Discover Britain’s favourite paths
From beautiful boardwalks to riverside rambles, revisit some of our favourites from 2024
Want to experience Britain’s favourite paths for yourself?
With our search for Britain’s Favourite Path 2025 underway, we’ve brought together some of the very best entries from last year, with all the directions and information you’ll need to explore them yourself.
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.
Thursley Common boardwalk, south-east England
Where else could we start than with Britain’s Favourite Path 2024? Floating above one of the largest remaining fragments of heathland in Surrey, the Thursley Common boardwalk snakes through this wonderful landscape, serving as the perfect vantage point to spot the vast range of wildlife that call the common home. Located just outside Guildford, we recommend making your way to the Moat Pond car park and picking up the boardwalk from there.
Pegsdon Hills, east of England
On the other side of London, right on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, lie the Pegsdon Hills. Another haven for wildlife, the small chalk downs offer panoramic views over the surrounding landscape and the wildflowers that thrive there every year.
Our route starts off at The Raven in Hexton and heads over to the Lilley Arms, a perfect lunch spot, before winding its way back via the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve.
Pennine Way, Midlands
The Pennine Way isn’t just one of Britain’s most beautiful long-distance trails; it’s also a journey through history. And the stretch between Kinder and Bleaklow has special significance for us. Almost 100 years ago, the nearby Kinder Trespass kickstarted our fight to access the countryside, a fight we continue to this day. So as you make your way along the flagstones, you won’t just be enjoying your beautiful surroundings: you can also retrace the footsteps of some of the first access campaigners.
Loughrigg Fell to Todd Crag, north-west England
From the Peaks to the Lakes and a picturesque path with an unparalleled view of Windermere. Our route starts off in the centre of Ambleside before climbing up to Todd Crag, and its wonderful Windermere views, before heading over to Loughrigg Fell, with plenty more views of Grasmere and Rydal Water in store.
The Clyde Walkway, Lanarkshire
Meandering through 40 miles of rural, urban and industrial Lanarkshire, the Clyde Walkway runs all the way from the centre of Glasgow’s West End, where the River Clyde meets the River Kelvin, to the spectacular Falls of Clyde in New Lanark. Passing through towns and countryside, farms and nature reserves, it truly has something for everyone – all you need to do is pick the perfect section for you.
South West Coast Path, south-west England
Stretching for 630 miles around the south-western tip of England, the South West Coast Path charts its path along some of England’s best loved coastlines. There’s no shortage of sections to choose from but the entry that really caught our eye celebrated Woody Bay, on Devon’s northern coast. Our route will take from the Bay to Heddon’s Mouth, taking in waterfalls and sea arches, and if you’re lucky, glimpses of dolphins far below.
Hafren Forest, Powys
In a nice bit of symmetry, our list starts and ends with a boardwalk. But despite the boards underfoot, the surroundings could not be more different. Hafren Forest, named after Afon Hafren (the Welsh name for the River Severn), stretches over 15 square miles of mid-Wales, up to the source of the river from which it takes its name. There are countless walking routes throughout the forest but we recommend the Cascades Walk, a favourite of Bethany Handley, one of our 2024 judges.
Think a path you know has what it takes to be crowned Britain’s favourite? Share a snap of your favourite path, and the reason why it’s so special to you, by 31 May for your chance to win £200 of Cotswold Outdoor vouchers.
And if you’re a Ramblers member, don’t forget to take advantage of your 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor whenever your kit needs a refresh.