Wonderful walks by train
There’s something special about heading off on the train for an outdoor adventure.
Whether you want to catch up with friends, have some time to yourself or burn off some energy with the kids, taking the train transforms your journey into a sustainable, healthy way to travel. You may even be treated to some great views along the way!
Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike, family-friendly ramble, historic trail or relaxing coastal path, there are so many wonderful walks that are easy to reach from railway stations across Britain.
With the help of community rail partnerships and local station volunteer groups, (find out more) we’ve included a selection of ideas below to inspire you for your next walking adventure.
Walks from railway stations
Step off the train and you’ll be at the start of these wonderful walks, making them perfect for a day out. Explore the local area on a selection of linear and circular walks that use the railway station as a starting point.
Scotland
Strathallan, Scotland
See panoramic views from the summit of Dumyat, take a woodland walk from Dunblane and discover hidden gems as you explore on foot.
Find out more…
West Highland Line
Regarded as one of the world’s most impressive railway journeys, the West Highland Line delivers you from Glasgow straight to the rugged landscapes of the Southern Scottish Highlands, perfect for hill walkers and climbers.
Find out more…
Glennfinnan Viaduct, West HIghland Line | Photo: Pixabay
Wales
Heart of Wales Line Trail
This long-distance 141-mile trail weaves between stations along the line, but can be easily separated into smaller routes, providing walkers with impressive views of the lush Welsh countryside.
Find out more…
Conwy Valley and North West Wales
Stretching from the North Wales coast to Snowdonia National Park, the Conwy Valley Railway delivers picture-perfect views across mountains, lakes, forests and valleys just waiting to be explored on foot.
Find out more…
For more inspiration on how you can sustainably explore Wales by train, bus and heritage railways head to the Wales on Rails website.
Heart of Wales Trail
Yorkshire & North East
Leeds to Morecambe (The Bentham Line)
A series of rail-to-trail self-guided walks through Lancashire and Yorkshire countryside following ancient paths across the Lune, Wenning, Ribble and Aire valleys.
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Penistone Line
Explore the textile town of Huddersfield, admire stone-built villages and spend time in beautiful Yorkshire countryside along the Penistone Line Trail.
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Bentham Line
North West
Self-guided Lancashire walks
Uncover hidden gems along the Burnley Way, have a day at the seaside in St Annes, explore wetlands and waterways in West Lancashire and lots more walking routes suitable for all ages.
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Cumbrian coast and countryside walks
Experience the beauty of the Lakes Line, Furness Line and Cumbrian Coast Line as you take the train before grabbing your walking boots and exploring further on foot.
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St Anne’s Pier
Midlands
North Staffordshire Rail to Trail
Get a flavour of what Staffordshire and Cheshire have to offer as you explore lush grasslands, picturesque villages and market towns with these short walks from stations.
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Derwent Valley Line
Explore Cromford to Whatstandwell station to station walk along the picturesque Cromform Canal, perfect for a summer stroll. Get closer to nature in Attenborough and explore the local nature reserve, only 5 minutes from the station. For a longer walk, join the Derwent Valley Heritage Way for 55 miles of beautiful scenery.
Find out more…
Derwent Valley Line
Heart of England Rail Trails
Explore historic Stratford-upon-Avon, discover Riversley Park in Nuneaton or see the narrow boats pass by on the Grand Union.
Hope Valley Line
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the Hope Valley Line has plenty to offer walkers. Edale and Hope had key roles in the ‘right to roam’ movement including the Kinder Mass Trespass and Clarion Ramblers. Step into the pages of Jane Eyre and discover where author Charlotte Bronte got her inspiration for one of the world’s most famous romance novels with a walk along the Jane Eyre Hathersage Trail. For walking routes accessible to all, see Miles without Stiles: Peak District National Park.
Find out more…
Heart of England walks
East of England
Essex & South Suffolk
From wildlife watching along the River Stour to history hunting in Harwich, explore Essex and South Suffolk on foot with these fascinating walking routes.
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East Suffolk Lines
Go on an adventure in East Anglia as you navigate gentle rolling hills, undisturbed ancient woodlands, tidal estuaries and coastal heathland, uncovering many places that are only accessible on foot.
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East Suffolk Lines walks
South East
South Downs
Get closer to nature and explore the beautiful South Downs National Park and Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with easy access from the aptly named Surrey Hills to South Downs Railway.
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Look out for the Brighton & Hove Walking Festival (until 9 July) providing free to join guided walks around the area. Find out more…
1066 Line
26 July 2023 – join a guided four-mile walk starting from stunning Battle Abbey. From here you’ll walk over to the railway station to learn more about the progress of the station house refurbishment. You’ll then catch the train to Crowhurst to see the newly installed historic village map. From Crowhurst you’ll make the steady walk back to Battle via beautiful footpaths, ancient woodlands and the historic Battlefields. Get in touch with Southeast Communities Rail Partnership for more info…
Abbey Line Trail
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the capital and experience the Abbey Line Trail. In less than 30 minutes by train from London, you’ll arrive at Watford Junction ready to start a relaxing 9-mile walk to St Albans Abbey Station, passing lush countryside in the Colne and Ver valleys along the way.
Find out more…
Swale Line
Uncover one of Kent’s lesser-known beaches as you travel along the picturesque Swale Line to reach Sheerness Beach. Just under a 15-minute walk from Sheerness-on-Sea railway station, this beautiful shingle beach is great for a coastal walk and boasts views out towards the Essex coastline.
Find out more…
Abbey Line Trail
South West
Devon & Cornwall walking routes
Explore the best of Devon and Cornwall by foot with a selection of self-guided walks. Take a scenic train trip and enjoy the great outdoors as you discover hidden gems from St Ives to Barnstaple and everywhere in between.
Find out more…
Blackmore Vale
Take a trip along the charming Blackmore Vale Line and leave the train at Gillingham, a Walkers are Welcome town in Dorset. Plan your visit around the annual Walking Festival taking place 2 – 9 September, proving a rich programme of free guided walks for all ages and abilities throughout the week.
Find out more…
Head to Tisbury, also along the Blackmore Vale Line, and explore the beautiful Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at your own pace.
Further reading
Find more wonderful walking inspiration below:
Good Journey guest blog –Â read here
From Rail to Trail in the Chilterns guest blog –Â read here
Explore Kentish Wildlife Reserves on foot –Â read here
Exploring the Aire Valley guest blog –Â read here
More walking routes –Â read here
