Tall Trees trail in Rhinefield rated one of UK's most popular walks

A NEW Forest beauty spot has been rated as a better walk than a route up one of the UK's most famous mountains.

The Tall Trees trail, by Rhinefield Ornamental Drive near Brockenhurst, made it into the nation's top 51 walks, according to a survey of 1,800 people carried out by Which? magazine.

The scenic spot made it into 43rd position with a score of 74% – beating the Llanberis path up the popular Mount Snowdon in Wales and the Devil's Punchbowl in Surrey.

At just 1.5 miles, the local family-friendly route is a tiddler compared to the climb up Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain, which was 41st on the list.

But what Tall Trees lacks in altitude it makes up for in woodland charm, featuring Forestry England's Blackwater Arboretum, with its small but nationally important collection of trees from all over the world.

Visitors pass majestic conifers planted in the 1850s, some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Britain, and can enjoy views of two enormous redwoods.

Information boards along the trail provide facts about the tallest, heaviest and toughest trees in the world.

Which?'s survey scored it four our of five stars for accessibility, peace and quiet, and wildlife.

The UK's favourite walk was Malham Cove and Gordale Scar in Yorkshire.

The Lake District proved the most popular national park, claiming six spots in the table with three in the top 10.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “The UK has an amazing variety of walks and with its magical connection, the most popular route in our survey was a worthy winner.

“From breathtaking rolling hills and lake loops to historic hikes, clifftop paths and the shingle beaches below, there is a route for every taste and ability.”