Frequently asked questions

Who am I?

I am Alan Cleaver - a former journalist, now an author of books on local walks in my home county of Cumbria. I've previously published 'Corpse Roads of Cumbria' and 'Get Lost' in addition to other books and booklets.

What is a postal path?

A path used by rural postmen and women up until the 1970s (when the Post Office decided to deliver everything by van - bikes were phased out in 2014) to reach remote farms and homes. Although I use the term 'postmen' for brevity there were just as many 'postwomen'; 'Postie' is a more generic term used in some parts of the UK. The paths often  already existed but in some instances they were officially or unofficially created as short-cuts by the postman. Most paths were about 10 or 12 miles long but some were 18 miles or more. Some were circular routes and other linear - the postman returning the same way he came later in the day. 

Why are they of interest?

Simply because many of them are nice walks. But the rural postman has played an important part in the country's social history and their routes and work should probably be recorded.

Can you send me details of my local postal path?

Sorry, no. I have researched a few in Britain and detailed these in my book, Postal Paths. I have also provided links to many of them on this website. But there is no 'directory' of UK postal paths so you will need to try and discover your local ones.

How do I find out about my local postal path?

I would start by talking to local history societies or your local archives to see if they have any information on your area's postal past, including the routes. You could also try talking to retired postmen or women (the walking/cycling routes were phased out at the end of the 20th Century).

N.B. Bikes took over many walking routes in 1900. Where the terrain didn't allow bikes, walking routes were maintained (most phased out in the 1970s by vans).

I think I have found my local postal path. Can I share it with you?

Yes please! It would be good to record for posterity as many paths as we can. I'll be happy to add any routes to my archive (my email is alanjcleaver@gmail.com) but also log details with your local history society and local archive office.

Is there a Google map of the paths found so far?

Yes - it also includes notes on possible paths and ones I am yet to investigate further. The map is here.

Where can I read more?

BBC: Cumbrian author records rural postal routes of the past.

BBC RADIO 4: Open Country - Postal Paths and Corpse Roads.

COUNTRYSTRIDE: Shap & The Postman's Path.

Guardian: Posties Paths: Britons who delivered mail by foot sought for new book.