is to everyone’s health and wellbeing, no matter where they live or their walk of life.
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Walking the Ramblers through a difficult flu season
Dr Hilary Jones talks about what’s going on inside your body as you age, and what we can do to help keep our immune system strong this winter
The Kinder Scout mass trespass of 1932
In 1932, a mass public trespass took place on Kinder Scout – a landmark protest in improving access to the countryside.
The Definitive Map
The Definitive Map is an important legal record of public rights of way in England and Wales. But how and why did it come to exist?
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How walking helped my mental health
Gina tells how walking with others has helped her feel like herself again and why she encourages those with mental health struggles to join a walking group.
Reclaiming the joys and freedoms of solo walking
A devastating attack while walking alone left Winnie M Li traumatized and fearful. She explains how she reclaimed the joys and freedoms of solo travel.
Walking for health
Joy shares how our Wellbeing Walks have helped with her mental and physical health.
Cost-conscious rambling
As the cost-of-living crisis bites, walking remains an affordable pleasure. But how can we cut costs, while also supporting others who are struggling?
How to abolish the 2026 deadline for saving lost paths
Ministers have been trying to find a way to meet their commitment to abolishing the deadline. We’ve found one for them – the Levelling Up Bill
Munro bagging as a type one diabetic
Helen describes how having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy long and challenging walks. But careful preparation is needed.