List Categories and Listings by M

'Of course the Macclesfield Canal itself makes an enjoyable walk and very many people exploit this linear park by walking sections or even the whole of the 27½ miles of the canal, which is also one section of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk. There are plenty of guides to its course and I will not repeat them all here ... In these pages I will note some of the many walks that can be taken from the canal - the canal providing the start and finish point and maybe a short part of the walk.'

'A Walk Around Macclesfield's Historic Buildings.'

'I live in Macclesfield, and I set up this website for no better reason than wanting to promote walking and cycling in the countryside around Macclesfield. In fact this website just started out as a set of walking and cycling routes. However, there are many more countryside pursuits than just walking and cycling, so it quickly grew into a comprehensive, single-point resource of information on all aspects of Macclesfield outdoors.' ALERT The Website originally referenced here seems no longer to be online.

'Walk across Britain coast-to-coast, from Boston to Abbotsbury, from Boston to Barnstaple, or Abbotsbury to Barnstaple.'

'From Castle Cary in Somerset to Barnstaple in Devon. It is one of the Macmillan Ways and connects with the main Macmillan Way at Castle Cary.

'Discover Madeley's hidden historical gems on this self-guided trail.'

'Uses public footpaths, bridleways, quiet lanes and canal towpath to pass from Grindley Brook through unspoiled undulating countryside to Bronygarth in the shadow of Chirk Castle.'

'Join us for a magnificent day out in our most beautiful countryside, while supporting the charity which is dedicated to its protection.'  Held Mid May.

'Annual event allows walkers to raise money through sponsorship for their favourite charities whilst enjoying a very interesting walk through some beautiful parts of the Berkshire countryside re-tracing the old boundary of the ancient town of Maidenhead in the Royal County of Berkshire. Alternatively, participants can do the walk just for fun or to help raise money for the Rotary Club's own charitable work.' Held Early October.

'A bracing tramp along the wooded escarpment of the North Downs above Maidstone, with sweeping views across the Kentish Weald; with a medieval castle and two megalithic burial sites thrown in ... Much of this route follows the North Downs Way national trail.'

'A 22 mile waymarked circular walk around Maldon (with short cuts of 5 and 12 miles).'

'The district offers seasonal diversity with lush summers to explore its maritime history, walk along the many coastal paths or cycle along shady country lanes and brilliant autumns perfect for taking a lazy stroll through the countryside ...'

'A guide to an easy 2 mile riverside stroll around the hilltop town of Malmesbury.'

'Malvern is situated in the scenic Worcestershire countryside beloved of the composer Edward Elgar. Popular in Victorian times for its therapeutic spa waters and numbering Florence Nightingale amongst its patients, the town retains a quiet charm with many fascinating roadside heritage features, including milestones and estate boundary markers.'

'The City of Manchester has 138 parks, 31 of which have been awarded green flag status and a walking route has now been identified that links these green spaces. The Green Corridor is made up of 14 routes with each route averaging 4 miles.' ALERT It seems the Manchester City Council - nor the body originally referenced here Getting Manchester Moving - no longer maintain a description of the Green Corridor on their Websites. Instead, we are referred to the Ramblers' Routes (Search 'Manchester green corridor' - but note that full details of at least some of the stages of the Corridor are only available to Ramblers' Members).

'The Manifold Trail is often confused with the Manifold Way (Manifold Track) probably because there are so many other 'trails' in the Peak District - the Tissington Trail, the High Peak Trail, the Monsal Trail ... so everyone assumes that the Manifold Way is the Manifold Trail because it follows the trackbed of a former railway line ... '

'A footpath and cycle way in Staffordshire, England. Some 8 miles (13 km) in length, it runs from Hulme End ... in the north to Waterhouses ... in the south, mostly through the Manifold Valley and the valley of its only tributary, the River Hamps, following the route of the former Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge line which closed in 1934 after a short life.'

Seventeen locations in Manningtree Town Centre, each illustrated with a current or historic photograph.

