Planning walks where you can leave the car at home is about opening areas of the countryside for everyone. For those who haven’t got access to a car, or find driving cross-country more than just a bit of a chore. We want to prove to you that you don’t need to get behind the wheel to find stunning walks right off the beaten track.
Whether you’re walking across Scotland, coast to coast, or delighting in a riverside amble alongside the Thames, by taking public transport instead of a car, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint whilst also being able to take in the view, sip a coffee, read a book, have a snooze – everything you can’t do while driving!
We’ve put together these routes with ease of access in mind, and you’ll find multiple convenient start/finish points stationed along the route: great entry points for an easy weekend escape, getting to know the local landscape step by step and experiencing the warm welcome of the B&B’s and country houses of the area.
So why not leave the car at home, and make time to sit back, relax and watch the landscape roll by – ready to step out onto some of the most beautiful stretches of countryside across the UK with these routes designed for leaving the car at home.
Nearest Train Stations: Winchester & Eastbourne
Blow away the cobwebs with an invigorating walk through the UK's newest National Park, a blend of clifftop walking, woodland trails and wide open hills - all served by a frequent train service at either end of the path in Winchester and Eastbourne as well as its own dedicated National Park bus service.
From £675 pp
Nearest Train Stations: North Queensferry & Leuchars
A short change at Edinburgh Waverley brings you onto your first steps across the wild coastline of Fife, encountering hidden coves, castles and the colourful fishing villages that make up your journey through this unspoilt corner of Britain to the university town of St Andrews.
From £1210 pp
Nearest Train Stations: Porthmadog & Machynlleth
Leaving the car at home is no obstacle to finding a great walk off the beaten track, and it's in the coastal castles, beautiful views over the mountains and the wild, remote scenery of Meirionnydd that you truly get a sense of how easy it is find a peaceful idyll without having to get behind the steering wheel.
From £830 pp
Nearest Train Stations: Kemble, Oxford & Hampton Court
The Thames Path is extremely well served by transport links across its length, with rail outposts stationed in the charming riverside villages and towns found along the way. This level of accessibility, as well as the gentle nature of the route itself makes for an ideal introduction to long-distance walking.
From £780 pp
Nearest Train Stations: Helensburgh, Glasgow & Dunbar
Trek coast to coast across the Scottish heartland taking in a rich diversity of scenery. From the awe-inspiring natural environments of Loch Lomond and Gouk Hill to the fairy-tale palace of Linlithgow Castle and the nation's capital at Edinburgh to the birthplace of John Muir at Dunbar.
From £1740 pp
Nearest Train Stations: Holyhead
Ideal for anyone seeking a real sense of getting away from it all without the hassle of driving, Anglesey is served by direct trains from London and internal flights. Discover the unspoilt beauty of South Stacks cliffs (an RSPB reserve), Llanddwyn Island and the charming town of Beaumaris.
From £995 pp
Nearest Train Stations: Ulverston & Carlisle
With excellent rail and bus links, the Cumbria Way is the perfect jumping-off point for a week of unabashedly beautiful Lakeland scenery, a journey by rail is all it takes to get you started exploring the spectacular landscape of this newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From £355 pp
Nearest Train Stations: Chepstow & Hereford
The southern section of the Wye Valley Walk offers some of the more dramatic views across the Wye Valley gorge whilst still retaining convenient links on and off the path. For a well-needed break from the rush of modern life, venturing out to the quiet, reflective beauty of the Wye Valley is a great answer.
From £395 pp