Over 4,000 miles of British disused railway lines are open to the public. Many of these old tracks run through unspoilt countryside, making for quaint, historic walks.
Most railway walks emerged following the Beeching Report in the 1960s, which recommended the closure of 5,000 miles of rail lines and 2,363 stations. The reclaiming of the rail lines for public use began in the early 1970s, and the collection has grown over the years.
Notable railway walks
Railway trails offer a mix of history, nature, and scenic routes. Some follow quiet countryside paths, while others lead past dramatic coastlines or through tunnels and viaducts. These walks are ideal for exploring both local heritage and the landscapes shaped by rail travel.
Here are three standout railway walks across the UK. Each differs in difficulty and scenery, offering plenty of choice for your next trip.
1. The Camel Trail, Cornwall
The picturesque Camel Trail weaves through rural and coastal scenery. It offers beautiful views of the Camel Estuary and the wider Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The segment that winds between Wenfordbridge and Bodmin is typically the quietest part of the trail. This is the part that climbs towards the edge of Bodmin Moor.
On the other hand, the stretch between Wadebridge and Padstow is usually the busiest. This is because many people like to visit the birds and other wildlife at the river. The birdwatching hide is a great attraction too.
Trail length and difficulty
Walkers can enjoy 18 miles of tranquil views. While this is a long walk, you don’t have to complete the whole trail.
Traffic is usually minimal along the surfaced track. As such, the Camel Trail is a good option for families and those with mobility impairments.
Accessibility and facilities
The route is suitable for cyclists, and there are bike-hire facilities on the route.
Start or finish your route at:
- Padstow: Parking at Railway car park
- Bodmin: Parking at Berry Coombe car park
- Wadebridge: Parking at Piggy Lane car park
- Wenford Bridge: Parking at Camel Trail car park
Preserved stations and landmarks
The route passes the disused railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin, and Wenfordbridge. This line closed in January 1967.
Walkers can also cross the curved bridge over Little Petherick Creek.
2. The Monsal Trail, Peak District
You’ll find plenty of limestone dales and photo-worthy viewing spots on the stunning Monsal Trail. The route connects Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell and follows the old rail route from Manchester to London.
The Monsal Trail offers a different experience depending on when you visit. During spring, you’ll find hazel and willow trees, bright wildflowers, and dippers.
By the autumn, there’s a glow of orange leaves, sprouting toadstools, and thrushes visiting for the red berries.
Trail length and difficulty
At 8.5 miles, the Monsal Trail is shorter than many railway walks. However, if it’s too long, you can walk a segment of the route.
Accessibility and facilities
While most railway walks are available year-round, check whether the Monsal Trail is open before visiting. It sometimes closes for maintenance and monitoring.
The trail is traffic-free, making it ideal for bikes, pushchairs, and wheelchairs. The surfaces are flat, even those rolling through the White Peak hills and dales.
You can hire a bike or mobility equipment at Parsley Hay and Ashbourne.
Visitors will find several refreshment stops along the route. These include cafes with accessible toilets at the Hassop and Millers Dale old stations. The latter also offers a sheltered picnic area and visitor information.
Start or finish your route at:
- The pay and display car parks at the old train stations in Millers Dale, Hassop, or Bakewell
- The pay and display car parks at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell
- Bakewell town centre, where there is a footpath that leads to Coombs Road
Preserved stations and landmarks
A key landmark on the Monsal Trail is the Headstone Viaduct, an iconic piece of Victorian engineering. You might hear it referred to as the ‘Monsal Viaduct,’ too.
The route passes through various areas with a rich history. These include Cressbrook, which was once home to a cotton mill that the Cressbrook stream powered.
You’ll also see disused commercial kilns near Millers Dale Station. These 19th- and 20th-century kilns produced quicklime for agricultural purposes.
3. The Cinder Track, Yorkshire
Follow the Cinder Track to enjoy outstanding views of the North Sea coast. The early part of the trail takes walkers under various bridges. From here, it passes along the playing fields at the former Northstead Carriage Sidings.
Later on the route, there’s an opportunity to stop at the former train station in Cloughton. The track then stretches into the North York Moors National Park.
From the national park, the track leads to the former Ravenscar station. Descend through a quarry to find yourself along heather-carpeted hillsides beside Robin Hood’s Bay.
You can then pass through valleys and into Larpool Woods and Larpool Viaduct. This crosses the Whitby to Middlesborough railway line and offers beautiful views of the River Esk.
The route ends at the top of Stakesby Vale, although you can walk down Southend Gardens and into Bagdale to get to Whitby.
Trail length and difficulty
This 21.7-mile trail makes a long walk, but you don’t have to follow the whole route. Expect several steep parts, which make this a better choice for hikers seeking an adventurous walk.
Accessibility and facilities
You’ll find eateries at Hayburn Wyke Hotel, the former Ravenscar station, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Hawsker.
This route is suitable for walkers and cyclists.
Start or finish your route in:
- Scarborough: In the Sainsbury’s car park off Falsgrave Road, near Scarborough Station
- Whitby: In Southend Gardens, near Whitby Station
Preserved stations and landmarks
As the trail winds through the North York Moors National Park, you’ll pass the disused railway line platforms at Hayburn Wyke station. At this point, you can make a diversion to the Wyke itself. This National Trust cove features a double waterfall that flows onto a beach.
Ravenscar station stands at 631 feet above sea level and marks the highest point of the trail.
The track through the valleys reaches the site of Fyling Hall Station. The route continues around Bay Ness and onto the former station at Hawsker. This is now the Trailways Cycle Hire headquarters. However, you can see the railway carriages on the old platform.
Key features of railway trails
Several railway trails offer interesting features to pause at. Many follow disused rail lines through valleys, forests, and coastlines.
Wandering through them, you’ll arrive at remnants of railway history, including old stations and bridges. Others open into the peaceful countryside or dramatic coastal views.
Tunnels and viaducts
Historic trains often passed through tunnels and over viaducts. Now, these features characterise many railway walks. For example, the Cinder Track’s Larpool Viaduct is an impressive 120ft high.
The Monsal Trail is a great example of such a walk too. The route includes six tunnels and the Headstone Viaduct. The longer tunnels on the Monsal Trail are around 400 metres long.
Coastal and countryside views
Rustic railway tracks tend to lead out into the unknown, often into pockets of natural beauty. Because of this, you’ll also find plenty of coastal and countryside views on railway walks like those covered here.
Aside from these three picks, you’ll find plenty of picturesque walks across our UK destinations. From the Lake District to Scotland, the UK is bursting with scenic routes. Even if the city is more your thing, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems and disused railway lines in London and other gems.
