Walking Routes in England
England is covered with hundreds of well signed walking paths and trails passing through some of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of the country.
We have organised these routes by county with an overview map also available.
Please use the links below to view the currently mapped routes.
| County | No. Routes | County | No. Routes |
| Bedfordshire | 35 | Berkshire | 43 |
| Buckinghamshire | 69 | Cambridgeshire | 40 |
| Cheshire | 70 | Cornwall | 73 |
| County Durham | 41 | Cumbria | 155 |
| Derbyshire | 127 | Devon | 127 |
| Dorset | 92 | Essex | 69 |
| Gloucestershire | 111 | Greater London | 128 |
| Greater Manchester | 72 | Hampshire | 95 |
| Herefordshire | 30 | Hertfordshire | 47 |
| Isle of Wight | 17 | Kent | 99 |
| Lancashire | 90 | Leicestershire | 43 |
| Lincolnshire | 44 | Merseyside | 29 |
| Norfolk | 59 | Northamptonshire | 44 |
| Northumberland | 56 | Nottinghamshire | 39 |
| Oxfordshire | 60 | Rutland | 8 |
| Shropshire | 51 | Somerset | 99 |
| Staffordshire | 67 | Suffolk | 64 |
| Surrey | 80 | Sussex | 101 |
| Warwickshire | 54 | West Midlands | 36 |
| Wiltshire | 79 | Worcestershire | 49 |
| Yorkshire | 282 |
National Parks, AONB and Other Regions Walking Routes
| Park/AONB | No. Routes | Park/AONB | No. Routes |
| Arnside and Silverdale | 9 | Blackdown Hills | 5 |
| Bodmin Moor | 11 | Cheviots | 9 |
| Chilterns | 34 | Dartmoor | 53 |
| Exmoor | 30 | Forest of Bowland | 16 |
| Forest of Dean | 17 | High Weald | 15 |
| Howardian Hills | 9 | Keswick | 19 |
| Malvern Hills | 11 | Mendip Hills | 22 |
| New Forest | 33 | Nidderdale | 22 |
| North Downs | 21 | North York Moors | 56 |
| Northumberland National Park | 21 | Peak District | 125 |
| Quantocks | 13 | Ribble Valley | 14 |
| Shropshire Hills | 13 | South Downs | 52 |
| Surrey Hills | 31 | Cotswolds | 93 |
| Lake District | 127 | Wye Valley | 16 |
| Yorkshire Dales | 83 | Yorkshire Wolds | 11 |
Latest Walking Routes
| Brantingham | 7 miles (11 km) | The Yorkshire Wolds village of Brantingham has a number of waymarked trails running through the area. This circular walk makes use of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, the High Hunsley Circuit and the Beverley Twenty to take you on a tour of the countryside to the east of the village. You'll visit some of the local wolds and dales with some peaceful woodland sections and a visit to the village of Welton. It's a lovely rural setting with some beautiful scenery to admire. The walk starts in Brantingham which is very pretty village with an attractive green and duck pond in the centre. From here you head east along the Beverley 20 to Turtle Hill. You then turn south, passing attractive Wauldby where there's a manor farm, a church, a pond and some pockets of woodland. The route then heads along the Wolds Way through the woodland of Welton Dale to the village of Welton. It's a picturesque village with a mill pond and village green with a memorial fountain. There's also an 18th century mill and a the Green Dragon Pub which is a nice place to stop for refreshments. After exploring the village you head north west through Elloughton Wold and Elloughton Dale before a short woodland section takes you back into Brantingham. |
| Crosby | 5 miles (8 km) | This walk uses a section of the Sefton Coastal Footpath to explore the coast around Crosby in Merseyside. It's an interesting area with the famous 'Another Place' sculptures by Antony Gormley a notable highlight. This route runs for just under 5 miles from Waterloo to Hightown, using flat paths. The walk starts and finishes at railway stations so you can catch the train back at the end of your exercise if you like. The route starts from Waterloo Station, on the Northern Line of the Merseyrail network. From here it is a short walk to the Marine Lake and the coastal path. You then head north to Hightown, passing Blundellsands, the West Lancashire Golf Club and the sculptures. The piece was created in 1997 and consists of 100 cast iron figures facing towards the sea. The figures are modelled on the artist's own naked body which has caused some controversy. As the tides ebb and flow, the figures are revealed and submerged by the sea. The route finishes at Hightown where there's nice views of the River Alt and a train station where you can return to Waterloo. |
| Southport | 11 miles (17 km) | The seaside town of Southport has some lovely coastal trails to try. This walk uses the Sefton Coastal Footpath and the Trans Pennine Trail to take you to some of the beautiful local nature reserves. The walk starts on the promenade next to the large marine lake. Head south along the front, passing the noteworthy pier, which is the the second longest seaside pleasure pier in the British Isles. You continue past the famous Royal Birkdale golf club, which has hosted the Open Championship on numerous occasions. Shortly after you come to the Ainsdale Sands National Nature Reserve. There's a wonderful sand dune system here with Natterjack Toads to look out for on the way through. Look out for flora including Early-marsh Orchid, Marsh Helleborine and Grass of Parnassus. The route continues to Formby Beach where there are some huge dunes to climb. From the high points there's wonderful views towards Liverpool and the Welsh Mountains. There's also a woodland area where you can look out for red squirrels. After exploring the reserve the route turns inland to pass through the town of Formby and finish at the train station. Here you can catch a train directly back to Southport. |
