Wherever you go walking you usually follow a public 'Right of Way'. This can be a footpath, a bridleway or a byway. Generally, footpaths are only for people on foot; bridleways are for people on foot, on a horse or on a bicycle; and byways are open to all classes of traffic, including cars. There are thousands of miles of footpaths throughout the UK and hundreds of bridleways and byways. Even if you live in the centre of a town or city, there are public rights of way - perhaps by a river, by a canal or in a local park. Where you walk will depend on the amount of time you have, where you live and your age. There are many interesting places, but the choice is up to you. Wherever you walk, be mindful of your own safety. Some paths, even in towns and cities can be quite isolated. Always walk in the company of others you know - not on your own.
Short Walks
Here are some suggestions for short walks. Always walk with a group of friends, your family or members of an official walking club.
- Town parks
- Country picnic sites
- Riverside or canal walks
- Country parks
- Across small areas of open country
- Along the coast
- Around your local area (perhaps as part of a sponsored walk)
Local Tourist Information Offices have information leaflets about popular local walks. If you want to join an organised walk, the Ramblers arrange regular walks that are often advertised in the local press. Many of these are local walks between 5 and 10 miles.
National Parks
There are National Parks all around the UK but much of the land is privately owned. However, there are many public footpaths through the National Parks that you can use. Some of these pass through officially recognised 'beauty spots'. The majority of footpaths are sign posted.
Why not visit an area near you? Choose from:
- The Brecon Beacons (south Wales)
- The North York Moors (north-east England)
- Dartmoor (south-west England)
- Pembrokeshire Coast (south-west Wales)
- Exmoor (south-west England)
- The Lake District (north-west England)
- Snowdonia (north Wales)
- Northumberland (northern England)
- The Yorkshire Dales (northern England)
- The Peak District (central/northern England)
- The Broads (East Anglia)
- The Cotswolds
- The Sussex Downs
- The Isle of Wight
- The Scottish Highlands
- The Scottish Borders
- The Ulster Coast
Long Walks
When the Pennine Way was opened in 1965, serious walkers enjoyed the challenge of a long distance walk and wanted more. These National Trails have all proved popular. A few walkers complete the challenge in one go making several overnight stops, but most do the walk in stages over a period of time. The Ramblers or the Backpackers Club organise walks along most of these trails.
| Pennine Way | 270 miles | Edale to Kirk Yetholm (northern England) |
| Cleveland Way | 93 miles | Helmsley to Filey Brigg (north-east England) |
| Offa's Dyke Path | 168 miles | Sedbury Cliffs to SE Chepstow (Wales/ England border) |
| Pembrokeshire Coast | 167 miles | Amroth to St Dogmaels (south west Wales) |
| The Ridgeway | 85 miles | Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon (central/south England) |
| South Downs Way | 108 miles | Eastbourne to Winchester Cathedral (south-east England) |
| South West Coast Path | 560 miles | Minehead to Lulworth (south-west England) |
| North Downs Way | 141 miles | Farnham to Dover (south-east England |
| Wolds Way | 79 miles | Hessle Haven to Carr Nase Filey (north-east England) |
| Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path | 94 miles | Knettishall Heath to Cromer (East Anglia) |
| Thames Walk | 180 miles | Putney Bridge to Thames Head (southern England) |
| The Cotswold Way | 100 miles | Chipping Campden to Bath (southern England) |
| Hadrian's Wall Path | 81 miles | Wallsend to Bowness (northern England) |
| West Highland Way | 95 miles | Milngarvie to Fort William (Scotland) |
| Southern Upland Way | 212 miles | Portpatrick to Cockburnspath (Scotland) |
| Coast to Coast Walk | 190 miles | St. Bees Head to Robin Hood's Bay (Northern England) |
Country Code
- Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
- Help to keep all water clean
- Take your litter home
- Don't light a fire
- Keep your dogs under close control
- Keep to public paths across farmland
- Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
- Fasten all gates when you have passed through
- Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees
- Make no unnecessary noise
Keep yourself safe:
- Always walk in the company of others you know
- Plan your route
- Tell someone at home what time you are expected back and exactly where you are going
- Take special care on country roads
- Stay on approved paths
- Check the weather forecast before you set out
- Take waterproofs and other basic items of equipment [See Walking Gear]
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