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picking a long distance path

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01 / Original postpicking a long distance pathAmy Radcliff · 17 Feb 2004 02 / This pagePosts 1–20Page 1 of 2 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #24Reid · 24 Feb 2004

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General fitness, health and nutrition
Published
17 February 2004
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24 February 2004
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Amy Radcliff
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  1. Original post
    Amy Radcliff
    Archived post
    #1

    I am planning to go walking in the UK and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer
    comments and suggestions on picking the right route.

    I have walked the Cotswold Way (all of it) and have made numerous other full day walks. I want to go
    with my husband on another long distance walk...the first and main criteria is that it not be too
    difficult--we managed the Cotswold Way without great trouble, but I don't want to do anything more
    strenuous than that, and to be honest, hopefully a little less demanding. In looking obvious at
    possibilities, I see the Thames Path, the Ridge Way, the South Downs and North Downs paths. Any
    other obvious options? And in any case, which would be best?

    I realize best is a hard word to define...aside from hoping to find good pubs with quality real ale
    (seriously, one of the reasons I love Britain is real ale), I don't have any strong preferences
    about what a good way entails.

    One other thing, if I may. I have done the easy bits of some more difficult paths--I particularly
    adored part of the Pembrokeshire Path near St. David, and while I have not walked it, I am intrigued
    by the South West Coast path. Question: do these, or any other more dramatic of the long distance
    paths, lend themselves to picking easy portions? By this I mean, walking for a whole day from place
    A to B, catching a cab from B to C to skip very strenuous walking, and then spending another day
    going from C to D, and so on...that is, at least a whole day walking then taking a cab (rather than
    walking a few hours then taking a cab). Would this be something considering (and any suggestions?)
    or would I better off doing an easier long distance path and just walking it from start to finish? I
    like the integrity of doing the walk without resorting to taxis, but then, I'm not religious on that
    point and would be willing to do it if it meant much better walking overall.

    In total, I wanted to spend 10 days or two weeks walking.

    Again, any comments gratefully received.

    Many thanks Amy

    Report
  2. Scott Leckey
    Archived post
    #2

    The Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path?

    nationaltrail.co.ukindex.htm

    "amy radcliff" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    I am planning to go walking in the UK and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer
    comments and suggestions on picking the right route.

    I have walked the Cotswold Way (all of it) and have made numerous other full day walks. I want to
    go with my husband on another long distance walk...the first and main criteria is that it not be
    too difficult--we managed the Cotswold Way without great trouble, but I don't want to do anything
    more strenuous than that, and to be honest, hopefully a little less demanding. In looking obvious
    at possibilities, I see the Thames Path, the Ridge Way, the South Downs and North Downs paths. Any
    other obvious options? And in any case, which would be best?

    I realize best is a hard word to define...aside from hoping to find good pubs with quality real
    ale (seriously, one of the reasons I love Britain is real ale), I don't have any strong
    preferences about what a good way entails.

    One other thing, if I may. I have done the easy bits of some more difficult paths--I particularly
    adored part of the Pembrokeshire Path near St. David, and while I have not walked it, I am
    intrigued by the South West Coast path. Question: do these, or any other more dramatic of the long
    distance paths, lend themselves to picking easy portions? By this I mean, walking for a whole day
    from place A to B, catching a cab from B to C to skip very strenuous walking, and then spending
    another day going from C to D, and so on...that is, at least a whole day walking then taking a cab
    (rather than walking a few hours then taking a cab). Would this be something considering (and any
    suggestions?) or would I better off doing an easier long distance path and just walking it from
    start to finish? I like the integrity of doing the walk without resorting to taxis, but then, I'm
    not religious on that point and would be willing to do it if it meant much better walking overall.

    In total, I wanted to spend 10 days or two weeks walking.

    Again, any comments gratefully received.

    Many thanks Amy

    Report
  3. Steve Jones
    Archived post
    #3
    Quoted message said:

    One other thing, if I may. I have done the easy bits of some more difficult paths--I particularly
    adored part of the Pembrokeshire Path near St. Davids Question: do these, or any other more
    dramatic of the long distance paths, lend themselves to picking easy portions? By this I mean,
    walking for a whole day from place A to B, catching a cab from B to C to skip very strenuous
    walking, and then spending another day going from C to D, and so on...that is, at least a whole
    day walking then taking a cab (rather than walking a few hours then taking a cab). Would this be
    something considering (and any suggestions?)

