What makes a good long-distance walking trail?

As with most things, this is a matter of opinion, but here are my thoughts based on 25 years of long distance walking.

1. Scenic highlights

For many this will be the whole point of walking a trail. And long distance trails invariably have them, though you must also be prepared sometimes for duller parts in between.

2. Variety

In my view, the best long distance walks should have a range of different landscapes and terrains, not necessarily all on the same day, but between days. One of the benefits of a long distance walk is that rather than walking round in a circle back to your starting point, you are moving on and it is often surprising how in a few miles the terrain can change completely.

One of the best examples of this is the Coast to Coast walk, which passes through three national parks and a lot of places in between. You go from coast to lake, to fell, to moorland, farmland, river bank many times and it never gets boring.

Approaching the end of the coast to Coast walk near Robin Hood’s Bay

3. Less-explored places

Let’s face it, we have all been to scenic spots only to find that dozens, maybe scores of people have had the same idea. What is nice about many long distance walks is they can take you to places off the beaten track, far from a car park, or less well known.

The Scottish Borders are a much underrated area for walking

Alternatively, time your long distance hike so that you visit ‘honey pot’ areas midweek outside of school holidays. You’d be surprised how much difference it makes. And thankfully, usually, day trippers can be a bit unimaginative and once you are a little way from the car park they thin out anyway.

Malham Cove, eerily surrounded in mist, midweek in September 2014.

4. A purpose to aim for, or a feature to follow

Many, if not most , long distance trails have an ostensible purpose, whether it’s traversing an area or walking coast to coast, following a historic route or natural feature like the Ridgeway or Hadrian’s Wall.

This adds to a sense of satisfaction for the walker, gives you something to aim for, and can make the end seem more satisfying rather than a bit of an anti-climax.

5. Interesting places to stay

While not essential, interesting places to stay- either accommodation, or towns or villages- can add much to the experience of a long distance walk. If you’re doing a walk of more than a week, and some long days, a rest day , but where there is something to do, can be a nice change and give your feet a rest.

The Brocken hotel, in an old East German listening post near the former GDR border

6. Bag carrying service

Some people make a virtue out of being self sufficient, simply enjoy camping, or want to save money. But having only rarely carried everything I need for a multi day trek on my back, I can assure you that it is always more enjoyable to have a light day sack and let someone else drive your bags onto the next base. It’s rarely more than about £20 a day if there are two or more of you, and in my view well worth every penny.

Walking on the Routeburn Track, New Zealand, carrying our own food and cooking gear

The Clockmakers’ trail, in the Black Forest, where our overnight bags were driven on for us

7. Days not too long

It is surprising what you sometimes feel is possible when planning a walk. The reality is that walking for more than 8 or 9 hours a day is going to leave you tired, and rushed for time when you arrive at your overnight stop, besides , depending on the time of year, risking running out of daylight.

Don’t be over ambitious with your rate of walking. Learn what your average speed over a day is on the flat, and up and down hill is, and plan accordingly. Allow a little extra for getting off track, and for pauses for lunch or snacks. Don’t simply look at the mileage and remember to keep track of you pace as the day progresses. A gps is ideal for this.

The end of a long day on the Southern Upland Way, approaching the Tibbie Shiels Inn on St Mary’s Loch after a 22 mile, 10 hour walk from Moffat

8. Choose your companion(s) carefully

Last but not least, make sure , if you are walking with other people, that your capabilities, stamina, health, interest and expectations are similar. With a long distance walk it’s more than a holiday, where you can find even your best friend starts to get on your nerves. I’ve seen couples arguing with one another , one of them threatening to give up, not least because one other did not realise what the distance and the experience would be like. My daughter experienced the frictions of a Duke of Edinburgh camping weekend with disagreements over which way to go. Make sure you do at least one full comparable walking day together first, using the same gear you plan to take. Out in the middle of nowhere it won’t be possible to fix a leaky boot easily or stop a walk early with no means of transport onward.

But don’ t let this put you off.

There are some great long distance walks out there, many in the UK, and once you have the bug you won’t’ t look back.