'This tour will guide you around some of the interesting buildings an monuments in this bustling market town and will help to build up a picture of life here during the past one thousand years. This trail is also available as an audio download.'

'Two walks – the Town Trail and the Riverside Trail - both of which highlight the older more interesting buildings in March and the stories behind them.  The two trails may be linked to form a single walk.' ALERT The Fens Museum Partnership Website itself seems no longer.

'In the autumn of 2003, members of the Marcham Society built and repaired bridges and installed gates and signs in order to open up 5 miles of permitted paths ... There is a printed leaflet showing a full map of the paths and three self-guided walks ... or you can view a colour map of the Jubilee Walks.'

'Partially waymarked long distance footpath in the United Kingdom. It runs 351 kilometres / 218 miles through the Welsh–English borderlands, traditionally known as the Welsh Marches and links the cities of Chester in the north and Cardiff in the south ... The Marches Way was removed from the Ordnance Survey map series in 2004 after only being detailed on these particular maps for approximately 5 years.'

'Footpath along the side of the Mardyke from Ship Lane, Aveley to Bulphan, passing through Davy Down Riverside Park. It was opened in 2007 as part of the Thames Chase Community Forest.'

Circular walk around Chappel including visiting Chalkney Wood  which holds 'a wide variety of wildlife including deer, badgers and over 30 species of breeding birds. The plant and and insect communities include a number of rare species'.

'Marked and Measured Routes are pre-plotted routes of 1k, 2.5k or 5k which can be walked, run or cycled at your own pace - all for free ... Each Map contains the route location, distance and a difficulty rating of 1 - 4 (1 = easy and flat, 4 = difficult and hilly). The majority of the routes cross footpaths and grassed areas and therefore may be muddy and / or uneven, making them unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.'

'A long challenging walk includes sections of routes 3, 7, 9 and 6 which you may need to refer back to. Worth setting aside most of the day and planning a few rest points on route.'

'A walk along The Market Harborough Canal Arm towpath from Foxton to Market Harborough and returning across countryside partly alongside the Leicester Canal.'

'Walk out from Jerome K Jerome's "bustling, lively little town" of Malow onto the banks of the Thames where "the river itself is at its best", past historic buildings and then into the "lovely country round about", through woodlands and alongside ancient archaeological sites.'

'Marple is a walkers' delight, providing a mixture of superb scenery and fascinating historical features. With miles of canal tow paths, cycle tracks, heavily wooded valleys, rivers, lakes and hill top moorland the district offers a huge variety of interest ...'

'Follows the routes of two disused railway lines, running between the historic market town of Aylsham and the medieval city of Norwich.'

'Marsh Gibbon, although located in Aylesbury Vale in Buckinghamshire, lies close to the border with Oxfordshire. It is situated to the north of the A41 Aylesbury to Bicester road, approximately four miles to the east of Bicester. It has a population of just over nine hundred. It was traditionally a farming village, but in recent years the number of active farms has decreased and many of the people living in the village now work in places such as Bicester, Aylesbury, Oxford, Milton Keynes and some even commute to London.'

'This is a full day's walking, leaving the Forest Centre in the morning heading west towards Lidlington and finally bringing you back around Stewartby Lake as the sun sets.'

'The abundance of high-quality walking and cycling routes along the route of the Marston Vale are a brilliant way of exploring the Vale. We have details on a number of recommended walking and cycling routes for you to explore, and are within easy reach of the rail service. Many are circular routes, but some are one way, so you can walk out, and take the train back (or vice-versa).'

'Company that specialises in hill walking in the Brecon Beacons. As well as taking leisure walking groups on exploratory trips, Martins Walks take business people out for corporate walks.' Unfortunately, there no longer seems to be a Link to 'Martin's Walks' so I have inserted an alternative to the Brecon Beacons Park Society.

'A lovely circular walk in the Teme Valley through traditional orchards, pastures and ancient woodlands with spectacular views across some of the best countryside in Worcestershire taking in part of the Worcestershire Way.'

