The nation's favourite walks and rides - National Trails
The nation's favourite walks and rides - National Trails
The nation's favourite walks and rides - National Trails
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<strong>The</strong> best <strong>Trails</strong> in<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales<br />
www.nationaltrail.co.uk<br />
<strong>The</strong> Pennine Way, near High Force<br />
<strong>The</strong> nation’s<br />
<strong>favourite</strong> <strong>walks</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>rides</strong><br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Charlie Hedley<br />
Front cover photograph:<br />
R<strong>and</strong>wick Woods, Cotswold Way<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Nick Turner<br />
Back cover photograph:<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Rob Dingle<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> is here to<br />
conserve <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural<br />
environment for its intrinsic value, the<br />
wellbeing <strong>and</strong> enjoyment of people<br />
<strong>and</strong> the economic prosperity it brings.<br />
For more information go to:<br />
www.naturalengl<strong>and</strong>.org.uk<br />
For more information about the work of<br />
the Countryside Council for Wales visit:<br />
Am ragor o wybodaeth am waith y<br />
Cyngor Cefn Gwlad ewch i ’ n gwefan<br />
www.ccw.gov.uk<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> 2009<br />
ISBN 978-1-84754-125-9<br />
Catalogue Code: NE157
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Trails</strong> offer some of the best<br />
walking, riding <strong>and</strong> cycling experiences<br />
in the country, officially designated by<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Countryside<br />
Council for Wales.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 15 <strong>Trails</strong> are based on the nation’s<br />
<strong>favourite</strong> rambles <strong>and</strong> <strong>rides</strong> <strong>and</strong> provide<br />
more than 4,000kms (2,500 miles) of wellmanaged<br />
routes across some of our finest<br />
countryside.<br />
Thixendale, Yorkshire Wolds Way<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Mike Kipling<br />
All of the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Trails</strong> are within easy<br />
reach of buses, trains <strong>and</strong> the services of<br />
nearby towns <strong>and</strong> villages. In fact nowhere in<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong> or Wales is more than 80kms<br />
(50 miles) from a <strong>National</strong> Trail.<br />
Near Limestone Corner, Hadrian ’ s Wall Path<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Broadway Tower<br />
<strong>The</strong>re’s an excellent set of official guides<br />
for <strong>National</strong> <strong>Trails</strong>, written by experts<br />
who know the <strong>Trails</strong> well, published in<br />
partnership with Aurum Press.<br />
<strong>The</strong> guides are packed with useful<br />
background information <strong>and</strong> practical<br />
tips for visitors, with full colour maps<br />
presented in sections, so the <strong>Trails</strong> can be<br />
enjoyed in a series of day trips, weekends<br />
away or longer breaks.<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Nick Turner
Ditchling Beacon, South Downs Way<br />
A picture of an acorn is used<br />
by <strong>National</strong> Trail managers to<br />
guide travellers along all the<br />
<strong>Trails</strong>. <strong>The</strong> <strong>National</strong> Trail acorn<br />
is a symbol of the commitment, made by<br />
local authority partners, to look after the<br />
<strong>Trails</strong> to the highest st<strong>and</strong>ards, for the<br />
enjoyment of visitors.<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/McCoy Wynne<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/John Miller<br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Trails</strong> are the best way of getting Each <strong>National</strong> Trail has a dedicated Trail<br />
to know the countryside – prepare to be Officer, co-ordinating a team of people<br />
welcomed by local people, inspired by the who look after the physical condition of<br />
