The Difference Between Hiking and Walking

What is the Difference Between Hiking and Walking?

I’m going to come clean with you. On Distance Hiker you will hear both the words ‘Hiking’ and ‘Walking’ used. In this article we look honestly at the difference between Hiking and Walking with the aim to clear up any confusion.

I’m really sorry if this causes any confusion, but Distance Hiker just sounded so much cooler when I registered the Domain name than ‘Distance Walker’. I mean, anyone can walk – you learn that at 1-2 years, but hiking? Now there’s a whole different story, after all, who doesn’t want to be a self confessed hiker? 

Here in sunny Britain, we generally tend to call any activity which involves putting two feet in front of each other in steady succession walking. We have walking club, walking trails,  walking holidays, walking tours, walking shops, you get it, we generally call it walking.

But to add to confusion we also walk to the shops in addition to walking up big hills for several miles, and even walking for multiple days. 

We even have an organization called the Long Distance Walkers Association who are there for Long Distance walkers like you and I.

Despite what some will tell you, that there is a difference between walking and hiking, I can assure you that there really isn’t

Walking and hiking both involve the very natural action of moving forward only using your feet – going at a pace which isn’t running or jogging.

However hiking does conjure up images of you going up mountains, through forests, and being in the wilderness. It’s a more inspired word which I believe sums up what you are doing with no further explanation. Lets face it, hiking sounds more romantic. 

For example, a wife tells her husband:

“Honey, i’m going for a walk, i’ll be back in a few hours!”

Husband replies:

“Ok! Are you walking to the shops, we have run out of bread, and grab me a beer?”

See? Walking can mean you ar going anywhere which involves walking? Who hikes to the shops?

Not me. 

So there we have it. 

Proof (perhaps not) that there is no difference between Hiking and Walking. Any article which tells you otherwise is talking nonsense and/or way overthinking things. Now don’t get me started on ‘Rambling‘. I guess us Brits just needed a word to rival hiking?

Now, where are my boots? I’ve run out of milk. 

How Long Does the Hadrians Wall Take

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an iconic Northern long distance walking route which takes you from Newcastle on Tyne in Northumberland, to Bowness on Solway in Cumbria. The route clocks up a total of 86 miles of hiking between the two coastlines, and for much of the route follows the Hadrian’s Wall Path, built on an order by the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117 to 138).

The route can be completed within just a couple of days, 4 if you wish. Or quicker for those who want an ultra-run but how many days should you walk the path in?

Well really it depends.

If you are looking for a challenge walk which suits most walkers I suggest taking about 5 days to tackle the path, averaging 17.2 miles per day, which sure feels like a challenge when your taking on that distance for 5 consecutive days.

However for a relaxed stroll, at least for most, a 9 day itinerary is ideal. At 10-11 miles per day, on average you should have ample time to enjoy the forts, museums and highlights along the trail.

Moreover, stretching the days like this allow you to make early starts, for an early finish. Some accommodations along the route are particularly suited for relaxing overnight stops and Carlisle is well worth an afternoon of your time.

For those truley wanting to take their time, a 10 day itinerary at about 7-8 miles on average is ideal. The route will be completed in bite-sized chunks, but it will really allow you to soak up the sights and sounds, stopping where you wish, unburdened by ambition.

Which ever itinerary you choose, make sure too not feel like you need to rush. Most of my clients benefit from walking at a relaxed pace with time to soak it all in.

How Long Does It Take To Walk The Hadrian’s Wall Path

How Long Does It Take To Walk The Hadrian’s Wall Path

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an iconic Northern long-distance hiking route that takes you from Newcastle on Tyne in Northumberland, to Bowness on Solway in Cumbria. The route clocks up a total of 86 miles of hiking between the two coastlines, and for much of the route follows the Hadrian’s Wall Path, built on an order by the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117 to 138). In this article, we look at how long does it take to walk the Hadrian’s wall path,

The route can be completed within just a couple of days, 4 if you wish. Quicker for those who want an ultra-run but how many days should you walk the path in?

