Brief History
Long Distance means distances of greater than 20 miles, predominately in rural, moorland or mountainous areas. Trails and organised Challenge Walks are completed as a personal challenge. Challenge Walks involve the completion of a set route within a given time. The LDWA promotes the activity of Long Distance Walking.

Facilities and Equipment Required
Challenge Walk organisers will normally provide food and drink at checkpoints on the route. Walkers should have lightweight clothes for all weathers, and boots or runners' trainers. Ability to use a compass and read a map or follow a written route description are essential, but experience will be gained by participating.  Trail walks can be attempted in many ways, staying in Youth Hostels or Camping (backpacking). The equipment and experience required are generally the same as for challenge walks.

Benefits of Participating
It is widely recognised that walking is a natural form of exercise which improves the cardiovascular system at the same time as increasing general fitness levels. Completion of a Long Distance Walk is very satisfying, and completion of one walk leads to a desire to do more, and increase personal maximum distance.

Variations of the Sport
National Trails vary from a day's walk of 20 miles through a week (90 miles) to several hundred miles (Coast to Coast, John O' Groats to Land's End) taking several weeks or months. Challenge Walks of 20 miles or more are organised around the country by the Local Groups of the LDWA. The premier event of the LDWA is the annual One Hundred Mile event, which takes place during May.