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	68	Cambridgeshire	40
Cheshire	70	Cornwall	73
County Durham	41	Cumbria	155
Derbyshire	127	Devon	127
Dorset	92	Essex	63
Gloucestershire	111	Greater London	128
Greater Manchester	71	Hampshire	94
Herefordshire	30	Hertfordshire	47
Isle of Wight	17	Kent	99
Lancashire	90	Leicestershire	42
Lincolnshire	43	Merseyside	27
Norfolk	52	Northamptonshire	44
Northumberland	56	Nottinghamshire	39
Oxfordshire	59	Rutland	8
Shropshire	51	Somerset	99
Staffordshire	67	Suffolk	61
Surrey	80	Sussex	101
Warwickshire	54	West Midlands	36
Wiltshire	79	Worcestershire	49
Yorkshire	281

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	33	Dartmoor	41
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	29	Nidderdale	22
North Downs	21	North York Moors	54
Northumberland National Park	17	Peak District	124
Quantocks	13	Ribble Valley	14
Shropshire Hills	13	South Downs	50
Surrey Hills	31	Cotswolds	93
Lake District	126	Wye Valley	16
Yorkshire Dales	83

Latest Walking Routes

Underbank Reservoir	3 miles (5 km)	Follow the footpaths around Underbank Reservoir on this pleasant walk in the Peak District. It's about a 3 mile walk around the lake with a nice quiet footpath on the southern side and a roadside path on the northern side. The walk starts from the parking area on the southern side of the water, just off Oaks Lane. It's located just to the west of the town of Stocksbridge, in the City of Sheffield. From here you can pick up the trails heading past woodland to the Little Don River at the western end. You then head along the north side, passing Sheephouse Wood. At the eastern end you will pass along the impressive Dam wall with more views of the river.
Hayfield	2 miles (3 km)	The popular village of Hayfield is a great base for exploring some of the highlights of the High Peak area of the Peak District National Park. It's proximity to Lantern Pike, Kinder Reservoir, Kinder Downfall and Kinder Scout are particularly attractive. There's also the Sett Valley Trail, Pennine Bridleway and Pennine Way long distance footpaths running through the area. This short walk takes you through the pretty village and then along the River Sett to Bowden Bridge. It's about 2 miles in length using paths on both sides of the water.
Looe to Talland Bay Walk	7 miles (11 km)	A circular walk from Looe visiting Talland Bay before returning to the town through inland country lanes. It's a varied walk with riverside paths, woodland trails, coastal sections and some hill climbs. The route is just under 7 miles with moderate climbs through the countryside after a fairly easy coastal section. The walk starts from West Looe, close to the train station. You head south along the Looe River to the coast at Hannafore before passing along Portnadler Bay. Here you can enjoy lovely views over to Looe Island. The island is a great place for wildlife lovers with grey seals, cormorants, shags and oystercatchers to look out for. The walk continues to Talland where you will pass the noteworthy St Tallanus' Church. The Grade I listed church dates from the 13th century and is positioned in a dramatic cliff top location. Shortly after you come to Talland Bay where you'll find two sheltered shingle beaches, Talland Sand and Rotterdam Beach. It's a lovely, unspoiled�place and is both a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty and a Heritage Coast. After enjoying the bay the route then turns inland to follow footpaths and quiet lanes through the countryside to Tencreek, Parkers Cross and Kilminorth. Here you pass through the Kilminorth Woods nature reserve before picking up a riverside path to take you back into West Looe.
