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	33	Berkshire	42
Buckinghamshire	68	Cambridgeshire	38
Cheshire	67	Cornwall	63
County Durham	40	Cumbria	155
Derbyshire	124	Devon	121
Dorset	87	Essex	63
Gloucestershire	110	Greater London	127
Greater Manchester	65	Hampshire	94
Herefordshire	30	Hertfordshire	46
Isle of Wight	17	Kent	99
Lancashire	90	Leicestershire	41
Lincolnshire	41	Merseyside	25
Norfolk	51	Northamptonshire	40
Northumberland	53	Nottinghamshire	31
Oxfordshire	59	Rutland	8
Shropshire	49	Somerset	97
Staffordshire	63	Suffolk	59
Surrey	78	Sussex	100
Warwickshire	52	West Midlands	36
Wiltshire	76	Worcestershire	48
Yorkshire	278

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	31	Dartmoor	40
Exmoor	26	Forest of Bowland	13
Forest of Dean	16	Howardian Hills	9
Keswick	19	Malvern Hills	10
Mendip Hills	21	New Forest	29
Nidderdale	20	North Downs	21
North York Moors	51	Northumberland National Park	17
Peak District	114	Quantocks	13
Ribble Valley	14	Shropshire Hills	13
South Downs	45	Surrey Hills	30
Cotswolds	90	Lake District	123
Wye Valley	13	Yorkshire Dales	74

Latest Walking Routes

Cambridge to Ely Walk	18 miles (29 km)	Enjoy a lovely waterside walk along the River Cam and River Great Ouse from Cambridge to Ely. The route runs for about 18 miles on nice flat paths so could be completed in a day. You can catch a direct train back to Cambridge at the end of your walk. It's a really beautiful stretch of water with pretty marinas, lots of wildlife and lovely views of the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside. Starting in Cambridge the route passes Milton Country Park, Horningsea, Waterbeach, Upware, Little Thetford before arriving in Ely.
Tolkien Trail	6 miles (10 km)	This literary trail explores an area of the Ribble Valley thought to have inspired some of the landscapes from J.R.R Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The walk also visits Stonyhurst College where the author worked on the novels during the second world war. �Connections to the books include 'Middle-earth' representing the local area, Shire Lane in Hurst Green and the 'River Shirebourn' (the Shireburns built Stonyhurst). The walk starts at the village of Hurst Green where you follow a footpath south to the River Ribble. Here you pick up a nice waterside section of the Ribble Way, taking you past Winckley Hall, Cromwell Bridge (Oliver Cromwell, spent the night at Stonyhurst on his way to the battle of Preston in 1648) and Lower Hodder Bridge. Here you pick up a section of the River Hodder to take you toward Over Hacking. The route then leaves the river to follow woodland trails and country lanes to Stonyhurst. The college was founded in 1593 and includes several find old buildings, attractive grounds and public gardens with fine views to the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill. Notable buildings include the 19th century Dome Observatory, the medieval Hill Barn Farm and two elegant 17th century Garden Pavillions. After exploring the college the route passes through Fox Fall Wood before returning to Hurst Green.
Coatham Woods	2 miles (3.6 km)	These woods near Stockton on Tees have 2 waymarked walking trails for you to try. There's attractive broadleaved�and conifer woodland, meadows and ponds to see on the site. It's also a nice place for wildlife spotting with owls, deer and foxes to look out for. You can park at the car park just off Longnewton Lane to start your walk. You could also start from Longnewton village if you prefer.
Brown Willy	4 miles (7 km)	Climb to the highest point on Bodmin Moor on this circular walk in north east Cornwall. The summit stands at a height of 1,378 feet (420�m) making it the highest point in the county as well. There's fantastic views across the moor to the Cornish coast and a number of fascinating historical sites to see on the way. Start the walk from the car park at the end of Roughtor Road, just to the north west of the hills. You then follow paths south east onto the Roughtor Moors and up to Rough Tor. The fascinating site is the 2nd highest point on the moors and includes a�logan stone, a neolithic�tor enclosure, a large number of Bronze Age�hut circles, and some contemporary monuments. After exploring Rough Tor the route branches to the left to visit Showery Tor. The granite Tor is a prominent landmark consists of a natural outcrop enveloped by a giant man-made ring�cairn�thought to have been a religious focal point. The route then continues the ascent to Brown Willy, crossing the De Lank River on the way. Here you can see a number of Bronze Age cairns including a summit cairn thought to be the resting place of an ancient Cornish king. After exploring the summit and taking in the views the route then descends across the Rough Tor Moors, passing more cairns before returning to the car park.