For faster/fitter or challenge walkers

If you are looking for a challenge walk which suits most walkers I suggest taking about 5 days to tackle the path, averaging 17.2 miles per day, which sure feels like a challenge when your taking on that distance for 5 consecutive days.

For a more relaxed pace

However for a relaxed stroll, at least for most, an 8 day itinerary is ideal. At 10-11 miles per day, on average you should have ample time to enjoy the forts, museums and highlights along the trail.

Moreover, stretching the days like this allow you to make early starts, for an early finish. Some accommodations along the route are particularly suited for relaxing overnight stops and Carlisle is well worth an afternoon of your time.

For those truley wanting to take their time, a 10 day itinerary at about 7-8 miles on average is ideal. The route will be completed in bite-sized chunks, but it will really allow you to soak up the sights and sounds, stopping where you wish, unburdened by ambition.

Whichever itinerary you choose, make sure to not feel like you need to rush. Most of my clients benefit from walking at a relaxed pace with time to soak it all in. 

The Long Distance Walkers Association

The Long Distance Walkers Association History

If you are reading this article, and enjoying the excellent content on DistanceHiker.com its very likely that you have heard of the Long Distance Walkers Association or LDWA for short.

The Long Distance Walkers Association is based in Britain and aim to “further the common interests of those who enjoy Long Distance Walking”. The LDWA was established in 1972 by Alan and Barbara Blatchford, and Christ Steer and now boasts approximately 10,000 members.

The association defines a ‘long distance walk’ as any walk over 20 miles.

Personally at Distance Hiker we leave the definition of long distance walking to the individual who is doing the walk, but its nice to have a benchmark of what a long distance walk.

Local groups

The LDWA has 43 local groups who manage their own group walks. Many have their own Facebook Groups, or mailing lists to help to manage these walks. The first local group was the High Peak group, which was started in 1974

The LDWA also has an active Facebook group where all members can conjugate of over 10k participants, which is actually open to non members and members alike.

Strider Magazine

The LDW also has a magazine which is sent out to all members three times a year called the Strider.

The Strider is complete with some well written articles, news on the LDWA and up and coming events and certainly makes for an enjoyable read over a coffee.

Database

The LDWA also has an excellent, database of all long distance walks on the website. It’s updated frequently by a team of volunteers, and for many routes provides places to say, and local operators who organise tours or logistics for the routes.

If you are trying to find a long distance trail close to home, or explore your next trip, its a good place to start.

Events

The LDWA group walks, known as ‘Social Walks’ are usually led walks of around 20 miles in length with more challenging, and aptly named ‘Challenge’ events being 20-100 miles.

The Challenge events tend to be self-led, and are completed within a time limit, usually with marshals and clipper points – much a like a cycling sportive.

Information on up and coming walks is on the website.

100 Mile Events

What may be of particular interest is the annual 100 mile LDWA flagship event.

Each year, a new 100 mile, 48 hour walk takes place in a new area in the UK. Members must qualify before being accepted due to the difficulty of the challenge.
The first 100 mile event was the ‘Downsman 100’ in 1973. The LDWA has only ever missed two 100 mile events – during the countryside closures during the Foot and Mouth epidemic in 2001, and during 2020 when COVID-19 prevented events from taking place.

What often isn’t noticed is the huge amount of planning which goes into organising a Long Distance Walkers association 100 mile event.

The 100 mile event can take 3 years to organise, with local groups, and supporters volunteering their time to make it a success for those participating.

Obviously weather conditions are out of the organisers control and approximately 70% of entrants end up completing the course.

Naturally with a big event  like this, volunteers will be on hand with copious amounts of tea, warm food, and a change of clothes at the half way point.

Members who complete the event get a certificate and badge to celebrate their remarkable feat of endurance and many go on to repeat the performance year after year.

Membership Information & Prices

Below is copied and pasted from the membership page, and details their membership types.

The membership year is January 1 to December 31. Members joining on or after October 1 will be granted membership for the whole of the following calendar year.

Individual (UK) members receive one copy of each issue of Strider and are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Family (UK) membership covers up to two adults and all children under eighteen years of age living at the same address. Each family group receives one copy of each issue of Strider and is entitled to two votes at the AGM.

