Britain’s 100 Favourite Walks with Julia Bradbury

Julia Bradbury standing on the coast path with the white cliffs of Old Harry Rocks in the background — Julia Bradbury presented 100 Favourite Walks voted for by the public | © The Outdoor Guide

From the wild landscape of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland to the famous chalk sea-stacks of Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, discover some of Britain’s favourite walks.

In 2018, we teamed up with ITV to discover the nation’s favourite walking trails – as voted by you. In a two-and-a-half-hour TV special, Julia Bradbury and Ore Oduba guided us through a countdown of Britain’s 100 Favourite Walks, among which, 40 places in our care were featured.

Below are the top 10 walks as voted for by the nation, including Britain’s number one favourite. We’ve also included some of our other favourite walks across the country, in case you’d like to explore somewhere new.

Our connections with the nation's top 10 favourite walks

Helvellyn, Cumbria: The Lake District’s third highest peak, Helvellyn, has been voted as the nation’s favourite walk. Our rangers care for it as part of the Fix the Fells partnership: repairing paths, improving drainage and keeping the landscape accessible for everyone. The notorious 'Striding Edge’ approach involves scrambling along a narrow ridge, but other routes are available for an easier walk. You could also head slightly north to try some of our trails around Ullswater, or head to Aira Force so see the thundering 20 metre waterfall.Plan your hike
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Gwynedd: There are six official paths to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which range in difficulty. The Llanberis Path is the easiest and most popular route, while the Watkin Path is the most challenging with sections of loose scree and steep drops. There are also plenty of lower-level walks to try, from the Fisherman’s Path beside the rushing River Glaslyn to the rocky hillock of Dinas Emrys.Explore Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Gwynedd

An adult and child walk along a path towards Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. — Visitors walking towards the castle at Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Malham Tarn Estate, Yorkshire Dales: With over 2,900 hectares of woodland, rolling hills and rugged moorland you might find it hard to choose which part of the estate to explore first. You could hike towards Malham Cove – a towering crescent-shaped rock face carved into the landscape. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself at Janet’s Foss, a flowing waterfall hidden among the trees that's said to be the home to Janet, Queen of the Fairies. It also makes for an ideal spot to dip your toes in on a hot day.Plan a trip to the Dales
Cat Bells, Cumbria: Hunkered down on the edge of Derwentwater, the views from the top of Cat Bells are more than worth the short but steep climb to the summit. Alfred Wainwright described it as a ‘family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together’, and it was also a favourite of Beatrix Potter who used the surrounding landscape as inspiration for many of her stories – like Mrs Tiggy-Winkle the hedgehog who famously lived behind a little wooden door on the fell.More about Cat Bells

View of Ullswater and the fells at dawn, Aira Force and Ullswater, Cumbria — View of Ullswater and the fells at dawn, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Scafell Pike, Cumbria: Scafell Pike towers over the surrounding Lake District landscape. It’s England’s highest mountain, and on a clear day you’ll be able to marvel at spectacular views in all directions. There are three routes from Wasdale Head, each offering a strenuous hike to the summit.Scale Scafell Pike
Tryfan, Gwynedd: Tryfan is famous for its rugged landscape, but this also makes for very tough terrain that should only be attempted by experienced and well-equipped hill walkers. To take in views of Tryfan and the Glyderau mountains without committing to the strenuous climb, why not take a hike around Llyn Ogwen instead? With no peaks to tackle, you can really immerse yourself in your surroundings. Legend says that this is the final resting place of the sword Excalibur – cast into the lake by a knight of King Arthur.Plan your trip to Tryfan

View of Scafell Pike from Hollow Stones in Wasdale, Cumbria | © National Trust Images / John Malley

Buttermere, Lake District: The Lake District is known for its mountains and adventurous trails, but you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy a walk here. The four-and-a-half mile Buttermere circular is an easy and level walk around one of the region’s most beautiful lakes, flanked by gentle green fields and the towering peaks of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks – Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fell.Get a taste of the Lake District
Coniston, Cumbria: The Old Man of Coniston is the highest point in the range, and makes for a great mountain hike with a bit of scrambling thrown in. We care for Tarn Hows nearby – a great spot if you’re after a slightly gentler walk. Take the Steam Yacht Gondola across the lake to Monk Coniston to arrive at the starting point in style.Discover Coniston

Llyn Ogwen with Glyder Fawr and Y Garn from above Tal y Llyn Ogwen farm with Tryfan dominating the skyline, Carneddau and Glyderau, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Gwynedd, Wales — Llyn Ogwen with Tryfan dominating the skyline, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Gwynedd | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Dunstanburgh, Northumberland: Northumberland is one of the country’s quieter retreats, making it a great place to escape for a while. Explore the rugged coastline with its bracing sea air to blow away the cobwebs. Beginning from the tiny fishing village of Craster, follow the coast path past the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the long golden sweep of Embleton Sands where you can also have a paddle.Explore Northumberland's coast
Mam Tor, Peak District: The summit of Mam Tor is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District. From the top you get a 360-degree view, including Kinder Scout to the north-west, Derwent Moors to the north and east, and the Vale of Edale sprawling out at your feet. Once you’ve had your fill of rejuvenating fresh air, why not head down to Edale for a cup of tea at the Penny Pot Café?Discover dramatic views