The United Kingdom’s passion for walking and road-tripping has taken center stage this summer, with two major recognitions shining a spotlight on the nation’s beloved paths and alternative driving routes. The Bude to Westward Ho! stretch along the South West Coast Path, straddling north Cornwall and Devon, has been named Britain’s favourite path for 2025, according to the Ramblers walking charity. Meanwhile, a new ranking by Camplify UK highlights quieter, scenic road trips across the country, offering adventure seekers fresh alternatives to the well-trodden North Coast 500.
Why it matters:
These accolades come at a time when the UK’s most iconic routes—both for walking and driving—are grappling with overtourism and congestion. The recognition of the Bude to Westward Ho! path and lesser-known road trips highlights a nationwide push to celebrate and preserve the country’s natural beauty while encouraging travelers to explore beyond the usual hotspots.
Driving the news:
The Ramblers’ annual search for Britain’s favourite path saw over 1,000 nominations from the public. The Bude to Westward Ho! route emerged as the winner for 2025, a testament to its enduring appeal. This stretch is part of the 630-mile (1,015km) South West Coast Path, which has been England’s longest National Trail since 1973. The path’s rugged coastline, grassy headlands, and dramatic sea views have captivated walkers for decades.
Simultaneously, Camplify UK launched the inaugural Alternative Road Trip Index, ranking quieter routes that offer travelers the chance to enjoy the UK’s landscape minus the crowds. The Historic South in England, a 450-mile journey through Canterbury, Portsmouth, Stonehenge, and Avebury, took the top spot. The Cambrian Way in Wales and the Clyde Sea Lochs and Argyll Coast in Scotland rounded out the top three, each praised for their scenery and abundance of attractions.
What they’re saying:
Jonathan Jones, who nominated the winning path, shared his personal connection to the Bude to Westward Ho! route: “I take every chance I get to walk along coastal paths and just enjoy the sounds of the sea.” Reflecting on his first visit 15 years ago, Jones said, “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.”
Lucy Sutton, marketing director at Cotswold Outdoor, praised the path’s selection: “Congratulations to Jonathan Jones for winning Britain’s Favourite Path 2025; so well deserved. Whilst being on the judging panel, it was brilliant to see all the breathtaking paths captured throughout England, Scotland and Wales.”
Jack Cornish from the Ramblers added, “I can see why it’s won. I’ve walked it myself and it is a beautiful path. It is one of the jewels of the crown of the paths we have got in Britain.”
On the road trip front, Tom Quayle at Camplify UK highlighted the appeal of alternative routes: “Whether you’re new to Van Life or have lost count of how many road trips you’ve been on, everyone can agree that taking to the open road and seeing the beautiful countryside around the UK is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Routes like Scotland’s North Coast 500 are popular for a reason—they offer beautiful, bucket-list experiences that understandably appeal to lots of us—but the UK is home to countless others that have the same characteristics but with fewer visitors. With this study of the best alternative road trips, we hope more holidaymakers feel inspired to get closer to nature along the wealth of routes our country has to offer.”
State of play:
The Bude to Westward Ho! path’s victory was determined by a public vote organized by the Ramblers, with over 1,000 paths nominated nationwide. Jonathan Jones, as the nominator, will receive £200 in Cotswold Outdoor vouchers, while the seven other finalists each get £50 vouchers. The South West Coast Path, of which the winning stretch is a part, remains a cornerstone of British walking culture, drawing locals and tourists alike for its blend of challenge and beauty.
Meanwhile, Camplify UK’s Alternative Road Trip Index responds to the growing Van Life movement and the challenges posed by overtourism on famous routes like the North Coast 500. The index evaluates routes based on practicalities like petrol stations and public toilets, as well as the richness of sights, scenery, and campsites. The Historic South’s seven-to-ten-day journey through England’s heritage-rich landscapes, the Cambrian Way’s mountain passes in Wales, and the Clyde Sea Lochs and Argyll Coast’s rugged Scottish vistas all offer quieter, equally rewarding alternatives for travelers.
By the numbers:
- 1,000+ paths were nominated in the Ramblers’ public vote for Britain’s favourite path.
- The South West Coast Path, including the Bude to Westward Ho! stretch, spans 630 miles (1,015km).
- The Historic South road trip covers 450 miles (720km) and takes seven to ten days to complete.
- The Cambrian Way is a 185-mile drive from Cardiff through the Brecon Beacons and Cambrian Mountains.
- The Clyde Sea Lochs and Argyll Coast route is 240 miles long, suitable for a long weekend getaway.
- Each of the seven other path finalists received £50 in vouchers; the winner received £200.
Zoom in:
The South West Coast Path’s Bude to Westward Ho! section is renowned for its wild cliffs, grassy meadows, and the sound of waves crashing below. Walkers often cite the sense of peace and clarity the route provides, with many, like Jonathan Jones, finding it transformative during personal crossroads. The path’s enduring popularity is a testament to the UK’s deep-rooted walking tradition and the value placed on accessible, restorative outdoor spaces.
The Alternative Road Trip Index’s top picks reflect a growing desire among UK travelers to seek out new adventures away from the crowds. The Historic South offers a tapestry of history, from Canterbury’s World Heritage cathedral to the ancient stones of Avebury. The Cambrian Way immerses drivers in Welsh wilderness, while the Clyde Sea Lochs and Argyll Coast serve up Scotland’s mountain and loch grandeur, with opportunities for kayaking and whale watching for the more adventurous.
Between the lines:
Both the Ramblers’ path contest and Camplify UK’s road trip index underscore a broader movement in British travel—one that values sustainability, discovery, and the mental health benefits of time spent in nature. As congestion and overtourism put pressure on iconic routes, these recognitions encourage travelers to venture further afield and experience the quieter, equally stunning corners of the UK.
What to watch:
With the summer season in full swing, both walkers and road trippers are expected to flock to these newly celebrated routes. The hope among organizers and tourism advocates is that this attention will be spread more evenly, easing the burden on the most popular paths and roads while introducing the joys of Britain’s diverse landscapes to a wider audience.
The bottom line:
The UK’s favorite path and top alternative road trips for 2025 are more than just scenic routes—they’re reminders of the country’s enduring love affair with its countryside and coast, and a call to explore, appreciate, and protect these treasured landscapes for generations to come.
