Take a Hike

The week's walks begin in glorious Yorkshire, known for its heather moorland, rolling rugged hills, mystical abbeys, puffins and pudding.

Kicking off the hikes is 50-year-old ex-soldier turned hiking blogger Paul aka the Bald Hiker. He's convinced his favourite route, exploring the world-famous Dales and taking in the jaw-dropping geology around Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, is Yorkshire's finest. But will the others agree?

34-year-old children's storyteller Ilaria takes the group to Yorkshire's famous Ilkley Moor. Its heather moorlands and abundant wildlife have made it a spot of special scientific interest and a firm favourite with walkers and climbers.

But Ilaria's got some entertaining ideas of her own for a new twist to its well-trodden paths. Will she have them marching to her tune by the end of the day? Or could her questionable map-reading skills leave them lost on the moors after dark?

40-year-old mum and butcher's assistant Natalie from Richmondshire takes charge. She's planned a seaside stroll to one of the most famous spots on Yorkshire's stunning coastline, Robin Hood's Bay. Steeped in history, with stunning sandy beaches and picturesque cobbled streets, it's renowned as a top destination for walkers.

Nat's got a chilly surprise planned for them along the way - but can she tempt her fellow walkers in for a dip in Yorkshire's freezing waters? And will her walking day out at the beach, packed with sun, sea, sand and smugglers, convince the group that Nat's favourite route is the winner?

73-year-old free-spirited retired psychiatric nurse Edwin leads the other walkers on a historic hike. He discovered a taste for adventure later in life, so he's got a few surprises planned to keep his fellow walkers on their toes - kicking off with a nerve-wracking abseil to give them a bird's-eye view of his starting point at Brimham Rocks.

As well as jaw-dropping geology, Edwin is hoping his fact-filled day following in the footsteps of monks and ending at the spectacular Fountains Abbey will win over his fellow walkers. But will his 9km hike prove a step too far for some?

It's the final day of the Yorkshire walks, and last to go is 72-year-old retired teacher and mature model Annie. Her 5km hike to Flamborough Head on the North Yorkshire coast is a wildlife spotter's paradise, home to huge numbers of nesting seabirds and breeding seals. And it boasts incredible views and historic gems.

Anie is also planning to add an extra dimension to her walk and take them back to class with a quiz about the flora and fauna they find along the way. And she's got a cracking surprise lined up for lunchtime.

At the end of the day, will she gain full marks from her willing pupils and win best walk of the week?

The week's walks take place on the stunning Isle of Skye, Scotland's second biggest island. The misty isle is awash with ancient history and jaw-dropping scenery, drawing in 650,000 annual visitors who come to explore its dramatic landscapes. It's also a favourite with five willing walkers, all hoping their chosen hike will be voted the winning walk of the week.

Kicking off the week's hikes is 57-year-old comedian and tour guide Bruce, who has a passion for history, particularly Skye's. His walk takes them to two of Skye's most iconic spots - a woodland walk to Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home to the celebrated MacCleod clan for 800 years, and then on to stunning jewel of Coral Beach, which appears almost tropical with its clear blue waters and brilliant white sands.

Bruce is convinced that these two knockout locations, combined with his surprising stories about their history, will make his walk the winner. But will the others agree?

20-year-old Gaelic student Sorley takes the group on 7km circular walk with the famous Cullin range as its spectacular backdrop. He guides the group on a challenging hike around Loch Coruisk, an inland freshwater loch at the foot of the Black Cullins.

It's an early start for the group, with a 6am boat trip marking the start of the walk. And Sorley hopes that brushing up on local landmarks and legends will win him extra points to add to the spectacular scenery.

But while he might be young and super-fit, could the tricky terrain and infamously changeable Skye weather prove one step too far for his fellow walkers?

It's 60-year-old Fiona's time to shine. She's a fitness instructor, runner, horse rider and now a champion powerlifter, and she tests the group's mettle with her challenging hike to beautiful Rubha Hunish, the northernmost point of the island.