Polperro to Polruan Walk	7 miles (11 km)	This route follows a wonderful section of the South West Coast Path from Polperro to Polruan in Cornwall. The walk runs for just under 7 miles on an undulating cliff top footpath, with fabulous views from the high points. The area between the two villages is designated as a�coastal�Site of Special Scientific Interest�(SSSI) and�a Special Area of Conservation. Habitats include�shingle beaches,�maritime grassland,�scrubland, farmland and cliff tops. It's great for wildlife too with notable bird species including�Dartford warbler and�peregrine falcon. The walk starts at the delightful harbour in Polperro and heads to the coast at Chapel Cliff. You then continue west towards Lansallos where you will find a lovely cove and beach with a waterfall. This area is managed by the National Trust and includes pretty wildflowers�and many birds to look out for on the cliffs and farmland. The route continues through West Combe to Pencarrow Head where you will pass the Great Lantic and Little Lantic beaches. The final section runs past Blackbottle Rock before finishing at the quay in Polruan. The small fishing village is bounded on three sides by water: to the north by�Pont Creek, to the west by the�River Fowey�and to the south by the�English Channel.�Highlights in the village include the fine views of the Fowey Estuary, the little boats in Polruan Pool and the St Saviour's Ruin which dates from the 8th century.
Fowey to Polkerris Walk	6 miles (10 km)	This lovely route from Fowey makes use of the South West Coast Path and the Saints Way to create a splendid circular walk to the village of Polkerris. It's a varied walk with river views, beautiful coast and some gorgeous Cornish countryside on the inland stretch. The route runs for just over 6 miles on good waymarked footpaths with a few moderate climbs along the way. The walk starts at the quay in Fowey and heads south west along the mouth of the River Fowey, passing Readymoney Cove. The delightful little cove is sheltered by cliffs close to the�river estuary and bounded, on one side, by the medieval part of the town and, on the other, by the 16th century�St Catherine's Castle. The path then heads to Southground Cliffs, Lankelly Cliffs and Gribbin Head. The National Trust owned promintory is one of the highlights of the area. �It separates�St Austell Bay�from the estuary of the�River Fowey�and is marked by the Gribbin Tower which is used to aid navigation of ships approaching the local harbours. �A herb rich grassland including early purple orchid and grazing cows can be seen on the headland. The route then turns north towards Polkerris. The village has a nice sandy beach, a curved harbour wall,�restaurants, water sports and some accommodation. It's a good place to stop for refreshments before completing the final section of the walk. At Polkerris you pick up the Saint's Way and head east through some attractive countryside to return to Fowey.
Newark River Walk	1 miles (1.5 km)	Enjoy a short stroll around the riverside park in Newark on Trent on this easy walk in Nottinghamshire. There's much to see in this interesting and picturesque area including the Town Lock, Newark Castle, Trent Bridge and the Millgate Museum. The walk starts from the parking area at the riverside park but you could also start from the nearby Newark Castle railway station. The park has nice footpaths taking along the river to the Town Lock. Here you will find a nice sensory garden and lots of old buildings which have now been converted into cafes and shops. The walk then crosses the river and heads to Newark Castle. The castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and includes a ruined gatehouse dating from the 12th century. It's in a lovely riverside location with quiet Victorian�gardens and access to the castle's walls and dungeons. After exploring the castle the walk then crosses the Trent Bridge to return you to the riverside park and the finish point of the walk.
Vale of Belvoir	15 miles (24.3 km)	A long circular walk through the lovely Vale of Belvoir on the borders of�Leicestershire,�Nottinghamshire�and�Lincolnshire. It's a varied walk with woodland trails, waterside paths along the Grantham Canal and a visit to the splendid Belvoir Castle. The walk runs for about 15 miles with some moderate climbing at the start through the Belvoir Estate. The remainder of the route is fairly easy going with nice flat paths from Stathern onwards. The walk starts in the Lincolnshire village of Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and heads west along the Jubilee Way to Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. The Grade I listed stately home is the ancestral seat of the family of the�Dukes of Rutland. It was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style in 1832 and is surrounded by a huge estate with lakes and woodland. From the elevated position of the castle there are magnificent views over the Vale of Belvoir. For a fee you can explore the castle grounds and inside view the fine artwork, exquisite furniture and museum detailing the interesting history of the castle. You continue west through the Barkestone Wood to the village of Stathern. The route then turns north to follow footpaths through the countryside to Plungar, where you pick up the canal. The now disused canal �runs for 33 miles (53�km) from�Grantham, falling through 18�locks�to West Bridgford where it joins the�River Trent. This section follows the canal east past Redmile, the pretty Bottesford Wharf and Longore Bridge before coming to Woolsthorpe Wharf. There's pretty locks, an old bridge and a nice canal-side country pub which is great for refreshments here. Shortly after you return to the village and the finish point for the walk.
