Welcome to the start of your walking adventure

Scroll down to learn more about the Trails and discover inspirational itineraries… Book a break with a holiday operator, be inspired by one of our suggested itineraries or simply plan your own visit. National Trails have something for everyone.

National Trails offer some of the very best walking in the world. The UK is a small country with easy access to ever changing landscapes. Whether you are looking for a challenging adventure or to spend a few days exploring beautiful countryside, tea shops and cosy pubs you are sure to find your perfect experience on one of the National Trails.

Explore our interactive trail map

Explore our interactive trail map

National Trails - great walking trails

With 16 Trails to choose from we're sure you'll find one just right for you. Select a Trail below to find suggested itineraries and useful information.

Cleveland Way

Experience the varied landscape of the North York Moors National Park on a journey across breathtaking heather moorland and dramatic coastline

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Cotswold Way

Step back in time in scenic southern England on an idyllic walk through the Cotswolds to the Roman city of Bath

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England Coast Path - North East

From the Scottish Border to the Wash this incredibly varied stretch of coast has it all.

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England Coast Path - North West

From the Scottish Border to the Welsh Border this stretch of coast is a journey of contrasts

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England Coast Path - South East

From the Wash to Southampton, passing stunning wildlife and culture

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England Coast Path - South West

From the Welsh Border to Southampton this dramatic stretch of coast is bound to impress

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Glyndŵr's Way

Celebrate Welsh cultural and natural history in the footsteps of Owain Glyndŵr on this peaceful trail.

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Hadrian's Wall Path

Follow in the footsteps of Romans and trek alongside an ancient monument on a coast to coast walk across northern England

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North Downs Way

Trace ancient routes on a modern-day pilgrimage through Surrey to the Kent Coast at Dover, along one of England's most accessible trails

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Offa's Dyke Path

Be surrounded by history and wildlife beside the 8th Century ancient monument along the English Welsh Border.

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Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Lose yourself in a magical land of history, heathland, sand dunes, salt marshes and nature reserves.

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Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Follow the most breathtaking coastline in Britain past rugged cliffs, sheltered coves and stunning beaches

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Pennine Bridleway

Follow ancient packhorse routes, drovers roads and newly created bridleways through the magnificent Pennines.

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Pennine Way

Walk the backbone of Britain from the Peak District to the Scottish Borders on England’s first National Trail

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South Downs Way

Travel the length of the South Downs passing attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages.

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South West Coast Path

Walk hundreds of miles of superb coastline through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset on England’s longest National Trail

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Thames Path

Follow the greatest river in England past water meadows, unspoilt rural villages and historical towns and cities

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The Ridgeway

Take a route used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers through ancient landscapes.

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Yorkshire Wolds Way

Discover the Yorkshire Wolds dry valleys and wildflowers alongside vibrant market towns and ancient villages

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Be inspired by one of our suggested itineraries below

Break for the Border: Hadrian’s Wall to the Edge of Scotland

Hike the dramatic and demanding final section of the Pennine Way on this spectacular 6-day itinerary.

107 KM

Challenging

Well signed

Heart of the Cotswolds

Explore the central section of the Cotswold Way over 5 days, starting in historic Painswick and ending in charming Tormarton.

61 KM

Gentle

Well signed

Out of Edale: An Introduction To The Pennine Way

Walk the opening sections of the Pennine Way on a 4-day itinerary from the Peak District to Yorkshire.

68 KM

Gentle

Well signed

South West Coast Path: Path of Legends

A challenging 4-day walk from the historic fishing village of Clovelly to the amazing castle ruins of Tintagel.

75.6 KM

Challenging

Well signed

Valleys, Viewpoints and Vineyards: A Pilgrimage Along the North Downs Way

Explore secret valleys and rolling pastures, rambling vineyards and chalk hills on a 4-day hike, just an hour from London.

67.5 KM

Moderate

Well signed

South West Coast Path: A Walk Through Time

Discover the true beauty of East Devon and Dorset with an unforgettable 9-day trip to the world-famous Jurassic Coast.

153 KM

Challenging

Well signed

South West Coast Path: The Wilderness Coast

Take in the wild, dramatic coastline of the Exmoor National Park on a 3-day hike from Minehead to Combe Martin.

55.8 KM

Moderate

Well signed

South West Coast Path: The Nautical Coast

Explore delightful South Devon coastline, steeped in maritime history, on a 5-day journey from Plymouth to Dartmouth.

