History, funding and management of National Trails
After the Second World War people longed to get out in the countryside for fresh air and exercise and there was a desire to protect special areas from post-war development. The Government decided to establish National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Nature Reserves and Long Distance Routes (now called National Trails).
The first route to open was the Pennine Way, in 1965, offering 268 miles (431 km) of walking along the wild and remote backbone of England. The most recent trail to open was the Cotswold Way in 2007.
How are National Trails funded and managed?
National Trails are funded by national government through Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales, and also by local highway authorities and other funding partners.
National Trail Officers are responsible for overseeing their management and maintenance to nationally agreed standards. Much of the maintenance work is carried out by local highway authorities, helped by landowners and volunteers.