stunning, varied scenery <strong>and</strong> enchanted by the Trail keeping paths, gates, stiles <strong>and</strong><br />
the legacy of the nation’s heritage. signs in the best condition.<br />
Near Oxted Sennen Cove, Cornwall Wartley Hill, Cotswold Way<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Paul Glendell<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Nick Turner
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>National</strong> Trail Officers have produced<br />
a range of supporting information to<br />
complement the official guides. <strong>The</strong>se<br />
give up-to-date details on nearby<br />
accommodation, public transport<br />
timetables <strong>and</strong> other local services such<br />
as baggage transfer, guided tours <strong>and</strong> the<br />
welcoming array of tea rooms, friendly<br />
village pubs <strong>and</strong> convenient shops.<br />
Trail Officer contacts<br />
Clevel<strong>and</strong> Way & Yorkshire Wolds Way<br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Trails</strong><br />
Malcolm Hodgson – Tel +44 (0) 1439 770657<br />
Email: m.hodgson@northyorkmoors npa.gov.uk<br />
Cotswold Way <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
James Blockley – Tel +44 (0) 1451 862034<br />
Email: cotswoldway@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk<br />
Glyndwr’s Way <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Helen Tatchell – Tel +44 (0) 1597 827562<br />
Email: gwnt@powys.gov.uk<br />
Hadrian’s Wall Path <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Dave McGlade – Tel +44 (0) 1434 609700<br />
Email: david.mcglade@hadrianswallheritage.co.uk<br />
North Downs Way <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Email: nationaltrails@naturalengl<strong>and</strong>.org.uk<br />
Offa’s Dyke Path <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Rob Dingle – Tel +44 (0) 1597 827580<br />
Email: odpnt@powys.gov.uk<br />
Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Tim Lidstone Scott – Tel +44 (0) 1328 850530<br />
Email: tim.lidstone scott@norfolk.gov.uk<br />
Pembrokeshire Coast Path <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Dave Maclachlan – Tel +44 (0) 845 345 7275<br />
Email: pcp@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk<br />
Pennine Way <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Steve Westwood – Tel +44 (0) 300 060 1863<br />
Email: steve.westwood@naturalengl<strong>and</strong>.org.uk<br />
Pennine Bridleway <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Julie Thompson – Tel +44 (0) 300 060 1842<br />
Email: pbw.info@naturalengl<strong>and</strong>.org.uk<br />
South Downs Way <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Andrew Gattiker – Tel +44 (0) 1243 558716<br />
Email: sdw@southdowns aonb.gov.uk<br />
South West Coast Path <strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
Mark Owen – Tel +44 (0) 1392 383 560<br />
Email: swcpteam@devon.gov.uk<br />
Thames Path & <strong>The</strong> Ridgeway <strong>National</strong> <strong>Trails</strong><br />
Jos Joslin – Tel +44 (0) 1865 810224<br />
Email: nationaltrails@oxfordshire.gov.uk<br />
Malham Cove, Pennine Way<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/McCoy Wynne
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/McCoy Wynne<br />
Pennine Way Hadrian’s Wall Path Clevel<strong>and</strong> Way<br />
Britain’s oldest, <strong>and</strong> arguably most It’s easy to imagine how things were Walk in the footsteps of Count<br />
famous, Trail takes walkers 16 days in Roman times. <strong>The</strong>re are four Roman Dracula, explorer Captain Cook<br />
to complete but is the journey Forts presented as visitor attractions <strong>and</strong> legendary vet James Herriot.<br />
everyone should make at least once plus sections of well-preserved Visit the castles <strong>and</strong> abbeys along<br />
in a lifetime. <strong>The</strong> 429km (268 mile) Trail masonry Wall <strong>and</strong> miles of earthworks Yorkshire’s designated Heritage<br />
crosses the moors <strong>and</strong> peaks through along this 130km (84 mile) coast-to- Coast <strong>and</strong> cross Engl<strong>and</strong>’s largest<br />
designated <strong>National</strong> Parks along the coast route. It takes walkers seven open moor – nearly all of which<br />
