The top 10 most popular walks in Britain have been named, and topping the list is one right here in Yorkshire.
A list of Britain’s top 10 most popular walks has been created by by Ordnance Survey and Ramblers UK.
The new partnership between OS and the charity was created ‘to celebrate the joys of walking in the British countryside and encourage more people to keep fit and healthy’.
Data was collected from the OS Maps app, which many of us will be familiar with – it helps walkers to discover beautiful trails all over the country.
It found that Brits have been returning in our droves to rural locations rather than urban ones, reversing the trend observed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Of those rural locations, those in the top spot included gruelling hiking challenges, picturesque countryside strolls, and loops around medieval landmarks.
Coming out on top was of course the almighty Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, which encompasses Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
Also in the top 10 walks in Britain was a Lake District trail between Grasmere and the Langdale Pikes.
The Great Ridge, a walk with jaw-dropping views between Edale and Castleton in the Peak District placed sixth.
Nick Giles, MD for OS Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to work closely with the Ramblers UK to encourage more people to experience our wonderful countryside first hand, and inspire a healthier and more active nation.
“Our latest route data tells us people are walking further than before. Not only does this demonstrate the growing popularity of walking, it also highlights the positive impact that it is having on walker’s physical and mental well-being.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic we saw an increase in people using OS Maps to discover new walks and places to visit in their neighbourhoods. It’s great to see more people starting to use their new found love of the outdoors and begin to venture further and explore the many wonders of Great Britain. We are seeing our walking route data show the similar hotspots to the pre pandemic locations with National Parks topping the list.”
He added: “We are committed to working alongside the Ramblers UK to empower more and more walkers to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
Ross Maloney, CEO of Ramblers UK said: “The Ramblers and OS share a passion for helping people enjoy the outdoors, and together we recognise the incredible value of Britain’s paths, tracks and trails. Our new partnership will champion walking and help more people from all backgrounds access the outdoors, enjoy it safely and see the many benefits of making walking part of everyday life.”
Britain’s Top 10 most popular walks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks, North Yorkshire
- Start: Horton-in-Ribblesdale car park
- Distance: 38.5km
- Time: 12hr 10mins
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
- Map: OS Explorer OL2
Bottom Wood Route, Chiltern Hill, Oxfordshire
- Start: Dashwood Arms car park
- Distance: 8.25km
- Time: 2hr 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Map: OS Explorer 172
Grasmere to the Langdale Pikes, Lake District National Park, Cumbria
- Start: Broadgate, Grasmere
- Distance: 18.5km
- Time: 6hr
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Map: OS Explorer OL7
Cloceanog Forest, Ruthin, Wales
- Start: Bod Petyral Picnic Site, Cloceanog Forest
- Distance: 11.8km
- Time: 3hr 30 mins
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Map: OS Explorer 264
Wanderlust Way, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire
- Start: Bradley Woods car park
- Distance: 33km
- Time: 8hr 47mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Map: OS Explorer 284
The Great Ridge, Castleton, Derbyshire
- Start: Back Street, Castleton
- Distance: 10.1km
- Time: 3hr 14mins
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Map: OS Explorer OL1
Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, (Box Hill, Holmbury Hill, Leith Hill), Surrey
- Start: Old London Road car park, near Mickleham
- Distance: 34km
- Time: 10hrs
- Difficulty: Easy
- Map: OS Explorer 146
Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
- Start: Goodrich Castle Car Park
- Distance: 13.5kms
- Time: 3hr 30mins
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Map: OS Explorer OL14
Carpenters Arms Walk, Tonbridge, Kent
- Start: Carpenters Arms, Parkers Green
- Distance: 9.2kms
- Time: 2hr 20mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Map: OS Explorer 147
Redbrook, Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire
- Start: Tinmans Green, Redbrook
- Distance: 11km
- Time: 3hr 37mins
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Map: OS Explorer OL14
Read more: Three of the best walks and country pubs for a wholesome weekend in Leeds for the whole family
Featured image – Gary Butterfield, Unsplash
