Explanation of the Difficulty Rating.
Distance: 23 miles (37 km)
Location: Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England), Snowdon (Wales)
Best Time to Do It: June to September
Difficulty: 5
Reason: Involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. Requires excellent fitness, navigation skills, and preparation.
About: Climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. It’s known for its challenging nature and spectacular views, attracting many charity events.
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The challenging terrain and steep ascents require a high level of physical fitness.
Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
Location: Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland
Best Time to Do It: May to October
Difficulty: 4
Reason: Long distance with varied terrain including mountains and moors. Demands good endurance and preparation.
About: Offers stunning views of lochs, glens, and mountains. It’s popular for its scenic beauty but requires good preparation due to its length and varied terrain.
Accessibility: Generally not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility impairments due to rough and uneven terrain. Some sections may be manageable with assistance.
Distance: 192 miles (309 km)
Location: St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire
Best Time to Do It: May to September
Reason: Traverses three national parks with significant distance and varied landscapes. Requires good navigation and physical endurance.
About: Traverses three national parks with varied landscapes and cultural heritage. Requires good navigation skills and endurance.
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The varied terrain and length of the walk make it suitable only for those with good physical fitness.
Distance: 630 miles (1014 km)
Location: Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset
Best Time to Do It: April to October
Reason: The UK’s longest national trail with rugged coastal paths, frequent ascents, and descents. Demands excellent fitness and endurance.
About: The UK’s longest national trail, known for its coastal views and diverse wildlife. It’s a major undertaking but highly rewarding.
Accessibility: Generally, not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The rugged terrain and frequent elevation changes require significant physical effort.
Distance: 84 miles (135 km)
Location: Wallsend to Bowness on Solway
Difficulty: 3
Reason: Moderate distance with some elevation. Suitable for those with good fitness and an interest in history.
About: Follows the remnants of the Roman wall, offering a mix of history and scenic beauty. It’s less strenuous but offers a unique cultural experience.
Accessibility: Some sections are accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments, particularly around visitor centres. However, most parts have uneven terrain and will require assistance and are not advised for those with mobility impairments.
Distance: 268 miles (431 km)
Location: Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border
Reason: Long distance with challenging terrain including moors and mountains. Requires excellent fitness and endurance.
About: The UK’s first national trail, known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. It’s a serious test of endurance.
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The challenging terrain and long distance are suitable only for those with excellent physical fitness.
Distance: 184 miles (296 km)
Location: Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London
Best Time to Do It: Year round
Difficulty: 2
Reason: Relatively flat and accessible, but the length can be challenging for some. Suitable for most people with regular exercise habits.
About: Follows the River Thames through varied landscapes, including rural countryside and urban areas. It’s accessible and offers a mix of experiences.
Accessibility: Largely accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments, especially in urban sections. Some rural parts may have uneven surfaces.
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
Location: Derbyshire, Peak District
Best Time to Do It: Year-round
Difficulty: 1 (Easy)
Reason: A flat, well-maintained path along a disused railway line. Suitable for all fitness levels, offering beautiful views of the Peak District.
About: a flat, well-maintained path along a disused railway line, the Monsal Trail is accessible for all fitness levels. It offers stunning views of the Peak District and passes through several old railway tunnels and viaducts.
Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchairs, prams, and those with mobility impairments. The flat, well-maintained path is suitable for all.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Location: Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Reason: Gentle slopes and clear paths make this an accessible walk. Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
About: The Malvern Hills offer gentle slopes and clear paths, making them accessible for walkers of all abilities.
Accessibility: Some paths are accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments. However, some areas may have steep sections or uneven ground. For trails that are wheelchair and pram accessible, go to the trails at Earnslaw Quarry car park and Black Hill car park.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Location: Surrey Hills, near Dorking
Difficulty: 2 (Moderate)
Reason: The walk includes sections with moderate inclines and descents, which may require a reasonable level of fitness.
About: This circular walk starts and ends at Box Hill, taking you through woodlands, open fields, and along the River Mole. It offers stunning views from Box Hill and interesting features like Stepping Stones and the Old Fort.
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility impairments. Moderate inclines and uneven terrain require a reasonable level of fitness.