The South West’s Strawberry Line Path named Britain’s Favourite Path 2026
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A section of the Strawberry Line path near Winscombe in North Somerset has won the title of Britain’s Favourite Path 2026.
The path, which is part of a traffic-free route from the Mendips to the sea, has been crowned as Britain’s Favourite Path 2026 by Britain’s walking charity, the Ramblers, after a month-long public vote. The annual competition, supported by Postcode Lottery players, celebrates the importance, beauty and diversity of Britain’s paths.
The winning image, which is available for editorial use, is available to download here.
The Strawberry Line Path faced fierce competition from 7 other paths, including rural riverside routes to peak-summiting paths. The South West has been the winning category two years in a row with a stretch of the South West Coast Path between Bude and Westward Ho! having won the title of Britain’s Favourite Path 2025.
Britain’s Favourite Path 2026 is supported by Postcode Lottery players. Since 2015, the Ramblers has received more than £26 million in funding raised by Postcode Lottery players, helping the charity to protect and champion Britain’s paths and green spaces.
Amanda Jane Baldwin nominated the path saying, “The Strawberry Line is on my doorstep, my car isn't needed for this stunning walk! I moved to Winscombe, North Somerset over 7 years ago and this path has been trod by myself more times than I can count. It's accessible in all weathers, it goes on for miles, it's an absolute pleasure to walk on, it's beautiful and I appreciate the nature all around me whilst on the path! It is maintained by volunteers which makes it all the more precious to walk on.”
As the winner, Amanda will receive £250 worth of Cotswold Outdoor vouchers, while the seven other finalists will each receive a £50 voucher.
The winning path follows the route of a Great Western Railway branch line that ran from Witham Junction to Yatton via Shepton Mallet, Wells and Cheddar transporting locally grown strawberries until the late 1960s.
Thanks to the work of local volunteers, the old railway line has been transformed into a 20+ mile-long path to be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, mobility scooters, and on some sections, equestrians.
The Britain’s Favourite Path judging panel included presenter, mental health advocate and Postcode Lottery ambassador, Matt Johnson who said:
"Congratulations to The Strawberry Line on being crowned Britain's Favourite Path 2026. Spending more time outdoors has become incredibly important to me, and walking has a wonderful way of helping you slow down, clear your head and appreciate the world around you. It's brilliant to see a path that means so much to its local community being recognised in this way. I hope this inspires even more people to lace up their walking shoes, discover somewhere new and experience the physical and mental benefits that come from simply going for a walk."
The competition runner-up was the Buttermere Circular Path in the Lake District. It was nominated by Stephen Ward who has walked the route at least fifty times, enjoying the rugged beauty of the area.
Now in its third year, Britain’s Favourite Path was launched by the Ramblers to celebrate the importance, beauty and diversity of the nation’s paths.
Rachel Mulrenan, Campaigns Manager, at the Ramblers said: “Local paths are lifelines. They connect people with green space, fresh air, and better mental and physical health. Right now, we need these things more than ever. But across Britain, millions are cut off from nature because local paths are missing, blocked or unusable. The Strawberry Line Path is a fantastic example of how local communities can benefit from paths being opened up and expanded.”
For further information or to arrange an interview or contact: ramblers@aspirepr.co.uk
Editor’s notes
Public Vote Result
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 the UK’s extensive network of paths, helping to shine a spotlight on the routes that matter most to people across the country. Thousands of volunteers help maintain these vital paths, ensuring they remain open and accessible for all. People were able to nominate their favourite path in May. The judging panel then shortlisted entries and selected category winners, each receiving a £50 voucher from Cotswold Outdoor, with a public vote to crown Britain’s Favourite Path taking place in July. The winner of the competition receives a £250 voucher from Cotswold Outdoor. Full terms and conditions can be found at ramblers.org.uk/britainsfavouritepath
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