United Kingdom

Description

Mull - by Henk

Hiking, most likely, was invented in the UK. Scores of 19th century romantic novelists described their country through the eyes of their key figures walking the paths of their countryside! Still today, the British Isles are very welcoming to walkers. We admit, it does rain now and again. But such lovely nature is the result, with forever green, lush meadows and hills dotted with sheep. Always keep in mind: bad weather doesn't exist, only bad clothing. So put on your coat and discover the thousands of miles of British long distance footpaths.

All British long distance footpaths are worth walking, but some stand out in popularity. The Coast to Coast Path in the north of England, crossing the famous Lake District and two other national parks, is one of these. Another is the South West Coast Path, almost 600 miles of rugged coast, seagulls and fish'n chips. If you prefer to set out your own trail, Scotland and the Inner and Outer Hebrides are the place to go. The UK is also home to the so-called Peak Baggers, folk who will not rest before they have climbed every hill over 3000 feet (the Munroes).

Some 19 footpaths comprise the so called "National Trails", and you can decide they are more rewarding than others. Bear in mind that this is not the case; other trails can be of equal beauty. The popular Coast to Coast Path has no official status whatsoever! Anyway, here are the 19 National Trails:

  1. South West coast Path, 631 miles, 1016 km, 45 days
  2. Pennine Way, 270 miles, 435 km, 18 days
  3. Thames Path, 183 miles, 294 km, 11 days
  4. North Downs Way, 152 miles, 245 km, 11 days
  5. Pennine Bridleway, 121 miles, 195 km, 7 days
  6. Cleveland Way, 109 miles, 176 km, 9 days
  7. Cotswold Way, 102 miles, 164 km, 7 days
  8. South Downs Way, 101 miles, 163 km, 6 days
  9. Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, 93 miles, 149 km, 7 days
  10. The Ridgeway, 87 miles, 139 km, 6 days
  11. Hadrian's Wall Path, 84 miles, 135 km, 6 days
  12. Yorkshire Wolds Way, 79 miles, 127 km, 6 days

So far England, now Wales:

  1. Pembrokeshire Coast Path, 186 miles, 299 km, 12 days
  2. Offa's Dyke Path, 177 miles, 285 km, 11 days
  3. Glyndwr's Way, 132 miles, 213 km, 9 days

And four so called Long Distance Routes in Scotland:

  1. Southern Upland Way, 212 miles, 341 km, 12 days
  2. West Highland Way, 95 miles, 153 km, 6 days
  3. Speyside Way, 84 miles, 135 km, 6 days
  4. Great Glen Way, 73 miles, 117 km, 6 days

Ordnance Survey publishes maps, and there are trail guidebooks of most footpaths. The guides usually include detailed maps, so you won't have to buy these separately. All footpaths are meticulously waymarked. Although British mountains are not as challenging as the Alps, when walking the mountains of Scotland and Wales be prepared for sudden spells of wind, rain and dropping temperatures during all seasons. Hypothermia and exhaustion are a real danger, so bring proper clothes. When walking more remote trails, also bring a tent and camping gear, including protective measures against the legendary midges; tiny mosquito's that will attack relentlessly during the long summer evenings. In more populated areas you will find lodging at regular intervals, such as B&B's, Youth Hostels and hotels.

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Books

Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Walking on Gower
  • English, 2012
  • The 30 circular routes in this guidebook to walking on the Gower peninsula, in South Wales, visit its famous rugged coastlines as well as the little-explored inland valleys and ridges. The walks avoid the crowds so you can enjoy the landscape's unspoilt peace. Packed with historical and geological information. Illustrated with stunning photos. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Walking in the South Wales Valleys
  • English, 2012
  • A walking guidebook with 32 day routes and 2 weekend backpacking routes (the Coed Morgannwg Way and Glamorgan Ridgeway) across the valleys, ridges and coast of South Wales. This now-green landscape has superb walking opportunities in an easily accessible area. Packed with historical interest. Follow footsteps of Roman soldiers and Celtic saints. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Suffolk Coast and Heaths Walks
  • English, 2012
  • A handy, pocket-sized guide to 3 long-distance walks in Suffolk, 40 to 60 miles long: the Suffolk Coast Path (Lowestoft to Felixstowe), the Stour and Orwell Walk (Felixstowe to Cattawade) and the Sandlings Walk (Ipswich to Southwold). Three weekends of easy walking covering the whole of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, largely in an AONB. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Walking in the New Forest
  • English, 2012
  • A handy pocket-sized guidebook to 30 day walks across the New Forest National Park in Hampshire and Wiltshire, southern England. Routes explore ancient woodland, heather-clad heath and dramatic coastline, all within easy reach of Southampton, Bournemouth and Salisbury. Walks for all abilities, easily combined to make up longer challenges. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Great Mountain Days in Scotland
  • English, 2012
  • Inspirational guidebook to 50 challenging routes for mountaineers, scramblers, hillwalkers and fell runners, many long enough to backpack over 2 days, especially in winter (12 to 25 miles). A mix of classic routes and unsung gems across Scotland from Galloway to the Outer Hebrides in widely differing wild landscapes. With customised OS mapping. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • Walking on the Brecon Beacons
  • English, 2012
  • A handy guidebook describing 45 circular day walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park. From west to east, Mynydd Du, Fforest Fawr, the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains offer a wide range of options for walkers. The walks described avoid the less interesting, more popular routes to explore dramatic waterfalls, wooded gorges and upland valleys Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • The Shropshire Hills
  • English, 2012
  • This guidebook explores walking Shropshire's hills from Ludlow to the Wrekin, Bewdley to Stiperstones, Wenlock Edge and the Long Mynd in 21 half- and full-day walks. Special features on Ironbridge, Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth and Sabrina Fair. Read more
Cicerone Press, United Kingdom
  • The Relative Hills of Britain
  • English, 2012
  • A guidebook to walking all the Marilyns in Britain, Europe - the hills that are high with regard to the surrounding land with a drop of 150m or more on all sides. An invaluable reference work for all walkers, this guidebook contains a fascinating collection of not too serious facts and figures and is illustrated with very clear maps. Read more
De Zwerver, Netherlands
  • Wandelgids guide to the Wye Valley Walk - Welsh borders, Wales | Cicerone |
  • Dutch, 2011
  • In ringband! Uitstekende wandelgids van dit geweldige gebied. goed beschreven met veel praktische informatie om de route te kunnen lopen, inclusief goede kaarten. The official guide to backpacking or walking the Wye Valley Walk, 136 miles through the Welsh borders, crossing between south Wales and Herefordshire, from Chepstow to Plynlimon. Easy... Read more
De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver, Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 147 Elan Valley & Builth Wells - Wales |
  • Dutch
  • Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
De Zwerver, Netherlands
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