5 Of The Best Walking Trails In England

Walking in England affords multiple opportunities to explore National Parks, while testing out endurance and hiking skills for the country’s many National Trail routes. From the Pennine Way through to the South West Coast Path, and including trips along the Thames, or across the Isle of Wight, it’s possible to see some of the best parts of England, and its neighbouring islands, over an extended break. Some of the best walking trails consequently include both distance and varied landscapes, making them an essential challenge for the serious walker.

1. Pennine Way

The first National Trail, the Pennine Way was opened in 1965, and covers 430km between Derbyshire and the border with Scotland. The walk starts in the Pennines, and continues up through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park to reach Kirk Yetholm on the edge of Scotland. The walk features 535 access points, and a number of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts along the way. Key sites to explore on the route include the Calder Valley, Thirlwall Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and Cairn Hill.

Photo of Typical Pennine scenery, UK by Voyager

2. Tennyson Trail

The Tennyson Trail, named for Alfred Tennyson the poet, is only 15 minutes long, but showcases the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight. The route starts at Carisbrooke Castle to the North of the island, and winds its way down to the West and the Needles rock formations. Moving through Bowcombe Down and into Brighstone Forest, the route continues through Mottistone Down, Afton Down and Freshwater Bay. Much of the walk is characterised by steep South Westerly hills, and comes out on the coast.

Photo of Tennyson Trail, UK by R MORGAN

3. South West Coast Path

The longest National Trail in England, the South West Coast Path covers 630 miles, and links up Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The route starts in Minehead, Somerset, and continues along the North Coast of Devon via the Exmoor National Park, before making its way through North Cornwall. Notable landmarks along the way include Tintagel Castle and Newquay. The route then loops back around through South Cornwall and South Devon, before coming to an end in Poole, Dorset. Typically takes around eight weeks to complete.

Photo of South West Coast Path, UK by Adrian Pingstone

4. Yorkshire Wolds Way

127km long, the Yorkshire Wolds Way starts at the Humber Estuary, and climbs through deep woodland and valleys to Filey Brigg. The route also overlaps with the Cleveland Way if walkers want to go further. Sloping hills and red poppies make up the majority of the route, as do small villages and headland at Filey Brigg. Other attractions include Londesborough Park and Stocking Dale, as well as the Humber Bridge.

Photo of Yorkshire Wolds Way, UK by Eamon Curry

5. The Thames Path

Running the length of the River Thames, the Thames Path starts near Kemble, Gloucestershire, and continues until it reaches the Thames Barrier. Covering 1984 miles, the walk is mostly made up of tow and cycle paths, and moves down through Oxford via Henley-on-Thames and Teddington Lock, taking in Windsor, Richmond, Hampton Court, and Battersea. Some parts of the route can flood at high tide, meaning that walkers should plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

Photo of Temple Footbridge Thames Path, UK by Motmit

Sebastian is a globetrotter who is currently working alongside a Bike GPS shop in the UK. Some hiking trails are suitable for the more rugged mountain bikes, so make sure you don’t leave without a GPS!

Tags: cairn hill, calder valley, exmoor national park, freshwater bay, Isle of Wight, landmarks along the way, minehead somerset, neighbouring islands, north cornwall, northumberland national park, pennine way, south west coast path, thirlwall castle, tintagel castle, walking in england, westerly hills, yorkshire dales

Category: Nature, Nature