The UK's sunniest winter walks have 'quiet paths, open views and a sense of space' - top 10

This helps them to stay drier underfoot than low-lying paths. The study by walking holidays tour operator Celtic Trails analysed 36 popular trails to find the best option.

The Ridgeway National Trail between Wiltshire and Buckinghamshire came in first place, with a total score of 90.11 out of 100. The scenic route passes through the picturesque Chiltern Hills, providing some incredible views while keeping walkers dry.

The research looked at factors including the average monthly hours of sunshine, amount of rainfall, days of rain, wind speed between January and March and the number of Google searches per month for each trail.

Sunniest winter walks (total score)

1. The Ridgeway (90.11/100)
2. Pennine Way (88.03/100)
3. Fife Coast Path (87.63/100)
4. Dales Way (85.46/100)
5. John Muir Way (85.07/100)
6. Borders Abbeys Way (84.15/100)
7. South West Coast Path (83.84/100)
8. Coleridge Way (79.31/100)
9. Pembrokeshire Coast Path (76.42/100)
10. Anglesey Coast Path (76.31/100)

The Ridgeway National Trail topped the list, ranking in the top 10 for all factors. It boasts 67.63 hours of sunshine - fourth on the list overall. It is relatively dry, with 57.49mm of rainfall.

In second place, North Yorkshire's Pennine Way has the least rainfall, at 52.45mm, joint with the Dales Way. The challenging 268-mile route is among the toughest on the list, but is incredibly rewarding, stretching from Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders.

Looking for a route in Scotland? The Fife Coastal Path was the highest-ranking walk outside of England. The footpath runs from Kincardine to Newburgh along the coastline of Fife. The research found it has around 58.03mm of rainfall and was the joint lowest for the number of days of rainfall, at 11.01.

Spokesperson for Celtic Trails, Christina, said: “Winter often puts people off walking, but it really shouldn’t. Our research shows that some of the UK’s most popular long-distance trails are actually at their best in the colder months, with less rain, calmer winds and more sunshine than many walkers expect.

“Routes like The Ridgeway work particularly well in winter because they sit on higher, well-drained ground. They were used for travel long before modern paths existed, so they’re naturally suited to year-round walking and don’t turn into mud baths after a few wet days.

“Choosing the right trail makes all the difference. Winter walking can mean quieter paths, big open views and a real sense of space, without the crowds that arrive later in the year.

"With a bit of planning and the right kit, winter can be one of the most enjoyable times to get out and explore the UK on foot.”