National Trails in the United Kingdom are long-distance walking, cycling, and horseback riding routes that pass through some of the most scenic and historically significant areas of England and Wales. These trails are designated and maintained for recreational use, offering a way to explore the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of these regions.
Key Features of National Trails:
- Long-Distance Routes: Typically, National Trails stretch over many miles, with the longest being the South West Coast Path at 630 miles.
- Scenic Beauty: These trails often traverse National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and other protected landscapes.
- Waymarked Paths: They are marked with distinctive acorn symbols, making it easy for users to follow the route.
- Multi-Use: While primarily walking routes, many trails also support cycling and horseback riding.
National Trails in England and Wales
There are currently 16 National Trails in England and Wales. The addition of the Coast to Coast Path will increase that number to 17.
- Cleveland Way (110 miles)
- Cotswold Way (102 miles)
- England Coast Path (In progress, planned to be 2,795 miles)
- Glyndŵr’s Way (135 miles)
- Hadrian’s Wall Path (84 miles)
- North Downs Way (153 miles)
- Offa’s Dyke Path (177 miles)
- Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path (93 miles)
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path (186 miles)
- Pennine Bridleway (205 miles, for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders)
- Pennine Way (268 miles)
- Ridgeway (87 miles)
- South Downs Way (100 miles)
- South West Coast Path (630 miles)
- Thames Path (184 miles)
- Yorkshire Wolds Way (79 miles)
These trails offer a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal paths and riverside walks to mountainous terrain and historic routes.
The National Trails
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Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way is a National Trail in northern England, known for its stunning combination of moorland and coastal scenery. It offers a diverse walking experience, taking hikers through the North York Moors National Park and along the dramatic coastline of the North Sea.
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Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile National Trail that stretches across the stunning Cotswolds region in southern England, known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and rich history. The trail offers walkers a journey through quintessential English countryside, with beautiful views and numerous historic sites.
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England Coast Path
The England Coast Path is an ambitious long-distance National Trail that, when complete, will stretch along the entire coast of England, making it the longest coastal walking route in the world. The path offers spectacular sea views, coastal landscapes, and the chance to experience the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
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Glyndŵr’s Way
Glyndŵr’s Way is a long-distance walking trail in Wales, named after Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh prince and national hero who led a revolt against English rule in the early 15th century. This long-distance path takes walkers through remote and beautiful countryside, providing a peaceful and scenic exploration of Wales’ heartland.
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Hadrian’s Wall Path
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a National Trail that follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall. The 84-mile (135 km) long-distance trail spans across northern England, offering a blend of ancient history, scenic landscapes, and an immersive walking experience along one of the most significant Roman monuments in Britain.
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North Downs Way
The North Downs Way is a National Trail that traverses the scenic North Downs range in southeastern England, offering walkers a blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming villages. It is known for its beautiful chalk hills and diverse natural environments.
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Offa’s Dyke Path
The Offa’s Dyke Path is a long-distance National Trail that runs along the historic border between England and Wales. It follows the course of Offa’s Dyke, an ancient earthwork built in the 8th century by King Offa of Mercia, intended as a defensive barrier between his kingdom and the Welsh kingdoms to the west.
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Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path are two linked National Trails that together form a scenic and historically significant long-distance route across Norfolk. These trails offer a contrast of landscapes, with Peddars Way following an ancient Roman road inland, while the Norfolk Coast Path traces the stunning coastline of North Norfolk.
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a stunning National Trail in Wales that follows the rugged and dramatic coastline of Pembrokeshire, offering breathtaking sea views, diverse wildlife, and access to some of the most scenic landscapes in the UK. The path runs through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in Britain.
Maintenance and Conservation:
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, alongside local authorities and volunteer groups, maintain and manage these trails, ensuring they remain accessible and environmentally sustainable.
Scotland has its own set of long-distance routes, called Scotland’s Great Trails, which are managed separately from the National Trails in England and Wales.