'By following this linear route, you will walk 28 miles through the spectacular countryside of the old county of Meirionnydd, from an enchanting valley at the foot of Cadair Idris to the shores of Llyn Tegid. You will cross public paths and paths used with the permission of the landowner, over mountain pastures and through woodlands, along old romantic lanes, country roads and short unavoidable sections on the main road. The splendid views of lakes and mountains will astound you.' ALERT At Review, the GoBala Website was inaccessible. So I have chosen an alternative Link. Note that Kittiwake now have a Guide to the Walk.

'This route passes through diverse landscapes connecting significant Christian and pre-Christian sites, creating a spiritual and cultural journey which offers opportunity for reflection and inspiration.'

'Coast to coast long distance route across central Scotland from Arrochar to St Andrews, linking many places associated with Mary Queen of Scots.  The route is largely off-road, using existing paths and tracks with some stretches of quiet country lane and short pathless sections.' Note Original Website cited here unavailable at Review; replaced by Link to the Walkhighlands Site.

'The Mary Towneley Loop is a section of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers ... The Trail follows a mix of old railways, packhorse routes and newly created tracks. It is signposted (follow the National Trail Acorn) with easy to use gates and special road crossing points.'

'The Magic of Mary Webb is a series of four trails devised to guide you to the places Mary Webb loved, along walks she did many times and to locations she wrote about. There was little that Mary Webb didn't know about the Shropshire countryside, its lanes, hills, valleys and meres, its wildlife and vegetation, its legends and folklore - and its people.'

'Why not guide yourself on a tour around the historic heart of Maryhill, the scenery of the River Kelvin and the heritage of the Forth & Clyde Canal? We currently have three different walking trails available. The walks can be done individually, or build together to create a comprehensive guide to the area!'

'The Mawddach Trail footpath walk and cycle route winds for 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused railway track on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary. Whilst the trail can be joined at several points it starts at the picturesque market town of Dolgellau and finishes by crossing the iconic railway bridge over the mouth of the estuary into Barmouth.'

'The Mawddach Estuary is a beautiful and largely unspoilt gem hidden away at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park. The Mawddach Way is a 50km walk which uses existing footpaths and permissive paths to make a circuit of the hills either side of the estuary, passing through woodland, pasture and open country. The ideal location for a walking holiday in Wales!'

Descriptions of nine walks, all but two starting from the Village Hall: NOTE that although the descriptions of the individual Walks stated that the (private) Village Hall car park is not available to walkers on a Saturday unless prior arrangements have been made, in fact  'the Village hall is now very busy most days not just Saturdays' so in future any one hoping to park there at any time needs to phone the Village Hall Bookings Secretary. ALERT Unfortunately, the Walk Descriptions seem no longer to be accessible on the Parish Council (replacement) Website.

'Explore Creswell and Whaley Thorns from the Robin Hood Line. NOTE The original Website Link for this Entry seems now to have disappeared; so I have replaced it with the Link above which provides some relevant - albeit more limited - information.

Hendon Central to Golders Green. However the Hampstead Ramblers have moved their Website and at the time of Review [8 March 2016] I could not find a Link to this Walk therein.

'An undulating circular walk from Tilford village passing close to The Sands village and the historic ruins of Waverley Abbey. The walk involves an uphill stretch to the top of Crooksbury Hill with good views to the South Downs on a clear day. There are some sections of road walking.'

'Whether you want beautiful countryside, coastal scenery, industrial archaeology or military history, you can access them all via the Medway Valley Line and SwaleRail ...'

'Ancient castles, historic villages and some of Kent's finest wildlife sites are to be discovered along the Medway Valley Walk, which runs from Tonbridge to Rochester.'

'There are 14 footpaths in the village of Meldreth and each January we compile a survey of the condition of the footpaths and decide on an action plan to continue maintenance of the paths.'