International membership is available to anybody living outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. International members are entitled to vote at the Annual General meeting but can choose if they wish to receive a hard copy of our members magazine Strider posted to them, or whether they wish only to access and read it online.

Individual – UK residents only
£18.00 (£15.00 with Direct Debit discount)
Family – UK residents only
£25.50 (£22.50 with Direct Debit discount)
International – with mailed Strider
£26.00
International – no Strider
£15.00

Hadrian’s Wall Path 9 Days

Walking The Hadrian's Wall Path in 9 Days

The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is a thoroughly rewarding Coast to Coast walk which takes you from Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway while following the Hadrian’s Wall Path. The Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of Britains largest archaelogical monuments, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The route opened in 2003, and takes walkers on a 86km journey across Northern England. The wall itself isn’t the only attraction of the route. In addition to the wall you can enjoy stopping in some delightful towns and villages, exploring the museums and discovering a variety of places to eat and stay along the route. With so much to see and do as you walk, its no surprise this is one of Britain’s most popular long distance walks. 

To help you enjoy this wonderful route, we have put together this Hadrian’s Wall Path 9 day itinerary for you to self-book your walking holiday. Click any of the overnight stops below to quickly scroll down to that section on the page. 

The accommodation on this page have been hand picked, and checked on Facebook, TripAdvisor, and via Google Reviews to ensure they are of an acceptable quality. Most can be booked direct, online either via booking.com, or through their own website. We have also added some super handy distances from the trail so you know how far you have to travel each day to start walking.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please note, some of the accommodation options below include an affiliate link. If you book through these links Distance Hiker will receive a small percentage of the total price. This allows us to keep producing excellent resources to help you book your trail. Thanks, Matthew.

Arrive in Wallsend for your first night stay

Jurys Inn

Rooms from £63.00 per night

  • 145m from the trail
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Maldron Hotel

Rooms from £118.00 per night

  • 1km from the trail
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Sandman Signature Hotel Newcastle

Rooms from £89.00 per night

  • 1.2km from the trail
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Day 1: Walk From Wallsend To Newburn - 18.5km

The Keelman Lodge

Rooms from £90.00 per night

  • 250m from the trail
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Day 2: Walk from Newburn to East Wallhouses - 14.5km

Robin Hood Inn

Rooms from £100.00 per night

  • Directly on the trail
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Matfen Hall Hotel

Rooms from £171.00 per night

  • 3.4km from the trail
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Day 3: Walk from East Wallhouses to Chollerford - 14.5km

The George Hotel

Rooms from £100.00 per night

  • 100m from the trail
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Hadrians Hotel

Rooms from £90.00 per night

  • 550m from the trail
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Day 4: Walk from Chollerford to Once Brewed - 19km

Twice Brewed Inn

Rooms from £95.00 per night

  • 1km from the trail
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Vallum Lodge Hotel

Rooms from £90.00 per night

  • 129km from the trail
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Day 5: Walk from Once Brewed to Gilsland - 13km

Bush Nook Farmhouse

Rooms from £120.00per night

  • 1.7km from the trail
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The Samson Inn

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 100m from the trail
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Hill on the Wall B&B

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 1.4km from the trail
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Gilsland Hall Hotel

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 2km from the trail
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Day 6: Walk from Gilsland to Walton - 13km

Old Vicarage Brewery

Rooms from £75.00per night

  • 200m from the trail
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Low Rigg Farm

Rooms from £60.00 per night

  • 800m from the trail
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Day 7: Walk from Walton to Carlisle - 18.5km

Townhouse Bed and Breakfast

Rooms from £70.00 per night

  • 800m from the trail
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Cornerways Guest House

Rooms from £65.00per night

  • 700m from the trail
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Fern Lee Guest House

Rooms from £50.00per night

  • 650m from the trail
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Howard Lodge

Rooms from £75.00 per night

  • 700m from the trail
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Courtfield Guest House

Rooms from £70.00per night

  • 876m from the trail
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Day 8: Walk from Carlisle to Burgh-by-Sands - 14km

Hillside Farm​

Rooms from £35.00 per night

  • 250m from the trail
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Highfield Farm

Room Price TBC

  • 200m from the trail
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Day 9: Walk from Burgh-by-Sands to Bowness-on-Solway - 9km

Shore Gate House Bed & Breakfast

Rooms from £70.00per night

  • Directly on the trail
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Wallsend Guest House & Glamping Pods

Rooms from £115.00 per night

  • 370m from the trail
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Depart from Bowness on Windermere after breakfast

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Dales Way

How Long Does It Take To Walk The Dales Way

The Dales Way is an rather remarkable 80 mile long distance trail which stretches from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria.

