2: 26-50 Miles

'Introducing the first walking route dedicated to a Lakeland bus service. Eight walk stages link the regular bus stops for the 555 Stagecoach Bus between Windermere and Keswick.' Alert Could no longer find details via the Stagecoach Website itself.

'For the last fifty years West Birmingham Hostelling Group and its successor, the Across Wales Walk Association, have organised the Across Wales Walk: an event now recognised as one of the regular classics of the challenge walking calendar ... The Across Wales Walk is open to both walkers and runners. Whilst we welcome those attempting completion in fast times, the event is not a race.' [And note the Section Across Wales Walk: The Hard Truth!] Usually held Early September.

'The idea behind the Airedale Way is that it provides a link between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales by following, as far as possible, riverside paths.'

'A walk across Hampshire from Portchester to Winchester.'

Guidebook compiled by Richard Charles Kenchington Footpath Secretary of the Eastleigh Ramblers.

'Takes you over ancient packhorse passes, through bustling villages, alongside flashing waters, and to the tops of summits that visually give many Alpine peaks a run for their money.'

'Route from Henley-in-Arden through Alcester and Aston Cantlow using mainly public footpaths and bridleways.'

'Following the River Arrow from its source in the uplands of Powys, descending through Herefordshire hill country via Newchurch to Kington, and finally, through black and white villages of Pembridge and Eardisland to Leominster.'

Printed Guide available from Ramblers Mortimer Group

'Long-distance walking route that takes you from Salisbury – one of the most beautiful cathedral cities in England – to Christchurch Priory and the sea. It was opened in 1992 and runs from Wiltshire due south through Hampshire to finish in Dorset. The Path is named after the river whose course it follows.'

'Circular route around the county town of Aylesbury, never very far from the town but mostly in quiet and peaceful rural countryside.'

'A beautiful waterway that runs from Greywell Village in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey.'

'Links together those churches in the Dronfield area which have bells. In particular, the towers at Dronfield, Old Whittington, Norton, Dore, and Hathersage.'

'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.'

Horse riding trail which 'runs from near Beeston Castle to the village of Wirswall on the Shropshire border ... The route can be followed by foot and mountain bike. Walkers can avoid longer road sections by making the most of the footpath network in the area'.

'The Rotary Way Footpath was established in 2005 to celebrate the centenary of the foundation of the Rotary Club ... If you plan to do the whole route (and indeed even if you only wish to do some of it), you may find the Rotary Way booklet to be very useful, with detailed breakdowns of each stage (although be warned – some of the bus numbers and routes are a little out of date!) and sketch maps to help you on your way. If you wish to get your copy, get in touch with the Westhoughton Branch of the Rotary Club using the "contact us" form on their website and enquire.'

'Links can be made to Blackburn/Darwen via Witton Weavers Way at Jumbles reservoir and to Manchester Bury and Rawtenstall using the Irwell Valley Sculpture Trail.'

'The Armboth Fells at the eastern side of Derwentwater and the Dodds at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are real connoisseur's peaks. They do not have the overt showiness of some of the Lakeland mountains but set foot on their high rounded crests and peer over their craggy flanks to discover abundant charms.'

'Long distance footpath which runs for approximately 36 miles between Diss and Norwich.'

'Links the Dorset Coast Path, the final and most easterly section of the 572 mile South-West Coast Path, with the Solent Way running from Milford-on-Sea to Emworth. This creates a continuous 652 mile route from Minehead in Somerset to Emsworth on the Hampshire-Surrey border.'

'Walking trail which follows footpaths, woodland tracks, bridleways and some stretches of road, passing through coniferous forest and heathland in the south to unspoilt open farmland to the north.'

'Circular walk encompassing much of the idyllic countryside that surrounds the City of Bradford in West Yorkshire. The walk was devised by five volunteers from the Bradford Countryside Service as a suitable way for Bradford to commemorate the new millennium.'