| Wells to Holkham Walk | 5 miles (8 km) | This walk takes you to the Holkham Nature Reserve and Holkham Park from Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast. It's about a 4.5 mile walk from the town to the park, using a series of flat footpaths. The walk starts at the harbour in Wells, close to the train station. From here you can pick up the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path and follow it north along Beach Road. The trail runs alongside the Wells Harbour Railway, which runs for 1,200 yards (1,100 m) between Wells Harbour and Pinewoods. You soon reach the Lifeboat station and the Coastguard station next to the beach and the boating lake. Turn west here to take you through a lovely woodland area in Holkham Meals. The trails also lead down to the lovely beach where there's dunes, sea lavender and lagoons to see. The route then turns south along the pretty Lady Ann's Drive which leads you into Holkham Park. Nice trails run through the park to the hall and the lake, where the walk finishes. The magnificent 3000 acre park includes a large lake, the Obelisk, a beautiful 18th century mansion and attractive woodland. There are also a number of waymarked walking trails including a lakeside trail and a nature trail with information boards. Flora and fauns in the park includes a large herd of Fallow Deer, a smaller herd of Red Deer, Barn Owls and the evergreen oaks imported from Italy. |
| Thornham | 11 miles (17 km) | The pretty Norfolk Village of Thornham has some lovely trails to try along the beautiful north coast of the county. This walk follows a section of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path to the nearby village of Brancaster and the Titchwell Nature Reserve. The walk starts in the village centre where you can pick up the waymarked trail. It heads south east from the town, following country lanes and bridleways to Branchester. You can follow trails north to the lovely beach where there are some dunes and fine sea views. Other nice, surfaced footpaths take you around the reserve where there's lots of little lagoons with a variety of birds to see. Other features include reed beds, saltmarshes, a sandy beach and a small woodland area near the car park. Notable visitors include pied avocets on the islands, and western marsh harriers, Eurasian bitterns and bearded reedlings in the reeds. |
| Mundesley | 2 miles (3.7 km) | This lovely seaside village has some nice coastal trails to follow in both directions. It is part of the Norfolk Coast AONB where there's some wonderful coastal scenery. This walk follows the England Coast Path south east to the nearby village of Bacton. The route runs for just over 2 miles on a flat path running along the beaches. As such it's suitable for all abilities. |
| Wroxham | 3 miles (5 km) | This delightful Norfolk town has some nice walking trails to follow along the River Bure in the town centre. There's also lovely nature trails to try at Hoveton Broad, just to the south east of the town. This walk takes you to the nearby town of Coltishall, using a section of the Bure Valley Path which starts in Wroxham. It runs for about 3 miles on fairly flat paths so it's suitable for most abilities. The walk starts on Wroxham Bridge over the Bure in the town centre. You follow the lovely riverside path north west to Wroxham Railway Bridge where you pick up the Bure Valley Path. The trail heads west through some attractive countryside before coming into Coltishall. Here you can enjoy refreshments at one of the pubs or cafes before returning the same way. |
| Frinton to Walton Walk | 2 miles (3.5 km) | Enjoy a walk along the Essex Coast on this easy promenade walk between Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze. The walk runs for about 2 miles on a nice flat path with views of the beach and sea. You can start off from the car park on the front at the Greensward in Frinton. Then head north along the path, passing all the little beach huts, the Clock Tower and the sea defence wall before finishing at Walton pier. |
| Walton on the Naze Crag Walk | 4 miles (6.5 km) | This walk visits the new Crag Walk coastal defence system in Walton on the Naze before heading along the seafront in the Essex town. The walk starts from the Naze Tower car park at the northern end of the town. The 18th century Hanoverian tower is situated at the start of the open area of the Naze. This attractive coastal headland is a great place for spotting migrating birds. You can enjoy a stroll around the reserve and climb to the top of the tower for great views over the area. From the car park it's a short stroll down to the crag walk where the coastal defences have been put in place to protect against the cliff erosion in the area. After exploring the cliffs and the nature reserve you can then head south along the prom. There's a nice path along the beach which will take you to the pier, passing lots of little beach huts on the way. You could also take a detour from the front and visit Walton Mere where there's a nice lakeside footpath to try. |
