National Trails and Great Trails

'National Trails are long distance walking, cycling and horse riding routes through the best landscapes in England and Wales. In Scotland the equivalent are 26 Great Trails.' (And in Northern Ireland there is the Ulster Way.)

'Formerly known as Long Distance Routes, Scotland's Great Trails are nationally promoted trails for people-powered journeys. Each is distinctively waymarked, largely off-road and has a range of visitor services. With each trail being at least 25 miles in length, all are suitable for multi-day journeys as well as day trips.'

'Long-distance walking route following the river Annan from source to sea ... The Annandale Way has been designed to be achievable in 4 to 5 days, with overnight stops envisaged in small market towns and villages: Moffat; Johnstonebridge / Annandale Estate; Lochmaben or Lockerbie and Annan. There is also the option of doing a shorter 2 or 3 day circuit or day walks by using local public transport.'

'The Ayrshire Coastal Path from Glenapp to Skelmorlie runs 100 miles along one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles. Crowned with a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife.'

'Stretching for some 48km from Cockburnspath in the north down to the English Border and Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Berwickshire Coastal Path provides some superb walking. The northern end of the route links up with the Southern Upland Way, whilst the John Muir Way which continues round the coastline of East Lothian is accessible via a short link.'

'Circular walk in the heart of the Scottish Borders, full of attractive countryside passing by four 12th Century Abbeys and through several Border Towns.'

'Fully waymarked walk of 64 miles (103 km) that lies at the heart of Scotland, approximately 1 ½ hours north of Edinburgh. The Trail takes its name from the feared cattle thieves who raided the rich lands of Strathardle, Glenshee and Glen Isla.'

'The route follows a horseshoe line of great variety around much of the beautiful North York Moors National Park.'

'Takes you on a 65km/40 mile journey, Glasgow City Centre to the World Heritage Site of New Lanark, passing through spectacular scenery and many interesting and important sites which offer insights into the rich cultural, natural and industrial heritage of the Clyde Valley'

'Passes picturesque villages and historic sites as it travels along the Cotswold escarpment ... 96% within the Cotswolds designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

'Drove road ... over the Cauldstane Slap - the pass over the Pentland Hills - through West Linton to Peebles and Traquair, and onward via the Yarrow Valley to Hawick ... Developed specifically for multi-use, and having benefitted from significant capital investment to address drainage issues, install new bridges, and to create new path links to avoid boggy sections of track or other problems.'

'Links the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. The total distance from the centres is 24 miles (38km), of which 22 miles (35 km) are in open countryside. Almost all of the route follows the old Highland Railway line and is off road and safe from traffic ... On a clear day as you cross Dava moor you are rewarded with views to the north over the shire counties of Nairn, Inverness, Moray, Ross & Cromarty, and Sutherland whilst to the south the Cromdale Hills and the Cairngorm Mountains dominate the skyline.'

'A new National Trail all around England's coast. It's not ready yet but work is underway to make it happen ... A similar initiative has already happened in Wales, you can find out more on the Wales Coast Path website.'

'Runs from the Forth Estuary in the south, to the Tay Estuary in the north and stretches for 117 miles. The path is clearly waymarked and offers a range of walking experiences from the easy and level, to the wild and demanding.'

'The pathway uses the former railway line linking from Dyce, on the edge of Aberdeen in the south, to the village of Maud where it splits into two routes; eastwards to Peterhead and northwards to Fraserburgh.'

'National Lottery funds were used to regenerate both the Forth & Clyde and Union canals as part of the Millennium celebrations in 2000 and the Falkirk Wheel, a unique boat lift, was completed in 2002 to provide a link between the two canals and allow boats to travel from the Clyde or Glasgow to Edinburgh. The towpaths of the two canals make possible a straightforward walking route between Bowling on the Clyde west of Glasgow, and Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh.'

'It begins at Knighton on the English border and meanders through the open moorland, rolling farmland, woodland and forest of Mid Wales, through the town of Machynlleth, which was the capital of Wales in 1404, finishing by the Montgomeryshire Canal in Welshpool.'

'Spans 79 miles/127km between Fort William and Inverness, can be walked in 5-6 days, staying overnight in the various communities within the Glen.'

'An unbroken 84-mile signposted trail stretching from coast-to-coast, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-solway in the west.'

'Provides both low level walks and continuous walking around the coast of Arran. Walkers can now use a route around Arran's coastline in all weather conditions, that passes through most of the villages on the island.'

'It is now possible to walk the length of the East Lothian coast, almost 73km from Edinburgh to the Borders, leaflets are available ... with the route broken down into shorter sections, with opportunities to link into other paths and circular walks along the coast. The routes now form part of the long distance walking and cycling route of the John Muir Way which stretches 134 miles or 215km across Scotland's heartland, running between Dunbar and Helensburgh in the west.'

'Tarbert to Southend across the stunning Kintyre Peninsula.'

