By the early twentieth century walking beautiful countryside became a popular past-time in England, therefore following World War II protected areas were introduced in an attempt to fend off post-war development. Currently fifteen National Trails exist, with some of the most challenging routes throughout North and East England.
Northern Walks
The Pennine Way was the first route established in 1965, stretching 268 miles from the Peak District into lower Scotland. It passes through three mountainous national parks – Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland – along what is considered the “backbone” of the country.
Other sites include passing Hadrian’s Wall and the summit of the Cheviot, the tallest peak outside Cumbria. The walk takes at least two weeks, reaches a height of 2,947 feet, and is known for unpredictable weather conditions. The Pennine Bridleway, also beginning in the Peak District, is being opened in stages.
Travelling from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall Path begins in Wallsend near Newcastle and crosses 84 miles to the west coast. Hadrian’s Wall was constructed to protect Roman England beginning in 122 AD and is now one of the most visited historical sites of Northern England. The trail is gentle and accessible to all ages and abilities.
North East Walks
The Cleveland Way and Yorkshire Wolds Way connect on the coast near the town of Filey, just south of Scarborough, creating a 188-mile route, 109 and 79 miles respectively. The majority of the Cleveland Way treks through the open North York Moors finishing along the rocky cliffs of the Heritage Coast. The Yorkshire Wolds Way offers more solitude traversing over gentle dry hills. Both trails include sections of bridleways and cycle paths.
Sections of the Cleveland Way, including its pass through Robin Hood’s Bay, are followed along Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk. The 192-mile walk crosses Northern England from St Bees, Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire. While not an official National Trail it touches upon many well-known routes in the Lake District, briefly follows the Cleveland Way, and crosses the Pennine Way. The route is unique for its varied terrain across three national parks – Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The trail is not entirely marked as such so a thorough guide is necessary.
East Anglia Walks
Peddar’s Way begins in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park along an old Roman road that disappears into the sea at Holme-next-to-the-Sea. The village is home to one of the most remarkable medieval churches as well as miles of quiet beaches.
Here it connects to the Norfolk Coast Path for a total of 93 miles that finally ends at Cromer, a touristy coastal village that has maintained its Victorian appearance. This less publicised area of the country is a hidden gem for walking and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Natural England Organization
National Trails are managed and funded by the government agency, Natural England. The objective of the organization is “to conserve and enhance England’s natural environment…” One of their main responsibilities being to provide a wide range of environmental services and improve protection and management of designated areas. Protected areas include National Parks (8% of England’s land), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AoNB) (15%), Sites of Scientfic Interest (SSSI) (7%), and Heritage Coasts (33% of coastlines).
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