On our walks we pass along portions of a number of long distance national trails and footpaths. These are marked on OS maps with green diamonds. On the ground they usually benefit from frequent waymarks (hence their other name, waymarked trails!).
Although we’ve not walked any in their entirety, some people do and you may find yourself on our site researching sections of these trails.
Where we’ve covered a portion of a certain footpath, the link to the corresponding write up is linked below.
Devon Long Distance Footpaths
South West Coast Path
At 630 miles, the South West Coast path is Britain’s longest national trail, and runs through four counties. We’ve walked lots of it over the years, though only one part features so far on our blog:
Thurlestone/South Milton Sands to Bantham Beach / Bantham Sands Northbound for 2.1 miles
Essex Long Distance Footpaths
Essex Way
This long-distance footpath takes its name from the county itself! The 82 mile route starts in Epping and finishes in Harwich, crossing agricultural land and picturesque Essex villages.
Wrabness Nature Reserve to Ramsey – Eastbound for 4.8 miles
Harcamlow Way
The Harcamlow Way is a figure of eight footpath that crosses three counties; Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. The cross-over mid-point of the two loops is Newport but the peculiar name comes from it being a route from Harlow to Cambridge and back again. The route is 141 miles long.
Bartlow to Ashdon – Southbound – 4 miles
Saffron Trail
The Saffron Trail intercepts Essex, starting at Southend-on-Sea in the South and finishing in Saffron Walden, hence the name. The 70 mile walk is varied; starting at the coast and passing through built up urban towns, countryside, and picturesque Essex villages.
Hadleigh Park to Old Leigh via Hadleigh Castle – eastbound for 2.3 miles
Thames Estuary Path
The Thames Estuary Path runs between Tilbury town and Leigh-on-Sea, a total distance of 29 miles.
St. Peter’s Way
St. Peter’s Way is named after the ancient Chapel of St. Peter on-the-Wall, Bradwell; the start/end point of this route. Chipping Ongar is 45 miles away at the other end of the route.
Tillingham Church to Chapel of St. Peter on the Wall – westbound – the last 4.8 miles of the route.
Suffolk Long Distance Footpaths
Stour Valley Way
The Stour Valley Way stretches through the Dedham Vale AONB. The 60 mile route follows the valley sides of the River Stour through the Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire countryside.
Flatford to Denham – 1.5 miles along the River Stour – note Fen Bridge was closed so the path was done in two short sections