'Promoted route for walkers, meandering from Corwen up to Lake Brenig.'

'Regeneration project that will create a 65km/39 mile leisure route for walkers and cyclists along the historic Bridgewater Canal. The project is a fresh approach to the use of the towpath as a connection between communities around the Mersey Basin and the North West.'

'Long distance footpath which starts at Oakwell Hall ("Fieldhead" in Charlotte Bronte's novel "Shirley") near Birstall in Kirklees near Bradford, and ends at Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham near Burnley in Lancashire's Pendle Witch Country. '

A complete description of the Brontë Way, including historical information and details of eleven circular walks along the main route can be found in The Brontë Way by Marje Wilson.

'Over the hills and South Pennine moors, through ancient woods and deserted farms, the Burnley Way combines history and heritage, wildlife and nature to make a fascinating 40-mile circular walk around the borough.'

The Walk 'follows the Cam valley to Saffron Walden, crossing into the Pant river valley and then near Wimbish to the river Chelmer valley that it follows south via Thaxted and Great Dunmow to Chelmsford. Here the Chelmer turns east, joining the Blackwater (Panta in Roman times) to reach the head of the Blackwater estuary at Maldon, where the site of the battle is finally reached ... Links include West Anglian Way / Fen Rivers Way and Essex Way, Icknield Way Path and Centenary Circle (of Chelmsford)'.

'Crossing 3 counties (West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire), the Cal-Der-Went walk links the rivers Calder with the Derwent and was devised by Geoffrey Carr in the 1970s.'

'Walk exploring the hills, moors and valleys of Calderdale. It is an "up and down" journey with few level sections. The higher levels, however, provide some exceptionally fine panoramic views.'

'This circular walk takes in the hamlets and villages of Minterne Magna, Cerne Abbas, Nether Cerne, Godmanstone, Forston and Charminster.'

'Circular walking route on the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, Britain's most northerly chalk outcrop, linking the villages of Great Givendale, Bishop Wilton, Bugthorpe, Thixendale, Fimber, Wetwang and Huggate ... The route was established in 1994 by Ray Wallis.'

'The only off-road event for runners or walkers that follows a scenic course on sections of the Cheltenham Circular Footpath, Cotswold Way and Winchcombe Way.' Usually held Mid June.

'Explores the varied countryside just beyond the suburban fringes of Chesterfield.'

'The Berkshire Loop is not really a separate long-distance path, it is an extension to the Chiltern Way. It was created in 2010 by the Chiltern Society, to mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Chiltern Way. I have recorded it here as a separate route, as it was created after both of my walks along the Chiltern Way ...'

'Fills the 55 km gap between the top of the Ayrshire Coastal Path and the West Highland Way It is an essential link in the International Appalachian Trail (Scotland) which traverses the entire western seaboard of Scotland from the Mull of Galloway to Cape Wrath.'

'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'

'Three rivers flow out into the Wash, namely the Welland, the Nene and The Ouse. Public footpaths follow the defence banks that border these rivers and the marshes that adjoin the coastline in between. The A17 provides bridges across these watercourses at Fosdyke, Sutton Bridge and West Lynn respectively. The walks are typical of this fenland area with vast open landscapes and huge skies which provide a unique charm to this part of the English coast.'

'The Coed Morgannwg Way is a dramatic walk of 36 miles (58km) almost all which traverses hills Forestry Commission Forest and Afan Forest Park park ... The whole route can be walked in about 16 hours, starting from either Gethin Woodland Park in the north (where it is linked with the Taff Trail) or Margam Country Park in the south ... '

'In the Footsteps of the Romantic Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 - 1834), walk 36 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside of the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor, a landscape that inspired Coleridge to produce some of his best known work.'

'The Community Forest Path (CFP) was devised in association with the Forest of Avon with the avowed intent of leading people out of the city into the countryside ... The original map of the Community Forest Path is now out of print, so these maps, which have more in common with vector diagrams than they do with conventional plans are offered as a substitute, pending a new official leaflet.'