    The whole of the north of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has frequent summer bus services which pick
    up and drop off at any point you wish. Visit
    www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/coast_2_coast_2003/wwwroot/english/transport/main.asp for details. The
    advantage of this is that you can set up a base and easily reach your next portion of the path.

    Some parts of the path are strenuous, especially in the North, more so sometimes than many upland
    walks as they have frequent sharp ups and downs. The paths to the south of the county are generally
    much easier and have some fabulous beaches and cliffs (but also lots of holidaymakers). My favourite
    areas are in the north where to go with the grand coastal scenery, one is often treated to solitude
    and sightings of seals and dolphins.

    If you want easy I can only suggest the North or South Downs Way. Being well polulated, public
    transport should'nt be a problem. Not done them myself, I think I'll wait until rheumatism sets in.

    Steve Jones

    Report
  4. John Taverner
    Archived post
    #4

    The PCP, has these summer shuttles, as mentioned.

    I am biased of course. PCP has everything, in May and June, stunning flowers, and birds. My fave
    parts are Strumble to St Davids. Marloes and Dale. Angle to Freshwater Manorbier, I am doing
    Strumble on Friday, the forecast is good and the dog already to go.

    --
    John Taverner Llangwm Pembrokeshire Wales 3m amsl "et in arcadia ego?"

    Report
  5. Katherine
    Archived post
    #5
    amy radcliff said:

    I am planning to go walking in the UK and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer
    comments and suggestions on picking the right route.

    I have walked the Cotswold Way (all of it) and have made numerous other full day walks. I want to
    go with my husband on another long distance walk...the first and main criteria is that it not be
    too difficult--we managed the Cotswold Way without great trouble, but I don't want to do anything
    more strenuous than that, and to be honest, hopefully a little less demanding. In looking obvious
    at possibilities, I see the Thames Path, Again, any comments gratefully received.

    Many thanks Amy


    Take a look at the Thames path at this site:

    fellwalk.co.ukfellwalk.co.uk It is flat, goes through various points of interest: Oxford, William
    Morris' home, etc. and is close to towns and transportation.

    Katherine

    Report
  6. Bob Mannix
    Archived post
    #6

    "Katherine" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:
    amy radcliff said:

    I am planning to go walking in the UK and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer
    comments and suggestions on picking the right route.

    I have walked the Cotswold Way (all of it) and have made numerous other full day walks. I want
    to go with my husband on another long distance walk...the first and main criteria is that it not
    be too difficult--we managed the Cotswold Way without great trouble, but I don't want to do
    anything more strenuous than that, and to be honest, hopefully a little less demanding. In
    looking obvious at possibilities, I see the Thames Path, Again, any comments gratefully
    received.

    Many thanks Amy


    Take a look at the Thames path at this site:

    Hmm, maybe I'm biased, living a mile from the Thames path, but it's a bit, well, boring (after about
    an hour). You can't see much apart from the river (usually). It can also get very muddy in wet
    weather in parts. It is definitely flat though and close to "civilisation" at regular intervals!

    --
    Bob Mannix (anti-spam is as easy as 1-2-3 - not)

    Report
  7. Reid
    Archived post
    #7

    Following up to amy radcliff

    Quoted message said:

    In looking obvious at possibilities, I see the Thames Path,

    It is the easiest! Problems are cost of London accommodation and lack of "wildness" if that
    is an issue.
    --
    Mike Reid Drinking the Thames path "fellwalk.co.ukthames.htm"

    Report
  8. Reid
    Archived post
    #8

    Following up to amy radcliff

    Quoted message said:

    I realize best is a hard word to define...aside from hoping to find good pubs with quality real ale
    (seriously, one of the reasons I love Britain is real ale), I don't have any strong preferences
    about what a good way entails.

    Missed that bit, Thames is as good as any for bitter IMHO. Do you know London, Amy? Great views of
    London sights as you go through. BTW the guide does it Source to Barrier, an approach I strongly
    disagree with. If you want all "country", Windsor to source is a week with a train back.

    --
    Mike Reid Drinking the Thames path "fellwalk.co.ukthames.htm"

    Report
  9. Chris Street
    Archived post
    #9
    amy radcliff said:


    I am planning to go walking in the UK and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer
    comments and suggestions on picking the right route.

