The Ramblers and outdoor outfitter Cotswold Outdoor have kicked off the hunt for Britain’s Favourite Path with a nationwide photo competition launching on 1 May during National Walking Month.
Whether you roam the Highlands or meander through your local park, Britain’s Favourite Path might just be the route that captures your heart — and your camera.
A Walk to Remember
Walking isn’t just exercise; it’s an invitation to discover hidden corners and forge connections with the landscape. From rugged mountain trails to sleepy boardwalks through misty wetlands, our network of footpaths is a national treasure.
Now in its second year, the competition asks walkers in England, Scotland, and Wales to submit a photograph of their personal favourite pathway.
This is more than a beauty contest. It’s a celebration of the stories, memories, and moments that each path holds.
Last year, more than 600 nominations poured in, showcasing everything from coastal clifftops to urban greenways. Eight standout routes were shortlisted by judges, and the public cast their votes to crown the winner.
Celebrity Judge Brings Passion to the Panel
This year’s judging panel features broadcaster and seasoned walker Jeff Brazier, whose enthusiasm for the great outdoors is infectious. Jeff Brazier has said:
“It’s a privilege to be on the judging panel to find Britain’s Favourite Path. Walking means a lot to me physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s such an asset to have a good knowledge of the best walkways on our doorstep and further afield, so many of those that will be nominated will serve as great inspiration for those who find freedom in great outdoor spaces. To walk is not just to exercise and breathe fresh air, it’s the peace and clarity that comes from walking in nature, so a good path won’t just be aesthetically pleasing, it’ll be a healer too.”
His words remind us that a meandering trail can offer solace, spark creativity, and forge lifelong memories.
How to Enter
Entering is simple:
- Snap a photo of the path that means the most to you.
- Share the image via the competition page at www.ramblers.org.uk/competition.
- Tell the story behind your choice — what makes it special?
Entries open on Thursday, 1 May and close in June. A panel of experts, including Jeff Brazier, will select eight category winners. In July, the public will vote again to decide which route deserves the title of Britain’s Favourite Path.
Prizes to Keep You Moving
While fame and glory are priceless, there are tangible rewards too. The overall winner will receive a £200 Cotswold Outdoor voucher, and each category winner will pocket £50 to spend on the gear needed for their next adventure.
Last Year’s Champion
In 2024, the Thursley Common boardwalk in Surrey — nominated by local walker Michelle Presley — claimed the crown. Its raised timber walkway winds through heath and bog, offering a front-row seat to wild ponies and birdsong alike. If you missed it last year, why not explore the moor this summer?
Why It Matters
Britain’s paths are more than lines on a map; they’re living archives of heritage and wildlife corridors teeming with life. They invite us to slow down, breathe deeply, and encounter our surroundings with fresh eyes.
By nominating your own favourite, you not only champion the route you love but also guide fellow walkers to discover new realms of beauty.
So lace up your boots, charge your phone camera, and prepare to shine a spotlight on the path that moves you most. After all, your next great walk — Britain’s Favourite Path 2025 — could be the one you already know and love.
Enter now at ramblers.org.uk/competition for your chance to help name Britain’s Favourite Path.