The route was originally devised by the West Ridings Rambler’s Association, and made public in 1968, with the first crossing made by a group from Bradford Gramma School Venture Scouts in 1969.

Since, it has only grown in popularity with several thousand walkers taking on the trail each year and growing.

So, you are here because you are considering walking the route, be it by camping, or staying in nice places along the way.

But you would like to know how long does it take to walk the Dales Way?

Well, it really depends

The route can be completed within just a couple of days, 4 if you wish. Quicker for those who want an ultra-run but for our mere humans, it can take up to 7-9 days.

If you are looking for a challenge walk which suits most walkers I suggest taking about 6 days to tackle the path, averaging 13 miles per day, which sure feels like a challenge when your taking on that distance for 6 consecutive days of walking.

However for a relaxed stroll, at least for most, an 9 day itinerary is ideal. At 10-11 miles per day, on average you should have ample time to enjoy the forts, museums and highlights along the trail.

Moreover, stretching the days like this allow you to make early starts, for an early finish. Some accommodations along the route are particularly suited for relaxing overnight stops and Carlisle is well worth an afternoon of your time.

Which ever itinerary you choose, make sure too not feel like you need to rush. Here at Distance Hiker, we advocate slow travel, and taking your time on the trail, to enjoy

The #1 Guide To The Dales Way Baggage Transfer

The #1 Guide To The Dales Way Baggage Transfer

The Dales Way Baggage Transfer article we have put together below is aimed at helping you choose between the various business who offer their services on The Dales Way.

Many popular long distance trails in the United Kingdom are now supported with Baggage transfer, which opens the trails up to individuals of all abilities, rather than hardened backpackers or lightpackers.

With any of our articles, we encourage you to contact the companies we suggest to see which works for you.

Ok, here we go!

Sherpa Van

Sherpa Van offer baggage transfer services across a vast portifilio of long distance trails, either as part of their excellent accommodation booking services, or as a stand-alone service.

Their baggage transfer can be booked online but does require some tedious inputting of details in order to share your accommodation information for each day of bag movements required. However you have the assurances of booking with a well regarded business who employ local drivers to move your bags.

The terms of their Dales Way Baggage Transfer are as follows:

  • £9.45 per bag per movement
  • A minimum of £25 per booking
  • A minimum 1 bag for walks duration with a maximum of 20 kg per bag
  • A £25 non-refundable deposit is payable at checkout
  • If you only need 1 – 2 moves please contact the office for pricing

Brigantes

Brigantes offer a pretty spactacuar selection of long distance walks, and cycling holidays, all supported with their own in house baggage transfer option. For a one-stop-shop for all your walking holiday bookings, Brigantes are a pretty good place to look.

In addtion to walking holidays, Brigantes also offer luggage transfer. They also offer bespoke baggage transfer for routes within the areas they operate, but on walks which may not be listed. All you need to do is contact them for a quote.

The terms of their Dales Way Baggage Transfer are as follows:

  • Prices from £9.45 per person per day (minimum of 2 persons)
  • Max 17kg per bag
  • Collection from accommodation is from 9.30

Trail Magic Baggage

Trail magic baggage offer bag movements on all routes in the North of the UK – Draw a line from the Peak District, up to the Scottish Boarder – yep, its that compehsnvie a service.

Booking is done through their booking and form, and regardless of your route, they will book for you. Each driver is part of the Trail Magic Baggage franchise, so is a self-employed small business owner – this means they really care about giving you a good service and looking after your kit.