backbone of Northern Engl<strong>and</strong>. days to cross the World Heritage is within the North York Moors<br />
“Don’t miss the free information<br />
Site from historic Tyneside west to<br />
Cumbria <strong>and</strong> the salt marsh of the<br />
<strong>National</strong> Park. This 177km (110<br />
mile) Trail takes walkers nine days<br />
pack, which complements the two<br />
Solway Estuary. to complete.<br />
official guidebooks <strong>and</strong> gives up-todate<br />
information on how to get there “Come in the summer to see it at its “Don’t miss the coastal views<br />
<strong>and</strong> where to stay. <strong>The</strong> scenery in best; <strong>and</strong> don’t miss Birdoswald Roman between Whitby <strong>and</strong> Robin<br />
Middleton in Teesdale <strong>and</strong> Dufton Fort – it has some of the best-preserved Hood’s Bay <strong>and</strong> visit the Clevel<strong>and</strong><br />
is fantastic <strong>and</strong> flowers beautifully sections of Wall – nothing feels like it’ s<br />
Hills around Osmotherley for<br />
in spring.”<br />
changed for thous<strong>and</strong>s of years.” some really stunning scenery.”<br />
View from Pen-y-ghent Steve Westwood – Trail Officer<br />
Milecastle 39 on Hadrian’s Wall<br />
Dave McGlade – Trail Officer<br />
Staithes<br />
Malcolm Hodgson – Trail Officer<br />
© Helen Tatchell<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Rob Dingle<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/McCoy Wyn<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>National</strong> Trail<br />
(various colours)<br />
NORTHUMBERLAND<br />
Pennine<br />
Way<br />
Northumberl<strong>and</strong><br />
Coast<br />
Pennine Bridleway -<br />
approved but not yet open<br />
<strong>National</strong> Park<br />
South Downs - <strong>National</strong> Park<br />
designated but<br />
not confirmed<br />
Hurstwood<br />
Pennine Bridleway (Under development)<br />
Opening in stages, 211kms (130 miles) of this route are already available for<br />
walkers, horse riders <strong>and</strong> mountain bikers. Threading through the Peak<br />
District <strong>and</strong> dipping in <strong>and</strong> out of the South Pennine valleys, the route<br />
offers something for everyone.<br />
“Try a weekend break on the 75km (47 mile) Mary Towneley Loop or get a<br />
taste of what the Dales have to offer with the 17km (10 mile) Settle Loop.”<br />
Julie Thompson – Trail Officer<br />
Newcastle<br />
Hadrian's Area of Outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
upon Tyne<br />
Wall Path<br />
Natural Beauty<br />
Solway<br />
Coast Sunderl<strong>and</strong><br />
Carlisle<br />
North<br />
Pennine Pennines<br />
0 50km<br />
Bridleway<br />
Clevel<strong>and</strong> Way<br />
LAKE c Crown copyright. All rights reserved.<br />
Middlesbrough Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> 100046223 2009<br />
DISTRICT<br />
NORTH YORK<br />
YORKSHIRE MOORS<br />
DALES<br />
Arnside & Silverdale<br />
Nidderdale<br />
Howardian<br />
Hills Yorkshire<br />
Forest of Wolds Way<br />
Near Fridaythorpe<br />
Yorkshire Wolds Way<br />
For those wanting to get away from it all – the rolling chalk<br />
wolds, with large airy fields <strong>and</strong> dramatic dry valleys<br />
provide a perfect l<strong>and</strong>scape for walkers to enjoy this<br />
127km (79 mile) Trail over five days.<br />
“For a sense of freedom <strong>and</strong> awesome big skies visit the Trail<br />
between Fridaythorpe to Thixendale <strong>and</strong> Wharram Percy.”<br />
Malcolm Hodgson – Trail Officer<br />
Bowl<strong>and</strong><br />
Bradford<br />
Leeds<br />
Kingston upon Hull<br />
Anglesey<br />
Pennine Way<br />
Mon ^<br />
Liverpool<br />
MANCHESTER<br />
Pennine<br />
Sheffield<br />
Bridleway<br />
Bangor<br />
PEAK DISTRICT<br />
Lincolnshire<br />
Near Knighton Clwydian<br />
Holkham<br />
Lleyn Range Offa's Wolds Norfolk Coast<br />
Dyke Path Stoke-on-<br />
Llyn ^<br />
Bryniau<br />
Nottingham<br />
Trent<br />
Offa’s Dyke Path Clwyd Llwybr<br />
Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path<br />
Clawdd Cannock ENGLAND<br />
Norwich<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> history changes daily as you walk along this 285km SNOWDONIA<br />
Offa<br />
Chase Peddars Way<br />
Walk along the now grassy Roman road through the Brecks<br />
