Old Man of Storr named one of Britain's best views

THE jagged mountains forming one of the backdrops to hit fantasy series Game Of Thrones have been voted the nation's best view, according to a major survey.

Tthe Old Man Of Storr on the Isle Of Skye. Picture: PA

Around one third of people surveyed by The Countryman magazine voted for the mountains of Mourne in County Down, Northern Ireland, where parts of the show were filmed.

The granite mountain range also inspired author C S Lewis as he wrote his children’s book series The Chronicles of Narnia.

The glimpse of Snowdonia from the summit of Snowdon was the second most popular view, with 16% of the vote, while striking sights in the Isle of Skye, Lake District and Pembrokeshire made the top five.

The Mourne Mountains from Rocky Shore Near Tyrella, Northern Ireland. Picture: PA

Alan Titchmarsh also revealed his favourite view was over the Yorkshire Dales town where he grew up.

The former Gardeners’ World presenter said: “The view from the Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor, over the town below, will always remain my favourite view.

“I grew up in this Dales town, and the view reminds me of how lucky I was to grow up in such a wonderful part of the country.

“Moors, woods and riverside were my childhood playground, and I cherish the time I spend there.”

The Mourne Mountains from Rocky Shore Near Tyrella, Northern Ireland. Picture: PA

The Countryman editor, Mark Whitley, said: “For nearly 90 years The Countryman has celebrated the best of the British countryside, whether it’s our spectacular coastline, wild and windswept uplands, rugged peaks or pastoral scenes.

“We wanted the nation to help us celebrate our natural treasures by choosing Britain’s best view.

“We were amazed by the response, and the passion that people expressed for their favourites. The results demonstrate the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and scenery across the length and breadth of Britain.”

The top five views as voted in The Countryman magazine’s survey are:

• Mountains of Mourne from the shoreline near Tyrella, County Down

• Snowdonia from the summit of Snowdon

• Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

• Wastwater, Lake District

• Marloes, St Brides Bay, Pembrokeshire

• Old Man of Storr to get its own visitor centre

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