  • Prices from £9.00 per bag up to 40 miles per day
  • 24 hours notice is required
  • 24kg weight limit applies per bag

Walking the Dales Way 7 Days

Walking The Dales Way 7 Days

Welcome! You are in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park experiencing one of the most spectacular English highland landscapes. The Dales is steepled in tradition, excellent views, and some relatively untouched countryside. Enjoy the gentle undulating hills, limestone dales, ancient woodland, and waterfalls. The Dales are also home to several interesting, and undisputibly beautiful towns, villages and hamlets. 

Gently meandering through the dales is a 78 mile route, which starts at Ilkley, and finishes in the Lake District National Park, on the shores of Lake Windermere. 

To help you enjoy this wonderful route, we have put together this Dales Way 7 day itinerary for you to self-book your walking holiday. Click any of the overnight stops below to quickly scroll down to that section on the page. 

The accommodation on this page have been hand picked, and checked on Facebook, TripAdvisor, and via Google Reviews to ensure they are of an acceptable quality. Most can be booked direct, online either via booking.com, or through their own website. We have also added some super handy distances from the trail so you know how far you have to travel each day to start walking.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please note, some of the accommodation options below include an affiliate link. If you book through these links Distance Hiker will receive a small percentage of the total price. This allows us to keep producing excellent resources to help you book your trail. Thanks, Matthew.

The Itinerary

Arrive in Ilkley for your first night stay

Day 1: Walk From Ilkley To Grassington – 19km

Day 2: Walk from Grassington to Hubberholme – 19km

Day 3: Walk from Hubberholme to Ribblehead – 19km

Day 4: Walk from Ribblehead to Dent – 16km

Day 5: Walk from Dent to Howgill – 16km

Day 6: Walk from Howgill to Burneside – 21km

Day 7: Walk from Burneside to Bowness on Windermere – 21km

Depart from Bowness on Windermere after breakfast

Arrive in Ilkley for your first night stay

The Black Hat

Rooms from £75.00 per night

  • 150m from the trail
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The Gin Lounge & Rooms

Rooms from £118.00 per night

  • 330m from the trail
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Ilkley Riverside Hotel

Rooms from £85.00 per night

  • Directly on the trail!
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Day 1: Walk From Ilkley To Grassington - 19km​

Clarendon Hotel

Rooms from £90.00 per night

  • 1km from the trail
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Grassington Bunk Barn

Rooms from £26.00 per night

  • 1km from the trail
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The Old Hall Inn

Rooms from £85.00 per night

  • 1.5km from the trail
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Grassington House

Rooms from £135.00 per night

  • Directly on the trail!
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Station House B&B

Rooms from £70.00 per night

  • 700m from the trail
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Craiglands B&B

Rooms from £50.00 per night

  • 700m from the trail
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Day 2: Walk from Grassington to Hubberholme - 19km

The George Inn

Rooms from £90.00 per night

  • Directly on the trail!
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The Buck Inn

Rooms from £80.00 per night

  • 302m from the trail
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Redmire Farm B&B

Rooms from £80.00 per night

  • 326m from the trail
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The White Lion Inn

Rooms from £105.00per night

  • 2km from the trail
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Day 3: Walk from Hubberholme to Ribblehead - 19km

Shepherds Cottage Luxury B&B

Rooms from £75.00 per night

  • Directly On The Trail!
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The Station Inn

Rooms from £85.00 per night

  • 2.3km from the trail
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Ashes Farm Bed & Breakfast

Rooms from £70.00per night

  • 3.9km from the trail
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Day 4: Walk from Ribblehead to Dent - 16km

The Old Craft Barn

Rooms from £95.00 per night

  • 1.3km from the trail
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Day 5: Walk from Dent to Howgill - 16km

The Black Bull

Rooms from £125.00per night

  • 800m from the trail
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Daleslea Bed and Breakfast

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 1km from the trail
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Daleslea Bed and Breakfast

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 1km from the trail
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Day 6: Walk from Howgill to Burneside - 21km

Hollin Root Farm

Rooms from £76.00per night

  • 1.7km from the trail
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Country Hotel

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 4km from the trail
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Shakespeare Inn