(177 mile) Trail on the Engl<strong>and</strong>/Wales border following Offa’s Dyke - ERYRI Leicester<br />
& Norfolk THE <strong>and</strong> open arable farml<strong>and</strong> to the coast. Enjoy the Trail on<br />
the giant earthwork is Britain’s longest ancient monument.<br />
Shropshire Coast Path BROADS<br />
Aberystwyth BIRMINGHAM<br />
beaches <strong>and</strong> through dunes with extensive views across<br />
Hills<br />
<strong>The</strong> Trail takes walkers 12 days to complete.<br />
PEMBROKESHIRE<br />
the Wash to the Lincolnshire Wolds on this 150 km (93 mile)<br />
Northampton<br />
Glyndwr's ^ Way Cambridge<br />
“Don’t miss the spectacular scenery as you walk around Eglwyseg COAST<br />
Trail which takes walkers eight days to complete.<br />
^ Malvern<br />
Suffolk<br />
Rocks towards World’s End. <strong>The</strong> best preserved sections ARFORDIR<br />
Llwybr Glyndwr<br />
Ipswich Coast “Don’t miss the stretch between Wells <strong>and</strong> Morston<br />
PENFRO<br />
Hills<br />
Milton<br />
of the Dyke itself can be found in the South Shropshire Hills.”<br />
Dedham<br />
BRECON<br />
<strong>and</strong> Heaths<br />
Keynes Vale<br />
for the sheer remoteness <strong>and</strong> beauty of the coast.”<br />
Rob Dingle – Trail Officer WALES BEACONS<br />
Wye Cotswold<br />
Tim Lidstone-Scott – Trail Officer<br />
BANNAU Valley Way Ridgeway<br />
BRYCHEINIOG Cotswolds<br />
Swansea<br />
Chilterns<br />
CARDIFF<br />
Pembrokeshire Abertawe<br />
Thames<br />
CAERDYDD<br />
Bristol Swindon<br />
Coast Path Gower Path<br />
North<br />
Llwybr Arfordir Gwyr ^<br />
Wessex <strong>National</strong> Reading<br />
LONDON Kent<br />
Trail<br />
Sir Benfro Quantock Mendip<br />
Downs<br />
Downs<br />
Hills<br />
(various Surrey colours) Hills<br />
Hills<br />
North Cranborne Pennine East Bridleway -<br />
North<br />
Devon EXMOOR Chase & northern Hampshire<br />
High<br />
section approved<br />
Downs<br />
West Wiltshire Weald<br />
but not yet open<br />
Way<br />
Clywedog Reservoir<br />
Blackdown Downs Southampton<br />
South Downs<br />
Hills<br />
NEW <strong>National</strong> Park<br />
South West Eastbourne St Marthas<br />
DARTMOOR Dorset South FOREST Downs - <strong>National</strong> Park Brighton<br />
Glyndwr’s Way Coast Path Tamar Chichester<br />
designated but Sussex South Downs Way<br />
Valley Bournemouth<br />
East Harbour<br />
not confirmed Downs<br />
Named after the last Welsh Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr, North Downs Way<br />
Devon Isle of<br />
this 217km (135 mile) Trail takes walkers nine days to complete, Cornwall Plymouth Area of Outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
South West<br />
Wight<br />
Writers <strong>and</strong> artists including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen <strong>and</strong> William Turner<br />
crossing open moorl<strong>and</strong>, farml<strong>and</strong>, woodl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> forests.<br />
Natural Beauty<br />
Coast Path<br />
have been inspired by the l<strong>and</strong>scape of the North Downs. This 245km (153 mile)<br />
“No one should miss the long stretch between<br />
Llanidloes <strong>and</strong> Machynlleth. You feel like<br />
the last person on earth up there – it is<br />
all utterly peaceful.”<br />
Isles of<br />
Scilly<br />
South Devon<br />
0 50km<br />
c Crown copyright. All rights reserved.<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> 100046223 2009<br />
walking Trail takes 10-14 days to complete <strong>and</strong> follows the chalk ridge of the North<br />
Downs in Kent <strong>and</strong> Surrey through areas designated for their natural beauty.<br />
“Enjoy the magnificent views from the church on St Martha’s Hill in Surrey <strong>and</strong> seek<br />
out the stretch between Folkestone <strong>and</strong> Dover in Kent – a classic coastal walk.”<br />
Helen Tatchell – Trail Officer<br />
Tony Gowers – Trail Officer<br />
South West Coast Path<br />
<strong>The</strong> rugged cliff tops, sheltered<br />
estuaries, beaches, harbours,<br />
intimate coves, sleepy villages <strong>and</strong><br />
resorts of the southwest Coast have<br />
seduced people for centuries. It<br />
is Britain’s longest, <strong>and</strong> probably<br />
