Explore the National Trails of England and Wales
National Trails offer some of the best walking, riding and cycling opportunities in England and Wales. The 16 trails cover 3,600 miles (5,800 km) and are based on the nation’s favourite rambles, providing miles of well-managed routes through the finest countryside and along the most spectacular coastline.
North Downs Way
Walking in the wild and beautiful parts of Britain became increasingly popular in the early decades of the 20th century. After World War II, the desire to keep areas of Britain 'special' and to protect them from post-war development led to the establishment of National Parks, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty and Long Distance Routes (now called National Trails in England and Wales). The first Trail was the Pennine Way, opened in 1965.
The Old Nag’s Head in Edale is the official start of the Pennine Way
National Trails offer a wide range of experiences, from the dramatic and beautiful South West Coast Path to the stunning Norfolk Coast Path with its big skies and amazing wildlife. You can walk in the footsteps of Romans on Hadrian’s Wall Path, close to the border with Scotland, or in the footsteps of pilgrims on the North Downs Way in the south of England.
Hadrian’s Wall Path
Extending from the quintessentially English market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath, the idyllic Cotswold Way journeys through rolling pastures, beech woodland and honey-coloured villages built from Cotswold stone. Following a route used since prehistoric times, The Ridgeway passes through a surprisingly remote part of southern central England.
The Cotswold Way
If you fancy a more serious challenge, the Pennine Way in northern England might be for you with its ever-changing scenery, or maybe the Cleveland Way in the north east, which offers the very best of heather moorland and craggy coastal walking.
Coast to Coast PathOriginally described in 1973 by legendary British fell-walker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, the much-loved Coast to Coast Path passes through three National Parks and showcases the vast range of spectacular iconic landscapes in the North of England.
Fifty years later, the work to bring this well-known route up to National Trail quality standards is almost complete, with improved accessibility, surfacing and signage already having a positive impact for walkers. With a particular focus on the wider benefits for all users, local communities, landscapes and nature, the improvements on the trail will be completed and celebrated in spring 2026, fulfilling the long held ambition of its supporters. |
If you are looking for peace and quiet in beautiful countryside you could try Glyndwr’s Way in mid-Wales, created to celebrate the Welsh rebel Prince Owain Glyndwr, or the Yorkshire Wolds Way with its chalk landscape that has inspired so many artists, including David Hockney. You could walk the English/Welsh border, and cross it 26 times, on Offa’s Dyke Path, or explore the dramatically beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast Path in south west Wales.
The Cotswold Way
If you prefer to explore on a bike or horse the South Downs Way or Pennine Bridleway are the ones for you. Following lanes and track, packhorse routes and drovers’ roads, they take you on a journey through fabulous scenery.
The Pennine Way passes through the Peak District in Derbyshire
If you are new to long distance walking the Thames Path is a great choice. The trail follows the mighty river Thames from the source in the Cotswold Hills all the way to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel in East London. You can now walk the entire length of the river Thames by continuing along the King Charles III England Coast Path to reach the sea at Grain.
King Charles III England Coast PathOver half complete, and opening gradually, the King Charles III England Coast Path is the newest (and will be the longest) National Trail when it is complete. Dramatic scenery, incredible wildlife, picturesque villages, ports, heritage and historic monuments - this trail has it all!
Some sections are now open and more will be opening over the coming months and years. When it is complete, it will go all around the coast of England – making it the longest managed coastal trail in the world. Suitable for a short stroll or a multi-day challenge, the path is clearly signed and well-maintained, linking people with nature, heritage and places to stay or visit. |
All of the National Trails are within easy reach of buses, trains and the services of nearby towns and villages. In fact, nowhere in England or Wales is more than 50 miles / 80 km from a National Trail. Each National Trail has dedicated staff, often working with local volunteers, to look after the physical features of the trail, keeping paths, gates, stiles and signs in the best condition.
A refreshment break on the Cotswold Way
Walkers and others will find the trails well waymarked with a distinctive acorn symbol. The acorn is a symbol of the commitment made by National Trail partners to look after the Trails to the highest standards for the enjoyment of visitors.
If you or your group would like to enjoy the National Trails on a tailor-made walking tour, please do contact our friendly team today. Wherever you are staying in England and Wales, you’re sure to be in reach of a National Trail, so if you just want to step off the familiar tourist route for a day or two to enjoy the best British landscapes and coastal scenery, there’s no better way!
With thanks to National Trails. All photos © Natural England.
