Conquer the National Trails series
England and Wales's officially designated long-distance routes, as virtual challenges.
The National Trails are England and Wales's officially designated long-distance walking and cycling routes, from the South Downs chalk ridge to the backbone of the Pennines, from the Thames towpath to the wild Pembrokeshire coast. Conquer all ten and you have walked the finest trails England and Wales have to offer. Route Rally turns each one into a virtual challenge you take on from home, logging everyday miles until you reach the finish. Start with a short chalk ridge, then complete the set with the toughest trail in England.
Routes in this series
- South Downs Way - The classic (161.2 km)
- The Ridgeway - Britain's oldest road (163.7 km)
- Cotswold Way - The rolling one (154.9 km)
- Yorkshire Wolds Way - The quiet one (124.3 km)
- Thames Path - The river one (291.2 km)
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path - The coastal one (284.4 km)
- North Downs Way - The southern one (202.6 km)
- Cleveland Way - The moor and coast (167.7 km)
- Pennine Way - The backbone (396.7 km)
- Offa's Dyke Path - The border (288.7 km)
Complete the set: earn the National Trails Collector passport award
Conquer all ten trails and earn the National Trails Collector stamp, a passport award you keep for life.
Conquer all 10 routes in the National Trails to earn the National Trails Collector stamp, a passport award you keep for life.
Highlights
- Ten officially designated trails to conquer, from 155 km to 397 km
- Complete the set to earn the National Trails Collector award
- Walk, run or cycle your miles from wherever you are
- From the gentle Thames riverside to the high Pennine moors
Common questions
Which National Trail should I start with?
The Cotswold Way and South Downs Way are both around 155-161 km with moderate hills, which makes them good first finishes. The Thames Path is the flattest. The Pennine Way is the longest and toughest.
Do I have to walk them or can I cycle?
Most National Trails are primarily walking and running routes, though several including the Ridgeway, North Downs Way, and Thames Path have sections open to cyclists. Route Rally counts any discipline, walk, run or cycle, towards your virtual distance.
Do I have to be in England or Wales?
Not at all. Every route is a virtual target, so you log your miles wherever you train and watch your progress move along the trail. Your local park runs and weekend rides all count.
What is the Pennine Way?
Britain's first official long-distance trail and its most demanding, running 397 km from Edale in the Peak District north along the spine of the Pennines to the Scottish border. It is considered the benchmark test for serious long-distance walkers.