'Diagonal from South West to North East ... It takes in a rich slice of Derbyshire, including nature in many forms, from enchanting waterways to dramatic geological formations.'

'Much of the route follows the line of the former Stanhope & Tyne Railway, Britain's first commercial railway, which was finally closed in 1985. The route into Sunderland takes you past the new Stadium of Light, along the riverside, through the marina and onto the beach at Roker.'

Circular route around Coventry.

'Forms a circuit around the towns of Crewe and Nantwich ... The walk is waymarked with a circle with symbols of a leaf, cartwheel and crossed swords. Although mainly on level terrain, the many stiles make the walk unsuitable for people with mobility problems.'

'The Chesterfield Canal is ideal for walking along its entire length. The towpath is called The Cuckoo Way and is clearly signposted for all 46 miles from Chesterfield to West Stockwith.'

'Extends from the River Wye and Pavilion Gardens in Buxton to the confluence of the River Dane with the River Wheelock at Middlewich - a measured distance 40.6 miles. After the first 3 miles of climbing the rest of the route is generally downhill.' Note that Discover Cheshire no longer seem to provide access to a description of the full route via their Website.

'Bringing to light a 50 mile hike around the ancient boundary of Dartmoor as stated in the year 1240 ... I'd like to emphasize the walk was not designed as a race; there is no time limit. You may start and finish the walk at points most convenient to you. The submission of a short report at the finish will entitle you to a certificate and the opportunity to purchase a badge.'

'The River Dearne is a river in South Yorkshire, England. It flows roughly east for more than 30 kilometres (19 mi), from its source just inside West Yorkshire, through Denby Dale, Clayton West, Darton, Barnsley, Darfield, Wath upon Dearne, Bolton on Dearne, Adwick upon Dearne and Mexborough to its confluence with the River Don at Conisbrough ... The upper Dearne is followed by the Dearne Way, a footpath through the countryside from Dearne Head to Barnsley. The lower Dearne Valley is confusingly now also called Dearne Valley and is a regeneration area.'

'Path running from near the centre of Aberdeen, oil capital of Europe, to Ballater, in the Cairngorms National Park, famous for its Victorian Heritage and links to Balmoral Castle.'

'Recreational Route circumnavigating the City of Derby. It has been created to celebrate 75 years of Derby Nomad Ramblers which was established in September 1935.'

'A walk around the old County Borough of Doncaster following a route from the urban fringes to open fields, river banks and green lanes towards the settlements of Barnby Dun and Dunsville returning through Sprotbrough and along the River Don ... The route which follows Public Rights of Way, with short sections on roads, was devised by Pat White of Doncaster Wayfarers in the early 1970's.'

'Consists simply of the coastal path from Weymouth to Swanage, possibly with diversions where the path has fallen away or is dangerous. Anyone expecting a gentle stroll along the cliffs will be in for a shock, but the route has stunning views and is a true classic. The distance is about 32 miles, passing through the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site over some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in England, but including some tough climbs on the way.' Held Late August.

'Waymarked level route, open to walkers, horse riders and cyclists. It links the North Downs Way at St Martha’s Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex.'

'Runs across north Nottinghamshire, to the Derbyshire and Lincolnshire borders, through the former ducal estates of Clumber, Welbeck and Thoresby which were established using profits made from the region’s industrialisation. The area, between Worksop and Mansfield is still known as "The Dukeries"; follow the waymarking along the trail to link sites of historic and industrial interest, and Sherwood Forest itself.'

This is a multi-user route, described in nine PDFs by Nottinghamshire County Council.

'A walking route through the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, linking to the South West Coast Path, the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Exe Estuary.'

'The 47 km (29 miles) stretch of the England Coast Path (ECP) from Camber to Folkestone is now open to the public. Coastal access rights came into force along this stretch of coast on 19 July 2016 by order of the Secretary of State.'

