The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
New analysis by the Ordnance Survey (OS) has identified the most popular hiking destinations and routes in the UK.
The national mapping agency analysed over 800,000 walking and cycling routes logged in its app and online mapping system and found Cumbria to be the most popular destination for hiking in the UK.
Derbyshire, North Yorkshire and Gwynedd were also named, while Inverness in Scotland and England’s Somerset also made the top 10.
Top 10 busiest regions for OS activity
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- North Yorkshire
- Gwynedd
- Powys
- Hampshire
- Devon
- Gloucestershire
- Inverness
- Somerset
The data also found that Edale village in the Peak District was the most popular beginning and end point for a walk.
Top five starting points for walkers in Britain:
1. Edale, Peak District
2. Fairholmes, Peak District
3. Pen-y-Pass, Snowdonia
4. Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire Dales
5. Ambleside, Lake District
For those looking to beat the crowds, Ordnance Survey also identified some of the least-walked areas.
They included north Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and north Aberdeenshire.
The Isle of Sheppey in Kent, Spalding near The Wash and Sunk Island in the Humber Estuary also didn’t get as much foot traffic as others.
The best hikes and walks near London – in pictures
1/8 Seaford To Eastbourne, 13.8 miles
This stunning cliff-top hike along the Seven Sisters includes views of Beachy Head, Cuckmere Haven river valley and finishes in the seaside town of Eastbourne
Pixabay
2/8 Chess Valley Walk, 10 miles
If you’re after historical landmarks, this is the walk for you. A walk through Chess Valley includes passing by the 1,000-year-old town of Rickmansworth and past one of the oldest schools in the country. It is also teeming with quintessential British wildlife
Shutterstock
3/8 Hastings Circular, 5.9 miles
Located in East Sussex, this hike begins in Hastings Old Town and then takes you along the seafront at Rock-A-Nore before embarking on a cliff-top coastal walk
Shutterstock
4/8 Oxted circular walk, 12 miles
The perfect summer walk, most of this hike is located on the wooded Greensand hills with a number of pubs to choose from for lunch
Shutterstock
5/8 Ockley To Leith Hill, 7 miles
If you’re after some ridiculously beautiful views then this is the hike for you. Climbing to the highest point in the south east, you will go through green meadows and past gorgeous old cottages. On a clear day from the top of the tower you can see the clock face on Big Ben and the English Channel
Shutterstock
6/8 Hampstead Heath, 6.5 miles
One you don’t even need to jump on the overground for, this hike begins and ends at Hampstead underground station on the Northern Line. It explores some of London’s best-loved places, passing by Highgate Cemetery and stopping on the top of Parliament Hill
Unsplash
7/8 Henley via Stonor, 13.6 miles
Sitting on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, this hike is a charming mix of hidden valleys, woodland and farmland – and includes a pub stop along the way
Pixabay
8/8 Mole Gap Trail, 6 miles
What’s better than hiking? Wine and hiking. Walking from Leatherhead to Dorking in Surrey, following the route of the River Mole you’ll pass an 18th century manor house and the largest vineyard in the country – so pop in for a tasting
Instagram/qmulinternational
1/8 Seaford To Eastbourne, 13.8 miles
This stunning cliff-top hike along the Seven Sisters includes views of Beachy Head, Cuckmere Haven river valley and finishes in the seaside town of Eastbourne
Pixabay
2/8 Chess Valley Walk, 10 miles
If you’re after historical landmarks, this is the walk for you. A walk through Chess Valley includes passing by the 1,000-year-old town of Rickmansworth and past one of the oldest schools in the country. It is also teeming with quintessential British wildlife
Shutterstock
3/8 Hastings Circular, 5.9 miles
Located in East Sussex, this hike begins in Hastings Old Town and then takes you along the seafront at Rock-A-Nore before embarking on a cliff-top coastal walk
Shutterstock
4/8 Oxted circular walk, 12 miles
The perfect summer walk, most of this hike is located on the wooded Greensand hills with a number of pubs to choose from for lunch
Shutterstock
5/8 Ockley To Leith Hill, 7 miles
If you’re after some ridiculously beautiful views then this is the hike for you. Climbing to the highest point in the south east, you will go through green meadows and past gorgeous old cottages. On a clear day from the top of the tower you can see the clock face on Big Ben and the English Channel
Shutterstock
6/8 Hampstead Heath, 6.5 miles
One you don’t even need to jump on the overground for, this hike begins and ends at Hampstead underground station on the Northern Line. It explores some of London’s best-loved places, passing by Highgate Cemetery and stopping on the top of Parliament Hill
Unsplash
7/8 Henley via Stonor, 13.6 miles
Sitting on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, this hike is a charming mix of hidden valleys, woodland and farmland – and includes a pub stop along the way
Pixabay
8/8 Mole Gap Trail, 6 miles
What’s better than hiking? Wine and hiking. Walking from Leatherhead to Dorking in Surrey, following the route of the River Mole you’ll pass an 18th century manor house and the largest vineyard in the country – so pop in for a tasting
Instagram/qmulinternational
If you’d rather stay closer to the capital, check out the best hikes near London.