After 30 years on Skye, Fiona is fiercely proud of her adopted north Skye home. Her 8.5km walk along the headland is a birdwatcher's paradise, with epic cliff top views stretching miles out to sea.

But they need to navigate the blustery coastline and a knee-trembling scramble down a steep cliff along the way. Can Fiona power through to the finish to claim the prize?

Cafe owner, opera singer and Skye native Rhona hopes to win the prize with her 7km coastal walk from Waterloo to Ashaig. It crosses marshland and rivers and comes with breathtaking views of the Red Cullin mountains.

It was the playground for her and five siblings growing up. And Rhona's convinced her low-key, off-the-tourist-track hike is the island's hidden gem.

She's planned a day awash with history and nostalgia, and she's got a few surprises in her backpack to take her fellow walkers out of their comfort zone. But could her idea of a treat for the group leave a bad taste in their mouths?

Mischievous musician Innes's 8km mountain walk starts with a climb over the lower ridges of Bruach na Frithe in the Cullin range, before following a meandering river with its myriad pools through the Glen of Sligachan.

The landscape inspired a lockdown album for Innes with its dramatic views of the mountains and the loch below, so will its inspirational views be enough to bag the big prize?

But there may be a be a swarm of tiny problems. It's midge season on Skye, and the boggy terrain of the Glen of Sligachan is heaven for the flying insects – so will it be trouble in paradise as they threaten to wreak havoc?

The week's walks take place in stunning north west Wales. Four million people visit the region each year to enjoy its beautiful lakes and coastlines, as well as the challenging Snowdonia mountain range. With 15 peaks all topping 3000 feet, it's one of the most popular hiking destinations in Britain. It's also a favourite of five hiking fanatics, all hoping to prove their chosen route is the most beautiful - and to claim the prize.

First to lead the walks is 30-year-old mum of two Laura. She guides the group on a walk up to Cwm Idwal, the location of Wales's first national nature reserve. As well as incredible views, this heartfelt walk includes wild swimming and homemade brownies. But will it be enough to convince the others that Laura's walk is the best?

The second hike in north west Wales is hosted by 32-year-old binman Gareth. He takes the group to where he lives with his family, next to the beautiful Bala Lake in Snowdonia National Park.

But will his facts and legends - not to mention his strongman competition and smoky sausage - leave him flexing his muscles at the top of the scoreboard? Or will he be tapping out of the competition?

Forty-year-old police officer Mike from Rhyl is in charge of the third hike.

His walk starts at the famous Pen-y-Pass. He leads the group up the Miner's Track and past the picturesque lakes of Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw as they head over to the ruined copper mine buildings of Britannia Copper Mine. They then climb up the steps to the third and final lake, Glaslyn, to catch a glimpse of the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) itself.

He also reveals a pivotal moment in his life that changed everything and led him into his current profession. But will he win the others over, or will the rain come and stop play for this competitor?

Fifty-one-year-old fitness and body coach Zara takes the group on a hike across Llandudno's Great Orme. They climb the hillside to reach the summit, past the historic Great Orme tramway. From there, it's a quick descent down to the west shore, taking in a gorgeous 360 degrees of the north Wales coastline.

As well as jaw-dropping views, Zara hopes her fitness-filled Great Orme walk - topped off with a spot of paddleboarding for good measure - will be a sure-fire slam dunk with the rest of the group. But could it be one challenge too far for the others?

It's the final day of the north west Wales walks. Last to lead is 55-year-old Piers, who lives in Llandudno.

His creative, fun-filled walk starts at Nefyn beach, where the walkers trace the coastline along sandy beaches and lush headlands. They visit three bays, passing historic brickwork ruins and shipbuilding sites before reaching the final stop at Ty Coch.

He also indulges the walkers in some South African cuisine and puts their drawing skills to the test, as well as treating them to a Welsh male choir serenade to round off the day.

At the end of the day, will he woo his fellow walkers and be crowned king of the walks?