Easby Abbey	1 miles (2 km)	Visit the fascinating ruins of the 12th century Easby Abbey and enjoy a stroll along the River Swale on this easy walk in Richmondshire. The walk starts at the abbey car park where you can directly explore the extensive ruins which are surrounded by attractive green meadow. From here it is a short stroll to the river where you can pick up some nice riverside footpaths. Follow the paths north to the Drummer Boy's Stone where �'According to legend, this stone marks the spot where the Richmond Drummer Boy reached in the tunnel supposed to lead from Richmond Market Place to Easby Abbey. Here, the sound of his drumming ceased and he was never seen again'�. The route then turns south following countryside paths back to the abbey where you can explore other religous sites.�Within the precinct is the active parish church, where you can view several interesting 13th-century wall paintings for example. In Easby Church you can see a plaster replica of the carved stone�Easby Cross. The original, which dates from the late 8th or early 9th century, is now in the�Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Skipton Moor	5 miles (8.5 km)	This circular walk follows different footpaths across Skipton Moor to the east of the town. There's some fine moorland scenery, interesting geological features and wonderful far reaching views from the elevated position of the moor. It's about a 5 mile hike with some moderate climbs along the way, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The walk starts from the parking area near the Jenny Gill Reservoir, just to the south east of Skipton. From here you can follow paths up onto the moor, heading east towards Potters Gill. You then turn south toward Snow Hill Farm and Middlebrough House where you turn west to High Edge and High Bradley Moor. Around here you can branch off to the north to climb to the 373 metre high point of the moor. There's fabulous views over the town and the countryside of the Yorkshire Dales from here. The route then descends past Standard Crag and Cawder Gill, before returning to the parking area.
Southwold to Walberswick	3 miles (5 km)	This is a popular walk from Southwold to Walberswick, passing along the coast and the River Blyth. It's an easy stroll, running for about 3 miles on a flat section of the Suffolk Coast Path, passing some of the marshland surrounding the two settlements. Start the walk on the sea front in Southwold and then head south along Havenbeach Marshes to the river. Here you turn right to follow a path along Southwold Harbour to Woodsend Marshes. A footbridge then takes you to the other side of the river where you turn south to follow the path to the coast at Walberswick. The route passes along the beach before turning into the village centre where you can enjoy refreshments at one of the cafes.
Causey Arch	2 miles (3 km)	Visit the the oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge in the world and enjoy woodland trails along the Causey Burn on this lovely walk in Stanley. The site includes interesting geology and views of the Tanfield railway which runs through the area. Also look out for the replica of an old�wooden�horse drawn�coal truck. At its peak the track would see hundreds of these waggons carrying coal to the bridge. The bridge dates from 1725 and is a wonderful example of 18th century civil engineering. From the top of the arch there are splendid views down to the streams and woodland below. The walk lasts for about 2 miles on fairly flat footpaths, but with a couple of moderate climbs on the way. After your exercise you can enjoy rest and refreshments at the nice on site tea room. The walk starts from the car park just off the Causey Road. You could also start from Causey Arch railway station which is one of the stops on the Tanfield Heritage Railway. It's the oldest railway in the world, operating a passenger service every Sunday and on some other selected days. The railway runs on the former�colliery�wooden waggonway, using a number of preserved industrial steam locomotives.