'The 55 km stretch of the England Coast Path from North Gare to South Bents is now open to the public. Coastal access rights came into force along this stretch of coast on 11 April 2014 by Order of the Secretary of State.'

'Permissive path which follows the boundary of the Sennybridge Training Area and is available for use at all times by walkers, horse riders and cyclists ... As indicated by the presence of red flags, Sennybridge Defence Training Area (SENTA) is a danger area closed to the public under military by-laws. The Ministry of Defence allows public access to the area by means of the Epynt Way, a permissive bridleway encircling SENTA and normally open to the public at all times, regardless of Red Flag status.'

'Takes in over 30 miles of waterway and countryside on the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. There are many shortcuts and links across the trail which connect communities and provide shorter local loops and split the trail into smaller sections.'

'Waymarked trail which takes you from the source of the River Esk and brings you to the estuary where it joins the sea at Whitby harbour. A moorland-to-coast walk, it also leads you through riverside country and a steep wooded gorge. '

'Walk between Cambridge and Kings Lynn following the Rivers Cam and Great Ouse. The main route mainly follows the western banks of the rivers, although there is an eastern alternative available between north of Cambridge and Ely. The route is mostly flat, with very little ascent or descent. '

'Follows footpaths along or near the river Foss, starting from its confluence with the Ouse in York [SE 605511] and finishing at its source, Pond Head [SE 528695] four miles from Easingwold ... '

'The 26 mile Founders Footpaths, originally devised by Tony Youngs, and first walked in April 1995 by members of the LDWA Surrey Group ... The route is used largely, but not completely, for the LDWA London Group's annual Founders Challenge which takes place in October.' Held Early October.

'Circular walk through the beautiful and varied countryside around Guildford. The walk can be completed in 7 easy stages.'

'Scenic long distance path in South Wales. It follows public footpaths, bridleways, forest tracks, common land and quiet lanes along the ridgeline from Margam Country Park, near Port Talbot, through spectacular upland and valley scenery to Caerphilly Castle.'

Walking in the South Wales Valleys by Mike Dunn (Cicerone, 2012) offers '32 day routes and 2 weekend backpacking routes (the Coed Morgannwg Way and Glamorgan Ridgeway) across the valleys, ridges and coast of South Wales'.

'Walk around the Gordano Valley; taking in the coast path between Portishead and Clevedon, a route along the Tickenham Ridge and exploration of the Wraxall, Abbots Leigh and Portbury areas.'

'It was always designed to take the walker away from the more popular coastal areas and to introduce the quieter but no less interesting aspects of inland Gower. At 56 km length, the route extends from Worms Head Rhossili across the lordship of Gower to Penlle'r Castell high on Mynydd y Gwair.'

'The Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal runs from Norton Junction on the main line of the Grand Union Canal to the River Soar Navigation at West Bridge in Leicester. The Canal is 41.2 (66.5 km) miles long and has 41 locks. There are arms to: Welford (1.6 miles - 2.6 km - 1 lock - joins at Welford Junction) and  Market Harborough (5.5 miles - 7.7 km - no locks - joins at Foxton Junction).'

The route from Trent Lock to Grantham divided into six walks (plus a dozen circular walks).

'Walking route being developed ... along existing public rights of way, through the ancient landscape and varied, stunning scenery between the World Heritage Sites of Avebury and Stonehenge.' Unfortunately at the time of Review the 'Great Stones Way' Website was inaccessible; so I have replaced the Link with one to the LDWA Website.

'A necklace of gems - sapphire rivers, emerald parks and fields with silver leaved woodlands on the crests of hills.'

'The route follows a ridge of greensand which rises from the clay vales on either side and is an ideal introduction to the history, landscape and wildlife of this part of the country. The 40 mile / 64 km walk starts in Leighton Buzzard and finishes in Gamlingay.'

