Walkers combine two of the English's favoured pastimes

A love of rambling is one of the top traits of the English.

That’s the verdict of a survey of what activities are the most typically English.

Rambling in the countryside is one of the top 50 pastimes of the 5,000 people surveyed. And that other habitual activity of outdoors enthusiasts – visiting a pub – comes top of the table, which should come as no surprise as the study was commissioned for the Wells Bombardier beer brand.

Starting the day with a fry-up comes 21st in popularity, well ahead of the 44th placed rambling. A pride in where you live also figures in the responses, as does achieving against all odds – something mountaineers, climbers and ultra runners would all identify with.

Many of the traits could equally apply to the Scots, Welsh and Irish too, though the English almost got their wish today in number 42 of their nation’s quirks: wanting their sports stars to fail. There’s still time for that one, though.

A  Bombardier spokesman said: “England is a truly unique country and these typically English traits just go to show the breadth of characteristics, interests and idiosyncrasies that make this country what it is.”

And, for once, the recent English weather has enabled them to achieve another of their favoured aims: wanting a good tan.

The full list can be seen on the Bombardier website.