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Formed in 1972, the LDWA has now over 7000 members and is an association of people who share the one common interest, that of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas. The association is also governing body for long distance walking recognised by Sport England.
They have a searchable database of long distance paths across the UK where you can find details on walks such as,
Please Note:As with most outdoor activities, walking & trail running can be a potentially hazardous activity. Go prepared and well equipped and always take note of what the race organisers have to say!
An interesting selection of youtube videos from BackpackingTV
The Yorkshire Dales provides some of the best walking areas that the UK has to offer!
From the classic 3-Peaks to some of the quieter and less well known areas in many of the other dales. From the difficult to the very gentle, the Yorkshire Dales has something for everyone.
Almost at the crossroads of the country, approximately halfway between Lands End to John O’ Groats and midway on the Pennine WayandCoast to CoastNational Trails, the Yorkshire Dales can indeed rightly claim to be at the centre of Outdoor Activities in the UK!
The Three Peaks of Yorkshire!
(all over 2000ft)
For many, A circular 24 mile walk Challenge in twelve hours!
Most people approach the walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, ascending Pen-y-ghent , Whernside and Ingleborough in that order.
Others prefer to start elsewhere to avoid the usual early morning crowds here. You might also wish to call in and register at the very popular Three Peaks Cafe beforehand!
Starting at Ilkley, the Dales Way is an 82 mile route that largely follows riverside footpaths as it meanders its way through the stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside before finishing at Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria.
Some 36 miles long, the Dales Skyline Challenge was devised by Duncan Elliot of Bowland Fellrunners back in 2010.
A little toughie, it traverses ten peaks in the Southern Dales taking in the Three Peaks of Yorkshire, Whernside, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough.
A good days walking and with various coffee stops/cafes etc. on route, it starts at Barbon Church, SD 630824 (nr. Kirkby Lonsdale) and finishes at Settle Market Cross SD 819 636.
Info and map from the excellent Ultra Distant Challenge Website, Gofar.org
The Coast to Coast Walk, devised by the celebrated author, Alfred Wainwright, is one of Britain’s most popular trails. From St Bee’s on the West coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the East, this challenging walk of 190 miles will, once completed, remain in the memory forever.
Crossing several high passes in the Lakes and traversing an East/West passage through the Yorkshire Dales, it then continues on to the delights of the Cleveland Hills and the North York Moors.
The much walked Pennine Way is a 256 mile trek along the spine of the Pennines from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. It enters the Yorkshire Dales on its Southern edge near Gargrave before traversing parts of Malhamdale, Ribblesdale, Wensleydale, Swaledale and Teesdale as it weaves its way North towards the Cheviots and finally to Kirk Yetholm.
Over the years, much of the footpath has been repaired due to constant use and this is particularly evident on Shunner Fell, Wensleydale where the route through the notorious peat bogs has been made much easier with the placement of large paving stones!
More recently, added spice has been given to the walk by the introduction of the MONTANE® SPINE® RACE - A very challenging Winter Traverse (268 miles) which takes place in January and is to be undertaken by only the most experienced of walkers and Ultra Runners. Using leading edge technology, this event can be watched from the comfort of your own armchairs as all of the runners have trackers enabling viewers to monitor their progress 24/7. Full details Here!
