Long Distance Paths

Ah, the joy of looking at a national-scale map and discovering that you can actually trace out the walk you’ve just completed. Long distance paths (LDPs) are the behemoths of the walking world, confidently bestriding the country decked in gleaming new signs, and scorning the simple 5-mile post-Sunday lunch circuits of most walkers. Evening dog-walkers might step back aghast, thinking that only the most foolhardy of hikers would undertake such a task.

And yet... as always, the appearance belies the reality. Whilst some trails (such as the Pennine Way and the Offa’s Dyke Path) are genuinely difficult and require both fitness and excellent logistical planning, there are actually LDPs suitable for everyone. London’s Capital Ring, for instance, can be completed in sections of just a few miles at a time, with excellent public transport links throughout. The majority of it is even suitable for people with limited mobility. The South West Coast Path visits some of the most stunning scenery in the British Isles, and whilst it requires a good level of fitness, you will never be too far from excellent accommodation and restaurants.

The diversity of walking offered by our LDPs is astonishing. From the flat Peddars Way in Norfolk to the West Highland Way that runs below the highest peaks of the UK; from the suburban (but fascinating) London LOOP to the utter wilderness of parts of the Southern Upland Way; there are LDPs in every region and every type of scenery in these varied isles. Whilst there are only 17 (ish) official National Trails (these have the best signage and guidebooks), there are over 5,000 other LDP’s to choose from. Hell, there’s probably even one close to your house. Get your local OS map, have a look for the diamonds that mark a long distance path, and get walking!