°Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï

National Trails are long distance walking routes through England and Wales. Some of the trails are also open to cyclists and horse riders.

You can find interactive maps for each trail and download GPX (GPS Exchange Format) data on the .

You can also find geographic information (GI) data in the:

• geospatial datasets for National Trails in England on Natural England’s Open Data Geoportal
• geospatial on Natural England’s Open Data Geoportal
• on DataMapWales

You can download the data for use in GIS applications. You’ll need software such as ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro or QGIS to access and use the data.

Management of the trails

National Trails are ‘designated’ by government, meaning they have special status and are protected because of their natural and cultural importance. They are administered by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales.

In England local authorities, and sometimes other stakeholdersÌý, form a partnership and work together to maintain each trail. In Wales local authorities are responsible for maintaining each trail.

Usually there is a dedicated trail officer or manager who is responsible for keeping the trail up to the standards set for National Trails.

Local highway authorities usually coordinate and carry out maintenance of the trails, sometimes with the help of landowners and volunteers.

You can read the:ÌýÌý

• management standards for National Trails in EnglandÌý

Funding for the trails

FundingÌýforÌýNational Trails is provided by:Ìý

• government through  a²Ô»å  Ìý
• local highway authoritiesÌýÌý
• other funding partners

Accessibility of the trails

National Trail partnerships and local authorities work to help make the trails accessible to more people. For example, removing gates and stiles, improving surfaces and providing information in more accessible ways.

You can findÌýmore informationÌýabout:Ìý

• ÌýÌý
• ÌýÌý
• other accessible routes fromÌýyour local council

Changes to the trails

The route of each trail can change.ÌýMost changes are temporary or seasonal.ÌýÌý

Permanent changes to the trailsÌýmust beÌýmade through a formal process.ÌýThere are differentÌýprocessesÌýfor:Ìý

• the King Charles IIIÌýEngland Coast PathÌý
• other National TrailsÌýÌý

The King Charles III England Coast Path  Ìý

Natural England can propose permanent changes to the route of the King Charles III England Coast Path if needed. Their proposed changes are available to read on °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï as a ‘variation report’.

You can view proposed changes to sections of the coast path that are under development or not yet open.

Find outÌýhowÌýtoÌýcomment on or object to proposed changes.

Other National Trails Ìý

MostÌýNationalÌýTrails follow existingÌýpublicÌýrights of way.ÌýYour local council makesÌýdecisionsÌýaboutÌýrecording andÌýchanging public rights of way,Ìýwhich can includeÌýNationalÌýTrails. Ìý

You canÌýcomment on orÌýobject to a right of way order when it is advertised by the council.

ContactÌý

Use the relevantÌýÌýto:ÌýÌý

• report a problem on the trails, for example obstructions, things that need maintenance or a misleading signÌý
• ask a question about accessibility on the trailsÌý
• find out about volunteering opportunities

If you run a business on or near a trail,Ìýyou can findÌý.