Type of Website: Walkers are Welcome

The Category Walkers are Welcome is a subset of Visitor Organizations in the UK.

A number of Walkers Are Welcome Entities which do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails' are referenced in the KEY Entries of the relevant Sections of the EXPLORE categorization. Clicking on a Title of interest therein should link you to the external Website (or Facebook Page) for the chosen Entity.

As an alternative, details of an Entity of interest which does not have a Record in OPT can, of course, be found simply by accessing the Website of the parent Walkers are Welcome organization.

'Nationwide initiative launched in 2007 to encourage towns and villages to be "welcoming to walkers". The network has expanded rapidly and there are now over 100 locations across the UK that have joined this innovative community-led scheme to benefit from Walkers are Welcome accreditation.'

'One of its aims is to promote Alston Moor as a destination for walkers for both visitors and local people by providing information on local walks, the area in general and the facilities available. It will also lead monthly walks and is actively involved in the North Pennines Walking Festival and with the Greg’s Hut Association, who maintain Greg’s Hut, an old lead-mining building high up on Cross Fell now a mountain bothy.'

'Walk Alton brings together representatives from local walking groups and clubs such as Walking for Health and Alton Ramblers, and from Alton Town Council and local businesses. Walk Alton aims to support and develop walking activities in the Alton area, both for recreation and to support local initiatives to improve people’s health, and to work with the local community, businesses, walking-related organizations & local authorities ... In January 2019, Walk Alton was successful in regaining Walkers are Welcome accreditation for the town.'

Walk Alton

'Aylsham is at the heart of 2 long distance paths and a number of circular walks:

* The Marriotts Way starts (or finishes) in Aylsham and runs 26 miles to Norwich.

* The Weavers' Way which runs through the Broads to Aylsham and then north towards Cromer through rolling farmland and then onto the rugged North Norfolk Coast, linking eventually with the North Norfolk Coastpath and the Peddar's Way.

* The Bure Valley Footpath traces the Bure Valley River to Wroxham.'

'The Baildon Plan, first put together by Baildon Town Council, following much public consultation in 2011, included an aspiration for Baildon to achieve the designation of becoming a Walkers are Welcome town. A steering group of local residents with a keen interest in walking and the countryside was established and set out to demonstrate that we met the criteria for achieving national designation. In 2013 Baildon was awarded Walkers are Welcome status, thanks to its fantastic countryside location and abundance of routes for walkers of all abilities.'

'The town and surrounding area, situated in verdant Airedale, is very accessible thanks to its two rail stations (Bingley and Crossflatts) and good bus links. It offers great walks for those who love the great outdoors, of all ages and abilities.'

'Bishop’s Castle and Clun are excellent centres for exploring the unspoilt hill country of the area – most of it in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well way marked paths go through many of the hillside and valley villages of the Rivers Clun and Upper Onny, making walking straight from the towns and villages a real pleasure. Both towns are on Shropshire Way, a short distance from the Offa’s Dyke Path, a national trail, and near the pre-bronze age Kerry Ridgeway.'

Bishop's Castle & Clun Tourism CIC

'Bradfield village’s excellent location on the northwest fringes of the Peak District, with close proximity to long-distance trails and a superb variety of shorter walks around local villages, and spectacular reservoirs means that it has something special to offer walkers, whether visitors or local residents.'

'Bradford on Avon boasts some spectacular natural scenery together with fascinating architecture. Come and walk around here and we are sure you'll be inspired!'

'Brampton, located in north Cumbria lies in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall and is at the centre of an historically rich and diverse landscape. The town itself, first granted a market charter in 1252, contains architectural treasures and many of its local sandstone buildings have a story to tell.'

Includes information on walks around Bromyard, local walks, local walking groups, public transport, and pubs and cafes.

Visit Bromyard

'Broseley is a small, attractive town in Shropshire, with a population of 4,929. The River Severn flows to its north and east. The first iron bridge in the world was built in 1779 across the Severn, linking Broseley with Coalbrookdale and Madeley.'

'Burley-in-Wharfedale is superbly situated for walking and also for those who prefer to run! Surrounded by fields and meadows and with the River Wharfe passing close to the village centre, the area is rich in wildlife ... The surrounding countryside is wonderful walking territory, with numerous footpaths accessing Burley and Baildon Moors to the south, Ilkley and Addingham Moors to the West, the Chevin Country Park to the East, and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the North ... '

'Around Caistor and the Lincolnshire Wolds we’re absolutely spoilt for walks, so why not come and see for yourself. Described by the Guardian as a "rambler's paradise", we have some of the best walks in Lincolnshire. So whether you’re looking for short walks, long walks, gudied walks, historic walks, woody walks, hilly walks, pub walks or dog walks, we have it all in and around Caistor.'

