AHEAD of the summer holidays when many of us will be looking to choose UK destinations rather than overseas, a survey of 2,000 people around the country has found out the nation’s most popular walks to help inspire the plans of holidaymakers.

In a new study and public vote by footwear brand Pavers Shoes, Loughrigg Fell in the Lake District has been chosen as the third best in the UK.

Taking in a range of scenic locations the Great British public have determined this hillside walk to be amongst the best, thanks chiefly to the fantastic views you can get of nearby Grasmere and Rydal water.

Loughrigg Fell also managed to fend off some strong competition from iconic routes in places like the Peak District, Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, and narrowly missed out on the top spot to London’s popular Thames Path and Cornwall’s Lizard Point.

Respondents were fiercely loyal to the walks in their part of the country, rightly proud of the beauty on their doorstep. 31% of respondents from Scotland chose the Stac Pollaidh walk as their favourite, and the North West wasn’t far behind with a large majority choosing Loughrigg Fell.

The rest of the top 10 was as follows:

1. Thames Path, including the London Wetland Centre, London

2. Porthleven to Lizard Point, Cornwall Coast

3. Loughrigg Fell, Lake District

4. Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, North Yorkshire

5. Padley Gorge, Peak District

6. Stac Pollaidh, Scottish Highlands

7. Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill, Cotswolds

8. Bickerton Hills and Sandstone, Cheshire

9. Sycamore Gap, Northumberland

10. Llyn Dinas, North Wales

In addition to the beautiful scenery the walk was also championed for its accessibility and options for walkers of all abilities. In addition, the achievement of reaching the summit and looking down into the valleys is considered a highly memorable reward before heading back down to the quaint town of Ambleside.

The wider Northern vote was shared between Loughrigg Fell and another walking hotspot, Malham Cove in North Yorkshire. Residents of Central England demonstrated a more varied appreciation of the UK with the walks in Cornwall, the Peak District and also Loughrigg Fell rated equally highly by them.

Jason Paver, Joint-MD of Pavers offered his thoughts on the survey: “We hope this list of the UK’s favourite walks will both inspire people to explore and also support the UK tourism industry. Having done a number of these walks myself I can vouch for how good they are.

“There’s never been a better time to staycation and appreciate the natural beauty of the UK. When you are out walking please remember to abide by the Countryside Code, know your route, pack essentials and of course wear the right footwear!”