Clitheroe	4 miles (6 km)	Explore the Lancashire town of Clitheroe on this lovely walk in the Ribble Valley. The walk explores the historic castle before heading to the River Ribble and the pretty Cross Hill Nature Reserve. The walk starts at the very fine Clitheroe Castle, located close to the train station in the town centre. The ruined medieval castle is thought to date from the 12th century and includes extensive grounds which are also a public park. Here you will find a fine war memorial with wonderful views towards Pendle Hill. There's also a fascinating museum housed in a Grade II listed 18th century building. Here you can see collections of�natural history, local art and period costume, and an archaeology collection including items recovered from excavations on the site. After exploring the castle grounds the route then heads to the river where you can see a photogenic weir and salmon leap. Turn right and follow the river path past Brungerley Bridge to Brungerley Park. Continue towards Horrocksford and you can visit the Cross Hill Nature Reserve. Here you will find some nice woodland trails, meadows, wildflowers and wildlife spotting opportunities. Look out for Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Herons around the river. After exploring the pretty reserve the walk returns to the castle using the same paths.
Ilfracombe to Woolacombe Coastal Walk	8 miles (12.8 km)	The coast path between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe runs for about 8 miles along a series of dramatic cliffs, beautiful bays and lovely beaches. The walk starts on the front in Ilfracombe and climbs to Capstone Point and Capstone Hill. It's a fairly challenging start to the walk but with great views across the town and harbour as your reward. The path continues west past The Outfalls to The Torrs Park Local Nature Reserve. There's a great zig-zag path and views all the way to Exmoor from the high points here. The next stage runs past Freshwater Bay and the small village of Lee. The village lies at the foot of what is known locally as the Fuchsia Valley, and consists of around 100 properties, mostly old in style. There's a beach accessible from the coastal path via a�National Trust-maintained path and staircase down the cliff face. The next stage takes you up to the Bull Point Lighthouse before heading along Rockham Bay to Morte Point. This splendid peninsula has some fascinating rock formations and great views towards Lundy Island. It's owned by the National Trust so there are good paths to follow across the headland. The area is also great for wildlife with Atlantic grey seals to look out for in the waters below. The final stage takes you into the popular seaside resort of Woolacombe. Here you will find a 3 mile long sandy beach recognised as one of the best beaches in Europe.
Humbleton Hill	5 miles (8.1 km)	Enjoy a walk to Humbleton Hill from Wooler and enjoy great views over the Cheviot Hills. The walk starts in the popular walking town of Wooler. Begin by following country lanes west out of the town to Wooler Common where you can pick up a trail along the Humbleton Burn. After about a mile you turn north, following a section of the St Cuthbert's Way past Brown's Law. You then branch to the right to pick up the trails that will take you up to the Humbleton Hill summit. Here you will find the remains of an�Iron Age�hillfort and splendid views towards Yeavering Bell, the Northumberland coast and the Scottish Hills. The hill is also of historical significan being the site of the Battle of Homildon Hill�fought between the�English�and�Scottish�armies in 1402.
Wooler Common	4 miles (6 km)	Explore this attractive area of woodland and common land on this walk in the Northumberland National Park. It's a very peaceful area with lovely views of the Cheviot Hills, two pretty ponds and an easy access trail to try. The town of Wooler is a popular base for walkers with direct access to the Cheviot Hills. The common is also a short walk from the town centre. Just follow the St Cuthbert's Way long distance trail south west and you soon come to the site. You'll pass the King's Chair Hill and Kenterdale Hill before picking up a lovely trail along the Humbleton Burn. There's some moderate climbing involved with the route reaching a height of over 700ft. From the high points there are splendid views over the surrounding hills and countryside.
Norbury Park	6 miles (10 km)	This large area of woodland, grassland and farmland has miles of tracks and trails suitable for cyclists and walkers. In the park you'll find a�Georgian�manor house, peaceful woodland trails and chalk grassland with lots of wildflowers and butterflies to see. Look out for wildlife which includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and woodpeckers. The route starts from Box Hill & Westhumble Train Station although you could also start from the nearby car park. Follow the trails up to Denshire Hill and Fetcham Downs where there are splendid views over the Surrey Hills. Continue north towards Hawk's Hill on the outskirts of Leatherhead before turning round. The trails then take you south through Druids Grove and Beechy Wood before returning you to Westhumble.
