Championing National Trails across the UK
We strengthen the UK’s National Trails so they can sustainably provide greater benefits for people and nature, advocate for their preservation and enhancement, and inspire more people to use them as a gateway to the great outdoors.
Championing and supporting the National Trail network
The National Trails are inspirational, designated long distance routes covering over 6000 miles of rural, urban and coastal environments across the UK. They allow millions of people to experience the nations’ spectacular habitats, diverse communities and unique heritage.
National Trails UK is the membership organisation for the National Trails. We are the only dedicated advocate for the National Trails in England, Scotland and Wales, working with and supporting the National Trails. Together, we are working to make sure National Trails are truly accessible to all, delivering for people and for nature.
Protecting and promoting National Trails
We work tirelessly to advocate for the preservation and promotion of National Trails. Our goal is to ensure that these trails are protected and accessible, so that everyone can experience the beauty and benefits National Trails offer.
Securing the future of National Trails
We are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of National Trails. Through our initiatives, we strive to secure funding for ongoing trail maintenance and improvement, protecting and restoring the natural environment while also removing barriers to access.
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Collaborating for trail success
Strong partnerships are essential for the success of National Trails. We work closely with members to co-create meaningful member benefits, and with our partners to develop and implement strategies that enhance the trail network and provide positive experiences for trail users.
Proud to work with partners
Learn more about the National Trails
There are 20 National Trails across the UK. They are are managed by National Trail Partnerships to a high set of quality standards that set them apart from other routes. In England and Wales, National Trails receive some funding for repair and maintenance from Natural England and Natural Resources Wales. In Scotland, there is no ringfenced funding for the National Trails; funding for the core path network is allocated to councils.
Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way cover 78 miles between Fort William and Inverness, and is the only National Trail to have an associated canoe trail.
Cleveland Way
The second National Trail to open, the Cleveland Way links Hemsley and Filey in North Yorkshire, skirting the edge of the North York Moors National Park for 110 miles.
Pennine Bridleway
The only National Trail specially designed for horse riders, the Pennine Bridleway is a linear path of 205 miles, which also includes two loops; the Mary Towley Loop and the Settle Loop.
Hadrian's Wall Path
Shadowing Hadrian's Wall, the defensive wall built by the Romans on the then northern boarder of their empire, Hadrian's Wall Path is recognised as part of the World Heritage Site, and runs for 84 miles between Wallsend and Bowness-on-Solway.
Glyndŵr’s Way
Named after the 15th century Welsh Prince, Glyndŵr's Way is 135 miles and links Offa's Dyke Path at Knighton with Welshpool, via Machynlleth, where Glyndŵr held his parliament in 1404.
Pennine Way
The first National Trail, opened in 1965, the Pennine Way stretches for 268 miles between Edale in the Peak District, over the Scottish Boarder to Kirk Yetholm.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The first National Trail in Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path links visitors to the coast with maritime, industrial and natural heritage for 186 miles, between St Dogmaels and Amroth.
Cotswold Way
Tracing the line of the Cotswolds escarpment for 102 miles between Bath and Chipping Campden, the Cotswold Way offers views towards the River Severn and Malvern Hills, especially on crisp autumn days.
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Combining two National Trails, the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddars Way take in a Roman Road, tidal marshes and sandy beaches for 130 miles between Knettishall and Hunstanton.
King Charles III England Coast Path
The newest National Trail is the King Charles III England Coast Path, renamed in 2023 to celebrate the King’s coronation
North Downs Way
Following the ridge of the North Downs and in the footsteps of hundreds of years of pilgrimage, the North Downs way offers 153 miles of routes between Farnham, Canterbury and Dover.
Offa's Dyke Path
Offa's Dyke Path wends through the Marches for 177 miles, the border region between England and Wales, and takes its name from the Dyke which King Offa had built in the 8th century.
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South Downs Way
The only National Trail that is entirely within a National Park, and almost entirely offroad, the South Downs Way runs between Winchester and Beachy Head for 100 miles.
Thames Path
Connecting the Woolwich Foot tunnel to the source of the Thames near Kemble, the Thames Path follows the river along 185.2 miles, passing through historic villages, towns and cities.
Southern Upland Way
The longest of the Scottish National Trails, and considered by many to be to be the most remote, the Southern Uplands Way is a 214 mile route linking Portpatrick and Cockburnspath.
South West Coast Path
Winding along the coast for 630 miles, between Minehead in Somerset and Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is currently the longest of the National Trails.
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Yorkshire Wolds Way
The shortest National Trail, the Yorkshire Wolds Way passes through 79 miles of chalklands before connecting at Filey with the Cleveland Way.
Speyside Way
Primarily following the River Spey on it's route between Buckie and Newtonmore for 85 miles, the Speyside Way is long associated with whisky as it passes many distilleries that produce Speyside single malts.
Discover exciting opportunities to support our National Trails
At National Trails UK, we are working to deliver a highly valued National Trails network, used and valued by everyone. But we cannot do this alone. It costs over £6 million a year to maintain the National Trails in England alone. That does not cover any additional work to make the National Trails more accessible, or projects to engage with National Trails users old and new. To make sure that more people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, can enjoy our National Trails, we are looking to work with Corporate partners and individual supporters to help us realise our vision.