Insiders have always known that the South West Coast Path was special, but now it's officially "best of the best".

Readers of Country Walking, the UK's biggest-selling walking magazine, have voted it Britain's greatest walk.

When readers were invited to vote for their favourite from a list of Britain's 50 greatest walks, the coast path came out head and shoulders above the rest, receiving 50 per cent more votes than the second placed route in the Cairngorms.

Described by Country Walking journalist Jenny Walters as "630 miles of unparalleled gorgeousness", the South West Coast Path traces the region's coastline from Minehead all the way to the shores of Poole Harbour.

Two World Heritage Sites, a National Park, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Biosphere Reserve provide just some of the highlights along the way!

Malcolm Bell, South West Tourism's chief executive, said he was delighted with the recognition.

"This accolade is great news, providing a further boost for our tourism businesses for the coming season," he said.

"It confirms what I've been saying for years. The coast path is one attraction the South West simply couldn’t afford to lose.

"It's also great recognition for the organisations and individuals who work all year round to keep the route in such fine fettle."