| Witham River Walk | 4 miles (6 km) | This nice waterside stroll follows the River Brain through the Essex town of Witham. The route runs for just under 2 miles on flat footpaths from Chipping Hill to the Whetmead Nature Reserve. The walk starts on Chipping Hill Bridge which is a short hop from Witham railway station. You then follow a nice surfaced path south to the nature reserve where you can see the confluence of the River Brain and the River Blackwater. The site includes grassland, scrub, woodland and lots of wildflowers. There's also wildlife including a range of butterflies, dragonflies and seed-eating birds. Mammals include wood mice, bank voles and pygmy shrews. |
| Bungay Riverside Walk | 2 miles (4 km) | This circular walk takes you along the River Waveney in the Suffolk town of Bungay. There's a nice riverside path with the option of continuing your walking on the surrounding Outney Common. The trail runs for about 3 miles following the river around the common on flat paths. Along the way there's lovely views over the river to the surrounding Suffolk countryside. |
| Diss | 4 miles (6.6 km) | The attractive market town of Diss has some nice options for walkers with the pretty mere and the River Waveney in the vicinity. This circular walk uses a section of the Angles Way long distance trail to take you to the Roydon Fen and the Wortham Ling Nature Reserves. It's about a 4 mile route, taking place on flat footpaths and country lanes. The walk starts in the town centre next to the mere. From here you can pick up the Angles Way and follow it west to Roydon Fen. The footpaths take you through the reserve where you can see typical fen plants such as marsh helleborine, marsh fragrant orchid and sawsedge. The path continues to Wortham Ling where there are more nice trails to follow. The reserve includes acid grassland and dry heath on a sandy soil. Look out for wildlife including rabbits and butterflies in this area. After exploring the reserve the route follows country lanes back into Diss. |
| North Walsham and Dilham Canal | 1 miles (2.2 km) | Enjoy a short waterside stroll along the North Walsham and Dilham Canal on this easy Norfolk walk. The disused canal has a lovely footpath running from North Pigney's Wood nature reserve along the canal. Start the walk from the Pigney's Wood car park just off Hall Lane. It's located just to the north east of North Walsham town centre. From here you can pick up some nice woodland trails taking you through the woods to the canal. Follow the canalside footpath down to Bacton Road before returning on the same path. The nature reserve includes some nice features including wetland areas, carpets of bluebells in spring and a 450-year-old ancient oak tree. It's also great for wildlife with goldcrest, nuthatch, Cetti’s Warbler, dragonflies, butterflies, otter, water vole and badger to look out for. |
| Market Harborough Canal | 6 miles (9 km) | Follow the Market Harborough Arm of the Grand Union Canal from Market Harborough to Foxton Locks on this waterside walk in Leicestershire. It runs for about 6 miles along a nice flat towpath, passing a series of pretty bridges. The walk starts at the canal basin in Market Harborough. It's a very pretty area with restored red-brick warehouses, waterfowl and lots of barges providing boat trips along the canal. From here you can pick up the towpath and follow it past Great Bowden and Gallow Hill to Foxton Locks. Here you'll find an impressive staircase of ten locks located on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal. It's a lovely area which is also designated as a country park. The area includes a woodland trail, lovely rural views and the pretty village of Foxton. You can enjoy post walk refreshments at the canalside inn at the end of the walk. |
| Hadleigh Railway Walk | 2 miles (3.3 km) | This walk takes you along the trackbed of the old Hadleigh Railway line from Hadleigh to Raydon Wood railway station. It's a 2 mile stroll on flat paths which are also suitable for cyclists. The walk starts from the now closed Hadleigh railway station, in the centre of the ancient market town. The station was the terminus of the Hadleigh Railway, a short branch line from Bentley Junction, which opened in 1847. The station building still stands and is in use as a private residence. The route heads south east along the old line, passing Raydon Great Wood before finishing at the old Raydon Wood railway station. There's a car park at this end of the route so you could also start from here if you prefer. |
