Long-distance trails (or long-distance tracks, paths or footpaths) are trails or footpaths covering large distances, typically 50 km or more, used for rambling (that is, hiking or backpacking). There are different types of long distance footpaths:

Coastal trails

These follow coast lines. A good example is the South West Coast Path in England

Coast to coast trails

These may be cross-country paths, or may follow roadways, or other ways, and often intersect with many other trails in the process. A good example is the Coast to Coast path in northern England.

Mountain trails

Two good examples of mountain trails are the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail

Cross-country trails

Rails-to-Trails

These are trails on old railroad beds, an example is the Longdendale Trail.


Also see: