For avid walkers, the prospect of setting out across the Yorkshire Dales or along the South West coast is an exciting one - but with 16 National Trails in the UK, choosing the right long-distance walk is an important decision!
We've compiled all these spectacular routes together in one handy list. Check them out below and see if any of these National Trails will inspire your next UK holiday or click the button below to explore our beautiful UK cottages.
UK cottages
What is a National Trail?
The National Trails are a collection of spectacular long-distance walking routes, cycling trails and bridleways all across England and Wales, while Scotland has its own equivalent called Scotland's Great Trails. These routes pass through some of the most incredible landscape the UK has to offer including wildlife-rich national parks perfect for walking, dramatic coastline, and idyllic, ancient farmland.
There are 16 National Trails altogether to discover and, with so many varied and breathtaking destinations to choose from, you'll soon be pulling on those walking shoes and heading off on a UK adventure.
Read on to discover our favourite long-distance trails in the UK
- Cleveland Way
- Cotswold Way
- England Coast Path
- Glyndŵr's Way in Wales
- Hadrian's Wall Path
- North Downs Way
- Offa's Dyke Path in Wales and England
- Peddar's Way and Norfolk Coast Path in England
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales
- Pennine Bridleway in England
- Pennine Way
- The Ridgeway in England
- South Downs Way in England
- South West Coast Path
- Thames Path
- Yorkshire Wolds Way
Cleveland Way, North East England (110 miles)
As the second official National Trail in England and Wales, the Cleveland Way is one of the originals. Encompassing a varied terrain, from heather moorland to stunning coastlines, this long-distance UK walk has an incredible range. Following a horseshoe line, the trail begins at the pretty market town of Helmsley and passes over the North York Moors before reaching the coast at Saltburn. Visit quaint fishing villages along the way and stop at iconic sites such as Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle. The Cleveland Way is ideal for anyone wishing to hike smaller sections, offering many circular walks. Alternatively, you can take on the 110-mile challenge, taking roughly nine days.
North York Moors cottages
Cotswold Way, Heart of England (102 miles)
To admire the Cotswolds in all its ancient beauty, follow the Cotswold Way. An impressive National Trail in England, it runs for 102 miles passing through the market town of Chipping Campden and the historic city of Bath, with spectacular rural views in between stops. One minute you’ll be wandering through a wildflower meadow, the next you’ll be stepping back in time at one of the Cotswolds’ many sleepy villages. Allow seven to ten days to complete the trail in full, and there are many more walks in the Cotswolds you could ramble too during a walking holiday.
Cotswolds cottages
England Coast Path
While it's currently in progress, when completed the England Coast Path will wrap around our whole island, connecting up the entire UK coastline - on completion it will be the longest coastal walking trail in the world. For now, there are still immense stretches of this coastal trail that already exist and are waiting to be explored - discover our favourites in our guide to British coastal walks.
The four major sections are: the North East Coast Path, the North West Coast Path, the South East Coast Path and the South West Coast Path.
All coastal cottages
Glyndwr’s Way, Mid Wales (135 miles)
Glyndwr’s Way is a 135-mile winding trail passing through farmland, woodland and valleys in Mid Wales. Officially, the path begins in Knighton on the English Border, where it connects with Offa’s Dyke Path. Passing over the peaceful Radnorshire Hills, the shores of the Clywedog Reservoir and Cambrian Mountains, there’s plenty of scenery to admire on the Glyndwr’s Way. This is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to visit heritage sites and traditional Welsh market towns along the way. In its entirety, the trail takes around nine days.
Mid Wales cottages
Hadrian’s Wall Path, Scottish Borders (84 miles)
Spanning 84 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall Path is a British National Trail crossing the border into Scotland, and an excellent way to explore this fascinating World Heritage Site. Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification in the Roman province of Britannia and ran from the banks of the River Tyne to the Solway Firth on the Irish Sea, now the England/Scotland border. Passing through Roman settlements and glorious countryside, the route would be suited to shorter walks or as a full walking challenge. For experienced walkers, the trail may take around six or seven days - for more inspiration, discover our guide to fantastic river walks around Great Britain.
Scottish Borders cottages
North Downs Way (153 miles)
An enchanting route that winds through the South East of England for 152 miles, the North Downs Way starts in Farnham and ends at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover – taking in historic sites, hilly countryside and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the way. Step inside the magical ruins of lovely Waverley Castle, see the ships at the historic dockyard of Chatham, visit the echoing chambers of Canterbury Cathedral, or take the kids along to Howletts Wild Animal Park depending on which section you choose to tackle.
