Brits 'can't give up their cars'

Driving has been become increasingly popular with Britons across the UK compared to taking the footpath, according to new research.

An online survey conducted for the River Walks with Charlie Dimmock programme found that 39 per cent of 2,500 people asked drove rather than walked whenever they could, with another 21 per cent admitting to using their vehicles for trips shorter than 500 metres.

Those living in cities generally drove more than their countryside counterparts, with negative aspects of pedestrian life in the city being dog mess, boring scenery and unfriendly people.

Despite city dwellers spending less time on foot throughout the year, 29 per cent of respondents said they travelled to the countryside to take walks and another 44 per cent saying they would consider spending money on a walking holiday.

Channel head of UKTV Gardens Catherine Catton said that Britons are lucky to live in a place "with such a varied landscape" including "some fantastic local walks to be explored".