Long Distance Footpaths: Discovering Britain’s ‘Diamond’ trails

Long Distance Footpaths: Discovering Britain’s ‘Diamond’ trails

By Hilary Pullen

Published on February 21, 2025 6 min read

A List of National Trails & Coastal Paths in England, Scotland & Wales

We are incredibly fortunate to have a vast network of beautifully maintained National Trails in England and Wales, as well as the stunning Great Trails in Scotland. These include the breathtaking long-distance UK Coastal Paths and other extensive footpaths, all lovingly managed by dedicated volunteers and local authorities.

At the end of this post, you’ll find a curated list of some of the UK’s most beloved long-distance footpaths. If you’ve ever explored an Ordnance Survey Explorer or Ranger Map, you might have noticed green or magenta (red) diamonds dotting certain paths. These diamonds mark named long-distance recreational routes, highlighting that these long distance footpaths are truly something special!

GO DIRECT TO THE FOOTPATH LIST

On 1:25000 Maps Recreational Paths are shown with Green Diamonds

On 1:50000 Maps Recreational Paths are shown with Magenta (red) Diamonds

How Does a Footpath Become a ‘Diamond’ Path?

Ever wondered what it takes for a footpath to earn its ‘diamond’ status on an Ordnance Survey map? We turned to our brilliant cartographers to find out. Achieving this prestigious designation is no easy feat and often requires the dedication of many passionate individuals to get a long-distance footpath both physically waymarked and officially endorsed.

To qualify as a ‘diamond’ path, a route must meet several criteria:

Length Requirements: The path must be at least 10 km long to appear on Explorer maps (1:25000) and 40 km for Landranger maps (1:50000).

Local Authority Endorsement: Every Local Authority (LA) the route crosses must endorse it. This endorsement doesn’t necessarily mean the LA promotes the route or prioritises it over other rights of way.

Distinctive Waymarking: The route must be fully and distinctively waymarked by either the LA or the organisation that created it.

Supporting Materials: There must be a guidebook, leaflet, or website with detailed mapping to enable OS to plot the route accurately.

Ongoing Communication: A contact person must be designated to keep OS informed of any future route amendments.

Maintenance: Public rights of way sections are maintained by the relevant LA, while other sections should be maintained by the creating organisation or another reliable body.

As you’ll see from the list of long distance footpaths at the end of this post, the UK is home to numerous long-distance ‘diamond’ paths, each offering unique experiences across diverse terrains. These managed paths are perfect for immersing yourself in the stunning British countryside, whether you’re exploring rugged coastlines, rolling hills, mountain trails, or historic routes.

What are National Trails and Great Scottish Trails?

In England an official National Trail has an acorn symbol and in Scotland a Scottish Great Trail is marked with a thistle symbol. These symbols differentiate them from other recreational routes. The National Trails in England are administered by Natural England, in Wales by Natural Resources Wales and in Scotland by Nature Scot.

Long Distance Path Way Markers and Sign Posts

As part of their diamond status requirement, recreational paths in the UK are well-marked and actively managed by local authorities, ensuring that the paths are clear and easy to follow. Helpful signs guide you along the way, making it easier to navigate and enjoy your journey without the worry of getting lost. Picking short sections of a diamond path is a great way to get started with hiking.

Which kind of Ordnance Survey maps are best for long distance paths?

The Ordnance Survey Explorer (1:25,000 scale) and Landranger (1:50,000 scale) maps are both good for planning and hiking long distance footpaths in the UK. Ideally you will pair these maps with the OS Maps App which is great for both planning your routes and helping you to navigate.

What are OS Explorer Maps?

OS Explorer Maps are the most detailed and accurate maps in the Ordnance Survey collection at 1:25,000 scale

4cm = 1km in real world

Shows footpaths, bridleways, trails, boundaries, vegetation and landscape features, and places of interest

Look for the ORANGE cover

What are OS Landranger Maps?

OS Landranger Maps cover a larger area than Explorer maps as they are 1:50,000 scale but less detail

2cm = 1km in real world

Show footpaths, bridleways, trails and tourist attractions but

Look for the PINK cover

If you are looking for advice on map reading and using a compass download our free Map Reading Skills eBook and also take a look at our huge archive of map reading and navigation skills advice.

How to Plan for a Long Distance Walk

We have a comprehensive guide for How to plan a long distance route written by OS Champion Emily Thompson

Emily covers the following tips and advice for planning a long-distance walking adventure in the UK.

When do you want to go?

Considerations for choosing the best time of year for a long-distance walk.

How many days do you want to walk?

Tips for determining the duration of your walk based on your comfort and ability.

Where are you going to stay?

Options for accommodation along your walking route, including camping and B&Bs.

Travel to the start and finish?

Advice on transportation options to and from the start and end points of your walk.

Clothing and equipment

Essential gear and clothing to pack for a long-distance walk.

Navigation

Tips for navigating long-distance trails, including the use of maps and GPS devices.

