When you’re standing on the first rung of a long training ladder, the journey can seem daunting. Your thoughts might turn to 5AM alarms, dark, cold mornings and gruelling hours on the road or in the pool. But it doesn’t always have to be this way.
Whether you’re tackling your first ever triathlon or endurance event, or you’re an Ironman veteran, hiking is the perfect low-impact activity to get those kilometres in. Plus, it’s a great way to maintain your sky-high fitness levels after an event, but in a slightly more leisurely way. Many athletes incorporate hiking into their regimes as a way of strengthening their legs and maintaining aerobic fitness and endurance with less risk of injury, as well as to relax and unwind mentally from all the exertion.
Whether you’re fell running, doing cross-country, cycling or hiking, Britain enjoys a stunning natural playground for lovers of outdoor exercise. And whichever trail, path or bridleway you choose to take on, there’s a good chance the Ramblers played a part in making sure you can enjoy it. During over 85 years of campaigning, the walking charity has won us so many of the walking access rights we have today. Plus if you become a member, you’ll get access to the Ramblers’ vast library of hiking routes that have been expertly plotted by Ramblers volunteers.
So, get ready to swap your running shoes for a sturdy pair of hiking boots with these spectacular and physically rewarding routes from across Britain’s world-class walking network...
If you want to combine the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Scotland with a brisk hike, this circular walk near Inverness includes a very steep summit climb, culminating in magnificent 360-degree views over Britain's greatest wilderness, with the added reward of possible sightings of golden eagles and red deer.
Though dwarfed by the nearby Mount Snowdon, Trfyan arguably presents a more fulfilling physical challenge. Qualifying as a grade 1 scramble, this exhilarating climb passes the mountain's most distinctive features, beginning with the Cannon Stone and, later, the twin Adam and Eve monoliths.
This is a route to devote a full day to, but you’ll be rewarded in spades with some of the finest views of the Peaks. This circular, high moorland walk runs along the Pennine Way from Edale station onto Kinder Scout, taking in panoramic views and the spectacular Kinder Downfall along the way. Adrenaline seekers will get their fix with plenty of steep, rocky ascents and descents.
If you’re incorporating walking into your tri training, you could do a lot worse than a swim in the rolling waters off the southern tip of Cornwall, followed by this wonderfully scenic stroll. Heading out of the artists’ haven of St Ives, this exciting route joins a stretch of the South West Coast Path, following it along the rugged Atlantic shore. The route then heads inland, returning along an old 'coffin trail'.
You can step back in history following this classically rugged trail. Starting at Housesteads, Britain’s most intact Roman fort, this walk showcases the most dramatic stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. You can look forward to fantastic views, particularly when snow settles on the moors. Allow plenty of time to look around Housesteads, as many of its walls are still standing almost 2,000 years on.
As a member of the Ramblers, for just £3.05 per month, you’ll get unlimited access to the Ramblers’ library of tried and tested walking routes, plus its 50,000 fun and friendly group walks. But that’s far from all there is to the Ramblers. Your membership will help increase access to green spaces, open up more places to walk and boost Britain’s wellbeing one step at a time. After all, there’s plenty to do.
With its members’ support, the Ramblers...
• Helps thousands more people every year broaden their horizons on foot because walking in nature makes us happier and healthier.
• Maintains paths to prevent them being blocked or becoming overgrown, provides advice to walkers, and helps individuals overcome more personal obstacles, like a lack of confidence to explore or knowledge of where they can walk, because the Ramblers is committed to removing all barriers to walking.
• Helps protect walking access rights. As a result of over 85 years of hard work by the Ramblers, we are now free to roam across millions of acres of land, including national parks and national trails.
Find out more about the vital work the Ramblers does and pledge your walking miles in 2022 for the chance to win some amazing prizes.
The Ramblers is generously supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, as part of the lottery’s Climate Challenge initiative. People’s Postcode Lottery manages lotteries on behalf of 20 Postcode Trusts.
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