The footpaths of Britain

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.

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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.

For those looking to experience walking in Britain, and also looking to share the experience with the company of other walkers, there are companies offering guided walking holidays through many areas of Britain. They run the gamut from self-guided tours of the quieter side of English villages, castles and pubs, to full on adventure with wilderness treks and mountain climbing of remote peaks with experienced guides.

It’s said that any great adventure consists of three phases: anticipation, the journey itself, and reminiscing. A walking trip along any of Britain’s footpaths will fulfil those requirements. Whether a day’s walk, a week’s worth of hiking, climbing a mountain on a guided tour, or going solo, Britain’s footpaths offer the walker a range of experiences, and a lifetime of memories. And all it takes is the first step on the path.