'This Guide provides visitors with a suggested tour around the heritage sites in Melton town centre. The route is accessible for all and facilities are available along the way ... You can explore parkland, visit cafes, buy cheese or pork pies and visit Melton Carnegie Museum which features excellent exhibitions on the history of Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area.'

'Long distance path in 9 legs using public footpaths and other rights of way to follow as closely as possible the boundary of the Somerset (UK) local government district of Mendip'

'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.'

'A walk along the Meon Valley discovering the churches founded in the 7th century by Saint Wilfrid.'

'Stretches for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon, along a disused railway line. It is open to walkers, cyclists and equestrians. Between 2014 and 2015 Hampshire County Council, in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority, carried out improvement works to the Trail.'

'This is a simple walk around Mersea Island. The northern half is quiet, mostly along the sea wall, with tidal flats on one side and farm land on the other. The southern half is mostly along the beach, with the Blackwater Estuary on the left and beach huts and chalets on shore. Keep an eye on the tide - in some places, when the tide comes in the beach disappears completely and you need to be on the sea wall or you could be in trouble.'

'The Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside, which has been creating "woodlands on your doorstep" for 20 years.'

'A long distance linear walk on roads and country paths linking town and countryside to parks, woodlands and other open spaces.'

'With the canal walk completed, I cast around for another project. Then an idea began to take shape: to walk the Mersey from its source to the sea. The Mersey is formed from three tributaries: the River Etherow, the River Goyt, and the River Tame. The official start of the Mersey is at the confluence of the rivers Tame and Goyt in central Stockport, a few miles south of Manchester. Older definitions place its start a few miles up the Goyt ...'

Four 'Walkabout' PDF brochures to download: [1] Sefton Coast (five walks) - - - : [2] Wirral (five walks) - - - : [3] Knowsley & St Helens (five walks) - - - : [4] Green Hearts (six walks).

Unfortunately, the original Website no longer seems to be active - though you might still find one or another PDF brochure accessible via Google ...

Details of over 40 'illustrated Walks in Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral and North-West Cheshire'. ALERT This Website seems no longer.

Walks 'selected to provide reasonable directness, variety of landscape, local historical and environmental interest and a largely traffic-free environment'.

Access to three PDF brochures: 1. Rail Walks in Cheshire West : - - : 2. Rail Walks in Greater Manchester : - - : 3. Rail Walks in Knutsford and surrounding villages.

'Devonshire's Heartland has much to offer the walker whether for an afternoon's stroll to a full day's hike. Country Walks and Villages is a series of leaflets (25p each) giving an outline of local history and interesting features, combined with scenic walks around the towns and villages they focus on.' Unfortunately, the PDF versions of these leaflets no longer seem accessible via the Website.

'Runs for 20 miles through the attractive farmland of Mid Suffolk linking the busy town of Stowmarket in the south with the small village of Hoxne at its northern end. From here a 6 mile walk west along the Angles Way takes the walker on to Diss.' ALERT Website Link changed from that originally provided.

'Wales has long been a popular destination for walkers, and with some justification – the rugged peaks of Snowdonia and the majestic Brecon Beacons in particular. But other areas also have plenty to offer. For those walkers with an interest in history and archaeology a series of self-guided walks is being developed to help them explore a range of archaeological sites.'

'Route that takes in some of Wiltshire’s finest countryside and downland areas and could be walked in either direction.' ... The Route was 'recently extended out to the Berkshire border, yet never straying outside the Wiltshire county border'.

Guide Written By James Alsop

'Nestled in the beautiful Tame valley, just south of Tamworth on the Staffordshire/Warwickshire border, Middleton Lakes is our latest nature reserve to open to the public ... '

'Follows the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns.'

'A long distance route, circa 29 miles, from Haslemere Station to Arundel Station, and vice versa, in The South Downs National Park. Originally planned and published as a 19.25 mile route from Midhurst to Arundel, a new spur of 9.5 miles has recently been added connecting Midhurst Bus Station to Haslemere. Train access/egress is London Victoria to Arundel or London Waterloo to Haslemere.' Unfortunately at Review the Link to the 'Violet Designs' Website was unavailable; so I have changed to the GPS Cycle and Walking Site.