'Located beneath the ancient forest of Wychwood, in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Charlbury is the ideal place for a country walk. With hourly express trains from London Paddington, Reading and Oxford, there's no need to bring the car. You'll find a warm welcome in the town's shops and four pubs, and accommodation is plentiful.'

Charlbury Footpath Network

'Cheddar is world famous for its cheese and stunning gorge, but many visitors are unaware of the rich diversity of landscape and walking country we have here. Through the Walkers are Welcome scheme, Cheddar promotes itself as a walker-friendly destination offering a number of walking routes of varying grades, starting from the village centre. We hope you enjoy your visit!'

Cheddar Walking

'Your starting point for walking in Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley.'

'A thriving market town that we hope you will visit as part of your exploration of the area - which has many beautiful and varied walks, and all at the end of the Metropolitan line!'

'Clare is beautifully situated in the Upper Stour Valley and there are literally dozens of footpaths and bridleways waiting to be explored, as well as a unique range of heritage assets, including the ruins of a Norman castle, Victorian railway buildings, a Wool Church, a country park and the River Stour.'

Clare Walkers

'We are part of the national "Walkers are Welcome" towns network ... The Shropshire Way and Offa's Dyke can be reached easily from Clun as it is situated on the most imposing stretches of these long distance footpaths. Above Newcastle Upon Clun walkers can access the ancient pre Bronze Age Kerry Ridgeway which is also a Long Distance Footpath.'

Corsham is a Wonderful Place to Walk 'An historic market town, Corsham is surrounded by beautiful countryside ... In March 2014, Corsham was awarded Walkers are Welcome status. This means that the town is not only a wonderful place to walk, it’s also welcoming to walkers, particularly after a long day’s wandering, with a great mix of pubs and restaurants ready to offer food and drink and a relaxing atmosphere.'

'Cromer has welcomed walkers since time immemorial, fresh air – huge panoramas of land and sky. We are the gateway to a variety of trails and paths – There are walks that are buggy, wheelchair and dog friendly. When walking is done, we have places to eat, play and rest.'

Walk Cromer

'The walking opportunites around here are excellent, so we hope you'll come and explore the area if you are not local! The leaflets include maps and provide details of local transport, places of interest, local history, etc. '

'Whether you want to stride out over Plynlimon Mountain in the historic footsteps of George Borrow, stroll through the enchanted Hafod Estate, get close enough to feed the majestic Red Kite or just relax in the breath taking countryside, the Pumlumon area is the place for you.'

'Disley’s accreditation is recognition of the variety of well-signposted, well-maintained walks in and around Disley and of the breathtaking views they afford. And it enables Disley to be part of a wider campaign to secure better facilities for walkers, the continued maintenance of our public footpaths, the development of way-marked trails and better access to the village by public transport.'

Walks in Disley [Disley Parish Council]

'Dunster is England’s largest medieval village, it boasts over 100 Conservation Grade 1 and 2 listed buildings, with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. However, it’s not just the beauty of the buildings that makes Dunster so welcoming, it’s also the gentle rolling hills and forests of the enticing Exmoor countryside ... The village has been accredited by Walkers are Welcome and there are some wonderful walks from the village, such as those on the Dunster Estate.'

Visit Dunster

'We would like you to visit Dursley and the surrounding countryside and go on some wonderful walks.'

'Welcome to the Eye Outdoors Group ! We are an active group of people who run walks and cycle rides for anyone interested in getting fit, remain fit or just love the outdoors – and all in good social company. In 2018 we gained the “Walkers are Welcome” national accreditation – the first to do so in Mid-Suffolk and the third town in the county of Suffolk.'

Eye Outdoors Group

Fairford, a lively, small market town in Gloucestershire (population C5,000), welcomes visitors, especially walkers. Our walks leaflets will help you appreciate the local area and its history. There’s something for everyone!

Fairford Community Voice

'There are plenty of walks you can take to explore the town of Frome. Our walks will allow you to see Frome’s green spaces, stroll through its shopping streets and learn about its history.'

'Gillingham achieved Walkers Are Welcome (WAW) status on 10 August 2015. This means that it has fulfilled the six criteria necessary for acceptance: it has demonstrated local support, gained endorsement from the town council, made a commitment to ensure the local path network is in order, guaranteed adequate marketing of WAW status, shown how use of public transport will be encouraged and demonstrated how the status will be maintained in future, with broadbased support.'