'The coastline and settlements of Moray are linked by a waymarked coastal trail of approximately 50 miles from Forres to Findhorn, Cullen and all the places between.'

'Runs from the Mull to Stranraer and continues north as the Loch Ryan Coastal Path for a total distance of 35 miles to Glenapp in South Ayrshire where it links with the Ayrshire Coastal Path.'

'Follow in the footsteps of Pilgrims on an inspirational journey from Farnham to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover through a landscape rich in scenery and heritage.'

'We are an independent voluntary organisation that provides information and other services to people who enjoy exploring the heritage and countryside of the England-Wales border. We seek to promote and protect the 1200-year-old Offa's Dyke and the Offa's Dyke Path.'

'Starts in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park and follows the route of a Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast. At Holme the Peddars Way meets the Norfolk Coast Path as it runs from Hunstanton to Cromer.'

'From St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, the trail covers almost every kind of maritime landscape from rugged cliff tops and sheltered coves to wide-open beaches and winding estuaries.'

'Adventure for walkers, horse riders & mountain bikers.  Explore the hills & valleys of the Pennines following old packhorse routes, drovers roads & newly created bridleways.'

'268 miles of chasing the Pennine Mountain tops along the rugged backbone of England, from the Peak District through the Yorkshire Dales and over Hadrian's Wall to the Cheviots. Amongst the finest upland walking in England.'

'Over rolling, open downland to the west of the River Thames, and through secluded valleys and woods in The Chilterns to the east, following the same route used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers.'

'East Ayrshire ... just waiting to be enjoyed! Experience Ayrshire’s most varied and beautiful countryside, enjoy relaxing accommodation, welcoming pubs and award winning restaurants.' ALERT Website Link changed from original.

'A seven day walk across the Southern Highland of Scotland taking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Starting from Drymen on the West Highland Way it goes north east to finish in Pitlochry.'

'Follows old Roman roads, forest tracks, drove roads and short sections of quiet lane through the heart of notorious Reivers country, providing enjoyable walking, cycling and riding through the Southern Uplands.  It is mainly through sheltered woodland and forestry, with some sections through more open farmland.'

'Long distance walking route running the length of Scotland from Kirk Yetholm to Cape Wrath. Devised by outdoors writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish, the Trail offers very varied walking, following long-established footpaths for much of the distance but becoming progressively more difficult as it heads north, finishing with a tough stretch of backpacking - with some pathless and demanding terrain - on the final stretch of the Cape Wrath Trail.'

- See more at: http://www.scottishnationaltrail.org.uk/#sthash.rReMljIT.dpuf

'Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. If you are interested in great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the South Downs Way awaits you.'

'One of the best walks in the world, where else can you walk along 630 miles of such superb coastline? The heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery along the way are truly inspirational. This Trail really is the walk of a lifetime. The Trail has its own Website full of information - visit it here.'

'Scotland's coast to coast route: Portpatrick to Cockburnspath.'

'Runs from Buckie on the shore of the Moray Firth coast of NE Scotland, south westwards to Aviemore on the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains, a distance of approximately 65 miles. There is also a 15 mile spur to Tomintoul.'

'Bridging the national border between Scotland and England, this inspiring 100km (62.5 miles) cross-border route links Melrose in the Scottish Borders, where St. Cuthbert started his religious life in 650AD, with Holy Island off the Northumberland Coast, his eventual resting place and his original pilgrimage shrine.'

'Follow the greatest river in England for 184 miles (294 km) from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea. Passing through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historic towns and cities, and finally cutting through the heart of London to finish at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich.'

'Gentle pastoral landscapes around Balloch are gradually replaced by the scenic drama of mountain, crag and loch as the the Three Lochs Way crosses the Highland Boundary Fault and heads towards the mountains of the Southern Highlands.'

'Circular long distance walking route that is one of the longest in the United Kingdom and Ireland.'

'Developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (incorporating the former Countryside Council for Wales), sixteen local authorities and two National Parks. In addition to funding from the Welsh Government and the coastal local authorities of approximately £2 million per year, the European Regional Development Fund has allocated nearly £4 million over four years in support of the project.'

'Starts at Milngavie passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to sea level to cross the River Leven at the head of Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William.'

'The route is waymarked, running the complete length of the Island of Bute for around 40 kilometres. It crosses a varied landscape, with a fascinating stretch of coastline, beaches, rich farmland, moors, forests and fine views of Arran and the Cowal peninsula.'

'For nearly 80 miles the Yorkshire Wolds Way wends through some of the most tranquil and gentle countryside in England. From the banks of the mighty Humber estuary, along wooded slopes and through serene dry valleys, the walk climbs gently onto the airy tops of the rolling hills where on a clear day "you can see forever". Descending from the northern escarpment the final section of the Way finishes on the dramatic headland of Filey Brigg.'