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| A footpath… inviting,
mysterious, curving out of sight…in our modern, hectic world, the
word ”footpath” alone can conjure up the promise of adventure. Will
it lead the walker through the rolling fields of Cumbria, the
charming countryside of the Cotswolds, over the sheer ridge at
Striding Edge in the Lake District, past Red Tarn, to the top of
Helvellyn? Or will it take them along the coast at Cornwall, or past
the ruins of Hadrian's Wall? All it takes is one step on any
footpath in Britain and the journey begins. Britain is a walker’s paradise. It’s home to more than 140,000 miles of footpaths, many of them traveling through scenic National Parks, with many more miles of paths winding their way through parts of England designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Some pass by ancient Roman ruins, while others pass though the grounds of historic English castles. All of them take in the beauty that is the English countryside. Walking in Britain can take many forms, from a casual day walk of a few short miles to a scenic destination, to a trek lasting several weeks and covering several hundred miles. Depending upon the amount of time dedicated to the walk, and the physical condition of the walker, hikes of any length can be planned and undertaken. For those planning more than a day long trek on one of Britain’s footpaths, numerous websites and guidebooks exist to aid in planning. It’s advisable to gather as much information as possible on trail locations, accommodations, and most importantly, trail difficulty, before starting out. Trails are marked, but it’s a wise hiker that knows where they’re going before they set out.
Long distance walkers in Britain have an advantage in where to spend
their overnights on the trail. For hikers taking on treks of more
than a day, with a little advance planning, accommodations can be
found for each night on the trail. These can range from youth
hostels to guesthouses to hotels, with many offering a full English
breakfast in the morning. It’s a good idea to make arrangements for
accommodations before heading out, to avoid arriving to find the inn
is full. Site copyright Dawn Carroll 2010 |