I saw the article in last weekend's Australian newspaper. I've been in Australia for years, but grew up in England and used to love walking the old established pathways.

Wainwright's route shows Britain at its best. I've completed the walk three times and will be going back on September 25th 2008 for my fourth! This route must be upgraded as a National Trail.

Make it a National Trail now. This superb walk needs the waymarking and protection that this status brings. Perhaps the Ordnanace Survey might bring back the OL series two maps that covered the walk if it was a national trail? Perhaps the YHA moght be persuaded to keep all the hostels on the route open??

My son is walking it now.

I can see no reason why this magnificent walk should not be a NT.

Walked it in the early 80's, west to east. I'm amazed it still isn't a National Trail.

My partner, Maryanne, and I have done bits of the C2C and hope to do the whole thing next year. No question, National Trail status is overdue.

My wife and I are keen walkers, have completed the C to C and walked a small section yesterday on the North York Moors.

Off to do the walk next week.

About time, too! THE C2C - People call it Wainwright's C2C Walk as if there is any other! - stands head and shoulders above any other long distance walk - it is one continuous pagent of the best scenery England has to offer. If you only 'do' one LDP in your life, make it this one.

England's most popular walk needs the official recognition necessary to attract the central government funds to properly preserve and protect the trail.

Hoping to do this walk with my family in the near future.

I have walked the C2C each year for the last 5 years. It is, without doubt, the best long distance walk in Britain and a fitting tribute to its instigator. It is the epitomy of everything that a National Trail should be and this status is both highly merited and long-overdue.

Have walked a smaller lengh coast to coast walk before (the two moors way across dartmoor and exmoor in devon).

Unbelievable that this route is not yet recognised. Apathetic (or should that be pathetic?) bureaucracy is the curse of this country.

I walked the c2c in 2005 at age 50. I came over from the USA and I started on my own. I finished with many new friends from a number of countries that I made along the way, several of which I know I will keep for a lifetime. It' a national treasure and should become a National Trail. While it takes away a bit from the "adventure" of the walk the waymarking could make it more user-friendly.

Did it four years ago when I turned 50 and will do it again when I turn 55, 60, 65, 70 ......!!!!!!

Rather important that this walk be officially recognised AND SIGNPOSTED, especially for overseas visitors. If not signposted then those of us from overseas who have English as a second language will get lost and/or frustrated and/or abused by local landowners.. we then have an unpleasant experience and warn others from our country NOT TO VISIT the UK.

A worthy contender that should be included immediately.

A wonderful walk. I'm planning my third trip.

My only reluctance to signing up to this campaign is that I like it that there is not an official C2C - ie. Wainwright said here's a start and here's an end - walk in between them. But then of course the C2C has brought so much enjoyment to so many people that it should be recognised on the maps!

It is absurd that Wainwrights C2C is not a national trail. My wife and I have both completed the walk. If it was a national trail then maybe better signage could be provided - this would have prevented us getting lost in the rain between Blakey and Grosmont!

I have hiked the British trail system for years and one day hope to complete the Wainwright trail.

Doing the Coast to Coast walk was the most spectacular walking holiday I have ever had. The companionship of complete strangers along the way was extraordinary.

I fully support this campaign.

This walk really should be a national trail.

I am an American living in the UK since 1998. Back in 1992 I walked the Coast to Coast and it was one of my best holidays ever, a lovely departure from my regular European jaunts to city-centres or driving around.

I've never walked it, but hope to one day. I can't actually believe it's not already recognised in this way.

I cannot believe that the Coast to Coast walk has not been given the recognition it richly deserves.

Having completed the walk twice, would love to see it officially recognised.

(No relation!)

I have hiked twice the C2C. It is without doubt one of the great walks in the entire world. Such variety and great international company all the way.

The designation as a National Trail is very appropriate and fitting as a tribute to AW as well as the thousands who walk it every year. Eric Robson is a fitting choice to head up this appeal. I dropped in to see Percy Duff at the former offices of AW in Kendal. What a priviledge to meet him and to visit the exhibits of AW's work at the Kendal museum. I live close to the Chilkoot Trail near the Alaska/Yukon border, an historic trail of the 1898 Gold Rush. The latter has international status from two countries. I believe the C2C is every bit as deserving! Chris Wright. Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.

This is a classic walk and should be recognised as such by conferring the status of a National Trail whcih befits its iconic background, especially with the Wainwright connection.

The Coast-to-Coast needs National Trail status and the associated funding to improve the condition of some of the paths, and to create new rights-of-way to replace lengthy road-walking sections (especially in the North York Moors). It is a wonderful walk that attracts many visitors to the UK, and it deserves proper recognition.

Hoping to do the C2C in spring 2008 with my father-in-law.

Did it on mountain bike in 2 days back in Dec 2003. Not as fit at present, but am planning a trip on foot. An excellent challenge.

Hoping to do the walk in 2009.

