A stunning riverside walk which takes in mountain scenery in North Wales has been named as the top walks to do this summer, according to new research. Aberglaslyn in Snowdonia came in first place in a list of the most popular walks to do in the UK.

Ranking in second place is Gaping Gill in the Yorkshire Dales, which is home to one of the largest underground cave chambers in Britain. Coming in third is Stac Pollaidh, a mountain in the northwest highlands of Scotland.

Helvellyn - the third highest mountain in the Lake District - and High Cup Nick in Cumbria rounded off the top five. The list was compiled by experts at Provacan, which ranked the most popular hiking spots based on the volume of Google searches over the past year.

READ MORE: The huge North Wales beach named among best in the UK where you could spot turtles

With summer upon us, many will be planning walks in the countryside over the coming months. Hiking isn’t just good for our physical health but our mental health too with several benefits including reducing anxiety, improving mood and enhancing overall mental health.

Aberglaslyn topped the list with an increase of 559 per cent in Google Searches. The route takes you through a gorge, beside the river Glaslyn and passes the pretty village of Beddgelert. Along the way it passes the calm waters of Llyn Dinas, as well as the old copper mine workings of Sygun and Cwm Bychan.

The entrance to Gaping Gill, the largest cavern in Britain, situated in Yorkshire Dales National Park
The entrance to Gaping Gill, the largest cavern in Britain, situated in Yorkshire Dales National Park

Gaping Gill followed closely with a 431 per cent increase. The cave system can only be accessed to the public during open weeks in May and August, but there are lots of walking trails nearby.

One local walk to Greater Manchester which made the top ten is Mam Tor in the Peak District, which saw a 26 per cent increase in Google searches. The peak offers gorgeous views of the surrounding area, and can be easily accessed from Edale train station.

The top 10 walks in the UK set to be the most popular this summer

  1. Aberglaslyn, Snowdonia
  2. Gaping Gill, Yorkshire Dales
  3. Stac Pollaidh, Western Highlands
  4. Helvellyn, Lake District
  5. High Cup Nick, Cumbria
  6. Mam Tor, Peak District
  7. Dunstanburgh, Northumberland
  8. Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire
  9. Pen Y Fan, Brecon Beacons
  10. Trydan, Gwynedd

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