| Benfleet to Leigh on Sea | 7 miles (11.5 km) | A nice coastal walk from Benfleet to Leigh on Sea in Essex. The circular route runs for about 7 miles along a series of fairly flat footpaths. The first section takes you along the sea wall through Hadleigh Marshes before returning inland via Hadleigh Country Park and the ruins of Hadleigh Castle. The walk starts in South Benfleet next to the train station. You then head south east to the Benfleet Creek where you can pick up a footpath leading to Hadleigh Marsh. There's nice views over to Two Tree Island which you can easily visit from the path. The expansive nature reserve includes lagoons, pretty streams and great views across Hadleigh Ray to Canvey Island. The route then reaches Leigh on Sea where you have the option of catching the train back to Benfleet. This route continues west up to Hadleigh Castle. The 13th century castle ruins are located in an elevated position with fabulous views of the surrounding Essex countryside, the Essex coast and the River Thames. It's located within the Hadleigh Country Park where you can enjoy 400 acres of woodland, pasture, hay meadow and marsh. The route descends through the park to Benfleet Downs before returning to the finish point back at Benfleet. |
| Southend to Leigh on Sea | 4 miles (5.8 km) | Enjoy a nice coastal stroll on this easy walk along the Essex coast. The route runs from the popular seaside resort of Southend to the town of Leigh on Sea, about 3 miles to the west. You start off on the front at Southend next to the noteworthy pier. The structure stretches 1.34 miles (2.16 km) into the Thames Estuary, and is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It includes the Southend Pier Railway which will take you to the pier head. There's also views of the Adventure Island theme park in this area. From here you head west passing the pretty cliff gardens which are worth a small detour from the front. The elevated park includes formal and informal gardens with beautiful views across the Thames Estuary. The route then passes Westcliff-on-Sea, Chalkwell and Leigh Cliffs before finishing at Leigh-on-Sea. Here you can catch the train back to Southend or return on foot if you prefer. |
| Great Tew | 2 miles (3.5 km) | This circular walk visits the delightful Cotswolds village of Great Tew. There's some nice walking trails to follow around the Great Tew Estate and into the surrounding countryside. The route runs for just over 2 miles, with lovely views of the estate parkland and the surrounding Cotswolds countryside. Start the walk from the car park in the village and then head east along the footpaths around Great Tew Park. The paths then loop round the estate before returning to the village. On the way you will pass the noteworthy parish church. The church was originally Norman, and the south doorway from about 1170 survives from that period. It was rebuilt in the 13th century with the arcades of stone pillars inside the building and the south porch still in existence. The church is reached by passing through a splendid 17th-century gateway. Take time to explore the village and you will pass lots of lovely 17th century thatched cottages. You can then enjoy refreshments at the Falkland Arms public house which has a nice outdoor seating area. |
| St Cuthberts Cave | 2 miles (3.4 km) | This walk visits an interesting Sandstone cave near Belford in Northumberland. The monks of Lindisfarne reputedly brought St. Cuthbert's body to the site in AD875 following Viking raids on the Island. They sheltered in the caves before travelling the old kingdom of Northumberland for a number of years before finally settling at Durham. The bones are now enshrined in Durham Cathedral behind the main altar. The cave is surrounded by attractive Scots Pine Woodland and includes a short climb to a viewpoint where you can see the nearby Holy Island. The route runs for about 2 miles with a moderate hill climb up to the cave at the start. Start the walk from the car park just to the east of Holburn. From here you follow paths north east towards the cave and the surrounding woodland. The route then follows woodland trails before heading into the countryside surrounding the cave. |
| Greenlee Lough | 7 miles (11 km) | This walk visits the pretty Greenlee Lough Nature Reserve from Hadrian's Wall. The reserve is one of the most significant wetland sites in the UK. It includes a variety of habitats including woodland, bog and grassland. The reserve can be reached by following footpaths from Housesteads on Hadrian's Wall. It's about a 3.5 mile walk from the wall with some moderate climbs along the way. You can start the walk from the Housesteads car park and then head north through the fascinating Roman Fort. You then pick up a section of the Pennine Way to take you towards the lake. A footpath then heads west to take you down towards the water. Here you'll find a bird hide where you can look out for a variety of wildlife including wildfowl and waders. There's also lots of interesting plants to see such as 11 species of pondweed and stonewort. |