Explore Britain’s favourite paths for yourself  

The search is over – a stretch of the South West Coast Path has been crowned Britain’s Favourite Path 2025. And what a worthy winner it is.

But that’s far from the whole story. Out of almost 1,000 entries, our panel of expert judges selected eight fantastic finalists from all over Great Britain, each showcasing a wonderful part of our path network. 

Now it’s time for you to explore them for yourself. So here are 8 routes to help you enjoy our 8 finalists. 

Prefer to get outside with a group? Don't forget to check out our packed calendar of group walks and explore Britain's favourite paths with a posse. 

 

Hartland Peninsula on the South West Coast Path | South West England

Stretching for 630 miles around the south-western tip of England, the South West Coast Path charts a course along some of England’s best loved coastlines. And there’s no shortage of sections to choose from. But this year, one stood tall among the rest – the path around Abbey River Beach on Devon’s Hartland Peninsula.

Our route starts at Hartland Quay, taking you up onto the cliffs overlooking Abbey River beach (also known as Blackpool Mill Beach) and along to Hartland Point Lighthouse. The return then takes you inland, past Devon’s only fortified farm and an inscribed chair once used by Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, in August 1938.

Discover Britain's Favourite Path 2025

 

Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way | Scotland

The West Highland Way is arguably Scotland’s most iconic long-distance path. And Robert Marshall, who entered the path, should know – he’s walked it 96 times and will be completing his century in September 2025.

When it came to selecting his favourite stretch, Robert plumped for a stretch north of Inversnaid running alongside Loch Lomond which is usually the second stretch undertaken by intrepid West Highland Way walkers.

Starting at Inversnaid, don’t miss the Arklet Falls before winding along the water’s edge into the RSPB Inversnaid Reserve. Before you reach the end point at Iverarnan, you’ll pass a cave once home to Robert the Bruce, plenty more waterfalls and panoramic vistas.

Lap up Loch Lomond

 

The Coffin Circular | North West England

Taking you from the iconic Ambleside around Rydal Water to Grasmere, the Coffin Circular is so called because it used to be the route coffins would be transported to the only consecrated ground in the area, at St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere.

And while the name may sound a bit gloomy, the walk is anything but. Our circular route kicks off in Grasmere, rounding the lake before climbing for views of Rydal Water and passing by Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s home from 1813 until his death in 1850. After leaving Rydal Mount, you’ll find yourself on the coffin route and make your way to Alcock Tarn before heading back to the Youth Hostel.

Walk in the steps of Wordsworth

 

Simonside Ridge | North East England

From Bronze Age settlements to ancient sandstones and even a mythical population of Simonside Dwarfs, the Simonside Ridge is not short of attractions. Starting off in the Simonside Forest, you’ll follow the waymarkers all the way up to the Simonside Crags and its 360 degree panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills and the North Sea.    

Stride the Simonside Ridge

 

Kinder Scout | Midlands

Kinder Scout isn’t just one of Britain’s most awe-inspiring landmarks; it’s also a journey through history. Almost 100 years ago, the Kinder Trespass kickstarted the Ramblers’ fight to access the countryside, a fight we continue to this day.

Our route retraces the steps of the brave trespassers, starting in the west of Hayfield before climbing William Clough and up onto the Kinder Plateau, past the iconic Kinder Downfall, before returning down past the Edale Cross.

Step back into history on Kinder Scout

 

Halnaker | South East England

Nestled on the edge of the South Downs National Park sits Halnaker Windmill, which can trace its roots back to 1540. But that heritage pales in comparison to the path you’ll take to lead you to it.

Starting at Boxgrove Village Hill, you’ll pass the stunning Tinwood Vineyard before tackling the main event – the stunning path covered by an archway of trees which forms part of Stane Street, a 91km-long Roman road that was likely built ion the first decade of the Roman occupation of Britain!

Wander to the windmill

 

Yr Wyddfa | Wales

Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon, is one of Great Britain’s most iconic peaks. As the tallest mountain south of the Scottish Highlands, it’s a common bucket list walk with hundreds of thousands of visitors making the climb each year. 

Eschewing the most popular path from Llanberis in the north, our route starts off at Pen y Pass, ascending via the Pyg track before returning along the Miner’s Track by the shores of Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw.

Make your way down the Miner's Track

 

Layer de la Haye | East England

Britain’s Favourite Path is all about showcasing the wonder that is our path network, particularly those paths that are on our doorstep. And no entry showcased this better than Theresa Calver’s Essex stunner: “I thought real beauty could only be found in places like Wales, Scotland and Cumbria, but having recently started walking around my local village, I realised that beauty can be found everywhere!”

We couldn’t agree more. To get a taste of this beauty for yourself, head over to the Roman River Vally Nature Reserve, managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, and explore the peaceful woodland and the banks of the river itself.

Ramble down the Roman River

 

Need to refresh your walking wardrobe before getting out there? Don’t forget that members of the Ramblers get 15% off at Cotswold Outdoor, the sponsors of Britain’s Favourite Path.