100 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Salt, Saint and Shrines: A Norfolk Coast Pilgrimage

Enjoy 5 days of laid-back walking under huge skies and across pristine beaches, visiting cultural highlights along the way.

32 KM

Gentle

Well signed

Epic Days and Exciting Evenings in Hadrian’s Wall Country

A 5-day itinerary offering the best of both worlds. Explore Roman Forts by day, and Newcastle’s unique attractions by night.

54 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Historic Yorkshire: Highlights of the Cleveland Way

Visit the ancient city of York, the haunted town of Whitby and the dramatic North York Moors over 6 days.

35 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Clifftop Castles and Secluded Coves

Coast along the Cleveland Way for 4 days on this exhilarating clifftop trail around the rugged Yorkshire coastline.

68 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Norfolk Coast Path: A Coast of Contrasts

A 3-day itinerary from Blakeney to Cromer, showcasing the amazing contrasts of this quiet corner of England.

23 KM

Gentle

Well signed

Country Houses and Holy Places: A Pilgrimage Through the Garden of England

Follow an ancient pilgrimage route, along the rolling downland of Kent: the Garden of England, for 5 fantastic days.

96 KM

Moderate

Well signed

A Cornish Coastal Walk: St Ives to Mevagissey

Explore stunning coastal landscapes, vibrant resort towns and small fishing villages on a 2-week trek from St Ives to Megavissey.

204 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Base Camp Edale: A Taste of Pennine Way Country

Spend a week enjoying classic day walks in the Peak District, based in the idyllic village of Edale.

30 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Classic Cotswold Way: Chipping Campden to Bath

Explore beautiful countryside on a 10 day/11 night journey taking in quintessential villages, stately homes, gardens and castles along the…

164 KM

Moderate

Well signed

From the Moors to the Sea

This 6-day tour provides a wonderful introduction to the dramatic moorland and spectacular coastline of the proud old county of…

61.5 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall: Chollerford to Carlisle

Admire the amazing landscape near England’s border with Scotland on a 4-day walk, soaking up heritage along the way.

66 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Exmoor: The First 35 Miles of The South West Coast Path

Take in the entire coastline of the Exmoor National Park over 6 days, with breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel.

55.8 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Limestone and Legend: The Scenic Highlights of the Pennine Way

Discover the highlights of this famous National Trail in a 120 km/74-mile route that can be comfortably managed in 8…

120 KM

Challenging

Well signed

North Downs Way: Canterbury and the Coast

A stunning 6 or 7 day self-guided walk stretching from the pretty village of Wye to the coast at Dover,…

70.5 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Walk and Glamp on the Beautiful Norfolk Coast

Explore the Norfolk Coast Path on an exclusive 5-day walking and glamping holiday, staying in a fully-equipped Safari style tent…

76 KM

Gentle

Well signed

The Smuggler’s Trail: Cornwall’s Historic Harbors and Hidden Coves

Follow in the footsteps of smugglers with 5 days of world-class walking along the stunning Cornish coastline.

90 KM

Moderate

Well signed

The Spectacular Coastline and Incredible Wildlife of Norfolk

Admire gorgeous scenery and spectacular wildlife on this 4-day trek exploring coastal creeks, salt marshes and sandy beaches.

74 KM

Gentle

Well signed

A Walk Through the Ages: Dorset & Devon’s Spectacular Jurassic Coast

This 7-day itinerary starts in Lyme Regis and includes some of England's most iconic natural wonders, such as Durdle Door.

101.5 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Coast to Coast along Historic Hadrian’s Wall

Discover the most extensive Roman remains in the world on an exhilarating 6-day, coast to coast hike.

143 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Highpoints and Highlights of the Cotswold Way

Spend a week discovering scenic and historic highlights of the Cotswold Way, including 2 nights in the city of Bath.

97 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Somerset & North Devon Coast Path Guided Trail

An 8-day guided walk from magnificent Minehead and the Exmoor National Park to the wild cliffs of North Devon.

110 KM

Moderate

Well signed

South Cornwall Coast Path Guided Trail

Enjoy a spectacular 8-day guided walk from Cape Cornwall, rounding the cliffs of Land’s End and finishing at Helford.

102 KM

Challenging

Well signed

South Devon Coast Path Guided Trail

Accompanied by an experienced guide, enjoy an 8-day hike from the city of Plymouth to Brixham, on the ‘English Riviera’.

110 KM

Challenging

Well signed

The Big One: Walk the Entire Pennine Way

Walk the backbone of England from the rugged Peak District to the Scottish Borders on the country's first National Trail.

