May marks National Walking Month, which celebrates the physical and emotional benefits of walking.
As the month comes to a close, online fashion retailer Damart has revealed the UK’s best walking trails.
To come up with their final list, they studied the walk difficulty, length, and time of the trail, as well as the car park costs.
Here is a look at the UK’s five best walking trails.
1. Giant’s Gate and Causeway Circular
On #WorldHeritageDay2023 we reflect on the immense cultural wealth stacked up on these shores. #GiantsCauseway
— National Trust NI (@NationalTrustNI) April 18, 2023
With your support, we’re proud to look after and protect special places for generations to come. #UNESCO #WorldHeritageDay
📸 christopherfunk_ [IG] @GCausewayNT pic.twitter.com/qraRIjy3JE
Located in Northern Ireland’s Antrim region, the Giant’s Gate and Causeway Coast trail was picked as the best in the country.
The study revealed that it has an easy walk difficulty, a length of 3.5 kilometres, which took one hour and 13 minutes to complete, and the car park cost £10 a day. Plus, it’s both family and dog friendly and has breathtaking views.
2. Devil’s Pulpit and Finnich Glen
Devil's pulpit.... Wonderful walk with the fam pic.twitter.com/RnjpSngoeq
— gaijin (@lance83) May 27, 2023
Devil’s Pulpit and Finnich Glen in West Dunbartonshire was the runner-up, with an easy 0.6 km route and no car-park costs. The short and sweet route takes about 10 minutes to complete and offers wild swimming opportunities for those who want to take their day in nature a step further.
The Scottish trail features a circular rock known as the Devil’s Pulpit as well as a steep staircase called Devil’s Steps that was built in the 19th century.
Those who have watched the TV series Outlander or the Netflix adaptation of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword will be no strangers to the route.
3. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat, you absolute beauty 😍 pic.twitter.com/3PIwO0h0ab
— ClaireN (@RoadTripJones) May 29, 2023
The world-famous Arthur’s seat in Scotland took the bronze medal, if you like.
The Edinburgh trail, set around an ancient volcano, is known for its breathtaking views of the city and is 3.9 km long. It takes one hour and 35 minutes to complete and was scored at moderate difficulty.
Car-park costs associated with the trail are on the higher end, though — £16 per day. But, considering it is set in the heart of the city, the price tag makes sense.
4. Cheddar Gorge
Over 100,000 visitors take the walk each year and we endeavour to make the trail as enjoyable as possible. Your ticket purchase helps us maintain and preserve the cliffs and woodland for future generations.#walkthismay pic.twitter.com/hzrWj0arnQ
— Cheddar Gorge & Caves (@CheddarGorge_) May 18, 2023
Cheddar Gorge, located in Cheddar, Somerset, took the fourth spot on the list. The moderately difficult walking route is a hotspot for caving and rock-climbing enthusiasts, too.
It is 0.6 km long and takes the average walker two hours, four minutes to complete.
Drivers pay £6 per day to park their vehicles.
5. Betws-y-Coed and Llyn Elsi Circular
Beautiful day for it in Betws y coed #NorthWales pic.twitter.com/t9O7Sr96Yz
— 🌅Jessy🌅 (@1976_Jessy) May 30, 2023
The beautiful Welsh trail is an easy route, with a length of 6.1 km. Those wanting to complete it will have to spare two hours and four minutes, and £5 for a day’s parking.
And, if you want to complete the walk with a furry friend, you’ll be spoiled for spaces to take your pup off the lead.
