Ordnance Survey and the Ramblers pick out the nation’s top 10 favourite walking routes

ORDNANCE Survey (OS) has announced a new partnership with the Ramblers walking chairty to celebrate the joys of walking in the British countryside and encourage more people to get outdoors.

The partnership hopes to capitalise on the latest data revealed by OS, which showed that between April 2022 and March 2023, people were walking more than a third of the distance further compared to the previous 12 months.

As people increasingly seek solace and adventure in the great outdoors, OS and the Ramblers say they are keen to work together to provide guidance, support and inspiration for those looking to explore rural landscapes, look after their physical and mental well-being, and reconnect with nature.

The data from OS Maps App highlighted a significant change in British walking trends over the past year, with people returning to explore rural routes such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) in greater numbers compared to urban routes, effectively reversing the trend observed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to work closely with the Ramblers UK to encourage more people to experience our wonderful countryside first hand, and inspire a healthier and more active nation,” said Nick Giles, MD of OS Leisure.

“Our latest route data tells us people are walking further than before. Not only does this demonstrate the growing popularity of walking, it also highlights the positive impact that it is having on walker’s physical and mental well-being.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic we saw an increase in people using OS Maps to discover new walks and places to visit in their neighbourhoods. It’s great to see more people starting to use their new found love of the outdoors and begin to venture further and explore the many wonders of Great Britain. We are seeing our walking route data show the similar hotspots to the pre pandemic locations with National Parks topping the list.

“We are committed to working alongside the Ramblers UK to empower more and more walkers to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Ross Maloney, CEO of the Ramblers added: “The Ramblers and OS share a passion for helping people enjoy the outdoors, and together we recognise the incredible value of Britain’s paths, tracks and trails.  Our new partnership will champion walking and help more people from all backgrounds access the outdoors, enjoy it safely and see the many benefits of making walking part of everyday life.”

The UK’s top 10 favourite walks:

OS also published the top 10 most popular walks followed by the public in OS Maps App over the last year. The nation’s 10 favourite walks were calculated by OS through data collected from the app:

1. The Yorkshire Three Peaks, North Yorkshire 

Start: Horton-in-Ribblesdale car park

Distance: 38.5km (24 miles)

Time: 12hrs

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Map: OS Explorer OL2

2. Bottom Wood Route, Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire 

Start: Dashwood Arms car park

Distance:  8.25km (5.1 miles)

Time: 2hr 20 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Map: OS Explorer 172

3. Grasmere to the Langdale Pikes, Lake District National Park, Cumbria 

Start: Broadgate, Grasmere

Distance: 18.5km (11.5 miles)

Time:  6hr

Difficulty: Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL7

4. Cloceanog Forest, Ruthin, Wales 

Start: Bod Petyral Picnic Site, Cloceanog Forest

Distance: 11.8km (7.3 miles)

Time: 3hr 30 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Map: OS Explorer 264

5. Wanderlust Way, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire 

Start: Bradley Woods car park

Distance: 33km (20.5 miles)

Time: 8hr 50mins

Difficulty: Easy

Map: OS Explorer 284

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6. The Great Ridge, Castleton, Derbyshire 

Start: Back Street, Castleton

Distance:  10.1km (6.3 miles)

Time: 3hr 14mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL1

7. Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, (Box Hill, Holmbury Hill, Leith Hill), Surrey 

Start: Old London Road car park, near Mickleham

Distance: 34km (21.1 miles)

Time: 10hrs

Difficulty: Easy

Map: OS Explorer 146

8. Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire 

Start: Goodrich Castle Car Park

Distance: 13.5kms (8.4 miles)

Time: 3hr 30mins

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL14

9. Carpenters Arms Walk, Tonbridge, Kent

Start: Carpenters Arms, Parkers Green

Distance: 9.2kms (5.7 miles)

Time: 2hr 20mins

Difficulty: Easy

Map: OS Explorer 147

10. Redbrook, Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire 

Start: Tinmans Green, Redbrook

Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)

Time: 3hr 40mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL14

About Ordnance Survey

Ordnance Survey (OS) is Great Britain’s national mapping agency. It carries out the official surveying of Great Britain, providing the most accurate and up-to-date geographic data, relied on by government, business and individuals.

OS is a public corporation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

For more information visit the OS Maps App website.