Good long distance footpaths with public transport?

[Wisewoman]

Hi all,

So I want to walk a long distance footpath in the UK, taking my van with me to WC along the way. As the long distance paths are usually linear, I will also need reasonable access to a road so I can get myself a taxi or, preferably a bus, back towards the Van at the end of the day. Im happy to shift her about every night to get to a suitable overnighting location etc.

Has anyone done anything like this and can recommend a footpath that works well in this way?

Last year I did the North Norfolk coastal path using the excellent coasthopper buses to return to van and I would like to do a similar thing again.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Melissa

 

[landoboguy]

great Idea

Offas Dyke does well, some is quite rural but Id say most is within 20 mins of a decent road
Chepstow to Prestatyn

 

[Asterix]

I did quite a bit of the Pembrokeshire coastal path last year,not sure what transport is like but what I did was find a park then walk one way for several hours then walk back. Next day repeat in the other direction,then back to the wagon either for a second night or drive to the next location. It's a really good track with great views,wildlife and access to beaches along the way.

 

[Nabsim]

Mark has been doing this round the coasts of the U.K. on cycle for years. Don’t think he comes on WC any more though

 

[Wisewoman]

I did quite a bit of the Pembrokeshire coastal path last year,not sure what transport is like but what I did was find a park then walk one way for several hours then walk back. Next day repeat in the other direction,then back to the wagon either for a second night or drive to the next location. It's a really good track with great views,wildlife and access to beaches along the way.

Hi there,

I'm one of those awkward buggers who dislikes repeating the same way twice so walking back the way I went , for some reason upsets me! That said, I have come across the Pembrokehsire coastal path and there do appear to be buses for much if not all, so this is a definite maybe along with Offas Dyke!

Taking a bike has also occurred to me - Marks trip around the coast WC sounds excellent. I watched a youtube video last year on someone who did this whilst WC in his tent on the way. I really like how you really can so often rely on the kindness of strangers in such circumstances - it restores faith in human nature.

Thanks everyone,
Melissa

 

[harrow]

Hi all,

So I want to walk a long distance footpath in the UK, taking my van with me to WC along the way. As the long distance paths are usually linear, I will also need reasonable access to a road so I can get myself a taxi or, preferably a bus, back towards the Van at the end of the day. Im happy to shift her about every night to get to a suitable overnighting location etc.

Has anyone done anything like this and can recommend a footpath that works well in this way?

Last year I did the North Norfolk coastal path using the excellent coasthopper buses to return to van and I would like to do a similar thing again.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Melissa

He starts and finishes his walks on public transport

 

[izwozral]

The Shropshire Way @ 139 miles and peppered with wilding spots along the way. Depending on how far you want to walk each day you shouldn't have much need of public transport, most of the route is navigable by veering off the path and following a circular route back. The terrain is a mix of hills rather than mountains, valleys, river walks, canals and pasture. There are many picturesque villages along the way and the biggest bonus is it is lot quieter than the more famous walks.
It is almost impossible to get lost on the Way.

 

[Wisewoman]

He starts and finishes his walks on public transport

I've just watched the first few minutes - this dude is great! I like the way the underground pass became the entrance to a faery realm - hes got my type of thinking ;-) Thanks for the musing material!

Here's the guys videos I referred to in my previous post -

_ I found him very real with a positive attitude which i loved.

Melissa

 

[Wisewoman]

The Shropshire Way @ 139 miles and peppered with wilding spots along the way. Depending on how far you want to walk each day you shouldn't have much need of public transport, most of the route is navigable by veering off the path and following a circular route back. The terrain is a mix of hills rather than mountains, valleys, river walks, canals and pasture. There are many picturesque villages along the way and the biggest bonus is it is lot quieter than the more famous walks.
It is almost impossible to get lost on the Way.

Agh now circular routes back to my van sounds like a alternative mentally satisfying approach i could take and would free me from bus timetables! I shall put this one on my research list.

Great ideas here! Thanks
Melissa

 

[campervanannie]

If you put in the search engine circular walks in ( followed by the county you are in ) you get loads and you can buy books or download the maps to your phone they are also rated for easy and accessible or difficult.

 

[Deleted member 34243]

Cleveland Way.

 

[runnach]

Pennine way between gargrave and castleton offers opportunities road rail and buses ,

Mark (rubbertramp.) found himself sometimes having to back track covered far move distance than had he had a back up crew . Fiercely independent and the remarkable bit the bike cost £ 25 . I caught up with him in Inverness we worked together for seven weeks He told me he hatched the idea in the pub has done off as dyke since

 

[colinm]

I think many long distance paths can in some way be walked as you want, we do sections of the SW coast path like this, I know the Icknield way guides show public transport points.

 

[Sharpie]

Backtracking on a path can be just as interesting as the walk out. Things can look quite different as you do so, early morning out, evening return, and you know any tricky bits by then. The sun has changed, you look at things the other way around. Linear walks don't have to be boring. Then move on the next day and do the next bit.

 

[jas900]

Fife costal path has good bus travel

 

[Wisewoman]

Exc

Backtracking on a path can be just as interesting as the walk out. Things can look quite different as you do so, early morning out, evening return, and you know any tricky bits by then. The sun has changed, you look at things the other way around. Linear walks don't have to be boring. Then move on the next day and do the next bit.

Excellent point about light changing, different views etc. I should try and challenge my slight OCD tendencies on my no route twice issue!
Melissa

 

[Deleted member 72907]

I'm glad you started this thread, lots of great ideas. Your blog looks really interesting - I'll have a proper read a bit later

 

[Wisewoman]

Pennine way between gargrave and castleton offers opportunities road rail and buses ,

Mark (rubbertramp.) found himself sometimes having to back track covered far move distance than had he had a back up crew . Fiercely independent and the remarkable bit the bike cost £ 25 . I caught up with him in Inverness we worked together for seven weeks He told me he hatched the idea in the pub has done off as dyke since

I love the bit about the bike only costing £25!

A couple of years ago, i cycled Hadrian Wall cycle-path with my partner. Me on my second hand £90 Dawes bike and him on his brand new mint green Specialised hundreds of pounds touring thing, - which one actually did it do you think?! Yes, that's right, something weird went wrong with his gears and fancy disk brakes leaving him stranded on the last day. Meanwhile, me on my trusty steed finished the trail! lol

 

[Wisewoman]

I'm glad you started this thread, lots of great ideas. Your blog looks really interesting - I'll have a proper read a bit later

Glad you're enjoying blog - and if youre thinking of doing something similar a few more details of my Norfolk Coastal path with WC spots I used are here:
Daenerys Does the Norfolk Coastal path

 

[Sharpie]

Exc

Excellent point about light changing, different views etc. I should try and challenge my slight OCD tendencies on my no route twice issue!
Melissa

You do have to walk twice as far though. Which may be an issue for some.