The Long Walk Windsor Castle	9 miles (14 km)	This route in Windsor Great Park takes you along the famous 'Long Walk' to Windsor Castle. The path was laid out by�King Charles II�and the planting of its trees completed by�William of Orange�in the 1680s. You can walk the length of the tree lined path which runs from the castle to Snow Hill at a distance of 2.65 miles (4.26�km). Along the way you can look out for the resident Red Deer which are often seen in the area. The walk starts in the Savill Garden car park and takes you to Cumberland Lodge where you pick up the Three Castles Walk. Follow the long distance trail up to Snow Hill and the Copper Horse statue which marks the start of the Long Walk. The statue is of�George III�on horseback, and is said to represent the king as an�emperor in the Roman tradition. From the elevated position of the hill there is a splendid view down the Long Walk to the castle. The path then descends to the Prince of Wales Pond and the Rush Pond before passing Doubles Gate and the Long Walk gate. Shortly after you come to the castle which is a royal residence founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The castle is open to the public all year round and includes nice footpaths around the pretty gardens.
Kessingland to Southwold Walk	10 miles (16.4 km)	This walk follows a popular section of the Suffolk Coast Path from Kessingland to Southwold. It's about a 10 mile walk on fairly flat, waymarked footpaths and country lanes. You'll pass through a section of the Benacre National Nature Reserve which consists of open water lagoons, marshland, reed beds, woodland�and�heathland. There's great wildlife spotting opportunities with marsh harrier,�bearded reedling,�water rail, and bittern to look out for on the way. Starting on the sea front the walk heads south along Kessingland Beach before turning inland toward Benacre. You then turn south, following country lanes toward Wrentham and then heading east to Covehithe. Here you will find the partly ruined St Andrew's Church which is Grade I listed. The route continues past Covehithe Broad and the Pottersbridge Marshes before coming to Reydon. Here you turn toward the coast where you pass along Sole Bay and finish at Southwold on the front.
Purton Hulks	2 miles (3.5 km)	This walk visits the abandoned boats and ships on the banks of the River Severn at the village of Purton in Gloucestershire. The boats were�deliberately beached beside the�river to reinforce the river banks between 1909 and 1965. The proximity of the canal to the river meant that at�high�spring tide�they were separated by little more than the width of the towpath. The vessels included steel barges,�Severn trows�and�concrete ships which were towed from the dock at�Sharpness�and released to be carried up the bank on the tide. You can now follow a section of the Severn Way along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal past the decaying boats which provide atmospheric photo opportunities. This easy two mile walk starts in the main parking area in Purton and runs along the river to the nearby port of Sharpness. On the way you will pass the former site of the Severn Railway Bridge which was demolished in 1967. You can still see the remaining tower of the swing section over the canal. The walk also includes lovely views across the water to the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside for the duration of the route. The route finishes at impressive Sharpness dock located at the head of the Bristol Channel. The port is one of the most inland in Britain and handles ships of up to 6,000 tonnes.
Appletreewick	10 miles (16 km)	This circular walk takes you to some of the highlights around the small village of Appletreewick in the Craven district of North Yorkshire. The 10 mile walk includes waterside sections along becks and rivers, a section through a wonderful limestone gorge and a visit to a lovely reservoir. Starting in the village you first head east towards Skyreholme where you pick up a nice waterside path along the Skyreholme Beck. Follow the beck north and you will come to Troller's Gill, where you will find a picturesque limestone�gorge. After passing through the unusual gorge you turn west at Gill Head toward Appletreewick Pasture. The route then turns north to follow footpaths to Grimwith Reservoir. The good sized lake is great for bird watching, with wildfowl�including wigeon,�teal,�greylag geese�and�Canada geese to see on the water. After enjoying the lake you turn south across Hartlington Pasture toward Dibble's Bridge by the River Dibble. Follow the paths to Hartlington where you pick up the Dales Way long distance trail. You can then follow the waymarked trail along the River Wharfe before returning to the village.
