There is no shortage of great trail walks across the country to help you get that outdoor fix. With breathtaking views, picturesque countryside and some of Britain’s most famous historic landmarks, there’s something for every weekend walker to enjoy. Here we profile five of the best ultra walks to try in 2019:
The Easter Walk – Saturday 20 April
Where: Windsor
Distance: 25km or 25 miles along the Thames Path
1,500 adventurers will set out from Windsor Racecourse and walk the historic Thames Path and through the glorious Windsor Great Park. The 25km loop heads along the Thames Path passing Alexandra and Home Park, with a pit stop for snacks and drinks near historic Runnymede, before heading to Windsor Great Park with magnificent views of the Castle. The 25 mile option initially takes in the same route as the 25km course, with lunch back at the Racecourse, followed by a 10-mile section heading west along the Thames Path, passing through Dorney and Eton Wick, and then following the Jubilee River back to base camp.
Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones – Saturday 13-Sunday 14 July
Where: Oxfordshire
Distance: 100km
A part of the Threshold Trail Series, which includes Race to the King and Heineken Race to the Tower, Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones is a challenge for all, inclusive of age and fitness. Over 2,500 people will pass along the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire to the Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire. The Ridgeway is recognised as the oldest path in the UK, and the route is lined with Bronze Age hill forts, Neolithic burial chambers and Roman river crossings, culminating in the largest Neolithic stone circle in Europe. Participants can choose to either tackle the 100km in one day or, cover the route at a more leisurely pace and opt for the two-day package, covering 50km each day and spending the night at the festival basecamp which includes camping, hot food, showers bars and live music.
Trek 26 Yorkshire Three Peaks – Saturday 29 June
Where: Yorkshire Dales National Park
Distance: 24 miles
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is the classic UK trekking challenge and takes on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Highlights along the way include the Grade II listed Ribblehead Viaduct (built in the 1870s), the village of Chapel-le-Dale and views of Morecambe Bay.
www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/join-event/trekking/yorkshire-three-peaks
Serpent Trail – Saturday 6 July
Where: South East, starting just outside Petworth and finishing in Petersfield.
Distance: 100km or 50km
The Serpent Trail is a long-distance route that takes in some of the most breathtaking countryside views in the South East. The trail takes walkers through the South Downs National Park, from Haslemere to Petersfield. The 100k Ultra race starts on a Surrey high street and within a mile, the trail enters woodland and then ascends to the highest point in the South Downs National Park. The 50k Ultra race meanwhile starts from near Petworth, the mid-point of the Serpent Trail.
Salisbury 54321 Trail Runs – Sunday 11 August
Where: Salisbury
Distance: 5km, 42km or a 50km ultra marathon.
The Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1 walk or trail run is an event suited to all the family, with a choice of distances from 5km to the more demanding 42km marathon, or a 50km ultra marathon. The route takes participants through the quiet country roads, footpaths and bridle ways in the Salisbury Wessex area. The route will take you past a variety of sites of historical and scientific interest and through country estates, not usually open to the general public.
