'Covers the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucester, and so is the largest geographical Region in England.'

U3A Regions

'Relax and enjoy your guided or self guided walking holidays in the peaceful countryside of the West Country of England ... Discover the Cotswolds set amidst gentle rolling countryside and enjoy Somerset with its picturesque Mendip Hills. Also the beautiful Wiltshire Downs and its heritage together with the contrasting scenery of Exmoor with its coastline, heather moors and wooded combes ...'

'Small independent publisher based in Gloucestershire near the historic town of Tewkesbury. We publish descriptions of long walks having strong local connotations and a depth of feeling for the old footpath ways through the countryside.'

'Welcome to Culm Valley Publishing. Based in the heart of the West Country, CVP specialises in walking guidebooks for Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Our spectacular coastlines, historic towns and, of course, Exmoor, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor are included, together with the Quantocks, the Mendips, the Blackdown Hills and many other areas of outstanding natural beauty. All the walks in our books are circular.'

Self-guided walks to purchase online for a selection of cities and towns in South-West England.

'Walking is one of the best ways to get to know an area, and get a little exercise at the same time. Walks in Dartmouth are everywhere – the town is situated on the South West Coast Path and in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and so a range of walks accessible all year round are on offer. Choose from short easy historical trails, more moderate river walks, or challenging coastal hikes – whichever you choose, the views from every direction are rewarding. We’ve listed just a few of our top walks in and around Dartmouth for you to try.'

'Think of windswept moorlands, secret coves, lush green fields and an historic mining industry, not to mention smuggling in the days of old! Explore the prehistoric landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor. Find unusual trees and plants and learn about why they are there. See how the Great Western Railway opened up the Southwest for trade and tourism. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Quantocks and discover how they have been described by poets. '

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

'We are the largest and most experienced self guided walking holiday company in the South West of England. Regional specialists for walking holidays and luggage transfers along the UK's longest and best loved National Trail, the 630 mile South West Coast Path.'

'A friendly walking and social group, with a programme of activities in and around Devon. Our members are generally in the age range from 40s to 60s, but can be slightly older or younger.'

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

'Foot Trails is Britain's leading creator of authentic and indulgent rural walking experiences. Our tailor made independent hiking tours and guided walking holidays are based in indulgent English (UK) country pubs ... '

Alison Howell

'Social walking group which offers walks, weekends away, and a wide range of other outdoor activities. Our members are singles and couples and people who like to be part of and contribute to a social group.'

Information on walks around and about the town including a series of leafles covering interesting features in and around Hayle - both historic and present-day.

'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.'

’We organise social walks and challenge walks.  Our geographical area is Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire with a stomping ground of the Mendips, Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean though sometimes we stray further afield.  Non-members are welcome to try one or two walks prior to joining the LDWA.’

'Based on the coastal path in St Mawes Cornwall we are specialists in providing walking holidays on the 630 mile South West Coastal Path.'

'South West Lakes Trust is the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity. Its 50 inland water sites, spread across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2m visits annually ... With 150 km of paths in varied terrain, we can cater for all the family’s needs.'

'Specialises in landscape interpretation guides within South-west England; (Cornwall, Devon, Jurassic coast, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Cotswolds and Oxfordshire). Landscape themes include: geology, ecology, historical landscapes (urban & rural), architecture, geography and archaeology.'

‘Our Health Walks are led by trained Health Walk Leaders and are a great way of getting exercise and meeting people. From beginners to challenging walks there are walks suitable for everyone. So why not take a health walk and enjoy the countryside?’

South Somerset District Council

'Specialises in self-guided, walking / hiking holidays and short breaks. We will move your luggage on for you, so that you can enjoy your walk pack free. Our walking tours cover a wonderful range of landscape and terrain in England's Westcountry (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset) and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales.'

'The Full Circle will take 4 to 5 hours. You can of course join or leave the route at various places ... ' ALERT The Website originally cited here has closed. So I have replaced the Link.

'Circular route in the north Wiltshire Downs, just 5½ miles (9km) southeast of the centre of Swindon.'

