Must-do walks for long-distance walkers, those who enjoy a shorter challenge, and anyone looking for something just a little different!
If you like your walks long, you’ll really enjoy a Centurion walk or a Challenge Walk. Walkers have been doing some of these routes since the 1970s and they’re still favourites today. In fact, Centurion badges have been proudly displayed on rucksacks for several decades now.
Or perhaps you enjoy walking at a slower pace, with the interest of a theme running through the route. There are walking routes in the Lake District here for you – whether you’re a Wordsworth aficionado or just enjoy eating cake!
Walking websites
Centurion Walks
These classic 100-mile walks take you through some of the most spectacular parts of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. The only question is: have you got the legs to complete one of these – or even both?
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Challenge Walks
These 50-mile walks will challenge those walkers who enjoy testing themselves on the Three Peaks of Yorkshire and the Lyke Wake Walk. Also it should appeal to runners who race the fells as a time trial.
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Themed Walks
These walks all have a theme or interest running through them – from cake to ale and even William Wordsworth. They will hopefully be enjoyed by slower walkers who like to take their time and enjoy the view.
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The Yorkshire Dales Centurion
The Yorkshire Dales Centurion, born in 1974, is now a recognised classic. It encircles the Dales and visits almost every major peak, with views of every dale. Designed to take a week or 4 weekends, sections of this walk are on open country and having the ability to navigate is essential.
The Highest Inns
The Highest Inns Walk, launched in 2014, starts with a drink at Kirkstone Pass Inn. Now, can you get to Tan Hill Inn for ‘last orders’ on the next day? That’s your challenge as you visit some of Cumbria’s most iconic pubs on this 50-mile journey, including the Cross Keys Inn and Moorcock Inn. Or make it a double!
The Ullswater Somnambulist
I planned out The Somnambulist in 2013 after scrambling up the overgrown old Victorian stairway that wanders up Yew Crag, including ‘The Bad Step’. It reminded me of something out of Indiana Jones! It is a themed walk following the wanderings and words of Wordsworth, who was also inspired by this area of Ullswater.
The Cumbrian Classic Centurion
This Centurion was created in 1981 as a natural companion to the Yorkshire Dales Centurion. The guide book sold 1,000 copies from one outlet, Frank Davies’ shop in Ambleside (now The Climbers Shop). It’s a 100-mile circular route in the Lakes, starting and finishing in Ambleside.
The Limestone Lion
The Limestone Lion, created in 1976, was intended to take pressure off the popular Three Peaks of Yorkshire and was designed as a companion to it. It provides many points of interest en route, including three cliffs and three caves. Starting at Ingleton, it finishes in Grassington after 35 miles.
Walks in development
I’ve got a few others walks in the pipeline for the future, which will give you a challenge! Here’s what I’ve got in mind…
Peak District Centurion
The Peak Centurion was devised in 1984 but hasn’t been walked. It will follow the Gritstone edges from Bamford and Stanage in the north, walking along them south to the limestone of Matlock Bath. It eventually encircles the whole Peak as it wanders west to the Roaches then heads north to Edale to connect the circle.