'Stretches from Disley in the north to Kidsgrove in the south.  In between walkers can enjoy outstanding views, industrial heritage, historic monuments, fascinating follies and abundant wildlife.'

'Medium distance rambler’s route from Cranham to Wyck Rissington, via Cheltenham and Bourton. Each of these places has some association with the composer, and the broad stretch of Cotswold country between them was also well known to Holst, who records several pleasant days spent walking in the uplands and dales.' ALERT Details of the Route no longer seems accessible on the Holst Birthplace Museum Website; so I have replaced the Link with one to an outline PDF courtesy of LDWA.

'This is a stunning walk that takes in some of the best scenery in Cumbria with overnights in Grasmere, Borrowdale and Thirlspot.'

'Used in the 18th and 19th centuries when the herring industry was strong.  It was used by people bringing home a stock of salted herring for winter use and also by fishwives carrying huge creels of herring from Dunbar to the markets in Lauder ... Gradually the speed and ease of the railway lines left little need for people to carry huge weights of fish over this high pass and it fell out of use.  It is probably a long time since a herring has passed by this way. Another historic route similarly used for the trade in fish is the Buckie Fishwives Path, Moray.'

'Around the inside of the boundary of Hertsmere Borough (in Hertfordshire, in the UK) using public rights of way wherever possible, and divided into several walking legs from locations with public transport links.  There is also a network of support routes to provide a wide variety of loop, figure of eight and linear walking opportunities of many different lengths.'

'This route covers an extensive footpath network in the rural south-east of the County Borough (around Pentrefoelas and Cerrigydrudion), and extends into Denbighshire. There is a route-specific waymark logo to aid walkers. The leaflet pack consists of a set of ten maps together with some information about the area (including accommodation and services) ... The network consists of a linear 40 mile route, together with six shorter circular routes which can each be walked individually.'

'The walk begins at the Cross Of Greet north of Stocks Reservoir near Slaidburn, and finishes where it joins the R. Ribble between Stonyhurst College and Gt. Mitton.'

'A meandering walk from Coxwold to Kirkham Priory in North Yorkshire through the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) taking in many of its beautiful villages on route.'

'The first part of your route from Hull is along the filled-in Foredyke Stream. The rest of your walk is along the track bed to Hornsea.'

'Originally conceived ... in 1985 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Ramblers Association. In it's original state it was a one day challenge walk over a 50km route. Ten members of the Group completed the inaugural walk in one day and were the first recipients of the original badge and certificate. It is, however, worth noting that the Hyndburn Group has also done the walk over both two and three days on various occasions.' ALERT Details of this Walk no longer seem accessible via the Hyndburn Ramblers Website. So I have replaced the Link with one to GPS Cycle and Walking Routes. However, note also the Link to the Prospects site below.

'Follows the perimeter of the Imber Firing Range Danger Area ... The route is marked with waymarkers following mostly defined tracks and paths ...'

'Winding its way from Bacup to Salford Quays and featuring over 70 artworks by locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists.'

'Isaac's Tea Trail has been described as England's last great undiscovered wilderness trek. The trail runs over 36 miles and is mainly in Northumberland and entirely within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ... A fully illustrated new trail guide Hidden Heritage in England's North Country (2013) at £4.95 with 100 people and places of special interest from local Tourist Information Centres. Also a free trail leaflet downloadable from the trail website.' ALERT I have changed the Link from that originally given.

'Follows the River Itchen from its source close to Hinton Ampner all the way to its mouth at Woolston, Southampton.'

'The Itchen Way and the guide book are promoted by the Eastleigh Group of the Ramblers Association who are largely responsible for the creation of the route. The route was amended in 2008 when a new guide was published written by Richard Kenchington who devised the original route.'

'Circular walk around the north western area of Leicestershire. The route is split up into 7 sections, therefore making it easy to walk as a series of short strolls.'