    I have walked the Cotswold Way (all of it) and have made numerous other full day walks. I want to
    go with my husband on another long distance walk...the first and main criteria is that it not be
    too difficult--we managed the Cotswold Way without great trouble, but I don't want to do anything
    more strenuous than that, and to be honest, hopefully a little less demanding. In looking obvious
    at possibilities, I see the Thames Path, the Ridge Way, the South Downs and North Downs paths. Any
    other obvious options? And in any case, which would be best?

    I realize best is a hard word to define...aside from hoping to find good pubs with quality real ale
    (seriously, one of the reasons I love Britain is real ale), I don't have any strong preferences
    about what a good way entails.

    One other thing, if I may. I have done the easy bits of some more difficult paths--I particularly
    adored part of the Pembrokeshire Path near St. David, and while I have not walked it, I am
    intrigued by the South West Coast path. Question: do these, or any other more dramatic of the long
    distance paths, lend themselves to picking easy portions? By this I mean, walking for a whole day
    from place A to B, catching a cab from B to C to skip very strenuous walking, and then spending
    another day going from C to D, and so on...that is, at least a whole day walking then taking a cab
    (rather than walking a few hours then taking a cab). Would this be something considering (and any
    suggestions?) or would I better off doing an easier long distance path and just walking it from
    start to finish? I like the integrity of doing the walk without resorting to taxis, but then, I'm
    not religious on that point and would be willing to do it if it meant much better walking overall.

    In total, I wanted to spend 10 days or two weeks walking.

    Again, any comments gratefully received.

    Heart of England Way is semi official and marked on the newest OS maps only.

    jbutler.org.ukhoe heartofenglandway.orgheartofenglandway.org

    Close to the urban centres but the walk is more or less entirely rural in character - few hills but
    quite gentle ones.

    Grand Union canal walk with an excellent website

    waterscape.comGrand Union Canal.html

    I'm biased as I live 20 yards away from it of course but it's very reasonably flat being a canal and
    has excellent pubs etc as narrowboaters also tend to like a good ale now and then, and accomodataion
    is easy enough to find. If you want to go walking it's an interesting mix of urban and countryside -
    tap me for some details of pubs and accomodation around Warwick if you need any more info.

    Quoted message said:


    Many thanks Amy

    --
    79.84% of all statistics are made up on the spot. The other 42% are made up later on. In Warwick -
    looking at flat fields and that includes the castle.

    Report
  10. Reid
    Archived post
    #10

    Following up to Katherine

    Quoted message said:

    Take a look at the Thames path at this site:

    fellwalk.co.ukfellwalk.co.uk It is flat, goes through various points of interest: Oxford, William
    Morris' home, etc. and is close to towns and transportation.

    Ah! You have already mentioned my site, kind Katherine!
    --
    Mike Reid Virtual Thames walk "fellwalk.co.ukthamesphoto.htm"

    Report
  11. Ian Dainty
    Archived post
    #11

    "Bob Mannix" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]

    Quoted message said:

    Hmm, maybe I'm biased, living a mile from the Thames path, but it's a bit, well, boring (after
    about an hour). You can't see much apart from the river (usually). It can also get very muddy in
    wet weather in parts. It is definitely flat though and close to "civilisation" at regular
    intervals!

    I walked it from the Thames Barrier to Chertsey. That took two days at a fast pace. I quite enjoyed
    it. You can get boats to transport you upstream if you don't want to be too religiously completist
    about it. A pretty good pub walk I'd say.

    Ian.

    --
    Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - mailgate.orgmailgate.org

    Report
  12. Reid
    Archived post
    #12

    Following up to Ian Dainty

    Quoted message said:

    A pretty good pub walk I'd say.

    You sum it up sir! What I also like is the progression from industrial to City to rural with the
    pubs progressing in the same way.
    --
    Mike Reid Virtual Thames walk "fellwalk.co.ukthamesphoto.htm"

    Report
  13. John Williams
    Archived post
    #13

    amy radcliff <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
    . In looking obvious at

    Quoted message said:

    possibilities, I see the Thames Path, the Ridge Way, the South Downs and North Downs paths. Any
    other obvious options? And in any case, which would be best?

    The Ridgeway is a good walk, very enjoyable and with a bit of ancient history thrown in. The western
    half is generally easy hill top walking. It's hillier where it follows the Chiltern Hills between
    Wallingford and Ivinghoe, but nothing too strenuous.

