Old Harry Rocks & The Lizard Amongst the Nation’s Favourite Walks
Were you among the thousands of viewers waiting on bated breath during the countdown to ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks?
Based on results from the largest survey ever conducted into the UK’s rambling and hiking habits and hosted by Julia Bradbury and Ore Oduba, the programme offered a stunning guide to the Great British outdoors.
More than 8,000 seasoned walking devotees cast their vote and it came as no surprise to see several West Country rambles featured in the Top 100.
Here are some of our nearest and dearest walks that made it onto the final list…
Studland Village to Old Harry Rocks (Dorset)
Described as a “moderate stroll with gentle climbs and descents”, this much-loved trail showcases the magnificent chalk sea stacks off Handfast Point on the Studland peninsula. Walk amongst the wildflowers and marvel at the dazzling white cliffs which have been polished and sculpted by the relentless swells of Studland Bay.
The Lizard to Coverack (Cornwall)
This breathtaking route sees you set out from Great Britain’s most southerly point to take in the magnificent south Cornish coastline. You’ll also witness some of this ancient county’s unique geology and abundant wildlife while discovering the sandy, smugglers’ coves and craggy inlets along a stretch once notorious for shipwrecks. The going along this well-trodden path is described as “moderate to strenuous”.
St Ives to Pendeen (Cornwall)
A section of the South West Coast Path that undulates between towering cliffs and sweeping coves. This is a strenuous ramble but one that is packed with highlights: keep your eyes peeled for the bobbing heads of grey seals off Mussel Point as the Atlantic swells crash and hiss on the Carrack Rocks, and, come twilight, listen out for the lost mariner’s ghostly ballad on Mermaid’s Cove; having been spellbound by a beautiful mermaid who then lured him into the depths of the ocean.
Porthcothan to Mawgan Porth (Cornwall)
A meandering chapter of the South West Coast Path passing golden, sandy beaches, secret coves and rugged cliffs. Look out for the iconic Bedruthan Steps, also known as the giant’s staircase; a dramatic sequence of sea stacks said to have once been used as stepping stones by legendry Kernow giant, Bedruthan. The going along this magnificent stretch is moderate but beware of the steep cliff edges.
Bowerman’s Nose (Dartmoor)
This beautiful and haunting corner of Dartmoor was the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his beastly tale ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. The walk takes in the rugged, open moorland and offers awesome views of this handsome wilderness. The rock formation known as Bowerman’s Nose takes its name from the legend of Bowerman the Hunter, a gentle giant and pillar of the community, who, along with his pack of hounds, was tuned to stone by a coven of dastardly witches.
Discover some of the nation’s favourite walks when you book a West Country holiday with Toad Hall Cottages.