Discover the Walking Paradise of Britain

Britain is a paradise for walkers, intersected by a myriad of paths ideal for short countryside excursions, multi-day hikes, and everything in between. This remarkable network of routes leads travelers through iconic landscapes and historical monuments, from the stunning Seven Sisters to the historic Hadrian’s Wall. Soon, an entire circuit of the country will be accessible with the emergence of the England Coast Path, set to be the longest managed and waymarked coastal path in the world when it opens.

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly transformed how people navigate their surroundings, consequently igniting interest in walking and cycling. Britain’s 200,000 km of public access paths are now primed to play a larger role in how individuals explore the country.

Initiated by ‘guerilla geographer’ Daniel Raven-Ellison, the new Slow Ways network accommodates 7,000 walking routes that interlink approximately 2,500 towns, cities, and vital locales throughout the nation. While some of these paths have existed for thousands of years, they are being revitalized as part of this innovative network.

Raven-Ellison explains the vision behind the Slow Ways, stating, “The aim is to encourage more people to experience walking and discover new places. While many will use them for leisure, I remember the original purpose of these paths: enabling people to walk to nearby locations to visit family, trade, or work.” Moreover, although the idea of creating a walking network has been in the making for several years, the initial draft of all routes was compiled within three months during the UK’s lockdown, supported by 700 volunteers utilizing maps from Britain’s national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey.

Raven-Ellison and the dedicated volunteers are actively refining the routes. This autumn, he aims to enlist an additional 10,000 walkers to explore and test the trails. The draft map encompasses 100,000 km of routes—roughly 2.5 laps around the equator. Individuals interested in contributing can learn more on the Slow Ways section of Dan’s website.

Raven-Ellison emphasizes, “We should be able to walk safely, directly, and enjoyably to neighboring settlements. If these paths enrich our lives and enhance our environment, we should wholeheartedly embrace walking as a sustainable travel option.” Furthermore, he hopes the Slow Ways initiative inspires more individuals to navigate the country by foot, not just for leisure but also for practical purposes.

As lockdowns ease worldwide, the planet adjusts to a new normal. Discover how the pandemic is influencing travel and outdoor activities.