National Trails are a comprehensive network of footpaths. There are thirteen long distance walks, ten of which are fully developed and three which are currently in the process of being completed. Their purposes are:

“… to allow for either short or extended journeys on foot, bicycle or horseback along routes which by virtue of their character and quality, are national, reflecting the grandest, wildest and most beautiful, landscapes the nation has to offer and also the most characteristic”.

The paths vary in length and account for 2500 (CountrysideAgency:2000) miles of footpaths and bridleways in England. All have distinctive qualities and these are described by the Countryside Agency as:

o Providing continuous walking through the countryside

National Trails are an integral part of rural leisure and recreation. They provide economic stability to rural communities and social enjoyment for millions of walkers. However, the pressures of increased usage are resulting in the wear and tear and subsequent erosion of many of these footpaths. If National Trails are to remain a countrywide asset, it is vital that their maintenance increases in accordance to the rise in visitor numbers.

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