Rooms from £95.00per night

  • 3.5km from the trail
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Day 7: Walk from Burneside to Bowness on Windermere - 21km

Bowness Guest House

Rooms from £85.00per night

  • 600km from the trail
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Beechwood Hotel

Rooms from £92.00 per night

  • 750m from the trail
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Oakfold House

Rooms from £86.00 per night

  • 750m from the trail
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Depart from Bowness on Windermere after breakfast

We hope you found the accommodation options above helpful, and have managed to successfully book your trail. If not, don’t worry, we offer a handy booking service which you can access by hitting the link below. If you have any more questions related to the Cotswold Way, we have you covered in the articles below. Browse at your own pace, and should you have any specific questions feel free to jump onto live chat, or search our database of articles:

Check it out!

7 Wonderful Benefits of Long Distance Walking

The benefits of long distance walking

Walking, and in particular long distance walking is an addictive hobby, and lifestyle for many. But that are the benefits of long distance walking which draw so many people to this wonderful past time?

It offers so many people an escape away from the idea of a conventional holiday (sitting by a pool), where they can instead stroll through extraordinary countryside, and stay somewhere interesting each night.

And for those long distance walkers who prefer single day walks of 20 miles and more, there are a number if events frequenly held around the UK. Many hosted by the Long Distance Walkers Association.

What then, are the benefits of long distance walking?

Lets jump in and take a look!


It Helps Your Longetevity

Its proven that walking for a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes each day can help to drastically reduce your chances of developing heart disease, some cancers and dementia in older age. Better still, it reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. Not only is walking amazing for short term health, but also a part of building a foundation of health for older age.

More specifically, it can help to improve your overall heart health by increasing your heart rate and strengthening your heart muscles. When you walk, much like with any physical activity your heart muscles need to work harder to pump blood and oxygen around your body and into your muscles. Over time this improves its function. 


It’s Great For Your Head

Walking can help to keep your head sharp, and alert. In a study published in the Neurology paper, 2008, it was shown that older adults who never exercise show clear signs of cognitive decline. However with just 6 months of walking, this can be reversed considerably.

Another study, undertaken by the University of California measured the cognitive abilities of 6000 women over 65 years old. They discovered that the mental decline was lower in women who walked the most.


It’s A Great Way To Socialise

As above, with so many events on (if that’s your thing), long distance walking offers a great way to socialise with other hiking enthusiasts.

Moreover, if you enjoy hiking long distances over multiple days the chances are you will be traveling in the same direction as other walkers who you will end up getting to know while walking.

This is a great way to meet new friends, some of whom you may know for life.


And It’s A Great Way To Find Solitude

One of the other benefits of long distance walking is solitude. Yes, you can get the best of both worlds. Walking, one step at a time does nothing but force you to slow down, calm your thoughts and enjoy the experience of being immersed in nature. The dose of vitamin D will help bone health, alleviate stress, and even provide some protection against disease, the natural light will help you sleep well (helpful for long days on the trail). And frankly, being in nature will help you to disconnect.


It Supports Rural Economies

If you embark on a walking holiday, over more than a day, you are helping rural economies. There are thriving economies in some small towns with the help of long distance walkers who fill the pubs and cafes, support the corner shops, and offer custom to the local hotels.


Long Distance Walking – It’s A Safe Activity

Perhaps skateboarding just isn’t your thing. 6 weeks in plaster when you have a busy grown up schedule just doesn’t appeal. Well don’t worry because walking is pretty safe. Obvious there are trips and falls to think about, and they do happen but most of the time you get back up, brush off and carry on. Just make sure to pack the right kit for your long distance walk.


It Opens A New World To You

The UK along has several lifetimes worth of long distance trails to walk. The rest of the world.. well you could enjoy it’s beauty for the end of time. Be sure to check out our money saving tips before you embark on your long distance walk.

There are so many wonderful long distance paths to explore around the world. From the popular Everest Base Camp Trek, or Inca Trail, to the Austria, Slovenia, and Italy’s Alpe Adria Trail.


Well I hope that has helped to inform you on the benefits of long distance walking. If your in any doubt of any of these benefits, check out our Facebook Group for some inspiration.