National Trails

National Trails are long-distance routes following paths, tracks and bridleways that showcase some of Britain’s best countryside. With seventeen waymarked trails in England and Wales, and several 'Great Trails’ in Scotland, you can explore ridges, mountains, rivers and coastlines.

Related reading

Taming the Pennine Way's notorious bogs: how a trail was re-born

Taming the Pennine Way's notorious bogs: how a trail was re-born

By Andrew McCloy Britain’s oldest and most famous long-distance trail celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, but in the early days the sheer popularity of the Pennine Way became a problem. Within 20 years of its...

The Ridgeway National Trail: Did you know?

The Ridgeway National Trail: Did you know?

The Ridgeway is a fantastic long-distance walking route through the south of England. Walking the Ridgeway National Trail takes you on a journey through a landscape steeped in history, following old trackways that have been used...

The Cleveland Way: what you need to know

The Cleveland Way: what you need to know

The Cleveland Way was the second national trail to be established in Britain (the Pennine Way was first) and it was officially opened in 1969. It can be linked with the Yorkshire Wolds Way and the...

The West Highland Way: a complete planning guide

The West Highland Way: a complete planning guide

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile (153km) long-distance walking route in Scotland, running from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. It is typically completed in 6–9 days and is suitable for most walkers with a...

The Thames Path National Trail: everything you need to know

The Thames Path National Trail: everything you need to know

The 180-mile Thames Path from London to Gloucestershire is the only long-distance route to follow a river throughout its length from tidal waters, and also the only one to pass through London and major towns. Where...

An introduction to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

An introduction to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Officially opened in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers some of the finest walking in Britain; mile after mile of ever-changing natural beauty, where the juxtaposition of land and sea create a special magic that few...

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