most popular, <strong>National</strong> Trail <strong>and</strong><br />
the 1,014km (630 mile) Trail takes<br />
walkers 56 days to complete.<br />
“If you haven’t got the luxury of 2<br />
months to walk the whole Trail in<br />
one go, why not do a weekend or a<br />
week at a time. Our website has all<br />
you need to start planning a trip.”<br />
Mark Owen – Trail Officer<br />
Walkers at Coombe<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Jo Ward<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Sheila Talbot<br />
Pembrokeshire Coast<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are over 50 beaches along<br />
this spectacular 300km (186 mile)<br />
Trail which takes walkers between<br />
10-15 days to complete. <strong>The</strong> Trail<br />
undulates along the rugged cliffs of<br />
Britain’s only coastal <strong>National</strong> Park.<br />
“Don’t miss the beaches of the<br />
<strong>The</strong> Ridgeway<br />
Enjoy extensive views of rolling<br />
downs, wooded hills <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Thames Valley on this 139km (87<br />
mile) Trail that’s surrounded by<br />
prehistoric sites <strong>and</strong> takes walkers<br />
around six days to complete. <strong>The</strong><br />
broad track which is Britain’s oldest<br />
road that makes up the western<br />
half of the Trail is also open to<br />
cyclists <strong>and</strong> horse riders.<br />
south <strong>and</strong> west coasts <strong>and</strong> the cliffs “Make sure you see the stretch<br />
of the north – they are fantastic!”<br />
Dave Maclachlan – Trail Officer<br />
between Uffington Castle <strong>and</strong><br />
Letcombe Bassett – I grew up there,<br />
so perhaps I’m biased, but it has<br />
wonderful history <strong>and</strong> views.”<br />
Jos Joslin – Trail Officer<br />
Near Porlock Near Marloes<br />
Above Ogbourne St George<br />
Cotswold Way<br />
This popular 163km (102 mile)<br />
route is open to walkers <strong>and</strong><br />
follows the Cotswold Hills<br />
through beech woods <strong>and</strong> open<br />
fields, taking typically seven<br />
days to complete.<br />
“Stunning views, wildflower-rich<br />
grassl<strong>and</strong>, bluebell-filled beech<br />
woods <strong>and</strong> picturesque villages<br />
– this <strong>National</strong> Trail takes you<br />
through all that the wonderful<br />
Cotswolds have to offer.”<br />
James Blockley – Trail Officer<br />
Descending Pen Hill<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Anne-Katrin Purkiss<br />
South Downs Way<br />
In an area soon to be designated as<br />
a <strong>National</strong> Park, this 161km (100 mile)<br />
Trail for walkers, horse riders <strong>and</strong><br />
cyclists follows wide grassy tracks<br />
on rolling chalk down l<strong>and</strong>. <strong>The</strong><br />
Trail takes on average seven days to<br />
complete on foot <strong>and</strong> 2-3 days by<br />
mountain bike.<br />
“Don’t miss the view from Old<br />
Winchester Hill across to the Isle<br />
of White or the tranquil downl<strong>and</strong><br />
of Harting Down. Also take time<br />
to explore the historic city of<br />
Winchester, or enjoy the dramatic<br />
white cliffs of Eastbourne.”<br />
Andy Gattiker – Trail Officer<br />
© PCNPA/Tiv Thomas<br />
Near Bray Lock<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Mike Kipling<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Anne-Katrin Purkiss<br />
Thames Path<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Tessa Bunney<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Andy Tryner<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/John Miller<br />
© Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>/Tina Stallard<br />
From the source almost to the sea<br />
this 294km (184 mile) Trail takes<br />
walkers 14 days to complete through<br />
peaceful water meadows, rural<br />
villages, historic towns <strong>and</strong> cities.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> stretch between Lechlade <strong>and</strong><br />
Newbridge is lovely <strong>and</strong> quiet with<br />
good country pubs nearby. As a<br />
contrast, between Lambeth Bridge<br />
<strong>and</strong> Canary Wharf there are so many<br />
temptations to stop, it’s hard to<br />
cover much distance in a day.”<br />
Jos Joslin – Trail Officer