There’s nothing quite like putting on a pair of walking boots and heading out on a hike through Britain’s gorgeous countryside. From North Wales’ impressive mountains to the Lake District’s stunning views, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful walking routes.
The top ten most popular walks in Britain have been revealed by Ordnance Survey and Ramblers UK, who’ve joined forces to celebrate the joys of walking in the British countryside. Luckily for us several of the walks aren’t too far from Greater Manchester.
Using data collected from the OS Maps App, Ordnance Survey identified the nations 10 favourite walks. Coming in at number one is the spectacular Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, which includes Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and offers breathtaking views.
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Taking approximately 12 hours to complete, this hike is perhaps not for the faint-hearted but it is just a couple of hours’ away from Greater Manchester. Ranking third is a route from Grasmere to the Langdale Pikes in the Lake District, closely followed by a walk in Cloceanog Forest near Ruthin, North Wales.
One route which is in easy reach of Greater Manchester - you can even get there on the train - is The Great Ridge, starting in Castleton in the Peak District. Taking just over three hours to do, it’s perfect for a day out.
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.”
The top ten walks in Britain:
1. 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
2. Bottom Wood Route, Chiltern Hill, Oxfordshire
Start: Dashwood Arms car park
Distance: 8.25km
Time: 2hr 20 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Map: OS Explorer 172
3. Grasmere to the Langdale Pikes, Lake District National Park, Cumbria
Start: Broadgate, Grasmere
Distance: 18.5km
Time: 6hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: OS Explorer OL7
4. Cloceanog Forest, Ruthin, Wales
Start: Bod Petyral Picnic Site, Cloceanog Forest
Distance: 11.8km
Time: 3hr 30 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: OS Explorer 264
5. Wanderlust Way, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Start: Bradley Woods car park
Distance: 33km
Time: 8hr 47mins
Difficulty: Easy
Map: OS Explorer 284
6. The Great Ridge, Castleton, Derbyshire
Start: Back Street, Castleton
Distance: 10.1km
Time: 3hr 14mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: OS Explorer OL1
7. 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
8. Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
Start: Goodrich Castle Car Park
Distance: 13.5kms
Time: 3hr 30mins
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Map: OS Explorer OL14
9. Carpenters Arms Walk, Tonbridge, Kent
Start: Carpenters Arms, Parkers Green
Distance: 9.2kms
Time: 2hr 20mins
Difficulty: Easy
Map: OS Explorer 147
10. Redbrook, Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire
Start: Tinmans Green, Redbrook
Distance: 11km
Time: 3hr 37mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: OS Explorer OL14
