We have listed here the official National Trails, and the many other 'unofficial' but generally recognised recreational Long Distance Paths (LDP's) of England and Wales. New routes are always being devised, so the list does not claim to be fully comprehensive, but with over 100 trails listed you should find something to interest you within your chosen region.

National Trails: These are the official trails which are routes designated, administered and maintained by the Countryside Agency. Consequently they have excellent waymarking, using the well known acorn symbol, are generally free from any obstructions and are all well documented in many guide books including the Countryside Agency's own official guides. There are currently 13 designated trails, but only 10 are 'operational' at the moment. All are listed in the navigation bar. The routes have been chosen to give improved access to some of the finest countryside in England and Wales. There is no doubt that all the trails offer superb walking holidays with generally good accommodation facilities. If you are proposing to walk a National Trail good planning is essential to ensure an enjoyable, trouble free trip. OS maps and a trail guide are essential. The official guides include OS 1:25,000 mapping which can save expenditure on maps. An accommodation guide will also be required to book in advance. All of these are listed and can be purchased directly from Walking Pages.

Long Distance Paths: Although 'unofficial', many of these recreational paths are created and maintained by county or local councils and are well planned, maintained and waymarked. Others owe their existence to the dedicated work of local ramblers' groups or enterprising individuals and may not be waymarked; but this does not mean they lack merit. Some of these routes are of equal, if not superior quality, to the National Trails, but in our opinion their importance lies in their environmental diversity and their broad geographical distribution, allowing almost everyone the opportunity to sample a path in their locality. The distances vary as much as the landscapes through which they pass, from under 20km to over 100km. The routes we have chosen all have their own distinctive character and are well worth exploring. Some, like the famous Coast to Coast Walk brilliantly conceived by A.W. Wainwright, are a 'must do' project for any walker. Others offer a pleasurable day's walking if you happen to be in their locality, but which you may not make a long journey to visit specifically.

To find out more about any of the listed National Trails and LDP's just click in the navigation bar at the left.