WAW Towns (O-Z)
Otley
Accredited since: 2007
Otley, in the Wharfedale Valley, is a thriving historic market town with a population of fourteen thousand plus. It has a beautiful setting beside the River Wharfe, and below the wooded escarpment known as The Chevin. Otley is surrounded by spectacular countryside with an attractive riverside and many paths and rights of way leading out of Otley. It links to several long distance walks, being the starting point for our the 38-mile ‘Six Dales Trail’ from Otley to Middleham, and the ‘Welcome Way’ a 28-mile circular walk around (and published and maintained by the WAW towns of) Otley, Burley in Wharfedale, Bingley and Baildon. Otley is also a flourishing shopping location with many pubs, cafes and shops, as well as national and retail chains. The town has been a centre for TV and film industry for many years.
Overton
Accredited since: 2016
Overton is a is a pretty village with many nice eateries and pubs, enjoying good public transport links. It offers a variety of rural walks over easy and medium terrain which can be unusual in a country location. The walks vary from 1.8 miles to over 10 miles for those who love to stride out. We have walks that are buggy, wheelchair and dog friendly in a relaxed unhurried landscape.
Pewsey & The Vale
Accredited since:
Pewsey is the largest village in this rural part of Wiltshire. Pewsey & The Vale is in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, which recognises the natural beauty and distinct characteristics that are so outstanding that they should be protected for the nation and future generations. Located on the Great West Way®, Wansdyke and Ridgeway are to the north with Mid-Wilts Way and Kennet & Avon Canal at its centre. The Pewsey Vale Circular Way is a long-distance walking, riding and cycling route with the Vale of Pewsey at its heart.
Prestatyn & Meliden
Accredited since: 2007
Prestatyn is well known for its beautiful walks with stunning surroundings and the start or end of the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. Conveniently situated at the northern end of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley National Landscape, Prestatyn is a wonderful base for walking enthusiasts offering excellent transport connections nationally.
Ross-on-Wye
Accredited since: 2009
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, is a quirky little market town sitting high above great horseshoe bends in the River Wye. Walking in the Ross area has something for everyone; flat riverside paths to steep climbs, fields or woodland – and amazing panoramic views! It remains a hidden gem to escape the bustle of tourism & walking hotspots. Do come and explore…!
Shepton Mallet
Accredited since: 2021
Shepton Mallet is perfectly positioned to explore the countryside around us, nestled as it is at the gateway to the Mendip hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty criss-crossed with trails, footpaths and the remains of ancient and medieval industry and workings.
Snaith
Accredited since: 2013
SNAITH is a former market town having gained a charter from King Henry III in 1223. It was a very busy and important inland port until the 18th century. King Edward II built a Manor House nearby in the 1320’s and parliament sat here. The largest medieval royal deer park in England came right up to the edge of the town.
Spilsby and Hundleby
Accredited since: 2017
Spilsby and Hundleby are an adjoining town and village on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, with walks available towards the coast, out onto the Fens and into the Wolds. Plenty of places to eat and stay.
St Dogmaels
Accredited since: 2012
St Dogmaels, at the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is on the Wales Coast Path and Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
The village centres on the ruins of the 12th century Abbey and visitor centre.
A mile North lies Poppit Sands blue flag beach with dunes, café and marshes
Stowey (Nether & Over)
Accredited since: 2016
Both Nether Stowey and Over Stowey lie at the foot of the stunning Quantock Hills in West Somerset. The name Stowey comes from the Old English for ‘paved road’ which is fitting for the villages having welcomed walkers for hundreds of years. Nether Stowey with its shops, B&Bs and pubs is at the start of the Coleridge Way, named after the poet who wrote some of his most famous work there. The smaller settlement of Over Stowey clusters around the church of St Peter and St Paul, the parish however encompasses a substantial area of farmland and open access land on the Quantock Hills.
