Outdoor Odysseys

Strolls and Summits: Walking Britain from Towpaths to Trig Points

There is little doubt that Britain’s countryside offers an extensive network of walking opportunities. However, it can be easier to find out about each of its nations offers, one by one, instead of finding a one-stop shop for seeing what is there at a higher level. That is why I added this section, and the described resources should address that need.

The Canal & Rivers Trust provides a unique perspective on countryside walking, highlighting their network of canal towpaths. These routes offer particularly accessible options for walkers of all abilities, featuring flat, traffic-free paths. One notable example is their “Canal walk to Harecastle Tunnel” route, which combines exercise with industrial heritage, telling the story of the area’s pottery production.

For those seeking educational walks, Discovering Britain offers a carefully curated selection of routes that tell the stories behind Britain’s landscapes. Their thoughtful categorisation by duration helps walkers choose between quick strolls and more substantial hikes, with each route designed to reveal the rich tapestry of Britain’s geographical and cultural heritage.

go4awalk.com stands out for its collection of over 13,545 walks. The site combines detailed route information with interactive maps and downloadable GPS waypoints, while fostering a community where walkers can connect, share experiences, and find walking companions for anything from challenging Lake District hikes to gentle countryside rambles.

Several platforms cater specifically to serious hikers and peak-baggers. Hill Bagging provides comprehensive listings of British hills, while importantly highlighting crucial information about access rights across private lands. The Mountains of the British Isles complements this with detailed information about major ranges, including the Cairngorms, Mourne Mountains, and Lake District. For those specifically interested in summits, the Database of British and Irish Hills maintains an extensive image library showcasing the peaks and landscapes of these isles.

GetOutside stands out for its practical approach to outdoor adventures, offering detailed route guides complete with downloadable GPS files and essential information such as parking locations. Their guides, including the “Moel Eilio Route Guide,” exemplify their thorough approach to walking documentation.

Mud and Routes takes a broad approach, offering walking routes that cater to various interests and abilities. Their detailed descriptions include difficulty assessments and highlight points of interest along each route, helping walkers make informed decisions about their journeys.

For those interested in specialist walking pursuits, TrigpointingUK serves a unique niche, dedicated to the hobby of locating and documenting trig points – the concrete pillars that once formed the backbone of Britain’s mapping system. The site maintains a comprehensive database and encourages community contributions to this distinctive aspect of British walking culture.

Outdoors Magic combines practical information with inspirational content, featuring carefully curated lists such as “The 11 Finest Walks in the Brecon Beacons,” helping walkers discover the best routes in popular areas like this celebrated Welsh mountain range.

Walking Britain emphasises the diversity of walking experiences available across England, Scotland, and Wales, thoughtfully categorising routes from gentle circular walks to challenging mountain expeditions. UKHillwalking.com complements this with current news and detailed route descriptions, such as their guide to the challenging Wasdale Horseshoe in the Lake District.

For dedicated hikers, sites like Summitsup provide a platform for community engagement, offering trail information and user contributions, though prospective walkers should verify specific route details independently.