'The trail starts on the beautiful Chiltern Hills, which are reputed to be John Bunyan's delectable mountains. It continues through some of Bedfordshire's most attractive and scenic countryside taking in a variety of nostalgic places, full of interest and intrigue, connected with John Bunyan.'

'Walking trail encompassing parts of Torbay, South Hams and Teignbridge ...'

'The Walk takes in the villages of Addington, Adstock, Padbury, Hillesden, Middle Claydon, Botolph Claydon, Quainton, North Marston and East Claydon to reach Addington again and retrace to the finish. The route's highest point at over 500ft is near Woad and Quainton Hills.'

'Marks Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This 37 mile walking and cycling route is exactly 60 kilometres long - one kilometre for each year of Her Majesty's reign.'

'A walk along the banks of the Thames in Kent, one of the most unknown and amazing walks in South-East England.'

'Multi-user path offers visitors to Kielder Water & Forest Park a truly unique experience giving access to the most scenic parts of the lake shore and the opportunity to get up close to some of Kielder’s abundant wildlife.'

'Linking Preston to Kendal, the Lancaster Canal is one of the country’s few coastal canals. Built along the natural lie of the land it offers 41 miles of lock free cruising - the longest stretch in the country. As the canal is naturally level, it also lends itself to gentle walking and cycling as well as canoeing and other outdoor pursuits.'

'Long-distance path located between Leagrave, the source of the River Lea near Luton, and the Thames, at Limehouse Basin, Limehouse, east London. From its source much of the walk is rural. At Hertford the path follows the towpath of the River Lee Navigation, and it becomes increasingly urbanised as it approaches London. The walk was opened in 1993 and is waymarked throughout using a swan logo.'

'Extends from the heart of Downpatrick, taking in Strangford Lough and finishing in the seaside resort of Newcastle ... An entrance fee to Castle Ward applies.'

'Runs from King Alfred's Tower in Penselwood to Ham Hill Country Park ... The Leland Trail links with the Monarch's Way at Ilchester and the Liberty Trail and the River Parrett Trail at Ham Hill.'

NOTE that at Review the Links to the 'References' in the Wikipedia article seemed to be broken; but Somerset County Council write that 'a guide to the Leland Trail is available from South Somerset Tourist Information Centres'.

'Trail between Ham Hill in Somerset and Lyme Regis in Dorset, England.'

'Joining the limestone of the Cotswolds to that of the Mendip Hills. It is a connecting route between the Cotswold Way at Cold Ashton and the West Mendip Way at Shipham. Between the two, the route passes through the valleys and villages south of Bath. Except for an ascent at each end, the walk is mostly flat and not strenuous.'

'Derbyshire's longest distance trail covering the whole length of the county from Rocester in the south just over the border in Staffordshire, to Castleton in the north west of Derbyshire, a total of about 50 miles ... A complete route guide with description, maps and photos is available from Derbyshire Dales District Council.'

'The dizzying Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which carries the canal over the River Dee, is a must-see. This remarkable feat of canal engineering is 125 feet high, and the canal is unprotected on one side, giving the impression of a sheer drop from a narrowboat. The structure is deservedly a World Heritage Site ...'

'The Llangollen Round is a new 33-mile circular route taking in all the summits around the picturesque Vale of Llangollen, written by local author Judy Smith ... The route of the Llangollen Round has been devised by Llangollen Branch of Cancer Research UK, and with the aid of local sponsors, has been presented in detail in a colourful 24-page booklet ... The Llangollen Round Sponsored Walk is now a Triennial Event: Latest Dates 30-31 May 2015.'

The Long Mynd Hike (which in Welsh means Long Mountain) is a 50 mile competition hike open to anyone aged 18 or over which takes place over the first weekend of October every year. The hike follows a set figure-of-eight route over the rugged countryside of South Shropshire and the Welsh Marches, with about 8,000 feet (3,000 metres) of climbing and covering eight summits.'