The C2C walk has probably more interesting areas to pass through than any other long distance walk in UK, and should thus be recognised by being designated as an official National Trail.

I used to live in the house on the beach cafe at St. Bees, seen lots of people starting the walk rain or shine.

Seems a cool idea.

I think that the coast to coast walk is excellent and should be enjoyed by many. If it became a national trail it would receive the status it deserves.

This walk should most definitely be officially recognised. I live in Ingleby Cross and see many a walker pass through the village (and through the doors of the Blue Bell Inn) and it has inspired my partner and I to don our boots and prepare for the walk next year ourselves!

This trail has become known internationally as one of the best walking trails in the world. How is it that it isn't recognized within it's own country?

I recieved an arts council grant to do the C2C and successfully completed it in May this year. I am producing an exhibition of oil paintings based on the trail planning, my experiences and the os maps. I will be ready for exhibiting in the new year.

A must walk for the most serious hiker who wants to achieve a goal, every hiker should do this at some time.

After 20+ years of walking, this is undoubtably the finest walk in the British Isles. Please recognise this cherished walk officially and give it the recognition that it truly deserves.

Best holiday ever!!

It is a hard won acheivement which requires deserving recognition. I know 4 ladies who did this walk and the effort, time and money involved mean it is not for the faint hearted.

The Coast to Coast is recognised worldwide, but not, seemingly, by the authorities in our own country - this should be put right.

This is the best known walk in the UK. It brings in hundreds and hundreds of foreign visitors every year. It should be adequately marked. It is a beautiful walk - fairly tough and demanding, but great fun.

Should have been done years ago.

As a safety measure I think the C2C should be waymarked throughout.

Wainwright's C to C is by far the best of the three crossings of England I have done(and accross Scotland and Wales).I did it back in 1986 and no walks(of many) before or since has been so enjoyable.The walk brings much needed business to the area and recognition of the walk is long overdue.

I have walked The Coast to Coast path and thought it was wonderful, as did many Dutch families who had come to our Country especially to complete the walk. Better than doing the Pennine way or the Pembrokeshire Coast Path which I have also completed. Wainwright's Coast to Coast definitely deserves the recognition as a National Trail.

This is becoming a classic and deserves the status of a national trail.

Have walked the c2c 3 times and will make it 4 in 2008. Best walk in the country I think.

Myself and my girlfriend completed the C2C in August 2004, only 10 months after we had met. I told myself that if we could put up with each other for 24 hours a day for 2 weeks then we would have a good chance for the future - on 9/9/07 we celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary.

I have enjoyed this walk and the comany of walkers from around the world - this on two occasions. It never failed to inspire me, frequently the beauty of the Lakes and the North Yorks Moors brought tears to my eyes. It is, in my humble opinion the best of all the long distance walks.

I solo hiked the C2C this summer (2007) and it was the most sublimely beautiful thing I have ever done. Even those of us in the colonies think it deserves National Trail status.

This walk should be adopted as a official long distance path. The path covers every type of scenery and has stuning views west to east....

My husband and I completed the Coast to Coast walk this summer and had a fantastic time. I am not a particularly fit person but I was inspired by Wainwright and will continue to walk as long as I am able.

United Kingdom isn't a country - England is! :-)

It's absolutely shocking that the Coast to Coast Walk has not been officially recognised as a national trail! People from all over the globe tackle the trail. A FANTASTIC WALK!

Good Luck with this campaign.

Excellent challenge for young and old across the UK. My 16 year old son and his friend are on the walk and close to the end, at the time of typing. I have been pleasantly surprised at the generosity shown to them on route, restores faith in the 21st Century.

I would like to walk the coast to coast but my map reading skills are not what they should be. Way marking would be a great assistance to the walk.

Four Californians finished the Walk in June 2007 and had a great time, rain and flooding not withstanding. $7300 was raised for charities supporting feeding HIV affected children in California and Namibia. www.walkingforprojectafrica.org

Just recently completed the C2C - best walk we've done and should be a National Trail!

It has been said before, by Hal Warburton "A. W. he did not created a walk, he created a business'' and how many have benefitted by it!

I completed the walk in September 2006. It surpassed my expectations by far in terms of the contrasting beauty and the camaraderie of all who were on route. Without doubt it was a fantastic experience and deserves official recognition.

It's the best walk we've ever done and we've done six different long distance walks of more than 180 miles now, including in the Alps.

I've just completed the C2C and, while there is a decent amount of material to help the walker, it seems crazy that the walk isn't properly recognised or signposted.

Twice completed twice as nice as any other walk.

We visited the English Lakes for over 20 years with our children and climbed a third of the Wainwrights with the help of A W's Pictorial Guides.

I look forward to the successful outcome of this endeavour and intend to hopefully complete the walk once it has achieved its rightful status of a National Trail.

I have done this walk twice. Firstly with my lovely partner Lorna in 1984 raising over £1000 for Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital where she had had spinal surgery.

