Britain's Favourite Path
Join the search for Britain's Favourite Path. Will yours be crowned the winner?
.png?itok=vZzjCFZu)
This May, Britain’s Favourite Path is returning for National Walking Month.
We're once again teaming up with with Cotswold Outdoor to ask you to submit picture of your favourite path and why it means so much to you. As well as more great prizes, it’s a fantastic opportunity to give you favourite local path its moment in the spotlight. If you want to get involved, sign up to our supporter newsletter and we’ll let you know when the competition is live.
Last year, we saw everything from boardwalks and mountain paths to quaint city lanes and sweeping coastal trails. Where will be crowned the winner in 2025?
Get inspired by last year's shortlist
Our paths are a national treasure. But too often, they’re overlooked and underloved.
So last year, we joined together with Cotswold Outdoor to find Britain’s favourite, inviting people from all across Great Britain to send us a picture of their favourite path and explain why they love it so much.
Our panel of judges then whittled down hundreds of entries to a shortlist of eight, which were shared with the public for the final decision. Thousands of votes were cast and Thursley Common Boardwalk in Surrey took the crown as Britain’s Favourite Path 2024. Here are all eight finalists:
The shortlist
East England, The Pegsdon Hills
"These small chalk downs offer beautiful views over the surrounding area and are a haven of wildlife. Walking there lifts my spirits, every single time I visit."
Midlands, Pennine Way
"The path connects past and future and weaves together the history of our common pasture land. It speaks of a distinct and clear beauty that has been fought and cared for. It speaks of hope."
North West England, Loughrigg Fell to Todd Crag
"The path from Loughrigg Fell to Todd Crag holds a special place in my heart, not just for its breath-taking views but for the deep connection I’ve built with this landscape over the years."
Scotland, The Clyde Walkway
"This stunning path is called the Clyde Walkway. It meanders some 40 miles through rural, industrial and urban Lanarkshire, through towns and countryside, passing churches, farms and spectacular views of Lanarkshire."
South East England, Thursley Common
"I grew up in Elstead so have walked this area all my life and when I was young the wetlands didn't exist, they have evolved overtime, with the help of conservation, bringing a vast range of wildlife & the beauty of nature to the common."
South West England, South West Coast Path
"I started walking the South West Coast Path a couple of years ago while waiting for cancer treatment to start. I promised myself that when I was through treatment, I would complete a walk to Lands End from my home in Hampshire. Last year I got to Lands End."
Wales, Hafren Forest
"Last year, I struggled a lot with my depression and worked so hard to find myself again. Hafren Forest is a beautiful place and made me fall back in love with nature. And for that, it holds a special place in my heart."
More info
Britain’s Favourite Path: Thursley Common boardwalk
Why winner Michelle Presley nominated the Surrey boardwalk as Britain’s Favourite Path.
Britain's Favourite Path shortlist
Explore our eight finalists for Britain’s Favourite Path in their full glory, with full size images and each entry’s entire story.
Sign up today
Get more out of your walks by signing up to receive monthly tips, kit reviews, route inspiration and celebrity interviews.