Walking the UK National Trails

Scattered across England and Wales, the UK National Trails are a collection of long-distance walking routes designated by the British Government and marked by the iconic acorn symbol. Each trail is maintained to a consistently high standard by a dedicated path officer, and together they represent some of the finest walking in the country.

Winding through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks, these routes offer walkers the chance to spend a week or two immersed in the British countryside at its best. Walkers' Britain & Europe offers itineraries on eight of the UK's National Trails, giving you expert support, handpicked accommodation and luggage transfers every step of the way.

Cleveland Way

The 110-mile Cleveland Way follows a route from Helmsley to Filey, offering a wonderful contrast of two very different landscapes. The first half crosses the hill and scarp edges of the North York Moors, while the second follows the dramatic coastline of the Yorkshire seaside.

>> View the Cleveland Way

Cotswold Way

Rolling hills, honey-stone villages and quiet country lanes: the Cotswolds is the epitome of the English countryside and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Cotswold Way winds through this glorious landscape from Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath.

>> View the Cotswold Way

Hadrian's Wall Path

Stretching 84 miles (135km) from Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne to the village of Bowness-on-Solway in the west, Hadrian's Wall Path follows the world's largest Roman artefact across the rugged countryside of northern England. It is one of the most historically rich walks in the country.

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Offa's Dyke Path

Crossing the border between England and Wales more than ten times, the 177-mile (285km) Offa's Dyke Path follows some of the finest scenery in both countries. Ancient earthworks, border castles and sweeping hill country make this one of the most varied long-distance walks in Britain.

>> View the Offa's Dyke Path

Pennine Way

Britain's first National Trail, designated in 1965, the Pennine Way is a 268-mile (429km) journey along the backbone of England from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. It crosses some of the finest upland landscapes in the country, including the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Northumberland National Park.

>> View Pennine Way walking holidays

South Downs Way

One hundred miles of chalk downland walking connects the Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne with the ancient Saxon capital of Winchester. The South Downs Way stretches across a rare and expansive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southern England, following the chalk ridge above the popular seaside towns of Sussex and Hampshire.

>> View the South Downs Way

South West Coast Path

England's longest National Trail, the 630-mile South West Coast Path runs from Poole in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset, with almost half the route passing through Cornwall. Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, fishing villages and sweeping sea views make this one of the most iconic walks in the world.

>> View South West Coast Path walking holidays

Thames Path

Following the Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in London, the Thames Path is a walk through the very heart of English history. Along the way you will pass royal palaces including Hampton Court and Syon Park, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, and countless bridges each with their own story. And always, the river itself provides the backdrop.

>> View the Thames Path

>> Contact our team to plan your UK National Trail walking holiday