I am planning a long hike in England which is part of E2 trail.
Apart from all the documentation and legal processes that I need to follow to be in England, are there any specific local procedures that I am supposed to follow during hiking/long distance walking?
How safe is it to trek alone in England?
I plan to carry my food, bedding, a tent and all the necessary things that I need in emergency and a medical kit.
Safety is fine, so long as you are prepared and can read a map adequately.
The UK has something called the "Countryside code". This is not a legal requirement but a blueprint about how to behave in the wild in the UK. Full information is available from the ramblers association.
Some of the more important points here:
A few other points to note.
The Uk has a large walking culture and you will hopefully meet lots of happy and enthusiastic people on your journey,
It is very safe to walk alone in England. The standard walks will have lots of others walking along them. Wild camping is frowned upon in many places.
Procedures: leaving gates as you find them. Carrying your rubbish to a dustbin. Look in the right direction when crossing a road. On roads, walk facing the traffic. In the countryside you should say "Hello" to everyone you meet, but not in the cities.
Great answer from QuentinUK. I would add that you should be aware that although you do have access rights on footpaths, many of them go through private land. Some land owners maintain routes and signs better than others, but if they have made the effort follow the path as best you can. Sometimes these routes are for getting you across safely (especially in working farms - yes you may find yourself in a field of cows!), some are to help maintain the land owners privacy.
Whilst it is safe to trek alone in England, just be wary if you want to cross areas like the Yorkshire Moors or Dartmoor. Weather in the UK can be cold and wet, and onset of fog can cause you to get lost. If you do want to disappear into these areas for a few days make sure you have proper supplies.
If you haven't seen it already, I'd recommend reading this web page from the Ramblers UK - lots of information about access rights, routes, and suggested equipment.
Have a great time!
In addition to the good advice already offered in other answers:
The national parks have websites offering you advice on safety - e.g. for Snowdonia, Dartmoor.
Military 'live firing ranges' exist in some more remote parts of the UK such as Dartmoor. This means that the military use them for firing live ammunition (not blanks, actual explosives). Such areas should be shown on your Ordnance Survey map. Double-check safe access dates on their website before you visit. Be cautious of metal objects you find anywhere in the area. (List of military live firing ranges in the UK).