South East cottages
Offa’s Dyke Path, South Wales (177 miles)
Starting at Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow, Offa’s Dyke Path is a winding, rural route covering 177 miles. The trail passes through eight counties and passes the border between England and Wales 20 times. So if you’re undecided on which country you’d like to explore, Offa’s Dyke Path may be the right choice for you. In total, it takes around two weeks to complete the trail. Of course, you can enjoy sections of the path, too.
South Wales cottages
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, East of England (93 miles)
This National Trail combines two long-distance walking routes: Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path. Starting in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park, the trail follows the route of an ancient Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea, where it meets the Norfolk Coast Path. Offering 93 miles of stunning scenery and varied landscapes, this route is a delightful way of exploring the East of England. If you’d like to complete the trail in one go, it takes around seven days.
Norfolk cottages
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, West Wales (186 miles)
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path was the first of the British National Trails to be launched in Wales, and one of our favourite Pembrokeshire trails to roam. Stretching along the coast for 186 miles, the route showcases some of the country’s finest scenery. The coast path is perfect for anyone wishing to explore the diverse coastal landscapes of Wales, passing limestone cliffs, golden beaches and lush valleys along the way. If you’d like to walk the entire route, allow approximately 12-14 days.
Pembrokeshire cottages
Pennine Bridleway, North England (205 miles)
This wonderful trail was specially designed for horse riders to enjoy so feel free to set off on a trek with one of the stables en route, but the trail is also wonderful for mountain bikers and ramblers. Set off along the Pennine Bridleway for fantastic views and expect to be challenged with plenty of hills along the way! It’s made up of a mix of new and ancient pathways that have been linked up to create two large loops – The Mary Towneley Loop and The Settle Loop.
Peak District cottages
Pennine Way, North England (268 miles)
Running through the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the North Pennines and the Cheviot Hills, with the final stretch running through the Scottish Borders to Kirk Yetholm, the Pennine Way was the very first National Trail in England and for good reason. With so much to soak in across some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes, this route is a great choice for a short stroll or a long-distance hike during your holiday.
Yorkshire Dales cottages
The Ridgeway, South England (87 miles)
The Ridgeway National Trail begins at the World Heritage Site of Avebury, home to three ancient henges, one of which is the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. It passes through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Wessex Downs and the Chiltern Hills, before ending at Ivinghoe Beacon just north-west of London. This trail has been used since prehistoric times and is known as Britain’s oldest road.
Chiltern Hills cottages
South Downs Way, South East (100 miles)
There's a range of fantastic walking routes across the South Downs but to really take in the beauty of the region, set off along this idyllic trail that follows old routes and droveways along the ridges of the region. It’s a bridleway, so it’s appropriate for horse riding or mountain biking, and reaches between the city of Winchester and the charming coastal town of Eastbourne – both perfect places to rest up and refuel after a ramble along this route.
West Sussex cottages
South West Coast Path, South West (630 miles)
One of our favourite walks on this list and the longest of England’s National Trails (stretching from Minehead to Poole), the South West Coast Path passes through several national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Biosphere and a UNESCO Geopark. Check out our guide to coastal routes in Devon or our guide to coastal routes in Cornwall for ideas. Whichever stretch of path you choose, you’re sure to enjoy far-reaching coastal and country views and the chance to visit some of the UK’s top beaches along the way too.
South West cottages
Thames Path, South England (185 miles)
Follow the path of England’s most famous river from the pretty, elegant Cotswolds right into the bustling heart of London, and finishing up in Woolwich in East London. The Thames Path offers a choice of scenic terrain to ramble through, beautiful water meadows to see and historic towns and cities to explore, before stopping at a riverside pub during your Thames adventure.
Oxfordshire cottages
Yorkshire Wolds Way, North East (79 mile)
The final UK National Trail on this list cuts through landscape that's often overlooked in favour of the iconic Yorkshire Dales, but the Yorkshire Wolds is a captivating region that you’ll love exploring with plenty of Yorkshire trails to follow. The Yorkshire Wolds Way winds along the banks of the Humber Estuary, through the parkland of Londesborough and past the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy. There’s a wealth of wildlife to look out for on this trail and the route finishes at the beautiful Filey Brigg headland.
Yorkshire Wolds cottages
Explore the trails of the UK
For more in-depth information on these wonderful UK National Trails, including maps and guidebooks, visit Walking Books.
If you already know which of these fantastic trails you'd like to explore, check out our selection of holiday cottages across the UK and find your ideal base for your UK adventures.
UK cottages