UK cities ranked best for running trails with scenic routes: Chichester, Bristol and Lichfield among top 10
There’s something about a good walk that never really goes out of fashion. Whether it’s a quiet woodland path, a breezy waterside stretch or a long weekend ramble, more people are turning to scenic trails as an easy way to unwind, get moving and clear their head, especially as the brighter months roll in.
To find out where in the UK offers the best routes, Betmaster analysed cities across the country, looking at factors including trails per 10,000 residents, the share of woodland and waterside routes, average trail ratings, and typical trail length. By weighing up both quality and variety, the study paints a clear picture of where walkers are best served.
At the top of the ranking, Chichester stands out thanks to its sheer volume of routes, with 457.8 trails per 10,000 residents. It also delivers on scenery, with 23.87% of its trails set in woodland, while routes stretch to an average of 14.7 km, making it a go-to for longer, more immersive walks.
In second place, Bristol leans heavily into waterside charm. Nearly 40% (39.55%) of its trails run alongside rivers, canals or the harbourside, while also boasting a strong average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Trails here are among the longest in the study too, averaging 16.3 km.
Lichfield follows in third, combining a high trail density (405.75 per 10,000 residents) with a well-balanced mix of woodland (15.82%) and waterside routes (15.67%). Not far behind, Cardiff stands out for its waterfront appeal, with nearly half (46.84%) of trails offering waterside views alongside an impressive 4.7 average rating. Perth completes the top five, where 43.45% of routes run alongside water, though they tend to be shorter, averaging 6.8 km.
Elsewhere, different cities shine in different ways. Bradford is particularly strong for waterside walks, with 60.15% of its trails following rivers and canals, while Canterbury and Swansea offer a more even split between countryside, coast and urban green space.
Bigger cities also prove they can deliver on scenery. Leeds, York and Edinburgh all feature prominently, blending accessibility with well-rated routes. Even in more built-up areas, scenic options aren’t far off, Westminster sees 43.99% of its trails follow the Thames, while Birmingham records one of the highest average trail ratings at 4.8.
At the other end of the ranking, cities such as Stoke-on-Trent, Norwich and Sunderland tend to have shorter trails or fewer scenic routes overall. Even so, the findings suggest that no matter where you are, there’s always an opportunity to step outside and find a route worth taking.
Rank City Trails Per 10,000 Residents Share of Scenic Woodland Routes Share of Scenic Waterside Routes Average Trail Rating Average Trail Length (Km) Final Score
- Chichester 457.80 23.87% 8.42% 4.40 14.70 69.13
- Bristol 9.24 15.04% 39.55% 4.60 16.30 62.35
- Lichfield 405.75 15.82% 15.67% 4.40 10.90 55.58
- Cardiff 7.02 13.22% 46.84% 4.70 10.00 55.47
- Perth 35.61 19.05% 43.45% 4.28 6.80 55.32
- Bradford 30.13 0.54% 60.15% 4.50 15.40 53.31
- Canterbury 149.92 17.50% 10.62% 4.40 14.20 51.31
- Swansea 5.06 19.14% 24.69% 4.60 9.48 50.34
- Leeds 42.96 16.73% 26.50% 4.60 9.60 49.62
- York 33.63 18.80% 22.56% 4.43 8.38 47.30
With more people looking to make the most of the brighter evenings and warmer weather, Robert Mardisalu, spokesperson for Betmaster, commented: “Scenic walking routes can make a real difference to how often people get outside. When you’ve got a mix of woodland paths or waterside trails nearby, it turns a simple walk into something people genuinely look forward to. With longer days and better weather ahead, these spaces become even more valuable.”