Britain's national trails offer some epic long walks, but those setting off with their backpacks can just as easily enjoy small segments of them instead, Natural England has said.

Spokesperson for the organisation Lyndon Marquis said the 13 national trails around England are a "benchmark" for walking routes, combining outstanding countryside and places of interest with facilities such as accommodation.

She added: "You don't have to commit yourself to an epic trip either, as there are circular and linear day routes starting from every trail."

Ms Marquis suggested that those who ware new to walking should try one of the gentler trails, such as the Peddars Way/Norfolk Coast path, the Wolds Way or the Thames Path.

More challenging trails include the Pennine Way, which stretches 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm, just across the border in Scotland.

Much of the ground it covers is mountain and moorland as it passes through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland national parks.