431 KM

Challenging

Well signed

The Complete Cotswold Way Guided Trail

Soak up amazing views and stunning panoramas on this fully-guided 11-day itinerary from Bath to Chipping Campden.

161 KM

Moderate

Well signed

The Great North Road: A Motorhome Adventure

If you love exploring new destinations in your motorhome, you'll love this stunning 9-day route through Northern England.

10 KM

Gentle

Well signed

The Norfolk Coast Guided Trail

This relaxed, guided itinerary includes 7-days of easy level walking across salt marshes, sand dunes and beaches.

77.5 KM

Gentle

Well signed

A journey along the South Downs

Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne

160 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Cleveland Coast: Hidden coves, beaches and smugglers

From Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey, you'll find dramatic cliff tops, former fishing villages, and a fabulous coastline

79 KM

Moderate

Well signed

England Coast Path: From Maryport to Whitehaven

From Maryport to Whitehaven.

45.9 KM

Moderate

Little/no signage

Glyndwr’s Way: Machynlleth – Llanwddyn

From Machynlleth to Llanwddyn

45.9 KM

Moderate

Moderately signed

Glyndŵr’s Way: tranquility and history

A walking holiday through some of the finest wild scenery in Wales

217 KM

Challenging

Well signed

History and wildlife on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path twists and turns its way along the most breathtaking coastline in Britain. It covers almost every…

98.5 KM

Moderate

Well signed

In the footsteps of Owain Glyndŵr

A five day adventure from Knighton to Machynlleth in the footsteps of the 15th Century welsh warrior, Owain Glyndŵr.

117 KM

Moderate

Well signed

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims: From the Surrey Hills to the Kent Downs

A picturesque walk taking in quaint towns and villages and beautiful Kentish landscapes.

183 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Offa’s Dyke Path: In the footsteps of King Offa

Discover a borderland full of history, with castles, canals, spectacular bridges and bustling market towns.

128.5 KM

Challenging

Well signed

Offas Dyke Path: Hay-on-Wye to Knighton

From Hay-on-Wye to Knighton

45.9 KM

Challenging

Moderately signed

Pembrokeshire Coast Path: From Manorbier to Pendine

From precipitous clifftops to heritage railway tunnels enjoy this 3-day adventure along the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast, ending with the entry…

30.5 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Pennine Bridleway – Guided Mountain Bike Weekend

This fantastic itinerary offers the opportunity to explore ancient packhorse routes, drovers’ roads and bridleways. It’s a classic British mountain…

160 KM

Challenging

Well signed

Pennine Bridleway – Settle to Kirkby Stephen

From Settle to Clapham

91.2 KM

Challenging

Moderately signed

South Downs Way: Buriton to Steyning

From Buriton to Steyning

72.4 KM

Gentle

Moderately signed

Thames Path: Henley-on-Thames to Windsor

From Henley-on-Thames, home of the world famous regatta, to Windsor, the Queen's weekend retreat

36 KM

Gentle

Well signed

The Cotswold Way History Trek

Relax and spend 5 days revelling in gorgeous scenery along the idyllic northern section of the Cotswold Way.

39 KM

Gentle

Well signed

The Ridgeway : From Oxford to Avebury

From Oxford to Avebury

72.4 KM

Gentle

Moderately signed

The Ridgeway: A walk on Britain’s oldest road

Following a route used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers, The Ridgeway passes through ancient landscapes through downland,…

68 KM

Moderate

Well signed

The Source of the Thames to Henley

6 days of gentle walking starting at the source of the mighty Thames in the Cotswolds and ending at the…

97 KM

Gentle

Well signed

Yorkshire Wolds Way – South Cave to North Grimston.

From South Cave to North Grimston

45.9 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Yorkshire Wolds Way: the artists’ trail

The Yorkshire Wolds present amazing chalk landscapes with dry valleys and stunning wildlife alongside vibrant market towns and ancient villages.

127 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Create your own trip

Choose a Trail and use the itinerary planner to create your own trip.