Dorking	8 miles (13 km)	A long circular walk around the Surrey Hills town of Dorking, making use of some of the fine waymarked trails which run through the area. You'll follow sections of the Mole Gap Trail, the North Downs Way and the Greensand Way to take you on a walking tour of the surrounding countryside. There's some splendid North Downs scenery and a visit to the popular Box Hill Country Park to enjoy. The walk starts in the town centre at the beginning of the Mole Gap Trail. The path leads north through the lovely Denbies Hillside. The National Trust run area includes waymarked trails, woodland paths and great views of Leith Hill and Dorking from the high points. On your left you'll also pass the Denbies Wine Estate which contains the largest vineyard in England, representing more than 10 per cent of the plantings in the whole of the United Kingdom. Near Westhumble the route picks up the North Downs Way and heads east towards Box Hill Country Park. The park has miles of woodland paths and nice riverside trails along the River Mole where you can find the picturesque stepping stones. There's also the Box Tree cafe and fine views over the Weald to enjoy here. You continue along the path towards Betchworth, turning south at Brockham Hills. The footpaths will take you to the village of Brockham where there's a pretty village green and nice views of the River Mole which flows west through the village. Here you pick up the Greensand Way and follow it west back into Dorking.
Woodbridge	2 miles (3.3 km)	The Suffolk town of Woodbridge has some lovely trails to try along the River Deben. You can follow the river north or south with two National Trust properties to visit. Heading north will take you towards Melton where you can cross the river to visit Sutton Hoo. This circular walk heads south along a section of the Fynn Valley Walk to take you to Kyson Hill and Kyson Point on the western side of the river. It's a really lovely stretch of the Deben with lots of little boats and nice views of the surrounding countryside. You can start the walk from the train station which is located right next to the quay. From here you can pick up the Fynn Valley Walk next to the Woodbridge Tide Mill. The Grade I listed building is very well preserved and has a�water wheel which still turns and is capable of grinding a wholemeal flour. A mill has operated on the site for 800 years and is now open to the public for tours. Follow the river south and you will soon come to Kyson Hill. The National Trust owned area includes a grassy hill, surrounded by wooded belts, sloping down to the saltings and mudflats of the tidal Deben. It's a great area for bird watching with many species visiting the estuary. Look out for egrets, oyster catchers, plovers, teals, little grebes, redshanks, black tailed godwits, and curlews as you make your way along the river. After admiring the estuary views from the little hill, the walk continues to Kyson Point where there are fine views of Martlesham Creek. The route then follows other paths back to the town through the countryside.
Leominster	3 miles (4.5 km)	Explore this attractive Herefordshire town and enjoy riverside trails along the River Lugg. The walk starts in the town centre at the noteworthy Grange Court. The timber-framed�building was built in 1633 by�John Abel, and moved to its present location in 1859. It is extravagantly decorated with carvings, including�mermaids,�angels, animals, flowers and grotesque people. The route then follows public footpaths north past Leominster Priory which dates from the 13th century. You cross the River Kenwater before picking up riverside trails on the eastern side of the River Lugg. Follow the trails south to Eaton Hall where you cross the river and follow the trails back into the town centre.
Bircher Common	2 miles (3.8 km)	Explore this area of lowland heath on this pleasant walk near Leominster. There's miles of footpaths to follow across the common with lovely views over the surrounding Herefordshire countryside from the high points. Woodland trails can also be found in the adjacent Oaker Coppice and Croft Wood.
Berrington Hall	1 miles (2.25 km)	Explore the 250 acre parkland of this fine Georgian mansion near Leominster. The hall can be reached on foot by following the long distance Herefordshire Trail from the town or you can park in the on site car park. In the 'Capability' Brown designed park there are lovely gardens with fountains, a Ha-ha and a variety of plants and flowers. There's also the pretty Berrington Pool, peaceful woodland trails and nice views of the surrounding farmland and the Welsh mountains. After your stroll you can enjoy refreshments in the National Trust's tea room. You can virtually explore the parkland using the google street view link below!
Pin Mill	2 miles (2.8 km)	Enjoy woodland trails and riverside paths on this delightful walk in Suffolk. There's wonderful views over the River Orwell where you can see lots of little boats at the charming hamlet of Pin Mill. The area is also great for flora and fauna with pretty heather and yellow gorse to see as you make your way through the area. The walk starts from the Pin Mill car park, just to the north of the village of Chelmondiston. From here you can pick up the Stour and Orwell Walk to take you along the River Orwell. The trails take you through the attractive pine woodland of the Cliff Plantation before returning to the car park. After your walk you can visit the splendid Butt and Oyster pub in Pin Mill. The pub dates from the 17th century and features in the Swallows and Amazons book series by�Arthur Ransome, who patronised the inn himself.
