Leeds

The most popular walk in Britain has been named – and it’s in Yorkshire

Have you embarked on this walk?

The Hoot The Hoot - 10th July 2023

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 peak district.
Langdale Pikes in the Peak District. Credit: Ian Cylkowski, Unsplash

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

Leeds

Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.

If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.

The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.

The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.

Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.

Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.

Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.

Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.

"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.

"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.

"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.

"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.

"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."

Read more: Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.

Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.

Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.

Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.

The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.

“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.

“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.

“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”

Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.

Read more: ‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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