Stunning coast path between North Devon and Cornwall named Britain’s favourite

The rugged length of South West Coast Path between Bude and Westward Ho! has won the title of Britain’s Favourite Path 2025.

The path along the Hartland Peninsula has been chosen by walking charity the Ramblers after a month-long public vote.

Almost 1,000 paths were nominated this year, from tiny local lanes to sections of much-loved long-distance trails.

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Jonathan Jones, who nominated the route, said: “I first visited the path 15 years ago and it left a lasting impression.

“It was during a time of my life when things were changing a lot. Walking this path gave me a clarity of mind. Even though my legs were heavy, the path made me feel a lot lighter, cleaner and clearer – the emotional baggage just lifted away.

“I take every chance I get to walk along coastal paths and just enjoy the sounds of the sea.”

The competition was organised by the Ramblers with the support of their long-standing partners Cotswold Outdoor. Winner Jonathan will receive £200 worth of Cotswold Outdoor vouchers, while seven fellow finalists will each receive a £50 voucher.

The North Devon location received 26.6% of the votes while a stretch of the West Highland Way along Loch Lomond was a close second with 24.5%. Other contenders were Simonside Ridge in the North East and Ambleside to Grasmere in the North West.

Now in its second year, Britain’s Favourite Path was launched by the Ramblers to celebrate the importance, beauty and diversity of the nation’s paths.

The winning stretch is part of the 630-mile long South West Coast Path, which became England’s longest National Trail in 1973 and now forms part of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

The Ramblers have been instrumental in campaigning for the creation of the continuous walking route around the coast of England, which is set to become the longest managed coastal path in the world once complete at 2,700 miles.

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Rachel Mulrenan, Ramblers campaigns manager, said: “So many entrants in this year's competition highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of getting outside and walking in nature.

“We know that having accessible, high-quality paths is vital for ensuring that everyone is able to get walking - which is why we are calling on the UK Government to introduce an Access to Nature Bill for England, to protect and expand this precious resource, and ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Do you have a section of the South West Coast Path in North Devon and Torridge that is your personal favourite?

Just for fun, we thought we’d compile an online gallery of readers’ favourite coast path pictures – send your choice with your name and the location, saying why it’s the best, to newsdesk@northdevongazette.co.uk