The Ridgeway National Trail

'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 taking in the iconic Bath Two Tunnels. The route also uses National Route 24 and National Route 4, along the Kennet & Avon Canal back in to Central Bath ... Both tunnels are well lit, have a sealed surface and are wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably use the route in harmony.'

Two Tunnels Shared Path

'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.'

Leigh Hatts

'Off road route between the cities of Bristol and Bath. The path is open to walkers and cyclists and access is provided for disabled users. The Path is many things to many people - an integral commuting route, an attractive leisure path and an important wildlife corridor.'

Avon Frome Partnership

'This is a circular route in a pleasant corner of West Devon. The walking is not strenuous and takes place over a variety of footpaths, woodland paths, moorland and quiet roads. The short route [7½ Miles] visits 9 Crosses and the longer route [12½ Miles] takes in a further 4. For each cross visited, a link will take you to the appropriate page on our site for further information. Links are also provided to the notes ... for other points of interest.'

Dartmoor's Crosses

'Until the 1970s a branch railroad in the Camel Valley linked Padstow and Wadebridge with the main line at Bodmin and with the old Southern Railway route to Waterloo.  Now it is an 18-mile hiking, horse riding and cycling trail, extended to Wenford Bridge on a former quarry tramway, again alongside the river.'

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

'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.

Cheltenham Challenge

'This walk was first invented by Rowland Janes in 1986 as a linear walk from Maes Knoll to The Oozles (Blackberry Hill), via Knowle Hill, relying on the regular bus service along the A37 to return walkers to their starting point. It was published in "The Natural History of The Chew Valley" (1987) ...'

Biografix

Three Peaks Walk [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Joining the two Wessex cities of Winchester and Salisbury.'

Clarendon Way [Rambling Man]

'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.'

Visit Exmoor

'The Colliers Way - Route 24 of Sustrans National Cycle Network - is a recreational path extending 23 miles through beautiful rolling green landscape. It starts just outside the Georgian City of Bath and extends from the Limpley Stoke Valley at the north, to the Frome Valley at the south.'

The Colliers Way Steering Group

'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.'

Closer to the Countryside

'Walk to Swanage and take a train back to Corfe Castle. A challenging hike through a dramatic landscape rich in history, on paths and tracks that have been used by feet and wheels for many thousands of years ...'

South West Coast Path Association

Described in two Parts. The first Part follows the route up the right-hand side of the Dart from Kingswear - across the river from Dartmouth itself - to Greenway. (It is also possible to walk up the left-hand side of the River direct to Dittisham, but this is not so interesting.) The second Part continues from Dittisham up to Totnes.

South Devon AONB

'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.'

Ian & Caroline Kirkpatrick

A Perambulation of the Forest of Dartmoor [Moorland Ramblers] (PDF) | Dartmoor's Ancient Boundary Perambulation [LDWA]

'Cycling and walking route linking Tavistock with Plymouth. This important part of Devon's recreational route network runs through superb countryside with attractive scenery along the western edge of Dartmoor together with much historical and heritage interest. But the trails aren't just about Drake - they take you through wooded river valleys and across open moorland, up close to fascinating wildlife and history.'

'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.'

East Devon AONB

'From the remains of the old foundries in Hayle to the engine houses scattered throughout the landscape, the reminders of Cornwall's industrial heritage are everywhere along this Trail.' Hayle to Truro.

Cornwall Council

'A river valley walk between source and sea along the beautiful River Exe.'

'Provides a great walking experience within the boundaries of Exeter - from green countryside valley parks to the pavements of quiet leafy suburbs.'

Exeter City Council

Exeter Green Circle [Devon Walks with GPS]

'An Hens Kensa Ha Dewetha (Land's End to Hayle)'

Cornwall Council

'Starting at Evershot, the second highest village in Dorset, this walk meanders close to the River Frome towards Poole Harbour.'

'The Frome Valley creates an important green corridor through the villages and farmland of South Gloucestershire and the dense housing of northeast Bristol. The parks, woodlands, meadows and waterways provide welcome recreational space for people and a valuable environment for wildlife. The Frome Valley Walkway is an important recreational path running along the river connecting communities and open spaces.'