Gillingham Walkers

A Walker's Paradise 'Dramatic coastal walking and 17,000 acres of outstanding natural beauty for you to explore. And the Walkers are Welcome accolade means the whole community welcomes you here.'

'Hebden Bridge was the first Walkers are Welcome town. Since then, the network has expanded rapidly and there are now over 100 towns and villages across the UK that have joined this community-led scheme.'

Hebden Bridge Walkers Action

'The Group is made up of keen walkers from the town who want to encourage walking in and around the pretty market town of Horncastle and the beautiful Southern Lincolnshire Wolds.'

'Ilfracombe is the centre for some of the finest walking country in England. Whether you enjoy a gentle promenade walk around Capstone Hill, the rugged coastal path or prefer the river valleys and tranquillity of the moorland hills of Exmoor National Park you will find the scenery spectacular. Words somehow cannot fully capture this natural beauty, this "great outdoors".'

'There is an array of formal and informal leisure opportunities available in and around the town, and, of course, the vast wilderness of Dartmoor National Park and the tranquil South Hams countryside offer both families and the serious walker a plethora of inspiring routes.'

'Providing a service for walkers with organised walks in the Bath and Bristol area, and leaflets for individuals and groups who wish to go-it-alone, thus enhancing the profile of Keynsham. This will benefit the residents and traders alike. All the walks will emanate from or include, the town.'

'A strong campaign by Friends of the Kelvin Valley and the Kilsyth & Villages Community Forum led to Kilsyth becoming a Walkers are Welcome accredited town in 2008 ... The area is rich in outdoor opportunities, with the Forth and Clyde Canal and Auchinstarry Marina, Roman Antonine Wall, wildlife reserves, extensive path network and friendly communities.'

Friends of the Kelvin Valley

'The village of Kinlochleven is surrounded by stunning mountains and scenery. The West Highland Way passes through Kinlochleven from the renowned Devil's Staircase from Glencoe and the village is a popular stop off point for walkers and brings a steady stream of visitors looking for accommodation before setting off the following morning to Fort William. The walks in Kinlochleven have a character of their own ...'

Kinlochleven Community Trust

Glencoe and Kinlochleven [Walkhighlands]

'Kirkby Stephen nestles in a corner of Cumbria often missed by visitors to the county. The attractive and friendly market town sits on the upper reaches of the River Eden, before it winds its way through the Eden Valley towards the Solway Firth.'

Walking [Kirkby Stephen Town Council]

'The Langholm Walks Group have waymarked 14 walks in and around the town of Langholm in South West Scotland. The town of Langholm is in Dumfries and Galloway, situated 20 miles north of Carlisle on the western edge of the Border Hills.'

Welcome to Langholm

'Leominster has a wide choice of walks, suitable for all abilities, direct from the town centre. The town is the biggest market town in Herefordshire. In the past its fortune was based on Leominster "ore", the fleece of the Ryland sheep. Now industry is very varied. We also have an accessible trail for those who may have difficulty. Route cards are available at the Tourist Information Centre. Walking guide books and maps are also available from the TIC in the Corn Square ...'

'Leyburn is a perfect base for your walking holiday. There are walks directly from the town centre in every direction, including walks to Bolton Castle, Redmire, Jervaulx Abbey, West Witton, Middleham Castle and Bolton Hall. Many of the walks take in Leyburn Shawl with panoramic views of rolling Wensleydale towards Penhill and the Coverdale Fells ... '

'Liskeard is an excellent base for walkers being situated midway between the coast and the moors. It is an ancient market town on the main London to Penzance railway line and has good bus services, both local and national. It has a wide range of shops, mostly locally owned, and still has a livestock market.'

'The Teifi Valley town of Llandysul and the neighbouring village of Pont Tyweli are one of the most favoured localities in Wales for freshwater angling, white-water canoeing and walking. Llandysul and Pont Tyweli are a Walkers are Welcome area.' Downloadable Walks gives access to PDFs of the Booklet Llandysul Trails.

'For those wishing to explore locally, there are many footpaths and short walks around the area including the Loftus Town Trail, Loftus Historic Woods, Miners Way, Skinningrove Valley Trail, Carlin How Village Heritage Trail, the Cleveland Street and walks through the Kilton Valley.'

Loftus Town Council

'Ludlow is surrounded by the gorgeous countryside of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mortimer Forest, Mortimer Country and North Herefordshire. There are varied walks in all directions – along riversides, through forests, farmland and to ancient heritage sites such as hill forts and to the top of some impressive hills such as Titterstone Clee Hill which dominates the Ludlow skyline.'

