Packhorse will transport bicycles, bags and you (if you are having a bad day) on the Coast to Coast. Every one of the sites listed above will offer another link to baggage transport services, B&B's, hostels, maps... whatever you need, they have the information. Another important informational link is the Ramblers Association, information on hikes all over England.

More trails:

- The Pennine Way. 412km/256 mi, 16 days. The most famous of all long distance routes, starting at the Nags Head pub in Edale. The Pennine Way goes through some remote areas of Britain and is considered a challenge for experienced walkers. ( I don't think this one would be for me.)

- The Cleveland Way. 175km/109mi, 9 days. A strenous high level moorland path with an easier coastal section from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, also part of the Coast to Coast. Almost entirely within the North York Moors National Park (we'd cross the Cleveland Way during our journey).

- Offa's Dyke Path 285km/177mi, 12 days. On the England/Wales Border. Offa's Dyke, Britain's longest Ancient Monument, is named after the Dyke which King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century. Historians think it was probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales.

- Hadrian's Wall. 135km/84miles, 7 days. This walk takes place in North England, through Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyneside. Roman forts galore along the route.

- North Downs Way, 246km/153 miles. Starts at Farnham in Surrey and winds its way to Folkestone and Dover. Some sections follow the ancient Pilgrim's Way which took medieval travelers from Winchester to Canterbury.

- South Downs Way, 171km/106miles. This National Trail is also open to horse riders and cyclists.

- Ridgeway. 137km/85 mi follows much of the ancient Wessex Ridgeway and Icknield Way. This trail has archaeological remains, chald downland flora and fauna. (Haven't a clue as to what "chald downland" flora is.)

- The Thames Path. 343km/213 mi follows the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire through the heart of London to Greenwich.

- Pembrokeshire Coast Path. 290km/180mi. Most of this route is in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with many contrasts. Beaches, plateaus, rocky cliffs and picturesque harbors and villages.

Scotland has the very popular West Highland Way 153km/95mi that starts at Milngavie (edge of Glasgow), goes to the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, follows the shores of Loch Lomond. This walk is broken into 14 days accessible by public roads at either end. is one of the many transfer options for baggage along this route. We're considering the West HIghland Way this year.