Enjoy walking? Like walking holidays? Have you thought about long distance walking? Not everyone’s idea of a great holiday, but for many there is something quite special about a long, multi-day walk. Perhaps the idea of lugging days of kit on your back does not appeal. Maybe you have thought about it, but don’t know where to start, or perhaps you just haven’t yet followed through on your once stated aim to complete your nominated trail – one day, probably!
There are so many long distance trails to choose from. The new website from National Trails provides information on the 20 National Trails across the UK, for example the 84 mile Hadrian’s Wall Path, the Offa’s Dyke Path (177 miles), the West Highland Way (96 miles) and the epic King Charles III England Coast Path at a whopping 2,700 miles!
There are plenty of other non-National trails available, many of which are shown on Ordnance Survey maps, and many more which are not – such as the stunning alternative Coast to Coast on the Ravenber Way from long distance walking legend and author, Ron Scholes. There are lots of trails through local areas such as the Vanguard Way, from Croydon to Newhaven, the Cumbria Way or Shropshire Way. There are trails with historical significance, such as the Monarch’s Way which follows the escape route of King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
And there is plenty of support and advice available. The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) provides a database of walks, social and guided walks, challenges and guidance from a knowledgeable walking community. There are also blogs and resources such as The Walking Englishman, Becky the Traveller and The Rambling Man. Also people like Walkers Britain who offer guided walks along popular trails. There are many accounts from long distance walkers on social media to take inspiration from – I especially like this video from Anthony Johnson, who reflects on why he failed in his attempt to complete the Cleveland Way – lots to learn from here.
There are also many baggage transfer companies available such as Sherpa Van, Coast To Coast Packhorse or Luggage Transfers on the South West Coast Path, who will transport your bags from place to place for a fee. Also – especially on the more popular trails – accommodation providers and taxis are used to helping people along their walks – so have a chat with them before booking to see what advice and support they offer long distance walkers. And of course you could also book with one of the many package holiday companies who will make all of your travel and accommodation arrangements for you.
Also, some trails are straightforward to break up, the Ravenber Way for example has a train station at the beginning, end and mid point, allowing for it to be tackled in two visits.
South Pennine Triangle – Peak District
But surely the best way into long distance walking is to try it for a few days before committing to a couple of weeks in the wilderness – and this walk is a great way to try it.
The South Pennine Triangle is a bonus walk from Ron Scholes in his latest and long awaited long distance route – A Pennine Odyssey. The main route is a stunning 273 miles along the full length of the Pennines from the North Midlands to Northumberland, passing through the Peak District National Park, the moorlands of West Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines National Landscape. The walk has two starting point options – either Leek in Staffordshire or Ashbourne in Derbyshire. So, combining these two starting legs with another route between the two provides and absolutely fantastic triangle – The South Pennine Triangle.
Starting in Leek the first leg of this 52 mile route heads through the White Peak landscape to Onecote, Grindon and Ilam. The second leg heads along the stunning Dove Dale to Milldale, Hartington and then to Crowdicote and Grin Low and Buxton (a few miles can be saved by turning at Grin Low if not staying in Buxton.) The final leg heads over Axe Moor Edge, Three Shires Head, and The Roaches to Upper Hulme and Meerbrook back to Leek.
With three long days, or broken up for shorter sections, this excellent walk heads through some stunning scenery – but as it is entirely within walking country support, advice and like minded people should not be too far away. And you only need to carry one map!
Whether this walk or another one, enjoy your long distance trail.
