Freedom Trails

ELMS Freedom Trails are commemorative walks that honour the wartime escape lines. They are researched, way-marked and led in partnership with local historians and helper families. Use the links below to find trail briefs, registration details and post-event reports.

• ELMS Freedom Trails Information – Background on how ELMS trails are organised, what to expect, and the kit/fitness guidance issued to walkers.
• The Netherlands – Routes through the Low Countries with partner organisations in the Netherlands.
• France – Highlights from the Basque, Pyrenean and Brittany commemorations.
  • Le Chemin de la Liberté (Pat O’Leary Line) – Information on the annual mountain crossing and associated museum.
  • Comète Trail – Programmes and reports for the commemorations in Belgium and northern France.
  • Shelburn Trail – Coastal walks following the night-time evacuations from Brittany.
  • The Frankton Trail – Itinerary tracing the Cockleshell Heroes raid and escape route.
• Italy – Overview of Rossano, Tenna Valley and Sulmona commemorations.
  • Rossano Freedom Trail – Mountain routes used by Gordon Lett’s partisans to move escapers over the Gothic Line.
  • Tenna Valley Trail – Safe houses and Adriatic crossings organised by local families in the Marche.
  • Sulmona Trail – San Martino commemorations from Camp PG 78 to Castel di Sangro.
• Trail Reports – Participant write-ups (see dedicated sections for French and Italian reports).