South Gloucestershire Council

'The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve meanders through beautiful mid-Devon countryside and quiet villages between Tiverton and Lowdwells (near the Somerset border).'

'A beautiful purpose built cycle track running between Okehampton and Lydford. Itʼs part of the National Cycle Network route 27 Devon Coast to Coast and runs through Dartmoor National Park. There are spectacular views from Meldon Viaduct and Lake Viaduct, idyllic pubs offering an array of food and of course you can always treat yourself to a Devon cream tea on route.'

Devon Cycle Hire

'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.

The Friends of the Ridgeway

The Great Stones Way by Steve Davison (Cicerone, 2014)

'A walk of approx 15 miles through the beautiful countryside of NE Somerset, and its border with Wiltshire. The trail takes in the valley containing the geological "Hardington Fault" from which the ancient churches take their collective name. A section follows the Macmillan Way and the river Frome.'

Tony Day Parish of Hardington Vale

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

Defence Infrastructure Organisation [Ministry of Defence]

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

South Devon Ramblers

'Links the Severn Way to the Cotswold Way and enters the Parish of Yate to the north of Yate Rocks, taking walkers through fields to Brimsham Park and then across to Sodbury Common. There are also footpaths around The Common, some of which suit wheelchair users and pushchairs. You can download a detailed Jubilee Way walking leaflet from South Gloucestershire Council via which you can download additional detailed maps of the area.'

Yate Town Council

'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.'

Limestone Link [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Footpath across the Mendip Hills from Weston-super-Mare to Frome. It is divided into two sections. The West Mendip Way was opened in 1979 and starts at the Bristol Channel at Uphill Cliff. It climbs the Mendip escarpment affording views over the Somerset Levels. It then crosses the central Mendip plateau leading down to Cheddar Gorge and on to Wells ... From there the East Mendip Way continues through Shepton Mallet to Frome. The Mendip Way connects with the Macmillan Way, Monarch's Way, and Samaritans Way South West.'

Mendip Ways [LDWA] | West Mendip Way [LDWA]

'The North Dorset Trailway now extends from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, providing an off road trail for walkers, cyclist etc. The opening of the latest section, between Stourpaine and Blandford, proved to be a triumphant day with hundreds of people attending by various means of transport.' Unfortunately the Website originally cited here (and the North Dorset Trailway Network?) seem(s) no longer, so I have cited instead a page from Dorset for You (where at the time of Review it was noted that the NDT Leaflet 'is currently being updated').

'Walk from Amesbury which follows footpaths to Old Sarum giving good views across Salisbury to the famous Cathedral spire.  The return route crosses the beautiful Woodford Valley.'

Amesbury Walkers

'Does a complete circle around Salisbury. The route uses existing public roads, public rights of way and some newly created permitted paths. Some sections of the footpath are waymarked by a metal plate attached to wooden posts which show a picture of the cathedral spire.'

Old Sarum Way [GPS Cycling & Walking Routes]

'This new (2010) long distance walking route follows the course of the River Avon by linking existing rights of way from Pewsey to Salisbury. In Salisbury the trail connects to the existing 34-mile Avon Valley Path to Christchurch. The trail is accompanied by a walking guide.'

Chris Cole

'The Purbeck Plod was introduced in 1965 and ran yearly through to 2002. Our Group re-introduced the walk in 2008 adding the options of a 25 mile run and a 16 mile walk ... The challenge isn't just in the distance. There are a lot of climbs along the way. On the 25 mile route these add up to about 4,300 feet and on the 16 mile route, they add up to about 2,700 feet.' Challenge now usually held Late June/Early July.

The Ramblers East Dorset Group

'The route travels from Wareham to Corfe Castle, then eastwards to Ballard Down, then south and westwards along the South West Coast path to Chapman's Pool, then north to Corfe Castle.'

'Opened in 2001 and consists of two routes. The northern route is 31Km (20 miles) and the southern route 29Km (18 miles).' Crowcombe is the start/end of the Northern Route; the Southern Route starts/ends at Broomfield, situated about 5 miles north of Taunton.