The Ludlow Guide

The walking capital of Exmoor  'Located on the stunning North Devon coast and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Exmoor National Park, it's easy to see the appeal of Lynton & Lynmouth as a top walking holiday destination ...'

'Malvern has been given "Walkers are Welcome" status due to the fantastic countryside in and around the Malvern Hills, the wide range of walks for all abilities and our commitment to welcoming walkers.'

'It is a quiet market town to the west of the Wolds and surrounded by woodlands within the predominantly rural West Lindsey district. Once described by Charles Dickens as the "sleepiest town in England", it is home to the picturesque Market Rasen racecourse.'

'Marsden in the South Pennines. A great place to walk, a lovely place to be.'

'Martley was the 13th community in the country to be accredited and the first in Worcestershire. We are proud of this achievement, continuing as it did our ongoing work on rights of way through the Path-or-Nones Group (30 years old in 2015) and the publishing of ten circular walks leaflets by Audrey and Keith Trumper in the 80s and 90s.'

The Path-or-Nones Group

'Melbourne is a very popular walking centre with paths leading into rolling country through the estates of Melbourne Hall, Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold Hall. The town is close to several long distance routes such as the Ivanhoe Way, the Derby Round, the National Forest Way and the Cross Britain Way. Routes around Staunton Harold and Foremark Reservoirs also add to the variety of walking terrain.'

Melbourne Footpaths Group

'The town of Melrose is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders at the foot of the Eildon Hills and close by the River Tweed. As such it is in the perfect location for the visitor, and especially walkers, to explore the surrounding landscape and its many historical connections ...'

Melrose Town Trail | Paths Around Melrose [Scottish Borders Council]

'Formed in the early months of 2013. Our aim is to promote the area as a special area for walkers, cyclists, runners, and all those who to come and enjoy highlighted routes and amenities the village has to offer.'

'Moffat, Scotland's first "Walkers are Welcome town" and the surrounding Moffat hills present a haven for walkers of all abilities. The clean Scottish air, stunning scenery and timeless beauty is awe inspiring. Whether for a day's hiking or a short stroll in unspoilt countryside, Moffat is the perfect place to experience a truly memorable walking holiday.'

Visit Moffat

'You have arrived at a very unique and special place! The Shropshire town of Much Wenlock is a quintessentially English town, off the beaten track, but well worth the visit ... There are lots of walks both in the town and in the surrounding beautiful Shropshire countryside, including the magnificent Wenlock Edge escarpment. Please explore and enjoy- then travel here for a real visit, we know you'll want to come back!'

Much Wenlock Tourist Information & Visitor Guide

'Mytholmroyd Walkers’ Action (MWA) aims to: Encourage more walkers, walking more; Ensure public rights of way and footpaths are kept open; Make walking more attractive to a wider range of residents; Encourage more visitors to make Mytholmroyd a walkers’ destination; Encourage more journeys to be undertaken on foot, rather than by private car; Encourage the use of public transport to get to designated walks; Work with other partners and providers to promote walking for a healthy lifestyle.'

Mytholmroyd Walkers' Action

'The walking available from the town centre is excellent and varies from short easy walks to challenging day-long hikes. The renowned and stunning Millennium Walkway within the Torrs Gorge can be accessed by footpaths from several places in the town, and the walkway links directly to 2 local nature reserves, and the Sett Valley Trail, as well as providing a vital link to the Goyt Way ... The 14-mile Trespass Trail (a circular walk starting in New Mills) was devised as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass.'

'Newton Stewart has long been a favourite base for walkers, and most of the countryside - mountain, forest, moorland and shore - is accessible, with due care and observance of the Country Code ... '

'Our charming historic market town, 10 miles northwest of Leeds, nestles below the forested Chevin ridge at one of the oldest crossing points on the River Wharfe.'

'Pickering, a small market town in North Yorkshire situated on the very edge of the North York Moors National Park, has much to offer to walkers ...'

'Ross is an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful and varied countryside within easy reach of the town. Walks are many and varied, ranging from flat, easy strolls alongside the river to challenging walks in the local hills or the nearby Black Mountains or Malvern Hills. Two major long distance walking routes pass through the town. These are The Wye Valley Walk and The Herefordshire Trail. In addition The Ross Round Walk circular walk starts and finishes in the town.'

'We think there are some wonderful walks round and about Sandy and we hope you will contact us for advice and guidance on the walks nearby. You don't have to be a "traditional" walker to get out and about in Sandy. Sandy has several geocache trails, you can ramble or run, and just about everyone can enjoy activity on foot in Sandy.'

