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15 December 2008
Celebrate the festive season with a walk on a historic National Trail says Natural England
Bored with shopping, tired of turkey? What better way to celebrate the festive season than a life-enhancing walk in the glorious English countryside? National Trails are designed for just such a purpose, providing opportunities for a long or short walk through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery.
There are more than 2000 miles of National Trails in England used by millions of people each year. Designation of the first National Trail was made possible as a result of the National Parks Act 1949 – now approaching its 60th anniversary.
Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: “On the eve of their 60th anniversary, National Trails have never been more needed. They provide an essential means of escape from the hurly burly of our everyday lives and play a unique role in helping people experience the wonders of our natural environment.
“Walking, is a great way of maintaining health and vitality and the Festive Season is a great time to get out and about and enjoy these outstanding routes. Everyone in England lives within 50 miles of a National Trail, so they’re easy to get to and what’s more, they’re free.”
Natural England is responsible for overseeing the management of National Trails and there are now 13 separate Trails in England – from the Pennine Way to the South West Coast Path. All offer a huge variety of walks – from short strolls to challenging hikes - and pass through some of England’s most varied and beautiful countryside.
Natural England’s Quick Guide to National Trails
National Trails are as good for short walks and gentle strolls as they are for long-distance walking, and we have identified walks across the country so you are sure to find one to suit your taste. Most are perfect for a half-day walk with family and friends followed by a picnic or pub lunch, but if you are looking for longer walks we have these too.
Pennine Bridleway - Green fields, dry stone walls and heather moors
Crossing the Peak District, this 130 mile route takes in the South Pennines and Settle Loop. The highlights include rich and varied wildlife and stunning views over the Kinder plateau, Pennines and Lancashire. Try a circular walk along the world-famous Settle Loop. The 16km (10 mile) loop takes in stunning limestone scenery including views of the nationally important Malham Tarn. This exciting route starts in Settle and climbs out of this lovely town into the Dales, traversing the wonderful limestone upland, before descending back towards Settle. The Trail incorporates open grassy stretches, limestone outcrops, grass / gravel paths and quiet winding lanes.
Pennine Way – the finest upland walking in England
268 miles across the Pennine Mountain tops along the rugged backbone of England, from the Peak District through the Yorkshire Dales to the Cheviots. The Pennine Way has three recommended circular walks for you to enjoy – all available as downloadable PDFs from Pennine Way website: the Garrigill round – an ‘easy’ 13.5km/3.5 hour circular walk; the Hebden Bridge round – a ‘moderate/challenging’ 12km/3.75 hour circular walk; and the Dufton round - a ‘challenging’ 16km/5 hour circular walk.
The Cleveland Way – explore the North York Moors and Coast
109 miles/176km long, starting from the attractive market town of Helmsley, the Cleveland Way crosses the stunning heather moorland of the North York Moors, before reaching the coast at Saltburn. From here, it’s a visual feast along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and lively coastal towns. Along the way there is a wealth of history and heritage to enjoy. Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, Mount Grace Priory, Gisborough Priory, Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle to name just a few special places. Enjoy a great circular walk from Ravenscar, using part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. The walk is an ‘easy’ 7km/2.75 hour, starting from the National Trust Coastal Centre.
Yorkshire Wolds Way - "You can see forever"
For nearly 80 miles the Yorkshire Wolds Way wends through some of the most tranquil and gentle countryside in England. From the banks of the Humber estuary, along wooded slopes and through serene dry valleys, the walk climbs gently onto the airy tops of the rolling hills where on a clear day "you can see forever". The Trail features two circular walks – an easy stroll from Market Weighton (12km/ 3.5 hours); and a moderate walk from Thixendale (13.1km/4 hours)
The South West Coast Path National Trail – up to 630 miles of superb coastal walking
From Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset, walking is the best way to enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage. There is information about 115 short walks along the coast with maps and detailed descriptions that can be printed out and taken with you, on the Official South West Coast Path website.
For those who want to try out their new gadgets, these can be downloaded onto GPS units, have postcodes for sat-navs and links to Google Earth for simulated 3d fly views, whilst the Plymouth Waterfront walk has a fascinating free audio file narrated by Edward Woodward that can be downloaded onto mp3 players. There is also lots of information on the website for anyone who wants to plan their next year's holiday - anything from a weekend break to the 8 weeks or so that it takes to walk the entire 630 mile trail.
Thames Path National Trail – from the Cotswolds through London and on to the sea
Follow the river for 184 miles (294 km) from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea. Passing through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historic towns and cities, and then cutting through the heart of London to finish at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. Make the most of the spectacular scenery with a waterside walk and a winter warmer in a cosy pub along the way. Take your pick from our top five walks along the Thames Path. They are all within a few minutes walk of a First Great Western train station, so you can leave the car at home and catch the train instead!
