Pathways > The Pathways book > Drovers' roads
Drovers' roads
Before refrigeration there was only one way to get fresh meat to market and that was alive. The drovers were trusted with enormously valuable cargo; they had to keep their herd of cattle, sheep, geese healthy and under control. They also had to deal with the financial aspect of the transaction at their destination. Some of the first banks were set up by drovers.
Because of their status they could also be entrusted with human charges. The offspring of the wealthy were sometimes sent to the city in the company of drovers. Drove roads are marked by their width and their orientation from the stock producing lands of Scotland, England and Wales towards the big towns and cities where the fresh produce was needed.
The Welsh drovers' road walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum on drovers' roads, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of other drovers' roads:
Argyll and Bute
This varied and undulating walk follows a well-defined track round the south of the island, with good views out to sea, makes a detour to visit Glyen Castle, before cutting over the hilly interior on an old drovers' road to return to the ferry... More info
Denbighshire
This is the fourth stage in a 122-mile long walk which starts in Prestatyn. This section begins at the old drovers' village of Llandegla and crosses the hills to Llangollen by the Horseshoe Pass.... More info
Derbyshire
A spectacular walk over the Chinley Churn moors to join the old drovers' road to Hayfield, joining first the Sett Valley Trail followed by The Goyt Way and taking in Torside Park in New Mills. It finishes along the canal towpath to the car park at... More info
Dorset
A pleasant afternoon's stroll, starting from the pretty village of Winster and on to scenic hilly country through fields and woodland, also goes partly along an ancient drovers' route. The walk will be muddy in parts in the winter months.... More info
Durham
A picturesque walk through Shincliffe Village with its 19th Century church, along riverbanks and ascending through beautiful woods to an old drovers' route, returning to a friendly village public house.... More info
Gwynedd
For hundreds of years, vast herds of sheep, cattle and even turkeys were driven by drovers, on foot, from the hill country of Wales to the markets of Eastern England. Some of these roads are still traceable today. This walk invites you to tread... More info
Northumberland
From the tiny village of Alwinton, this route follows the ancient drovers' road of Clennel Street. Passing Kidland Forest, a stretch of wild moorland with panoramic views leads you to 'The Castles' and the winding route home.... More info
A circular walk from the popular and very picturesque North Pennine village of Blanchland, on quiet lanes and in part along an old drovers' road and then a riverside path. In addition to the walk, allow time to explore Blanchland itself.... More info
Powys
This walk in the Wye Valley starts with a quiet walk along the Wye, before rising to Mynydd Fforest, with its far-reaching views. Visit Brechfa Pool, a lovely visit for birdwatchers, particularly in autumn and winter. A steep descent on an old... More info
Rutland
The walk is just north of Grantham and uses an old drovers' road-cum-quarrymen's track for the most part. It is fairly level with few stiles and has broad views of the Rutland/Lincolnshire countryside. A particular feature was the number of badger... More info
Wiltshire
Splendid downland views abound on this walk. Leaving the sleepy village of Broad Chalke, cross Gurston Down to reach the old drovers' trail between Shaftesbury and Salisbury. Walking along this you can picture what it must have been like to travel... More info
Yorkshire
A moderate walk from the North York Moors National Park Centre at Sutton Bank near Thirsk. The route takes us across the top of the White Horse of Kilburn and then below the horse to the village of Kilburn itself. After passing the former home and... More info