Planning A Long Distance Walk

List of UK Long Distance Paths and National Trails

This list of Diamond status paths includes National Trails, Scottish Great Trails and other managed recreational long distance paths. The list is in order of their length and we have included the National Parks that these routes cross through. The list is by no means complete, there are currently around 500 diamond status paths in the UK – so we’ve just listed a few of our favourites here. Take a look at your local map and see how many diamond paths you can find near you!
(NT) = National Trail (SGT) = Scottish Great Trail

Path | Distance in Km | Distance in Miles | Country | Type | National Parks

South West Coast Path (NT)

1,014 km

630 miles

England

Coast

Exmoor, Dartmoor

Pennine Way
(NT)

431 km

268 miles

England / Scotland

Inland

Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland

A Pennine Journey (Wainright) | 397 km | 247 miles | England | Inland | Yorkshire Dales

Southern Upland Way
(SGT)

338 km

210 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Pembrokeshire Coast Path
(NT)

299 km

186 miles

Wales

Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast

Cumbria Coastal Way | 298 km | 185 miles | England | Coast | Lake District

Thames Path
(NT)

294 km

183 miles

England

Inland

None

Offa’s Dyke Path
(NT)

285 km

177 miles

England / Wales

Inland

Bannau Brycheiniog

Saxon Shore Way | 262 km | 163 miles | England | Coast | None
North Highland Way (proposed) | 240 km | 150 miles | Scotland | Coast | None

John o’ Groats Trail
(SGT)

235 km

146 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

North Downs Way
(NT)

246 km

153 miles

England

Inland

None

Glyndŵr’s Way
(NT)

217 km

135 miles

Wales

Inland

None

John Muir Way
(SGT)

215 km

134 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

North Wales Pilgrims Way | 215 km | 134 miles | Wales | Coast | Eryri

Pennine Bridleway
(NT)

205 km

127 miles

England

Inland

Peak District, Yorkshire Dales

Anglesey Coastal Path | 200 km | 124 m | Wales | Coast | None

Fife Coastal Path
(SGT)

187 km

116 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Cleveland Way
(NT)

175 km

109 miles

England

Coast

North York Moors

Cotswold Way
(NT)

164 km

102 miles

England

Inland

None

Ayrshire Coastal Path
(SGT)

161 km

100 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Kintyre Way
(SGT)

161 km

100 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

South Downs Way
(NT)

160 km

99 miles

England

Inland

South Downs

West Highland Way
(SGT)

154 km

96 miles

Scotland

Inland

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Peddar’s Way and Norfolk Coast Path
(NT)

150 km

93 miles

England

Coast

None

Llwybr Llechi Eryri – Snowdonia Slate Trail | 146 km | 91 miles | Wales | Inland | Eryri
Llŷn Coastal Path | 146 km | 91 miles | Wales | Coast | None
Hadrian’s Wall Path (NP) | 135 km | 84 miles | England | Inland | Northumberland
Norfolk Coast Path | 135 km | 84 miles | England | Coast | None
Speyside Way | 137 km | 85 miles | Scotland | Inland | Cairngorms

The Ridgeway
(NT)

139 km

86 miles

England

Inland

None

The Dales Way | 129 km | 80 miles | England | Inland | Lake District, Yorkshire Dales

Rob Roy Way
(SGT)

127 km

79 miles

Scotland

Inland

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Yorkshire Wolds Way
(NT)

127 km

79 miles

England

Inland

None

Great Glen Way
(SGT)

125 km

78 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Coast to Coast Walk
(NT)

306 km

190 miles

England

Inland

Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors

Isle of Wight Coastal Path | 113 km | 70 miles | England | Coast | None

Borders Abbeys Way
(SGT)

109 km

68 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Arran Coastal Way
(SGT)

107 km

67 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Forth & Clyde/Union Canal Towpath
(SGT)

106 km

66 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Lancashire Coastal Way | 106 km | 66 miles | England | Coast | None
Ceredigion Coast Path | 105 km | 65 miles | Wales | Coast | None

Cateran Trail
(SGT)

103 km

64 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Northumberland Coast Path | 101 km | 63 miles | England | Coast | Northumberland

St Cuthbert’s Way
(SGT)

100 km

62 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Solent Way | 97 km | 60 miles | England | Coast | None
Suffolk Coast Path | 97 km | 60 miles | England | Coast | None
North Wales Path | 97 km | 60 miles | Wales | Coast | None

Great Glen Canoe Trail
(SGT)

96 km

60 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

West Somerset Coast Path | 93 km | 58 miles | England | Coast | None

Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
(SGT)

92 km

57 miles

Scotland

Inland

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Annandale Way
(SGT)

90 km

56 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Romans and Reivers Route
(SGT)

84 km

52 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Cross Borders Drove Road
(SGT)

82 km

51 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Moray Coast Trail
(SGT)

72 km

45 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Formartine and Buchan Way
(SGT)

66 km

41 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

River Ayr Way
(SGT)

66 km

41 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Clyde Walkway
(SGT)

65 km

40 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Mull of Galloway Trail
(SGT)

59 km

37 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Bournemouth Coast Path | 59 km | 37 miles | England | Coast | None

Three Lochs Way
(SGT)

55 km

34 miles

Scotland

Inland

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

West Island Way
(SGT)

48 km

30 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Berwickshire Coastal Path
(SGT)

48 km

30 miles

Scotland

Coast

None

Great Trossachs Path
(SGT)

45 km

28 miles

Scotland

Inland

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Dava Way
(SGT)

38 km

24 miles

Scotland

Inland

None

Millennium Coastal Path | 21 km | 13 miles | Wales | Coast | None

These long distance footpaths in Britain often pass through picturesque villages, historic landmarks, and breathtaking natural scenery, offering a rich and rewarding experience for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day adventure, the UK’s long-distance paths and National Trails have something to offer everyone. Please be sure to share pics of your long distance walks by tagging us on Instagram or sharing them in our Facebook Group.

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By Hilary Pullen

Meet Hilary, Editor of OS Maps Discover. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales.

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