Talgarth
Accredited since: 2012
Welcome to Talgarth at the foot of the Black Mountains in the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Talgarth is an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the area whether it’s the high peaks or the lush pastures of the Wye and the Usk valleys.
Talgarth has a long history. Neolithic burial chambers exist nearby and in the 5th century it was the centre of the kingdom of Brycheiniog ruled by King Brychan. During the 11th and 12th century the Normans left their legacy of castles at Bronllys, Dinas and Tretower. Other historic buildings in the town provide a record of the development of Talgarth. Now it is a friendly market town which is the centre for the surrounding farming industry. It is also a hub for a range of outdoor activities.
Thornbury
Accredited since: 2024
Thornbury retains its character as a mediaeval market town, whose motto – The Jewel of the Severn Vale – sums up its position as a footpath hub. While circular Streamside walks encourage exploration within the town, radial paths reach out to the levels and gentle ridges with views across the river.
Tregaron (Bro Tregaron)
Accredited since: 2011
Tregaron is a small, traditional Welsh market town in the upper reaches of the Teifi Valley, and nestling at the foot of the Cambrian Mountains. Its market was formally established by Royal Charter in 1292, and a thriving livestock market continues to the present day. Once famous as the last watering stop for the Drovers driving their stock across the Cambrian Mountains to markets in Herefordshire and further east, its current market continues on a more parochial basis. Historically the parish also supported a number of woollen mills, and became well known for the local manufacture of woollen socks. The parish church in Tregaron is dedicated to St. Caron, and its most famous son was Henry Richard (1812-1888), a founder member of the league of Nations and a lifelong advocate of peace. Of equal fame or notoriety was Twm Sion Cati, a local outlaw and highwayman turned politician, whose life is celebrated i local history and mythology.
Unst, Shetland
Accredited since: 2011
Unst is actually an island, the most northerly inhabited island in Shetland. It is approx. twelve miles long and five miles wide. There are three main settlements: Uyeasound to the south, Baltasound in the centre, which has three shops, and Haroldswick to the north. The population is approx. 650.
Wellington
Accredited since: 2010
Wellington is just north of the iconic Wrekin Hill in Shropshire. Although part of Telford it has its own identity as a market town (since 1244). Locally there is much of geological, archaeological and ecological interest. It has excellent transport links having a railway station and being just off the M54.
Whitchurch, Hampshire
Accredited since: 2015
Nestling in the upper reaches of the world famous River Test chalk stream, Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest town.
This part of North Hampshire is a tale of two halves, from the gentle walking along the river valleys and meadows to the ancient flinty tracks, high chalk ridges and steep valleys of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. This is Hampshire walking country without the crowds. Whitchurch Mill Trail – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXIHZQ2rzYg
Whitchurch, Shropshire
Accredited since: 2012
A border market town, surrounded by undulating countryside with over 110 km of public rights of way in the urban & rural parishes. There is a regular Makers Market once a month & a weekly local market , it is served by good transport systems to larger towns and cities. We have a yearly Walking Festival in May .
Winchcombe
Accredited since: 2009
Winchcombe is an attractive, Saxon market town set in a valley in the glorious north Cotswolds. Walkers can explore the extensive network of well maintained footpaths, including the Cotswold Way and five other trails. A website aimed at walkers suggests where to walk, eat, sleep and visit. A welcome awaits.
Wiveliscombe
Accredited since: 2009
Wiveliscombe is a small, vibrant, friendly community on the edge of Exmoor, the Balckdown and Brendon hills and the nearby coast. There is a myriad of well maintained footpaths, some near national trails, readily reached from The Town Square.
Wiveliscombe is easily accessed from the M5 motorway and Taunton Railway / Coach station which makes a visit to this little known part of Somerset well worthwhile.
Wolsingham, County Durham
Accredited since: 2019
Wolsingham is the gateway of Weardale, one of County Durham’s rural country Dales. The area is north of the well know Yorkshire Dales, between Teesdale and Tynedale, but it is less well known and is largely undiscovered! Weardale is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty