Best UK walks to spot wildlife on: Spectacular coastal paths dominate the list

Britons are incredibly lucky with the number of stunning walks on their doorsteps, and new research has named 10 you must do, come rain or shine. A new study has ranked the walks where Britons are most likely to encounter a wide variety of wildlife and plant life.The result, from walking holiday specialists Celtic Trails, found the best options for walkers looking to combine stunning scenery with vibrant natural habitats.Topping the rankings is the Cotswold Way between Cold Ashton and Bath, which achieved an impressive biodiversity score of 95.26 out of 100. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The top 10 most biodiverse walking trails in the UKCotswold Way (Cold Ashton to Bath)St Mary's Island Coastal PathAnglesey Coastal PathCardiff Bay to Barry IslandNorthumberland Coastal Path (Berwick-upon-Tweed to Cresswell)Thames Path (North Bank)Isle of Wight Coastal PathSouth West Coast PathWales Coastal Path (Port Eynon to Mumbles)John Muir WayResearchers found the Cotswold Way offers the highest variety of life per kilometre, with more than 13 unique species recorded for every kilometre walked. It is also an incredibly scenic route, showcasing lush countryside and quaint towns. STAYCATIONSUnder-the-radar rural counties are trending for summer - discover rolling hills and scenic walksBudget rail operator launches new service connecting major UK cities from this week - fares from £30Best beaches in England ranked: Top for sunshine, fish and chips and moreCoastal routes performed particularly strongly throughout the rankings, claiming seven of the top 10 places. From the rugged cliffs of Northumberland to the sweeping shoreline of Anglesey and the Isle of Wight, Britain's coastlines continue to provide some of the country's richest habitats for wildlife.For walkers hoping to boost their chances of spotting wildlife, the South West Coast Path stands out. While it ranked eighth overall, it recorded an extraordinary 16,495 wildlife observations, making it one of the best routes in the UK for encountering everything from seabirds and wildflowers to grey seals.Biodiversity is not only found in remote landscapes, either. The Thames Path ranked sixth overall, outperforming the far more isolated Pennine Way, which came in 22nd place.The study highlighted the important role rivers and urban green corridors can play in supporting a diverse range of species.Walking specialist at Celtic Trails, Lisa Sanger, said: In 2026, we are seeing a shift where hikers are looking for more than just a view; they want to see all the wonderful nature the UK has to offer.By analysing a million points of data, we’ve been able to prove that biodiversity isn’t just found in the far-flung wilderness. It’s thriving in our managed valleys and along our coastal fringes as well as along our urban walks. This list is a roadmap for the modern 'eco-trekker' who wants to see the UK's natural world at its most vibrant.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter