Britain’s favourite paths revealed: Now it’s time to vote for your winner!
After receiving hundreds of heartfelt nominations from people across Britain, The Ramblers, Britain’s Walking Charity, is inviting the public to help crown Britain’s Favourite Path 2026.
Earlier this year, people from every corner of Britain shared the paths that hold a special place in their hearts, submitting stunning photographs and personal stories about the routes that have shaped memories, supported wellbeing, inspired adventures and connected them with nature.
Now in its third year, Britain’s Favourite Path celebrates the local paths that mean the most to the people who walk them. From coastal trails and countryside tracks to urban greenways and hidden gems, the competition shines a spotlight on the incredible network of paths that help us explore, unwind and reconnect with the world around us.
A panel of judges, including presenter and Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson, singer and presenter JB Gill, and the Ramblers President Amar Latif, faced the difficult task of narrowing hundreds of nominations down to just eight finalists. Each shortlisted path represents one of eight geographical areas across Britain and has been selected not only for its beauty, but for the powerful stories behind it.
The Ramblers Britain’s Favourite Path 2026 competition is supported by Postcode Lottery players, so Postcode Lottery Ambassador, Matt Johnson, stepped up to help judge this year’s entries.
Matt said “It was really, really difficult to narrow it down, to be honest. These are all incredible examples of how beautiful the paths across our wonderful countries are. And now I’m a proud owner of a substantial list of paths to explore and tick off for the rest of my life!”
Singer, JB Gill, who also formed part of the judging panel, added “I have loved seeing people’s favourite paths in postcodes across the UK, and after lots of deliberation, we’ve whittled it down to the final eight. So now it’s over to the public to cast their votes!”
The finalists showcase the very best of Britain's paths and the many ways they enrich our lives. This year's entries highlight how walking can support physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen community connections, create lasting family memories and open the door to everyday adventures.
Now the final decision rests with the public. To discover the shortlist and vote for the path you believe deserves to be crowned Britain's Favourite Path 2026, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/competition and cast your vote before 23:00 on 31 July. One vote per person will be counted, and the path with the most votes when polling closes will be named Britain's Favourite Path 2026.
ENDS
For additional information contact Aspire PR: ramblers@aspirepr.co.uk
Notes to Editors
The shortlisted images are available for use alongside this press release here. Images of JB Gill and Matt Johnson can be found here.
Judging panel for Britain’s Favourite Path
To find out more about the judging panel visit:
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/feature/britains-favourite-path-judges-2026
About The Ramblers
As Britain’s walking charity, The Ramblers protects access to nature and inspires everyone to get walking outdoors. For over 90 years, the charity has worked to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of being outside, campaigning to keep paths open and accessible while helping people build confidence to explore them.
About Britain’s Favourite Path
Now in its third year, Britain’s Favourite Path celebrates Britain’s extensive network of paths, helping to shine a spotlight on the paths that matter most to people across the country. Thousands of volunteers help maintain these vital paths, ensuring they remain open and accessible for all. Each finalist will receive a £50 voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and the winner of the competition will receive a £250 voucher from Cotswold Outdoor. Full terms and conditions can be found at ramblers.org.uk/competition (Public vote will be live from 1/07/2026)
About Postcode Lottery
The Postcode Lottery is an external lottery manager which operates charity lotteries on behalf of 20 independent Postcode Trusts. It is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. Players of the Postcode Lottery have raised more than £1.7 billion for thousands of charities and local good causes. Thanks to funds raised by Postcode Lottery players, The Ramblers has received over £26 million in funding since 2015 to help protect and champion Britain’s paths and green spaces.
