A Berkshire forest, known for its appearance in a variety of TV shows, has been named one of the most popular hiking trails in the UK, in a recent survey.

Research conducted by AussieBoots has revealed the top hiking destinations in the South East by analysing Google search data on popular hiking destinations in the region.

In and around Berkshire, two locations have been chosen in the top ten best hiking areas across the South East of England.

Swinley Forest, which is owned and managed by the Crown Estate consists of 2600 acres of gentle hills between Bracknell and Crowthorne.

Wooded areas of Swinley Forest around Ascot have been known to be cleared for film sets in need of space and a rural, forest location.

It ranks as number eight in the most popular hiking trails in the South East with 9,000 searches in the United Kingdom between July 2023 and June 2024.

Another hiking trail that winds through Berkshire along the waters edge is the Thames Path. This path is a long distance walking trail, following England’s best known river for 185.2miles (298 km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London.

In Berkshire, it winds through beautiful areas in and around Reading, such as Caversham, Tilehurst and Sonning.

Although not in Berkshire, many Ascot residents request Virginia Water for their daily walk or weekly hike. The Surrey location got 49,500 monthly searches in the UK and came out as third in the list.

Originally conceived as a Royal pleasure ground, Virginia Water lies at the Southern edge of Windsor Great Park.

The 2-mile-long lake is a popular destination for families, walkers and wildlife lovers. In addition to tree-lined shores and vistas, its highlights include The Cascade and The Leptis Magna Ruins.

A full circuit of the lake is a bracing 5.25 miles, but the Cascade and Leptis Magna Ruins are a much shorter stroll.