Hike to iconic Scottish mountain ranked best UK walk for allergy sufferers
New research has ranked the top UK walking routes for hay fever sufferers, revealing which scenic spots are most likely to leave you sneezing, and which could provide welcome relief.
The study, conducted by natural skincare specialists Wild & Wood, assessed popular walking routes across the country using environmental factors known to impact hay fever, Scottish Daily Express reported.
The research is based on ITV's top 100 UK walks, a list compiled in 2018 by the Ordnance Survey and The Ramblers from a survey of thousands of walkers, and featured in a special programme hosted by Julia Bradbury.
Twelve Scottish trails made the list, with each one scored against five key factors:
Altitude: Higher ground typically has fewer airborne allergens
Coastal wind exposure: Sea breezes help disperse pollen
Vegetation levels: Denser plant life means more pollen
Woodland density: Trees can trap allergens
Animal and insect activity: Livestock and wildlife can stir up pollen
Each trail received a score from 1 to 5 for each category, with 5 being the most hay fever-friendly and 1 indicating a high-risk route. An average score was then used to rank the walks overall.
At the top of the hay fever-friendly list are two of Scotland's most iconic peaks, Ben Macdui and Ben Nevis.
Both scored an impressive 4.8 out of 5, thanks to their exposed, high-altitude locations with minimal vegetation and low allergen levels.
Close behind is Stac Pollaidh, known for its rugged ridgeline and strong winds, which earned a 4.6.
Also ranking highly is the Silver Sands of Morar (4.2), a picturesque beach trail where coastal winds help keep pollen levels low.
Other Scottish walks that scored well include the Fife Coastal Path (4.0), offering refreshing sea breezes, and The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye (3.2), which is more open but still has some vegetation.
Urban-adjacent routes like Arthur's Seat (3.0) and the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies (3.2) also made the list, with moderate hay fever exposure due to landscaped and grassy areas.
Meanwhile, long-distance routes like the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way scored slightly lower at 3.0 and 2.6 respectively, as they pass through moorlands and wooded stretches with potential for moderate pollen exposure.
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At the bottom of the list sits the Falls of Clyde walk, which received a hay fever score of 2.0 out of 5, making it the least allergy-friendly trail in Scotland.
The route is densely wooded and rich in plant life, contributing to its high pollen potential.
Here's a breakdown of the full scores for Scotland's 12 featured walks:
Ben Macdui – 4.8
Ben Nevis – 4.8
Stac Pollaidh – 4.6
Silver Sands of Morar – 4.2
Fife Coastal Path – 4.0
Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies – 3.2
The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye – 3.2
Arthur's Seat – 3.0
West Highland Way – 3.0
Pitlochry to Blair Atholl – 2.8
Great Glen Way – 2.6
Falls of Clyde – 2.0
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