The UK's top 10 walks as the weather warms up
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Some of the best walks in the world can be found in the UK
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A new study has found the world's easiest scenic walks for travellers looking for breathtaking views with minimal effort and, luckily for Britons, six of them are right here in the UK.
The research analysed more than 100 of the most scenic viewpoints worldwide, ranking trails based on walking distance, elevation gain and average temperature.
These factors were combined into a definitive difficulty score out of 100, where the lower the score indicates an easier walk.
The study highlights stunning locations from Canada's glacial lakes to Italy's sun-drenched coastline, where scenic rewards come with relatively little physical exertion. Walks in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales also made the top 25 list.
Viewpoints in Yellowstone National Park ranked highly
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The findings, by medical travel insurance experts AllClear, aim to help travellers of all ages and abilities access unforgettable scenery without requiring strenuous hikes.
Yellowstone's Artist Point in the United States claimed the top position with a difficulty score of just 11.9 out of 100. The stunning viewpoint offers impressive views of the Grand Canyon and its Lower Falls, requiring only a 200-yard stroll from the car park.
Yellowstone National Park has experienced a surge in interest in recent years, thanks partly to the hit television programme of the same name which showcased the impressive natural landscapes in Montana and Wyoming. Fans of the TV show will be pleased to discover that this breathtaking vista is remarkably accessible.
The short 0.3km walk involves minimal elevation gain of just five metres and benefits from moderate average temperatures of 11.3°C, making it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels.
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Giant’s Causeway was one of the places that ranked highly in the UK
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Top 10 easiest scenic walks
- Artist Point, United States - 11.9 difficulty score
- Cadillac Summit Loop, United States - 14.7 difficulty score
- Milford Sound Foreshore Walk, New Zealand - 17.7 difficulty score
- Cape Flattery Trail, United States - 17.8 difficulty score
- Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail, Canada - 18.5 difficulty score
- Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore – Manarola, Italy - 21.3 difficulty score
- Moro Rock, United States - 21.9 difficulty score
- Grand Canyon South Rim, United States - 22.3 difficulty score
- Bastei – Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany - 22.6 difficulty score
- Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales - 22.8 difficulty score
- Giant’s Causeway – Blue Trail, Northern Ireland - 22.8 difficulty score
- Bryce Point Trail, United States - 22.2 difficulty score
- Old Man of Storr, Scotland - 23.0 difficulty score
- The Panorama Trail: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg, Switzerland - 23.2 difficulty score
- Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, England - 23.6 difficulty score
- Inca Trail Segment 4: Wiñay Wayna Machu Picchu, Peru - 23.7 difficulty score
- Monte Brè Viewpoint, Switzerland - 23.9 difficulty score
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail, United States - 24.2 difficulty score
- Arthur’s Seat and Saint Anthony’s Chapel, Scotland - 24.3 difficulty score
- Ben A’an, Scotland - 24.6 difficulty score
- Bear Lake to Nymph Lake Viewpoint, United States - 24.6 difficulty score
- Mount Victoria Loop, New Zealand - 24.8 difficulty score
- Bombo Headland Geological Site Walk, Australia - 25.8 difficulty score
- Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track, New Zealand - 26.1 difficulty score
- Reinebringen, Norway - 26.1 difficulty score
The United States dominates the rankings, featuring in over half of the global top 10 positions with six entries. The second-placed Cadillac Summit Loop in Acadia National Park, USA, scored 14.7 out of 100 for difficulty.
This 0.8km loop represents the most accessible trail around Cadillac Mountain, offering sweeping views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and Maine's rocky coastline.
Arthur's Seat is in Edinburgh
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New Zealand's Milford Sound Foreshore Walk claimed third position with a score of 17.7. This short, flat boardwalk near the Milford Sound car park takes just 30 minutes to complete and provides one of the most iconic views in New Zealand, serving as the perfect time-filler whilst waiting to board boats for Milford Sound cruises.
Fourth place went to Cape Flattery Trail in Washington, USA, scoring 17.8. This 2km forested trail leads to several viewing platforms at the north-westernmost point in the contiguous United States, known for impressive sunsets where lucky travellers might spot seabirds, whales, or Vancouver Island on clear days.
Canada's Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail completed the top five with a difficulty score of 18.5. This out-and-back trail takes around an hour in total and rewards visitors with views of the picture-perfect, turquoise Moraine Lake, frequently touted as one of the world's most beautiful viewpoints.
The highest ranking place in the UK can be found in Wales, with the Porthdinllaen Circular near Gwynedd taking the number 10 spot.
Head of communications at AllClear Letitia Smith commented: "One of the most exciting parts of going on holiday is that first glimpse of a breathtaking view, whether it's from the plane window, your hotel room, or at the end of a trail. These are often the exciting moments that really give you that feeling of being on holiday and discovering somewhere new.
"But for millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. This research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions and we hope it inspires others on their travels."
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