A practical guide to long-distance walking in the UK

Long-distance rambling in Britain is part of a correspondingly long tradition. In fact, few nationalities enjoy it quite as much as the British: from the South West Coast Path at Land’s End in Cornwall, to the Cape Wrath Trail in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll always find a Brit in an anorak. In 1965, the Pennine Way became the first of the UK’s National Trails, and now — 60 years later — there are 16 to choose from. So, before you lace up your boots and set off, here is some practical advice to help you make the most of the wonderful scenery.

What’s the right path for me?

The good news is that Britain has long-distance paths to suit all abilities. Some of the flattest are the South Downs Way (100 miles) and the Norfolk Coast Path (84 miles) — doable for anyone of reasonable fitness. The Thames Path (185 miles) is also very easy, and has a number of mainline stations along the route, making it very possible to dip in and out of the trail. Be aware that some paths that don’t reach giddy elevations can still be unexpectedly challenging — the Cotswold Way (102 miles) and the South West Coast Path (630 miles) have a great many undulations. Undoubtedly the hardest trail is the unofficial Cape Wrath Trail (230 miles), a Highland expedition involving wild camps and river crossings in the remote north of Scotland.

How should I plan my trek?

You will find certain paths are better set up for tourism than others: the 16 National Trails generally all have good infrastructure and are easily navigated. Be sure to book accommodation many months ahead if you’re tackling popular paths like the Pennine Way or West Highland Way in the high season. On other long-distance trails that don’t have the same accreditation you may need to make complicated public transport connections to reach trailheads, hunt down accommodation and navigate more extensively as, unlike National Trails or Scotland’s Great Trails, not all are signposted. Of course, you don’t need to walk the entire length of any long-distance walk, tackling it in chunks instead. Above all, your daily mileage will likely be determined by the accommodation and transport options en route as well as your fitness.

What gear do I need?

Strong walking boots and a rainproof shell are essentials year-round. It’s always worth packing drinking water, emergency snacks, a torch, batteries, warm layers and a whistle to attract attention. Hiking poles can also be useful to spare your knees, particularly on descents. Even on busy trails, come prepared with a map (such as Ordnance Survey), waterproof map case, compass and the ability to use them — and always check the weather in advance. The MWIS forecast has the best reports for the UK’s mountains. Always notify a friend or family member where you are headed in advance, and be sure to arrange a check-in time for your return.

Do I need to carry all my own kit?

On many of the more popular trails (including Hadrian’s Wall, Anglesey Coastal Path and the West Highland Way) you can find operators who will shuttle your bags between hotels, B&Bs and bunkhouses; often this service is organised as part of a broader package including transport and accommodation.

Are there good options for people with mobility issues?

Some long-distance paths are suited to wheelchair users, in particular those that once served as railway lines. The Tarka Trail network (180 miles) is one example, travelling the North Devon coast. Derbyshire also has a number of accessible trails, such as the Tissington Trail and Monsal Trail, the latter of which swoops across the Victorian Headstone Viaduct.

When is the best time to go?

Long-distance walking can be done year-round in Britain, with most routes at their busiest from April to September. Be aware that winter walking in upland areas of North Wales, the Lake District and above all the Scottish Highlands may require specialist equipment such as ice axes and crampons, and the ability to use them. Swarms of midges can sometimes make Scottish walks a misery from around July to August. Find midge forecasts at smidgeup.com

Getting there and around

All 16 National Trails can be accessed by rail travel at at least one point along the route. If you’re hiking a point-to-point path (as opposed to a circular one), travel by public transport is preferable as you won’t need to return to the start to collect your vehicle.