    Report
  14. Amy Radcliff
    Archived post
    #14

    just to say thank you to everyone for taking the time to offer comments (though more are of course
    more than welcome).

    amy radcliff said:


    I am planning to go walking in the UK and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer
    comments and suggestions on picking the right route.

    I have walked the Cotswold Way (all of it) and have made numerous other full day walks. I want to
    go with my husband on another long distance walk...the first and main criteria is that it not be
    too difficult--we managed the Cotswold Way without great trouble, but I don't want to do anything
    more strenuous than that, and to be honest, hopefully a little less demanding. In looking obvious
    at possibilities, I see the Thames Path, the Ridge Way, the South Downs and North Downs paths. Any
    other obvious options? And in any case, which would be best?

    I realize best is a hard word to define...aside from hoping to find good pubs with quality real ale
    (seriously, one of the reasons I love Britain is real ale), I don't have any strong preferences
    about what a good way entails.

    One other thing, if I may. I have done the easy bits of some more difficult paths--I particularly
    adored part of the Pembrokeshire Path near St. David, and while I have not walked it, I am
    intrigued by the South West Coast path. Question: do these, or any other more dramatic of the long
    distance paths, lend themselves to picking easy portions? By this I mean, walking for a whole day
    from place A to B, catching a cab from B to C to skip very strenuous walking, and then spending
    another day going from C to D, and so on...that is, at least a whole day walking then taking a cab
    (rather than walking a few hours then taking a cab). Would this be something considering (and any
    suggestions?) or would I better off doing an easier long distance path and just walking it from
    start to finish? I like the integrity of doing the walk without resorting to taxis, but then, I'm
    not religious on that point and would be willing to do it if it meant much better walking overall.

    In total, I wanted to spend 10 days or two weeks walking.

    Again, any comments gratefully received.

    Many thanks Amy

    Report
  15. Nick Kew
    Archived post
    #15

    In article <[email hidden]>,

    (John Williams) said:

    The Ridgeway is a good walk,

    You mean they've got rid of all the 4x4s that turn it into a motorway with added mud? Or do you love
    the aroma of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particle emissions?

    --
    Nick Kew

    Report
  16. Steve Watson
    Archived post
    #16

    Being a Northerner I might be biased, but consider the following routes. All
    are easy to follow, well supplied with pubs and B & Bs, not too remote from
    transport links and each rewarding moderate effort with superb countryside:

    Yorkshire Wolds Way

    woldsway.gov.ukwoldsway.gov.uk

    Cumbria Way

    ramblers.org.ukcumbria.html

    contours-hiking-tours.comcumbria way.htm

    Dales Way

    ramblers.org.ukdales.html

    thedalesway.co.ukthedalesway.co.uk

    Steve Watson

    Report
  17. Reid
    Archived post
    #17

    Following up to Nick Kew

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    The Ridgeway is a good walk,

    You mean they've got rid of all the 4x4s that turn it into a motorway with added mud? Or do you
    love the aroma of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particle emissions?

    Exaggeration, I think I saw 1, maybe 2 vehicles when I did the Ridgeway.
    --
    Mike Reid "Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso Walking, Wasdale, Thames path, London
    etc "fellwalk.co.ukfellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site Spain, food and walking "fell-fell-
    walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

    Report
  18. Reid
    Archived post
    #18

    Following up to Steve Watson

    Quoted message said:

    Being a Northerner I might be biased,

    Surely that has never happened :-)

    Of course the north has the best walking, (if harder though) but that foam on the beer? Tut, tut.
    --
    Mike Reid "Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso Walking, Wasdale, Thames path, London
    etc "fellwalk.co.ukfellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site Spain, food and walking "fell-fell-
    walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

    Report
  19. Katherine
    Archived post
    #19
    amy radcliff said:

    just to say thank you to everyone for taking the time to offer comments (though more are of course
    more than welcome).

    Do let us know what you decided on and how it went.

    Katherine

    Report
  20. John Williams
    Archived post
    #20

    [email hidden] (Nick Kew) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:

    In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden]

    (John Williams) said:

    The Ridgeway is a good walk,

    You mean they've got rid of all the 4x4s that turn it into a motorway with added mud? Or do you
    love the aroma of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particle emissions?

    That wasn't my experience, and I'd like to see a 4x4 negotiate the Chiltern half!

    Report

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