Where2walk presents the best walks in Northern England. I have been walking in these parts all my life and consider it to provide excellent contrasts of water and mountain, villages and remoteness, history and culture. Striding out over the vast moorlands of the Dales or the ridges of the Lake District is unforgettable and enjoyable for all. My friend once said to me he liked the Lakes for its drama and excitement but preferred the open vista of the Dales. He may be right, that choice is yours but do test these walks and it will help make your judgement.

Although all the walks on this site (which are free to use) are familiar to me I wanted to be sure they were worthy of inclusion so I have completed them all since the start of 2010. As well as devising what I believe is the best route I have taken the photographs and written the description and even discovered the joys of plotting a GPS route! All the walks have their virtues but some are more suitable than others depending on your lifestyle. I have categorised the walks as best as I can (and some fall in to more than one category) but really the map should tell the full story. I despair of those who are unable to read a map and judge for themselves. What you will not find on these pages is detailed route descriptions (turn left at this style, turn right 132metres down that bridleway), in fact I would actively encourage people to leave the marked route. You may well find something special if you do. You will not either find loads of disclaimers on the site patronising the walker (telling them to dress warmly in winter or make sure you leave the stilettos at home) but I have a number of my own tips which should help you enjoy each and every walk. No the detail on each walk is sparse and I have tried only to put the key features of each walk, what to look out for, a start point and some good refreshment stops, a few photos which are much better than words in characterising the walk but most importantly a map. The page on each walk is downloadable on a single page, or straight to your GPS, but really you need a map – that is my best (and only) bit of advice.

I have also added a section called Walking Challenges which gives an additional focus for those who want to do something more with their walking. I have ticked all the Munros and Wainwrights and am wading laboriously through the Marilyns, have qualified as a Mountain Leader and taken on some of the longer distant walks. There is nothing great in doing any of this and all that is really needed is a love for the fells and dales and a desire to be amongst them. Do look at the walks – you may already have done plenty but try some of the others – no walk in the north of England is a bad walk.

Jonathan