Create Your Own Trip

There are so many places to visit on National Trails

Cleveland Way, England Coast Path - North East

Whitby Abbey

Perched high on a cliff, it's easy to see why the haunting remains of Whitby Abbey were inspiration for Bram Stoker's gothic tale of 'Dracula'. Sink your teeth into years…

South West Coast Path

Eden Project

The Eden Project is a visitor destination in Cornwall, not far from the South West Coast Path. It is nestled in a huge crater. Here, massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in…

Pennine Way

Bronte Parsonage Museum

The Bronte Parsonage Museum was home to authors Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte. They wrote their most famous novels here, and all three died in the Parsonage. The house has been…

North Downs Way

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site. It is the cathedral of…

Hadrian's Wall Path

Chesters Roman Fort

Take a stroll through history around the fort and grounds that straddle Hadrian's Wall. Chesters Roman Fort housed a garrison of 500 cavalry troops here for about 300 years.Today you can still see…

Cotswold Way

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park is a baroque country house in an ancient deer park near the village of Dyrham in South Gloucestershire, England. The house, attached orangery, stable block and accompanying parish church are Grade I listed buildings, while the…

Pennine Way

High Cup Nick

High Cup Nick is a classic U-shaped valley high on the western flanks of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).A deep chasm on the Pennine fellside, this…

Hadrian's Wall Path

Housesteads Roman Fort

High on a dramatic ridge, Housesteads is the best preserved of all the Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall. See excavated remains of all the different types of buildings within a…

North Downs Way

Howletts Wild Animal Park

See conservation in action at Howletts Visit Howletts, Kent's original wildlife park, it's a unique adventure like no other! As we’re a conservation charity, your visit helps us to protect wildlife here in the UK,…

Cleveland Way

Rievaulx Abbey

Escape to this tranquil valley of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries.Our new visitor experience shines a light on…

England Coast Path - South East, Peddars Way / Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Seal trip to Blakeney Point

Blakeney Point is a perfect breeding site for grey seals and pup survival rates are high with just a 5% mortality. Grey seal pups are born on Blakeney Point during…

Peddars Way / Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Cley Marshes and Visitor Centre

NWT Cley Marshes is Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s oldest and best known nature reserve. It was purchased in 1926 to be held 'in perpetuity as a bird breeding sanctuary'. It provided…

Peddars Way / Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Binham Priory

Binham Priory is some of the most complete and impressive monastic ruins (of a Benedictine priory), in Norfolk, with a well-documented history. The nave, with its splendid 13th Century West…

Cotswold Way

Broadway Museum & Art Gallery

Tudor House was purpose built in the 17th century as a coaching inn to serve the Ludlow to London route. It has been extended and adapted over the years but…

North Downs Way

Dover Castle

Spectacularly situated above the White Cliffs of Dover this magnificent castle has guarded our shores from invasion for 20 centuries. Explore the darkly atmospheric Secret Wartime Tunnels now with a vivid…

England Coast Path - South West, South West Coast Path

Exmoor National Park

The Coast Path runs along the entire coastline of Exmoor National Park. With its mix of high cliffs, woodland and moorland it provides wonderful walking. As this view across Porlock…

England Coast Path - South West, South West Coast Path

Glendurgan Garden

Glendurgan is a superb subtropical garden, with special interest for families. Lose yourself in its three valleys, full of fun, natural beauty and amazing plants. Discover giant rhubarb plants in the jungle-like…

Cotswold Way

GWR Steam Railway

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a must to visit while you are in Winchcombe. Entirely run by volunteers, it has a full programme of rides and events throughout the year,…

England Coast Path - South East, Peddars Way / Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Hunstanton Cliffs

The famous red and white striped cliffs at Hunstanton are an eye-catching attraction. The stripes are caused by layers of different coloured rock. During a visit to the cliffs you…

Cleveland Way

Roseberry Topping

Roseberry Topping is an unusual landmark on the skyline overlooking Teesside. Known as Yorkshire's Matterhorn, it has a hard sandstone cap which has protected the underlying shales and clays, so…

Hadrian's Wall Path

Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum

Full scale reconstructed bath house introduces visitors to the luxury and sophistication of the Empire.  Located at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall (Wallsend!), the Roman fort at Segedunum is…

Peddars Way / Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

St Nicholas Church Salthouse

St Nicholas church dates to the middle of the 13th century, but most of the current building is a result of a major rebuilding in the late 15th century. Only…

Cleveland Way, England Coast Path - North East

The Cliff Lift

The delightful coastal town Saltburn-by-the-sea bestows plenty of Victorian charm and thrills. From the water balanced cliff lifts to the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, Saltburn promises its visitors an…

England Coast Path - South East, North Downs Way

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

A site of international maritime heritage significance and the most complete Dockyard of the Age of Sail in the world.Eighty acres in size, The Historic Dockyard Chatham has over 100 buildings and structures…

Hadrian's Wall Path

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

Amazing family friendly gallery exploring the story of Rome’s north west frontier and the Roman occupation of the north of Britain. The exhibition gives a real insight into the Roman…

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