Sutton Hoo	4 miles (6.5 km)	Explore the 255 acre estate of this Anglo-Saxon�burial site and enjoy lovely views of the River Deben. It's a historically fascinating area set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and run by the National Trust. There's a number of good walking paths with woodland trails and riverside footpaths to enjoy. The site was discovered in the summer of 1939 and is one of the richest finds in English archaeology. You can learn about the find in the on site exhibition which includes replica treasures and original finds from one of the mounds, including a prince's sword. This circular walk starts from the visitor centre and visits the burial mounds just to the south. This includes the Ship Burial where the remains of a 90ft-long, clinker-built wooden ship of the seventh-century, were found in 1939. From here you can then follow paths through woodland to Ferry Cliff where there are splendid views over the River Deben to the town of Woodbridge and its working Tide Mill. Paths then lead through Deben Wood before crossing the estate and returning to the car park.
Oxburgh Hall	2 miles (3 km)	This walk visits the Norfolk village of Oxborough and the 15th century�moated�country house�of Oxburgh Hall. The estate includes parkland and woodland with a number of waymarked trails making it ideal for an easy afternoon stroll. In the estate you'll find lovely formal gardens and woodland trails through My Lady's Wood and Home Covert. Look out for water loving wildlife by the pretty stream in My Lady's Wood.
Much Wenlock	6 miles (9.5 km)	A circular walk around the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock, visiting the Wenlock Priory before exploring the surrounding countryside. There's nice views of the Shropshire hills including the famous Wrekin. Starting in the centre of the town the walk picks up the Shropshire Way long distance trail and follows it to the nearby Wenlock Priory. The fascinating site includes the atmospheric ruins of the 12th century St Milburga's Priory and some fine topiary in the surrounding grounds. It is run by English Heritage who charge a reasonable fee for entry. This gives you access to the Norman Chapter House with its elaborate stone carvings and the cloister garden. Here you'll find a huge lavabo (water vessel) with 12th-century carvings and some attractive topiary. After exploring the priory the route then picks up public footpaths to take you east, towards Arlescott�Farm. Here you can see the humps and hollows of the lost�medieval village�of�Arlescott. The route then turns left to pick up a section of the Jack Mytton Way to Wyke Farm. Here you turn west and follow the trail along a country lane to Bradley Farm where you turn south to return to the town.
Pontesbury and Pontesford Hill	3 miles (5.4 km)	This circular walk from the village of Pontesbury climbs to Earl's Hill and Pontesford Hill for lovely views over the Shropshire countryside. There's much to enjoy with woodland trails, an Iron Age Hillfort and a variety of flora and fauna in the nature reserve area. Look out for the pretty bluebells in the woodland area during the spring months. In the summer you can see orange tip butterflies fluttering around the many wildflowers. The walk starts off from the centre of Pontesbury and heads east to the wooded area just to the north of the hills. You then follow the trails south to Pontesford Hill and Earl's Hill, which stands at a height of 320m (1049ft). Here you'll find a triangulation pillar, far reaching views over the Shropshire Hills and an Iron Age Hillfort dating from 600BC. After taking in the views you descend south to pick up the Marches Way trail. You can then follow this back through the woods towards the village.
Grinshill	2 miles (3.4 km)	This circular walk visits Corbet Wood and the viewpoint at Grinshill, near Shrewsbury. It's a pretty area with peaceful woodland trails and great views over South Shropshire and the Welsh Borders from the dramatic cliff tops at Grinshill Hill. The site includes some rugged trails and an easier, family friendly route. Grinshill is a geologically interesting area with stone quarried in the area since at least the 12th century. It's great for wildlife too with many species of butterfly and birds including coal tits, goldcrests, warblers�and�woodpeckers. The route also visits the little village of Clive, birthplace of the English Restoration�dramatist�William Wycherley, author of 'The Country Wife'. It's nice to stroll around the village with its pretty cottages and Victorian church. You can start the walk from the car park at Corbet Wood, next to Grimshill Quarry. Then follow the woodland trails west toward Clive. Just before Clive you can turn left and follow paths up to the Grinshill viewpoint which stands at a height of 192 metres (630�ft). After taking in the views descend back to the path and head to the village of Clive. Here you'll find a lovely church made from the two different coloured sandstones quarried from Grinshill. The walk then returns to the car park along a section of the Marches Way.