Rambles from the Rails
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. We’ve teamed up with the lovely team at the Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity, to highlight some of these picturesque routes and provide you with inspiration for your next walking adventure, whether you’re going solo, catching up with friends or taking the whole family.
To access the full route details for most of the walks below you’ll need to become a Ramblers member. Membership starts from just £3.42 per month and allows access to their full route library, jam-packed with thousands of tried and tested routes across Britain. You’ll also receive free access to over 50,000 Ramblers group walks, discounts and offers on walking gear and gadgets and a quarterly Walk magazine. And that’s not all: you’ll also be helping contribute towards the Ramblers’ work in increasing access to green spaces, opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking. Find out more about the Ramblers’ work to open the way for all, and how you can join, by visiting their website.
Scotland
Bridge of Allan to Stirling riverside walk
By train: Strathallan Line
Difficulty: Leisurely 3hrs
A leisurely linear walk from Bridge of Allan railway station to Stirling railway station, following the banks of the picturesque Allan Water and then the River Forth. Route details here…
Pitlochry to Killiecrankie
By train: Highland Main Line
Difficulty: Moderate 6hrs
This walk leaves Pitlochry towards Ben Vrackie before crossing the bealach towards Killiecrankie, providing impressive views, before following the River Garry back to Pitlochry. Route details here…
Tweedbank and the River Tweed
By train: Borders Railway
Difficulty: Leisurely 2hrs 45
This walk takes you from Tweedbank to Melrose along the River Tweed, returning by a network of paths back to the start at Herges on the Loch. Route details here…
North Berwick
By train: East Lothian Line
Difficulty: Moderate 2hr 30
A beautiful walk around North Berwick, through the town centre, along the coast, up onto a hill with stunning scenery, and history. Route details here…
North West
Arnside, Cumbria
By train: Furness Line
Difficulty: Moderate 4hrs 30
A 9-mile circular walk from Arnside via Blackstone Point, Far Arnside, Silverdale and Arnside Knott. Route details here…
Mouldsworth & Manley
By train: Mid Cheshire Line
Difficulty: Easy 50mins
A short stroll around the footpaths and lands of Manley with an opportunity for light refreshment along the way. Route details here…
Glossop to Bleaklow Hill
By train: Glossop Line
Difficulty: Strenuous 8hrs
From Glossop, reach the summit of Bleaklow Hill by way of a steep climb and visiting the Hern Stones and the Wain Stones, before heading back down on the Pennine Way towards Longdendale, where you return by the banks of the reservoirs. Route details here…
Yorkshire & North East
Whernside and Ingleborough from Ribblehead
By train: Settle to Carlisle Railway
Difficulty: Strenuous 6hrs
A strenuous 14 mile walk taking in two of Yorkshire’s famous three peaks in addition to some fine limestone scenery and the splendid Ribblehead Viaduct. Route details here…
Whitby Coast path & Larpool Viaduct
By train: Esk Valley Railway
Difficulty: Leisurely 3hrs 30
Leave the charming coastal town of Whitby behind, passing the historic Abbey and onto the lighthouse. You’ll return via the impressive Larpool Viaduct, walking through the ancient heart of the town before climbing up the famous 199 steps. Route details here…
Victoria Quays, Sheffield
By train: Hope Valley Line & Penistone Line
Difficulty: Leisurely 50mins
Explore the city centre of Sheffield as you take in the Canal Basin at Victoria Quays and the City’s Cultural Quarter around Brown Street. Route details here…
Wales
Ramblers Cymru and Transport for Wales have teamed up to launch 22 walks from railway stations across Wales. The family-friendly or beginner walks (all under 5km) are relatively easy walks starting and finishing from various railway stations across the Wales and Borders network. Highlights include:
Blaenau Ffestiniog
By train: Conwy Valley Line
Difficulty: Medium 2hrs
This route follows the Slate Trail for a short time before climbing to a spectacular view of the Moelwyn Mountains. Returning via pavement back to the town. Route details here…
Criccieth
By train: Cambrian Lines
Difficulty: Easy 1hr
This route follows a mixture of tarmac paths and pavements with the option to head onto the beach. Route details here…
Llandeilo
By train: Heart of Wales Line
Difficulty: Easy 1 hr
This route gives you an accessible option or a walk with woodland pockets as you make your way from the station through Llandeilo to the National Trust site of Dinefwr Park. Route details here…
See the full list of Wales Rambler routes here…
Midlands
Matlock circular
By train: Derwent Valley Line
Difficulty: Moderate 5hrs 30
On this route you’ll pass through delightful villages and enjoy spectacular views over the Amber and Derwent Valleys, climbing though historic Matlock and out into rolling Derbyshire countryside. Route details here…
Leamington Spa to Warwick
By train: Elephant & Bear Line
Difficulty: Leisurely 4hrs 30
Stroll alongside rivers and canals linking Leamington and Warwick and take time to explore the heritage of the two towns. This route offers stunning views of the famous Warwick Castle with a chance to visit the amazing St Mary’s Church. Route details here…
East of England
Ely Cathedral & River Great Ouse
By train: Hereward Line
Difficulty: Leisurely 4hrs 45
This circular walk traces an easy-going route along the banks of the Great Ouse, a haven for wildflowers in spring. It passes distinctive drained fens before entering the city, looping around the cathedral and returning to the riverside. Route details here…
Sheringham to Weybourne circular
By train: Bittern Line
Difficulty: Moderate 3hrs 30
A circular walk from Sheringham, going along the coast to Weybourne and returning via Weybourne Heath and Sheringham Park. Route details here…
South East
Bishopstone
By train: Sussex Downs Line
Difficulty: Moderate 4hrs 5
A circular walk on downland from Bishopstone to Denton, then a walk back through the Ouse Valley Nature Reserve and past the Tide Mills. Route details here…
City tour of St Albans
By train: Abbey Line and Bedford to St Albans City Line
Difficulty: Leisurely 2hrs 5
Explore the beautiful city of St Albans with this route that incorporates a visit to the Roman town of Verulamium and other historic sites. Route details here…
South West
Salisbury stroll
By train: TransWilts Line
Difficulty: Easy 2hrs
This step-free route circles the historic centre of Salisbury. The walk itself takes about an hour but you’re sure to want extra time to explore the historic buildings, linger by the river and maybe even time to shop. Route details here…
Photo: Mark Lynam
Looe circular
By train: Looe Valley Line
Difficulty: Leisurely 3hrs
Starting from Looe railway station, this route takes you five miles along the picturesque and rugged National Trust coastline before returning inland along overgrown bridleway and minor roads on the way back to Looe. Route details here…
Discover more fascinating routes on the Ramblers website and find out how you can become a member here.
