England isn't called the green and pleasant land for nothing. If you walk through England's towering hills and moorlands or along its cliff-guarded shoreline, you'll see how well this line comes from the country's favorite hymn.
From the valleys of the Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales to the white cliffs of Dover, the terrain here is lush and emerald green.
A good map, comfortable hiking boots and waterproofs are up to the challenge of the English climate, and you don't need much more to start. The best walking trails in England are listed here.
Make the most out of every adventure with help from our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.There are a lot of walking trails in England, connecting gorgeous landscapes, historic sights, stunning national parks and charming country villages.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act states that walking is a legal right in england. Hikers in England's national parks have the right to roam without having to pay entry fees.
The trails are well-maintained and most are clearly marked. You can start a multi-day hiking adventure from almost anywhere in the country, camping or stopping in country pubs if you have sturdy footwear, a compass and a good map.
The guidelines of the Countryside Code include advice on crossing farmland, sticking to pathways and protecting nature.
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Moderate for 8 miles (13 km).
The Peak District is a collection of classic English landscapes, from the Dark Peak in the north to the White Peak in the south. If you don't want to compete for camping spots, you can go for a walk on the green hills in the summer if you prefer.
The highest peak in the Peak District is Mam Tor, which rises above Edale. You can take the train from London,Liverpool,Sheffield or Manchester and be on the slopes within minutes, following stone pathways to the summit and returning via the villages of Castleton and Hope in around 5 hours.
The fight for the "right to roam" began when hundreds of English walkers walked to the exposed Kinder Scout, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The great Kinder Trespass of 1932 is still considered to be one of the greatest of all time.
It is possible to walk any section in 5 days.
Hadrian's Wall may have been built to divide the English from the Scots, but it is south of the 21st century border. This impressive military and psychological barrier was built by the Romans between 122CE and 128CE. During the peak season from May to October, the national trail that follows the wall attracts an army of modern-day walkers.
There is plenty of time to explore the rich archaeological heritage along the route, which takes five to seven days on foot. The ruins of the Roman fort at Housesteads, the temple of Mithras at Brocolitia Fort, and the Vindolanda museum are some of the essential stops.
The undulating countryside and sense of mission that comes from walking the entire length of England's "great wall" can be found in between the pockets of Roman history. If time or fitness levels prevent you from doing the whole trek, you can either walk out and back or arrange a taxi to get you back to your departure point.
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A day walk along a section is moderate.
The hills of England's north aren't the only great walking country. The South Downs Way goes across a series of chalk ridges from Winchester to the famous white cliffs of Dover and is easy to reach from London. You can take a one-hour train ride from London Waterloo to Winchester and then go to the top of the Seven Sisters in nine days. The Seven Sisters section can be walked in reverse as a day walk if you take the train down to Eastbourne.
chalk grassland isquintessentially English. It's easy to forget that this place was the site of gunfire during the Battle of Britain. One of the best places to stay on the trail is the Beachy Head guesthouse, which is one of England's most nostalgic.
A day walk along a section is moderate.
The South West Coast Path is a great place to get away from it all. The route starts in Minehead on the north side of the peninsula and goes on to take in dozens of fishing villages, peaceful coves, rocky headlands and holiday destinations.
Some of the most impressive sea cliffs can be found on the section from Minehead to Westward Ho! Some of Britain's best fossil-hunting along the Jurassic Coast can be found along the stretch from Exmouth toLyme. There are falcons, gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots on the shoreline, and seals, dolphins and basking sharks can be seen in the waters offshore.
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If you're fit, you can take 8 miles to either peak.
There are a lot of people vying for the title of best hike in the Lake District. When scrambling along the scalpel-thin Striding Edge, the trek up 950m (3117ft) Helvellyn comes top for untamed drama. Either route can be accomplished in a strenuous day, with five to seven hours of hard trekking required to reach the top, and back down to a village pub to celebrate.
The most popular ascent route starts at Wasdale Head, but there are four other alternatives. You can find the trail at the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre on Ullswater. In rain, walking can be torturous, but on dry days, the views can be amazing. Bring waterproofs, food, water, and a map and compass.
It takes 24 miles, 12 hours or less.
It's a challenge to focus the mind. More than 200,000 hikers have climbed the summits of Pen-y-ghent in less than 12 hours. You can join the Three Peaks Challenge if you clock in and clock out at the Pen-y-Ghent Cafe in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
A test of endurance in the Yorkshire Dales is something you might want to consider. The Three Peaks Race takes place on the last Saturday in April, so join the fell runners and run the route. When the race was first held in 1954, it had a limit of six entrants and a course record of two hours, 46 minutes and three seconds.
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From 15 days, the trip is moderate.
The hills of Shropshire are just as dramatic and less crowded than the peaks of the Peak District. Nestled against the Welsh border, the county rises in a series of steep ridges, divided by winding rivers, ruined castles and slumbering villages where you can stop overnight and sample some of the famous real beers. Even in the summer, there is little competition for a bed or a table for dinner because the walking trails are rarely busy.
The more dramatic southern section takes in the scenery of Church Stretton and the Clun Valley, while the less dramatic northern section starts and ends in Shrewsbury. The southern leg goes from the west side of the Long Mynd to the town of Ludlow, home to gourmet restaurants and an annual food festival.
It's easy to walk one way for 84 miles.
Some walks don't have to go up hill and down dale. The Norfolk Coast Path passes through a landscape of sandy spits, pine forests and dense, reed-filled coastal marshes that are home to some of Britain's most famous birdlife. Between Hunstanton and Hopton-on-Sea, you can see everything from bitterns to marsh harriers with binoculars.
This week-long walk through Norfolk links together a string of historic beach resorts and the stunning sands in front of the stately home of Holkham Hall. North Norfolk is famous for its seafood, particularly Brancaster oysters.
The article was first published in June of 2021.
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