A new study has placed Swindon in the top 10 English regions to go hiking in.

The study, carried out by outdoor company Blacks, looked at regions across England and ranked them in order of ‘best hikes’ based on factors including the number of trails, difficulty of trails, campsites nearby, dog-friendly routes, wildlife and more.

Across the country, Brighton and Hove ranked top for hikers with an average of 13 hiking trails per 10km squared and a score of 9.94 out of 10.

Plymouth took second spot and Derby took third.

But Swindon as a region appeared eighth in the country-wide list, with an average of 12 trails per 10km squared and an overall score of 8.81 out of 10.

According to the data provided by Blacks, 46 per cent of Swindon’s hiking trails were ranked as ‘moderate’ difficulty, 34 per cent as 'easy' and 20 per cent as ‘hard’.

The region also had one of the highest percentages of trails with wildlife.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes in and around Swindon for you to try out.

The sunset at Barbury Castle in SwindonThe sunset at Barbury Castle in Swindon (Image: Getty)

Five best hikes to try in and around Swindon

Barbury Castle, Old Ridgeway and Gypsy Lane Circular

The historic site of Barbury Castle in Swindon offers free parking and a wide range of hikes. Those wanting a short walk and some history can simply walk up to the Iron Age hill fort and look out across the view.

Alternatively, the circular route which passes the Old Ridgeway is a four-mile trail which heads northeast of the castle and is generally considered an easy route. It takes an average of two hours to complete.

Coate Water Country Park

Coate Water Country Park is a good place to get into walking, as beginners can walk the well-laid out 1.75-mile route around the lake, which will take roughly one hour and is wheelchair friendly.

Those wanting something longer can detour off the main path around one of the many copses and bird-watching areas that join onto the main route. These are not wheelchair accessible.

Savernake Forest is full of ancient trees and natureSavernake Forest is full of ancient trees and nature (Image: Getty)

Savernake Forest

Although not in Swindon, Savernake Forest is just 20-30 minutes away by car and home to some of the country's oldest and most protected trees.

Parking at the site is free, and the beauty of this hike is that there is no set trail.

Although hikers can follow routes set out on maps which are displayed at the site, there's also the option to just wander freely through the forest and make the route up as you go.

Bring a packed lunch and you could easily spend a whole day here.

The view from Uffington White Horse HillThe view from White Horse Hill (Image: Getty)

Uffington White Horse

Located just down the road from Swindon in Oxfordshire, you can expect beautiful views and moderate climbs at the Bronze Age Uffington White Horse Hill.

Visitors need to pay to use the National Trust car park, but like on many of these routes, there is the option to take the simple climb up to the hill and back.

You can also hike further to the Manger, a valley left from the retreating permafrost during the last Ice Age.

To the east of the Manger lies Dragon Hill, a small roundish hill with a flattened top where St. George is said to have slayed a dragon.

Marlborough Downs Ridgeway Circular

The longest hike on this list, the Marlborough Downs Ridgway is considered a challenging route that isn't suitable for beginner hikers.

The 10.8-mile circular trail takes an average of five and a half hours to complete and is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.

The best times to visit this trail are January through to October.