SLOW WAYS, a new initiative, is inviting people to slow down and rediscover the joy of walking. They are creating a national network of walking routes linking every town, city, and large village across Great Britain, and they need help in Wales with a few urgent gaps. They are a not-for-profit, community-led project, and the idea is simple yet transformative: to encourage people to walk from one place to another using safe, enjoyable, and well-mapped paths. This movement is already making waves, thanks to the efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers who are working to turn this vision into reality.
The project was launched in 2020 by Daniel Raven-Ellison, a geographer and National Geographic Explorer, with support from the National Lottery Communities Fund. It all started with the realisation that while most people want the option to walk to their neighbouring towns, the reality is that safe, practical routes often don’t exist. A survey found that 8 out of 10 people across the country believe they should be able to walk to the next town, yet many existing footpaths are poorly signposted or fragmented. Slow Ways is here to change that by mapping out reliable routes that anyone can use, whether they’re going for a casual stroll, commuting, or simply exploring.
At its core, Slow Ways is about making walking a viable and appealing choice for everyday journeys. The network connects over 2,500 towns, cities, and villages, offering a healthier, greener alternative to car travel. Volunteers have already charted over 140,000 kilometres of walking routes, focusing on using existing rights of way, footpaths, and bridleways. These routes are designed to avoid busy roads and provide the best walking experience possible. Each path is sourced, then walked and reviewed by volunteers who test them for safety, accessibility, and enjoyment. A route earns “verified” status, along with a special snail badge, after it receives three positive reviews, signalling that it’s reliable and ready for others to enjoy.
One of the most impressive milestones reached so far is that it’s now possible to walk from Dundee to Penzance using only verified Slow Ways routes. Nearly 30 percent of Slow Ways have a verified route option, and over 60 percent of the network has been walked and reviewed at least once. Many routes are just one positive review away from being fully verified, showing how quickly this community-driven effort is gaining momentum. Could you bag the snail for a route near you? Just put your postcode in on the homepage.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Slow Ways initiative. Without their dedication, none of this would be possible. They’re out there walking the routes, leaving reviews, and suggesting improvements to ensure the network is as useful and enjoyable as possible. It’s not just about creating paths on a map, it’s about empowering people to reclaim walking as a mode of travel.
The health benefits of walking are well known. Regular walking reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. It’s also a powerful mood booster, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Slow Ways offers more than just health perks, it’s about creating lasting connections. The routes link communities, encouraging people to explore places they might otherwise never visit. This can also bring economic benefits to local businesses, such as cafes and shops, especially in rural areas that might not see much foot traffic otherwise.
Exploring a Slow Ways route is not just a journey from one place to another, it can be a walk through history. Many of these routes follow ancient paths and Roman roads, offering a unique way to connect with the past. Walking these trails can feel like stepping back in time, providing an appreciation for the landscapes and stories that have shaped Britain.
For those curious about how their own area fits into the Slow Ways network, the project’s website makes it easy to check local progress. Simply type in the name of your town to discover routes, ratings, and detailed descriptions of walks in your area. This interactive platform also shows which routes still need to be verified, giving everyone a chance to contribute to the growing network. While the UK is known for its extensive public footpath network, these paths are often disjointed or poorly maintained, making it hard for people to walk between towns. By mapping out clear, reviewed routes, Slow Ways aims to fill in these gaps, making walking a practical, enjoyable option once more.
Hannah Engelkamp, one of the project’s key coordinators said “This country has hundreds of thousands of miles of footpaths, there’s no way of knowing what condition most are in or whether they still exist at all on the ground. If there is a safe, enjoyable way of getting somewhere, people will be much more likely to give it a try. We are creating a network that people can trust, following the guidance of people who have gone ahead. It’s an amazing treasure for use right now and for future generations.”
“The community is in the process of verifying routes good for walking and wheeling with a wheelchair or buggy, by reviewing them, and optionally uploading photos or filling out a citizen-survey. All but seven of Britain’s 70 cities are connected to each other now, which is great! Of those remaining, three are in Wales. Could you help with one of these? It’s so nearly done!”
“The Intercity Network is nearing its goal of connecting all 70 cities across Great Britain, with just seven cities left to link. Among these are St David’s, St Asaph, and Bangor in Wales.”
“In Pembrokeshire, walkers are needed to fill in some gaps to St David’s, including Newgale to Haverfordwest, Whitland to St Clears, and Kidwelly to Burry Port. Joining St David’s from the north we need three people to walk a trail from Cardigan to Newport, Newport to Fishguard, Fishguard to Goodwick, and Goodwick to St David’s. All the details are on the Slow Ways website on our stories channel.”
To assist walkers in navigating the routes across the country, Slow Ways has developed several exceptional maps, including a Slow Ways Pocket Atlas which offers an overview of the network, perfect for planning trips. Slow Ways also have a map that displays all Welsh towns and cities only with their original Welsh names. These resources can be explored and purchased here.
With these tools, walkers can easily access and enjoy the Slow Ways network. Further information, routes, and resources can be found at https://beta.slowways.org/.