Grassington to Kettlewell	6 miles (9.5 km)	A linear walk on the Dales Way between these two popular Yorkshire towns. The route includes some wonderful limestone scenery and fabulous, far reaching views from the high points. It's about a 6 mile hike, with some moderate climbs along the way. You pick up the Dales Way in the centre of Grassington and head north, climbing to Lea Green, Old Pasture and Conistone Pie. This unusual limestone outcrop is shaped like a pie and commands great views of Wharfedale and Littondale. The route then descends along Swineber Scar toward Scargill House. The house dates from the eighteenth century and is constructed of stone, rendered and colour-washed, under a stone flag roof. It is now used as a Christian conference Centre run by the Scargill Movement. The route then passes Crookacre barn before coming into Kettlewell.
Ilkley Riverside Walk	6 miles (9.5 km)	This walk follows the Dales Way and the River Wharfe from Ilkley to Addingham and Bolton Abbey. The route runs along a lovely section of the river with great views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside to enjoy on the way. It's about a 6 mile walk on fairly flat, waymarked footpaths. The walk starts in the pretty Riverside Gardens on the south bank of the river. Here you will also find Ilkley Roman Fort where you can see the remains of the outer walls near the town's old�Manor House�Art Gallery & Museum. Follow the path west past the Old Bridge and Ilkley Golf Club and you will come to Addingham. You continue north through the pretty Low Park before passing Bolton Bridge and arriving at Bolton Abbey. The 12th-century Augustinian�monastery is surrounded by lovely woodland and parkland. There's also miles of riverside trails with a series of popular stepping stones to try as well.
Simons Seat	6 miles (10 km)	This walk from Bolton Abbey climbs through the Valley of Desolation to Simon's Seat. It's a beautiful, varied walk with waterfalls, rushing becks, heather moorland, woodland trails and spectacular views from the high points. The route is a fairly challenging 3 mile hike to the summit, using a good waymarked path which rises steadily before reaching a peak of 485m (1590ft). The walk starts from the estate car park next to the River Wharfe. Cross the bridge over the river and then turn left to pick up the trail along the Posforth Gill to the Valley of Desolation. You'll pass some pretty waterfalls before heading into the woodland and moorland of the Valley of Desolation. The marked trails then take you along the Great Agill Beck to the interesting rock formations of Truckle Crags. Shortly after you arrive at the 485m peak of Simon's Seat where you can enjoy wonderful views over the countryside of the Yorkshire Dales.
Stainforth Force	1 miles (1.5 km)	Enjoy a short walk to Stainforth Force waterfall from the North Yorkshire village of Stainforth. Start the walk from the main parking area in the village and head west, crossing the bridge over the river. Just to the south of the bridge you will find the pretty falls. Here�the River Ribble falls over a series of�limestone�ledges into a deep, broad pool. In October you can see leaping Salmon on their annual migration up the River Ribble.
Settle Caves and Waterfalls Walk	9 miles (15 km)	This beautiful circuit around Settle visits a series of rushing waterfalls, pretty becks, limestone outcrops and mysterious caves. The walk runs for about 9 miles with some moderate climbing on the opening section before descending back to the town on the second section. The walk starts from the train station in Settle and heads north east, passing the Castlebergh woodland and Barrel Sykes. Follow the footpaths past Langcliffe and then up to Winskill Stones where you will find a 74-acre area of limestone grassland and limestone pavement. From here it is a short walk to Catrigg Force. The picturesque falls have 2 main drops of about 20 feet and a series of smaller waterfalls. It's a delightful area, with peaceful woodland and the Stainforth Beck to see. After enjoying the falls you head south east past the Winskill Stones to the caves. You'll pass Jubilee Cave, Victoria Cave and Attermire Cave. The Victoria Cave contained fossil remains, including mammoth,�straight-tusked elephant,�cave bear�and�hippopotamus,�Bos primigenius,�Rhinoceros leptorhinus�and�spotted hyenas. The route then continues south, passing Sugar Loaf Hill before turning down High Hill Lane to reach Scaleber Force. The falls are in another lovely location with the water cascading down several levels to the deep pool below. The walk then heads north west, passing Springfield and Upper Settle before returning to the train station.