John Scott has now walked half of the Slow Ways National Parks Challenge. That’s 1860km of 3720km or (1,155 miles of 2,311 miles). John’s already passed through The Broads, London National Park City, South Downs, New Forest, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Pembrokeshire Coast and is just getting to Eryri (Snowdonia). In this update John shares some photos from his adventure so far.
The Slow Ways National Parks Challenge is a challenge to walk between all of Britain’s National Parks and the world’s first National Park City. Slow Ways volunteers have designed and are testing a potential route for the trail. John aims to be the first person to walk the whole route. See the route John is following and his previous update.
I have now wandered through 7 of the 15 National Parks in the 2026 Slow Ways Challenge. Each has its own character and style, which I hope to capture in both the photos and text below.
The Norfolk Broads is water, mud, flat landscapes, comprising more water and mud, with mist constantly hovering over the horizon. I was never sure what was going to emerge from the mist and fortunately nothing ever did. I love the reflection of the sun on the mud and water.
London, our first National Park City, has been my home for 40 years. Walking the Challenge route has helped me look at the city with fresh eyes. London’s skyline changes regularly, usually as a result of residential tower blocks springing up where there were none before, or ever-taller office blocks around the City. This view of Stratford and the Olympic Park is part of the story, but with the welcome addition of cultural venues such as Sadler’s Wells and the V&A.
The South Downs is rolling hills, ridgeway walks and heathland. I was battered by wind and hail on one wander. I have walked one part of the South Downs Way on many occasions, and this was a good reminder to explore others. The view to the sea is captivating, hovering as it does on the horizon.
The New Forest was a new experience. I marvelled at the ancient woodlands and the ponies, which seemed equally ancient. There are 1,100 species of animals, plants and fungi, no doubt some of them living on this supposedly dead tree.
Dartmoor is bleakly beautiful, and I wandered through it in rain, mist and wind. I loved it and am still working out why. The plaque reminded me of the old Peterhead prison near Aberdeen, where prisoners were used to build the harbour wall. Another bleakly beautiful place.
Exmoor was so very different from Dartmoor — a gentle landscape, good weather and a positive feeling — and yet so close in miles. The descent into Lynmouth was an absolute delight, if a little tricky, and I was somehow amazed to see Wales across the Bristol Channel. If only there had been a ferry to take me to the other side!
Bannau Brycheiniog started with a canal walk and then into the hills after some pretty challenging ascents. I hadn’t quite slipped into the gathering mist when this beauty appeared.
Pembrokeshire Coast has the most beautiful coastline. It’s easy to forget the industrial heritage of our coastlines when we walk, cycle, swim, fish or do whatever it is that takes us to the sea. This lone chimney reminded me of such heritage, and I may even have imagined the coal dust scattered on the path.
Next up? Eryri (Snowdonia), Peak District, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, Northumberland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Cairngorms still to go. Best wishes John! You’re an inspiration.