Sandy Town Council

'The market town of Sedbergh lies at the foot of the Howgill Fells near where the rivers Lune, Dee and Rawthey meet. For visiting walkers and cyclists it is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and also to a more local network of footpaths and quiet lanes that cover the fells and riverbanks around Dent, Garsdale and the upper Lune Valley ...'

'The village of Shap sits high amongst wild and stunning scenery, surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for both the gentle walker and the more ambitious explorer to discover.'

'Shropshire boasts many Walkers are Welcome towns, so you know that hospitality is assured whether you're on a day trip or a longer holiday. All of the towns work hard to maintain their surrounding footpaths, to offer excellent walking opportunities and to provide high quality walking information for both locals and visitors.'

Shropshire’s Great Outdoors

A town caught still in a timeless charm 'That was the Sidmouth that captivated the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, and it will captivate you, too. Beautiful gardens and leisurely walks, Regency history and fine hotels, clean beaches and friendly shops…. it’s all here in this lovely seaside town that nestles beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the glorious Sid Valley.'

Visit Sidmouth

'For a small town, Snaith has much to offer walkers and visitors. Snaith and Cowick is an area steeped in history – The Priory Church (Circa 1100AD), the site of a Royal Hunting Lodge where parliament once met, an ancient toll bridge and much more. With the Trans Pennine Train passing though, Snaith is an ideal place to stop for refreshment or even spend a night or two ...'

'Spilsby is situated at the southern end of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Birthplace of Sir John Franklin and an area of rich historical and natural landscape importance.' PDFs of the Franklin Trail - A historical town trail around Spilsby - and of the Franklin Way - A 3.5 mile historical waymarked circular walk linking Spilsby and the village of Hundleby'.

'Spilsby and Hundleby Walkers are Welcome are a friendly group who meet for enjoyable guided walks in and around the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds AONB.'

Access to details of three dozen walks around and about Stocksbridge: [1] Eight Short Walks (less than 5 miles) - - - : [2] Twenty-three Medium Walks (5 - 9 miles) - - - : [3] Five Long Walks (10-15 miles).  Stocksbridge was the only Yorkshire nomination to make the 2018 shortlist for Britain's Best Walking Neighbourhood. Organised by the Ramblers, this prestigious award recognises an area where walking is the safe, pleasant and an easy way to travel.

'With its dramatic Cotswolds landscape, unique arts and crafts heritage, fabulous festivals and independent shops, the Stroud District is the least commercialised and unexplored area for a holiday in the Cotswolds.'

The Cotswolds - Stroud District

'Tadcaster, surrounded by quiet countryside, is steeped in history: romans, railways, country houses, ancient tracks and battle places. And after the walk, visit the many pubs and cafes in the town. Long or short, there is always an enjoyable walk from Tadcaster.'

'Our Talgarth, whether here to stay, a short visit with family, friends or that special someone, unwind in the scenic Black Mountains. Relax in mountains, woodlands and nature reserves for walking, climbing, cycling and trekking as you slow down the pace of life ...'

'Our two villages have welcomed walkers for hundreds of years. A group of local residents and small business owners have now got together to form Stoweywalking, to promote walking in and around the Stoweys to both local people and visitors. Nether Stowey and Over Stowey are located at the foot of the Quantock Hills, the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England.'

Tintern 'warmly welcomes the many visitors who pass this way each year, seeking the renewal that comes from a short time spent in its uplifting and historic landscape ...'

Friends of Tintern

'In October 2011 Unst became the 71st Walkers are Welcome community and the first island to achieve this recognition. At 60 degrees north Unst, the island above all others lies on the same latitude as Anchorage Alaska, Southern Greenland and St Petersburg Russia.'

'This page has been prepared by Wellington Walkers are Welcome Management Committee. This is an ad hoc group of interested local walkers. We are not a party political organisation; we have supporters of a range of political parties, and none, on our management committee who work effectively together. The inspiration for the group came from a combination of Wellington LA21 Group and Wellington Town Council without whose help this would not have been possible.'

'Whitchurch is a small town and always seeks to provide a warm welcome to visitors wishing to explore this lesser known part of Hampshire. Whitchurch has a variety of walks to suit all interests and abilities; from the gentle river landscape of pristine waters and water meadows with their abundant flora and fauna, to the footpaths of the chalk downs where the colours, sounds and shadows change with every season.'

Whitchurch Association

'This website gives you all the information you need if you are visiting Winchcombe, the walking centre for the Cotswolds ... We have pages focussed on walks, attractions, eating out, shops, accommodation and links to websites where you can find a wealth of information.'

'Wiveliscombe is an ancient town, full of unexpected and surprising discoveries from an architectural and walking point of view.'