Britain’s Favourite Walks

If you’ve ever seen Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100, you’ll know I co-presented walk number 57. It’s on Dartmoor of course, and goes along one of my favourite ridges, past one of my favourite rock formations, and very near one of my favourite pubs.

Fi and Lucy chatting about their Britain’s Favourite Walks experience

I don’t have a favourite Dartmoor walk though.

I live in Devon, which has to be one of the most fortuitous locations for someone who loves writing walking routes. With miles of South West Coast Path accessible from my front door, and both Dartmoor and Exmoor within easy driving (and train) distance, I have plenty of walking routes near me.

But I don’t have a favourite walk in Devon either.

When Mr D and I were on one of our Scotland road trips last October, we spent as much time as we could in the Cairngorms. Sitting by the side of Loch Morlich one evening, we asked a couple who had been visiting the area for over 30 years, which their favourite Cairngorms walk was.

Even they couldn’t come up with an answer.

They gave us some great ideas though, and we had one particularly memorable walk up to the fascinating Chalamain Gap. I would like to tell you that the Cairngorms is my favourite area of Scotland but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit myself.

Because I haven’t explored all of Scotland yet.

It’s a puzzle. We are blessed, in the UK, with so many wonderful places to walk. Small wonder that, after Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100 aired, everybody thought at least one walk was missing. I got the impression from reading comments that every person in the UK has a favourite walk.

Except me!

But now I’ve worked it out. I’ve decided which walk I plan for the most, look forward to the most, and enjoy the most when I am out strutting my stuff.

It’s a great walking route, a bit unpredictable at times, and with mixed terrain (and usually weather). I can access this walk in all kinds of different ways, and walk it at any time of year.

But should I share my favourite walk with you?

We all know of the problems that can be caused by geotagging and sharing specific locations online.

We also all know that sharing walking routes, camping locations and swimming spots can encourage other people to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle.

Another conundrum but one, in this case, that’s easily solved because I’ve decided I’m more than happy to share my favourite walk with you. Are you ready?

My favourite walking route is my next one.

Talk about an epiphanic moment (obviously you talk about those all the time). I’ve realised that, much as I love my favourite Dartmoor locations, and value the depth of knowledge my experiences on the moor have allowed me to gather, what I really love doing. What really floats my boots (sometimes literally). What ticks all my boxes (but doesn’t box my ticks).

Is exploring!

There’s absolutely nothing like not knowing exactly what I’m going to find around the next corner. Don’t get me wrong, I like to research and plan my walking routes but the thrill of being on the ground, taking notice of the little details, and adding these to the bigger picture.

Well that is absolutely my favourite walk!

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Fi is a freelance outdoor writer and navigation specialist. Her growing portfolio of clients includes Countryfile Magazine, Ordnance Survey and the Outdoor Guide. Get in touch today to find out how Fi’s writing can bring visitors directly to your website.