'A new spur of circa 9.5 miles from Haslemere to Midhurst has been added to the Midhurst Way, now making it circa 29 miles long from Haslemere to Arundel. Access and egress is available via train from Victoria to Arundel and Waterloo to Haslemere ...' Unfortunately at Review the Link to the 'Violet Designs' Website was unavailable; so I have changed to the GPS Cycle and Walking Site.

Other Pages in the Website section “Walks, cycleways and riding routes” are [1] Access to the countryside - - - : [2] Walks, cycleways and riding routes - - - : [4] Public Rights of Way - - - : [5] Midlothian Access Forum.

'Part semi-rural, part "Arcadian", part inner urban near the city centre. For those generally familiar with Oxford, the walk offers a considerable variation on the routes used by other general and themed guided walks (which abound) and identifies items very largely unknown and unseen even by long-standing city residents ...'

'Discover prehistoric sites and rare species preserved on Salisbury Plain.'

'The Heritage Paths (Campsie Fells) Project is very pleased to announce that we have a lovely new Campsies map leaflet showing this historic route and other paths in the area ... if you'd like one of those send a SAE to us c/o ScotWays.'

'We don't have a full recent survey of this path, but it has been described as the best part of the Antonine Wall to walk on by a journalist and is relatively accessible.'

'We venture to assert that Barnet is unique among London boroughs in the amount of open space which still exists in an area so close to the capital. Admittedly, an enormous amount of land has been given over to the necessary provision of homes for a growing population. But thanks to the far-sighted actions of the then Hendon Urban District Council in the twenties and thirties in buying up the estates of former great landowners (Moat Mount Open Space, Scratchwood, Arrandene Open Space to name a few) and the zoning of Totteridge Valley and its edges as Green Belt land, we still have a substantial amount of "countryside" on our doorstep.'

'This Walk takes in a total of seven parishes and travels through the countryside of each parish where you can enjoy all types of flora, woodlands, wild life and see places of interest such as Woburn Abbey.'

'A leisurely walk through 6,000 years of beauty, culture and history in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.'

'The Walkway has been built of the highest quality natural stone and opened up waterfront land that had been closed to the public for centuries.'

'The unique Millennium Way is a gem of a long-distance path, taking in 100 miles of the diverse, delightful and historic heart of England. The route extends from Pershore, Worcestershire, in the west to Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire in the east.'

Miller's Way was 'created by Carrs Breadmaker to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Carrs - The Miller's Way is a glorious 51-mile walk from the heart of Kendal to the centre of Carlisle. It was inspired by the original journey made by Quaker miller Jonathan Dodgson Carr - who founded the Carr’s flour, bread and biscuit dynasty in Carlisle on June 29 1831 after leaving his home town of Kendal'.

Unfortunately, it seems that information about the Walk(s) is no longer available via the Carr's Flour Website.  But, a/the Route Guide can apparently be purchased from the Penrith Tourist Information Centre.

'Uses existing footpaths.  A new Waymarker has been placed along the route. When you see the Oakleaf symbol just follow the direction of the arrow on the host waymarker.'

'Download or print one of our self-guided walks and explore new areas of Milton Keynes and its environs.'

'A network of paths lead you through this peaceful ancient woodland which is alive with birds. More than 200 species of flowering plant also grow here. You may spot the occasional roe deer. A pond provides a habitat for dragonflies, toads and newts.'

'Winds its way through the picturesque countryside of East Kent, linking together pretty villages, small farmsteads, grand country estates and remains of this area's industrial and mining heritage. Much of this arable landscape, profuse with hedges and woodlands, has not changed since Saxon times and the names of the villages and hamlets you pass on the route are firmly lodged in their Old English origins.'