This is the best trail i have walked in britain, and I have walked and backpacked most of them.

Its a great walk I only did the first half but enjoyed the walk and the people you meet the scenary is second to none AW found all the best things life has to offer. Truly a man of magic.

Completed the walk in 1996.

Did the walk 20 years ago, and when my son is a little older, l hope to do the whole walk again with him. I hope your initiative to make it a National Trail will work out well. Good luck, Cees-Jan Spaargaren.

Completed the walk in 2005, with wonderfull memories that will last my lifetime.

First completed the walk in 1996 and again in 2005 - Just as good the second time.

Have just completed the coast to coast,Taking in the best of northern england, why oh why is it not a national trail yet!!

Have completed the Coast to Coast four times already and I am walking it again in July this year with my 15 year old foster son Christopher, his first.

Just plain common sense tells you it should be a recognised path.

I completed the Coast to Coast last year. It wasn't just the superb scenery I enjoyed; it was also meeting people from all around the world who I would never have met on a normal holiday. Making the walk an official trail will help to introduce others to the wonderful walking country we have in the North of England.

Definitely the best and most interesting long distance I have covered across a much varied and most beautiful country.

My Wife and I completed this walk to celebrate my 40th Birthday and to raise money for Cancer Research.

The coast to coast is just as popular and memorable as many of the other official national trails!

I would like to support Wainwright's Coast to Coast to become a national trail.

I walked the C to C 10 years ago with 2 mates we had a fantastic time.

I've walked it twice, there is nothing to beat it. Wainwright was a national treasure so is the C to C.

Mixed feelings about bringing this walk to wider public attention ... I did it with 2 friends in April (no rain!) and its impressiveness is beyond my descriptive capabilities.

It's one of Britain's best kept secrets... needs to be both publicised and protected. But people told us that fewer rather than more people are undergoing this adventure... that's kinda sad, innit? Could be a great thing for schools, tourism packages, seniors such as myself, etc. The wild beauty in places matches or excels anything I've ever seen here in Canada or throughout North and South America. (Britain really is the most beautiful island on Earth). And the people of Cumbria and Yorkshire are so winsome.

Great walk - pity about the signposting - lack of!

Recently completed the trail - a great walk but better waymarking would have added to the enjoyment.

We did this walk in 1997-- it was the best summer holiday that I have done - magical - and brilliant weather from start to finish I ought to join the society!!

My first ever long walk - took 9 and a half days - massive blisters but fantastic - if you can do it - you should.

I walked this some years ago, completed october 1995, and was the best long distance path and should now have official status.

I have walked parts of the walk, and one day hope to walk the full length. National trail status is long overdue.

Enjoyed the C2C walk in May 1999 and the group I walked with have had reunions most years since and are planning to revisit C2C route somewhere to celebrate our tenth anniversary of completing the walk in 2009.

We walked it in 1988, I think, and it was one of the highlights of my life. The walk deserves to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Hope you get your wish.

For many years we spent wonderful holidays and weekends walking the Fells of Wainwright's books. When our daughter was 8 and our son 5, we undertook the western half of the Coast to Coast, ending up at St Bees Head.

Please act to recognise the importance of this wonderful walk and safeguard its future.

The Coast to Coast offers some of the very best walking in the UK. The Lake District. The Pennines. The Yorkshire Dales. The North Yorks Moors. So that England can be seen at its very best, this walk must be recognised and given official recognition and protection for future generations of walkers.

Best Walk in the World across some of Northern Englands best countryside.

Greetings, I would support a granting of recognition, but bear in mind the great man also wanted people to devise their own routes (which many have); therefore granting it as a national trail could compromise AWs intentions.

I have walked the Coast to Coast walk twice and it remains maybe the most impressive experience of my life and I can still dream almost every yard of it. It has given me a love for the English countryside and for hiking in general. He surely deserves to have this walk recognised for what it's worth: an experience and an outlook that has enriched many. Thanks, Mr Wainwright.

This being my first serious consideration of doing the walk, I was surprised to find out it was not officially recognised. Wish you success with your petition.

My introduction to Northern England's varied scenery exceeded all expectations, my introduction to Northern England's marvelous people was totally unexpected.

I completed the walk along with my son and two friends in 1995, we also raised some money for a special needs children's group to give us an extra incentive to complete the route.

I plan to complete this walk and it is a national treasure and should be recognised as such.

This route should be officially recognised as a national treasure, and treated as such.

My first long distance walk in 1992, and part again in 2001. Still number one for me, and wonderful memories.

Completed the walk in 1978, brilliant - still have the log book I wrote. It should be recognised as a national trail.

I've walked the C to C twice in 81 aged 16 and 19 in 84 brilliant!! Neil.

Planning to do it this summer my two sons, my brother and his son. Been on wish list for many a year. Best devised route in UK , 3 areas of natural beauty: lakes, dales and moors.