What is the longest straight line in Britain?

THE route of the longest linear walk in Britain without crossing a road was first created in 2018 by map makers Ordnance Survey (OS) after a question on Twitter.

Roger Dalton wrote: “What (and where) is the longest distance you can walk in a straight line in England/wales/scotland without crossing a road (defined as a paved surface for vehicular use).”

Intrigued, OS experts set about searching for a route and decided the longest straight line between tarmac roads was from the A9, just north of the Drumochter Pass, to the A939, suit of Corgarff.

They concluded the exact straight line distance was 71.5km (44.43 miles ) with a total ascent of around 5,394m (17,700ft).

The highest point is the summit of Beinn a’bhuird at 1197m (3927ft). It is the 11th highest mountain in the UK. Other mountains on the route include Beinn Bhrotain and Ben Avon.

At the time of plotting the line, an OS expert commented: “I wouldn’t recommend anyone do it unless they are very conversant with a map and compass.

“It is not following known tracks or paths and it looks like there may well be several scrambles along the way, too.”

There are reports of a couple of previous attempts but each was aborted. Jenny and Calum’s attempt was supported by EXPED UK (Expedition Equipment) and clothing sponsor was Montane.

Chris Gordon, of EXPED UK, said: “What seems on paper to be such a simple idea, following a constant straight line, when taken to an environment like the Cairngorms and followed as exactly as Jenny and Calum have across mountain tops, rivers and crags makes for a truly inspiring adventure.”