Quantock Online

'Passes through the historic harbour village of Pill, the spectacular Avon Gorge, the modern city and ancient port of Bristol, the beautiful countryside where the Avon Valley meets the Cotswold Hills and ends at the famous Pulteney Bridge in the Georgian city of Bath. Although the Trail goes no further, the river continues upstream to its source near Sherston in the Cotswold Hills.'

Forest of Avon

'Long-distance footpath, following the route of the River Parrett in Somerset, England. The trail, which is 50 miles (80 km) long, runs from Chedington in Dorset to the mouth of the river in Bridgwater Bay where it joins the West Somerset Coast Path.'

River Parrett Trail [Discover South Somerset]

'In Cornish "Forth an Syns", in English "The Saints Way", this trail was also known as the "Mariners Way". The 30 mile trail links two important harbour towns, Padstow on the north coast and Fowey on the south.'

'Route across Cornwall linking the harbours of Boscastle on the Atlantic Coast and Looe on the English Channel. The Way  traverses the rugged and picturesque landscape of Bodmin Moor, visits the world-famous Jamaica Inn, and follows scenic paths beside the rivers Valency, Fowey and West Looe.' Frank Squibb sadly passed away at the start of 2013 and his Website now seems no longer accessible.  So I have replaced the Link with one from Visit Cornwall.

Frank Squibb

'Devised in 2005 by members of the Bristol Group of the Ramblers Association with funding and assistance from Bristol City Council. It offers wonderful views across the City Centre, Avon Valley, Stockwood Nature Reserve, Dundry Hill and Ashton Court.'

Bristol Ramblers

'The South Dorset Ridgeway Partnership brings together people from many interests and backgrounds in an inspiring programme to learn about, care for and enjoy this special place. When you stand on the South Dorset Ridgeway you are surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in England.  Everywhere you look you see history in the landscape; this is one of the most important pre-historic landscapes in Europe.'

South Dorset Ridgeway Partnership

South Dorset Ridgeway [National Trails]

'Whilst much of the Coast Path is quite strenuous there are many sections that are much gentler, and are suitable for people with mobility problems, pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters ...'

South West Coast Path Association

Walking in Cornwall - Hiking and the South West Coast Path

'A walk along the Coast Path is a great way to work up a thirst and appetite to make the most of the many pubs found close to the path. Although the region is justly famous for cider, the local breweries are also famous for their ales. To find more pub walks, use the WalkFinder tool and tick pubs.'

South West Coast Path Association

'Choose from our library of days out by train walking guides, from beginners to advanced - all easily accessible from a South West Trains station ... ' ALERT South Western Railway is the new operator of 'South West Trains'. There is some walk information appears on their Site - but it seems not the Series of Walks formerly described by SWT.

'St Mary's is the largest of the Isles of Scilly and has the islands' capital, Hugh Town. Hugh Town occupies the low area of the island and has sandy beaches on both sides. To the east the main island has a mixture of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches whilst to the west the Garrison is mostly rocky, with a garrison wall running around it.'

Explore the South West Coast Path

'Throughout Europe there is a network of pilgrim routes which lead to one of the three most important places of Christian pilgrimage in the world - the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela, North West Spain. The St Michael's Way Trail is one of these routes ... The trail stretches from Lelant (near St. Ives) to Marazion (near Penzance) and stretches 12.5 miles/19.5 km.'

St Michael's Way [Cornwall Guide] | St Michaels Way [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Hens Sen Peran (Truro to Bodmin via Newquay)'

Cornwall Council

'Bridleway takes you through a wide variety of landscapes ... Gravelled forest roads, stone tracks, grass fields, some steep slopes.' Neroche was 'a partnership for forest, land and people in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Note that the Neroche Website which was originally referenced here (and elsewhere), seems to have disappeared.

'Discover theTamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along this 30-mile walking route. Waymarkers guide you through scenic woodland, historic river quays and rural villages.'

Tamar Valley AONB

'The Tarka Trail is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route.'

Tarka Trail [Wikipedia] | Tarka Trail [North Devon Biosphere]

'These two lovely coastal towns are connected by this popular walk devised by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers. The walk begins at Teignmouth pier and heads inlands through some beautiful countryside and pretty villages before heading back to the coast at Dawlish. The last section returns you to Teignmouth via Holcombe.'