'For experienced walkers only ... The walk goes up the Clywedog Valley and onto the heather moorland above. There is then a choice of three routes, each with good viewpoints. There is no need to decide which route to take until you reach the moor. There is a wealth of natural and historical interest on the walk.'

'Was built towards the end of the 16th century and replaced an earlier route called Comyn's Road, constructed by David Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. Although there are few precise facts about when the latter was laid, the route was certainly in use during the 16th century. The story goes that Comyn created his link between Blair Atholl and Kingussie to transport a particularly fine ale from an inn near the Perthshire village to his Badenoch home ...'

'This pleasant walk through part of the National Forest will take you through a variety of scenery in North West Leicestershire and show you examples of many aspects of the area's rich history.'

'Walkers' route through East Yorkshire, between the magnificent Minsters of Beverley and York, visiting Arram, Scorborough, North Dalton, Lockington, Millington, Great Givendale, Bishop Wilton, Full Sutton, Stamford Bridge, Kexby and Fulford ... It was established in 1980 by Ray Wallis of the East Yorkshire Area of The Ramblers.'

'Download the trail and use it as you take a guided walk to learn more about the history and heritage of Cricket Green. The audio trail includes recordings of local people who help bring the area to life.'

'Moidart, Ardnamurchan and the surrounding areas offer some of the most scenic, diverse and interesting walking landscapes in the Highlands.  There are walks to suit all tastes, interests and fitness levels.  Whether you are walking to spot wildlife, aiming to climb a Corbett or Munroe, challenging yourself on a long distance trek, seeking a deserted beach or abandoned settlement, taking a historical or geological tour, or just looking for a gentle stroll, the region has it all.'

'Sadly we have no survey of the whole of this route. However, it has been reported to us that access is dissuaded by a painted notice on the gateposts at the Kinloch Lodge road end. Although this is the line of the Moine Path right of way, a suggested alternative is to use the estate track that lies 400m further north along the public road. This passes the derelict Kinloch House and joins the Moine Path at NC551525. Any recent survey of this right of way would be very welcome indeed ...'

'Catch the train to Leatherhead Station, where the Mole Gap begins and follow the silver arrows. You will soon be out of the town and following the river Mole winding its lazy way through meadows and woodland ...'

'Long-distance footpath in England that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. From its starting point at Worcester the route travels north to Boscobel and then south to Stratford upon Avon. It then continues south to Stow on the Wold before turning south west towards Bristol via Cirencester. South of Bristol the route is almost directly south across the Mendip Hills to Wells and then on through Somerset almost to Yeovil and then south west to Charmouth.There is then a short section along the Dorset coast before turning north again to Yeovil, before turning east across the Downs to Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea.'

'Gentle stroll, regular power walking or long-distance run. The Monkland Canal is a great place to stay active or up the pace for a bit of serious exercise. Along the way you are sure to spot some amazing wildlife!

'In the lovely valley of Limpley Stoke, just three miles from the City of Bath, the village of Monkton Combe nestles harmoniously into the south-facing slope of a tree-studded hill, commanding some spectacular views ...'

'Also called the Brecon and Abergavenny Canal, it runs 42 miles from Brecon to Newport, Gwent. The first 35 miles are navigable.'

'Linear walk of 40 miles through the valley of the River Monnow, from Monmouth, near its confluence with the River Wye, to its headwaters below Hay Bluff. From here the walk joins the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, sharing the same route to the finishing point at Hay-0n-Wye.'

'Cycle, horse riding and walking trail in the Derbyshire Peak District ... It starts at the Topley Pike junction (in Wye Dale, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Buxton) and runs to Coombs viaduct, 1 mile (1.6 km) south-east of Bakewell. It follows the valley of the River Wye and runs parallel to the A6.'

'Walking or cycling along the towpath is an excellent way to experience the peace and tranquility of this rural canal. This is also a popular canal for canoeing – paddling quietly through peaceful green surroundings is a great way to spot wildlife.'