Oxford to Abingdon: This 10-mile walk allows you to explore the university city of Oxford before setting off on this wonderfully rural section of the Path to the historic market town of Abingdon.
Goring to Pangbourne: Just 5 miles long, this walk takes you through the dramatic Goring Gap with the wooded Chilterns rising on the opposite bank.
Reading to Shiplake: Enjoy the gentle landscape along these 7 miles as the River Thames gradually widens on its journey to London and then the sea.
Marlow to Cookham: This 7 miles from the lovely town of Marlow takes you along arguably the most beautiful stretch of the River Thames.
Maidenhead to Windsor: Enjoy the bridges, locks and rural feel of the river along this 8-mile stretch that culminates with a classic view of Windsor Castle.
The Ridgeway National Trail - Britain’s oldest road
The Ridgeway National Trail, 87 miles (139km) follows the same route used since prehistoric times by travellers and herdsmen. Over rolling, open downland to the west of the River Thames, and through secluded valleys and woods in the Chilterns to the east, The Ridgeway offers the chance to get away from it all in this busy part of England. There are two new circular walks along the Trail. The shorter of the two, Bishopstone Circular Walk, starting in the delightful village of Bishopstone at the foot of the Downs, is 4½ miles long and reaches The Ridgeway via a wonderful coombe sculpted long ago by the action of water. The second, Liddington Castle Circular Walk, nearly 9 miles long, starts in Chiseldon and includes the ancient Iron Age fort of Liddington Castle, one of the earliest hill-forts in Britain. Look out for the unmissable red kite!
Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail – a Roman road, wide sandy beaches, dunes and salt marshes
Fantastic scenery and landscape cover the 150 km (93 miles) of the two trails of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path which starts in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park and follows the route of a Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast. At Holme, the Peddars Way meets the Norfolk Coast Path as it runs from Hunstanton to Cromer.
Why not explore the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail by bus? Join and rejoin the CoastHopper throughout the day to make the most of the Coast Path. A favourite walk is Brancaster to Burnham Overy Staithe (7 miles/3 hours walking) but the route can be shortened by walking to Brancaster Staithe or Burnham Deepdale.
North Downs Way - the Pilgrim’s Way
The North Downs Way follows much of what is called the Pilgrim’s Way, historically used to make pilgrimages to Winchester and Canterbury. Stretching 153 miles from Farnham to Dover through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Trail provides plenty of opportunity for walkers to enjoy the stunning scenery, wildlife and picturesque villages on offer.
Otford, in Kent is one such village where you can explore the chalk downs and wooded hilltops littered with accompanying wildlife. While the village contains many interesting features including the largest scale model of the Solar System, and Otford pond, which is designated as a listed building. Download this circular walk in Otford and many others from our walking pages.
South Downs Way – white chalk cliffs and lots of history
Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. If you are interested in great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the South Downs Way awaits you. The 160 kilometre long South Downs Way follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. The route provides the visitor with the opportunity "to get away from it all" without having to travel too far in this busy part of England. There are a number of possible day or circular walks, including from Duncton Mill, near Petworth; and from Ditchling Beacon, near Brighton. Alternatively, walk from Amberley to Arundel along the Arun riverbank then return via Kithurst Hill and the South Downs Way.
The Cotswold Way National Trail – mellow limestone buildings and picturesque landscapes
Just over 100 miles of quintessentially English countryside. Follow the Cotswolds escarpment with its stunning views and charming villages from the World Heritage City of Bath in the south to the beautiful Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden in the North. Chipping Campden, Snowshill, Broadway – almost any village along the Cotswold Way, will provide the basis for a gentle walk. Click here for ideas
Offa’s Dyke National Trail – a chance to explore the spectacular landscapes and the history of the Anglo-Welsh border
Offa's Dyke is a great frontier earthwork built by Offa, King of Mercia from 757 to 796 A.D. It gives its name to a 177 mile / 285 km Offa’s Dyke Path which runs from Sedbury, near Chepstow, to Prestatyn through the varied and little-frequented landscapes of the Welsh Marches. Discover ancient trees along Offa’s Dyke National Trail.
For more information about National Trails, please visit: www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Notes to editors
Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.
Designation of the first National Trails was made possible as a result of the National Parks Act 1949 – now approaching its 60th anniversary. Natural England oversees the management of National Trails in England and recommends long-distance routes for designation by the Government. There are 19 official long-distance routes in Britain overseen by Natural England in England, the Countryside Council for Wales in Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage in Scotland. The Pennine Bridleway, the South Downs Way and the western section of the Ridgeway National Trails are suitable for mountain biking and horse riding.
Some sections of National Trails are suitable for people of all abilities. Details are available on www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ , in the sections for individual National Trails.
For further information contact: The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953,
press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.
For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