'Between Haytor on Dartmoor and Teignmouth on the south coast; the Way traces the route by which granite was exported from Dartmoor via the unique Haytor Granite Tramway and the Stover Canal and is comprehensively waymarked except on the open moor.'

'The Rivers Thames and Severn are once again connected - this time by footpath. The footpath, known the Thames & Severn Way, has been marked out by volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust. It mainly follows the towpaths of the Stroudwater Navigation and Thames & Severn Canal between Framilode and Lechlade, but in places deviates on to other rights of way, such as the Thames Path.'

Cotswold Canals Trust and Stroud District Council

The Cotswold Canals Walk [Countryside-Matters, 2013) and Exploring the Thames & Severn Canal (Cotswold Canals in Pictures)

The original Link I had about The Tinners Way from the Save Penwith Moors Website seems to have been removed (but it was to a reprint of a 1994 Booklet). So I have replaced it with a Link to Oliver's Cornwall's detailed coverage Zennor Churchway and Tinners Way.

Zennor Churchway and Tinners Way

'Wessex – that well kept secret in southwest England - of Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Somerset and Wiltshire ... What about walking along the incredible footpaths that criss cross this wonderful landscape? Some of these paths are long distance but can be accessed along the way for shorter breaks.'

'Between Okehampton and Launceston ... The route is waymarked except where it crosses open moorland ... The route lends itself to being part of a grand circuit around western Devon in conjunction with the West Devon Way and Tamar Valley Discovery Trail.'

'Starting on Congresbury Bridge over the River Yeo follow the Two Rivers Way through Somerset to Keynsham on the River Avon. The walk passes through Chew Stoke, Chew Magna, Compton Dando and Pensford with sections along the River Yeo and River Chew to enjoy ... '

The Two Rivers Way – A linear walk (Yatton Ramblers, revised edition 2011)

Hemyock to Staple Hill 'This Walk skirts the valleysides of the three rivers which define the Blackdown Hills – the Culm, the Otter and the Yarty.'

Blackdown Hills AONB

'The W.A.S. Way (Walk Around Stroud) is Gloucestershire’s newest way-marked trail. An ambitious 11-mile route, it follows public footpaths around the entire town boundary.'

Discover Stroud District

'Free walking routes with maps in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Exmoor, Bath & NE Somerset. GPS friendly maps with waypoints for our routes.'

Trevor Walker

'Stretching from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall, the Wareham Forest Way walking route travels through some of the less well known landscapes of north Purbeck and East Dorset ... From Sturminster Marshall, you can join the Stour Valley Way or North Dorset Trailway to explore the rest of Dorset.'

'In April 2007, inspired by the writings of Thomas Hardy, I travelled on foot from Win Green to Weymouth. The journey was one of great contrast, reaching to the very heart of Hardy country. Along the way I passed through landscapes associated with the novels, poems and short stories: Cranbourne Chase, the valley of the Stour, the chalk ridge south of the Blackmoor Vale, the Frome valley, the coastal uplands ... '

Southern Walks

'Between Okehampton and Plymouth along the western edge of Dartmoor; the route is waymarked except where it crosses open moorland.'

'Runs from the hamlet of Steart to the coastal resort of Minehead and passes through the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Coast Path links the River Parrett Trail to the South West Coast Path National Trail. The path also joins the Coleridge Way and Quantock Greenway just south of the A39 near East Quantoxhead.'

'Figure-of-eight trail centred on Winchcombe. The way marked trail is designed to show walkers the hidden gems of the northern Cotswolds. The landscape is constantly changing and reveals the charm of the Cotswolds.'

Winchcombe Walkers are Welcome

'Linking the Cotswold Way at Winchcombe with the Oxfordshire Way at Bourton-on-the-Water the Windrush Way goes over the hills with only the remains of "lost" medieval villages en route to the River Windrush in Bourton, whereas its sister route, the Wardens' Way, winds through the villages. The waymarked Wardens' Way and Windrush Way (both 14 miles and shown on OS mapping) therefore provide alternative high and low level routes respectively from Winchcombe to Bourton-on-the-Water.'

Warden's Way | Windrush Way [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]