{"id":42096,"date":"2024-11-22T12:59:36","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T11:59:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/da5995f6-6a66-4baf-ab80-1f26232ab9c3"},"modified":"2024-11-22T15:26:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T14:26:50","slug":"30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks\/","title":{"rendered":"30 of the UK&#8217;s most beautiful winter walks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\">From the Scottish Highlands and English Lake District to enchanting Welsh woodlands and Northern Ireland&#8217;s wave-buffeted coast, here&#8217;s our pick of the best beautiful winter walks in the UK <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Daniel Graham\n      <\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Friday, 22 November 2024 at 11:59 AM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html> <head\/> <body> <p><strong>The cold days of winter transform the British countryside into a wonderland of frozen lakes, frosted hills and snowy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/britains-best-forests-and-woodlands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">twinkling forests<\/a>. Wrap up warm and it can be one of the most rewarding and festive times of the year to be out on the trail.<\/strong><\/p> <p>From the Highlands of Scotland and the great fells of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-the-lake-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lake District<\/a> to Wales&#8217; ancient woodlands and London&#8217;s parklands, our guide explores the UK&#8217;s most spectacular winter landscapes.<\/p> <p>Each winter walk includes a map and route description, as well as the distance, difficulty and time it takes to complete the walk.<\/p> <p>So grab your boots and pick a winter walk near you \u2013 it&#8217;s time to hit the trail.<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\">  <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Britain&#8217;s woodlands are extra magical beneath a blanket of winter snow. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Looking for more winter inspiration? Check out our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/where-to-see\/the-best-winter-wildlife-spectacles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">winter wildlife<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/best-beaches-to-visit-this-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spectacular winter beaches<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/best-country-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk-this-christmas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">amazing country houses to visit in winter<\/a>.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best winter walks in England<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Castleton and Winnats Pass, Derbyshire<\/h3> <p>4.6 miles\/7.4km | 3.5 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4288\" height=\"2848\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2019\/11\/GettyImages-619488100-b0c7b3c.jpg\" alt=\"Winnats Pass and Mam Tor in winter, Derbyshire\" class=\"wp-image-49286\" title=\"Winnats Pass and Mam Tor in winter, Derbyshire\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Winnats Pass and Mam Tor in winter. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Peak Cavern is one of the Seven Wonders of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-the-peak-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peak District<\/a>, and was long thought to be an entrance to Hell \u2013 the river that flows through it is still known to cavers as the Styx. For 400 years, a small community of rope-makers lived within its huge entrance \u2013 it became known as \u201ca village that never saw the sun\u201d.<\/p> <p>These days, the planned medieval township of Castleton is famous not only for its caves but also for its dazzling display of Christmas lights, as every shop and pub on Cross Street is festooned with colourful Christmas trees. And looming over the village, as it has for 800 years, is the 12th-century keep of Peveril Castle, also floodlit during the weekends before Christmas. Explore the caves, crags and castle of this Peak District village with an easy, 4.6-mile circular walk.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-castleton-derbyshire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Castleton and Winnats Pass walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <div class=\"wp-block-columns highlight-box is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7\"> <div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"> <div class=\"wp-block-group highlight-box\"> <div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"> <p><strong>More winter inspiration:<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/guide-uk-mountains-facts-figures-and-the-best-peaks-to-climb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guide to Britain&#8217;s mountains<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/the-best-winter-wildlife-spectacles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Winter wildlife guide <\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-boxing-day-walks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boxing Day walks near you<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robin Hood\u2019s Bay, North Yorkshire<\/h3> <p>2.7 miles\/4.3km | 1.5 hours | Easy\u2013moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2530\" height=\"1664\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Robin-Hoods-Bay-in-winter-1915da9-e1665488048466.jpg\" alt=\"Robin Hood's Bay in winter snow\" class=\"wp-image-124174\" title=\"Robin Hood's Bay\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Robin Hood&#8217;s Bay beneath winter snow. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Tiny, pantiled cottages, honeycombed with narrow courtyards, tumble down a narrow gully to the sea. Front doors look over neighbours\u2019 roofs and vertiginous stone steps link the different levels.<\/p> <p>Down at the shore of Robin Hood\u2019s Bay, boats are still drawn up on the rocks of Landing Scar, a reminder of the village\u2019s smuggling days.<\/p> <p>In 1800, everyone who lived in Bay Town, as it is known locally, was said to be involved in this illegal transportation of goods. The villagers linked their cellars up the steep slope so that contraband, received at the shore, could be passed underground to the cliff top, unbeknown to Bay Town\u2019s customs officers.<\/p> <p>Take a winter walk through the surrounding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/guide-north-york-moors-eat-drink-walk-stay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North York Moors<\/a> countryside. A 3-mile circular route heads south from the Station Car Park on the hilltop above the village (visitors\u2019 cars are not allowed in the narrow streets).<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-robin-hoods-bay-north-yorkshire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robin Hood&#8217;s Bay walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Haddon Hall, Derbyshire<\/h3> <p>5.5 miles\/8.9km | 3.5 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2019\/11\/GettyImages-145081141-7346db7.jpg\" alt=\"Haddon Hall in winter, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe\" class=\"wp-image-48655\" title=\"Haddon Hall in winter, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Haddon Hall in winter. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Follow the bridge over the River Wye and climb to the hefty arched doorway of Haddon Hall. Step inside the courtyard with its great stone slabs. Feel the weight of 900 years of history in the locally quarried grit and limestone and the solid native oak used to create this largely unaltered medieval house.<\/p> <p>When the family walked away from Haddon Hall in favour of Belvoir Castle in the 1700s, they left unloved furnishings to gather dust and worms for 200 years. Many of these pieces remain, and now the Hall\u2019s collection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/guide-to-the-tudor-period-why-was-it-important-and-best-historic-sites-to-visit\">early Tudor<\/a> furniture is regarded as one of the finest.<\/p> <p>Leaving the manor house behind, you can follow the meandering River Wye to Bakewell for more seasonal delights at All Saints Church, with its Christmas Tree Festival, and to pay homage to the Haddon Hall family in the Vernon Chapel.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/haddon-hall-derbyshire-peak-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Haddon Hall walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title\">Long Mynd, Shropshire<\/h3> <p>8.6 miles\/13.8km | 5 hours | Moderate\u2013challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"639\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/12\/Long-Mynd-Shropshire-snow-%25C2%25A9Simon-Whaley-edfe03e.jpg\" alt=\"Church Stretton, aka Little Switzerland, in the snow, Shropshire\" class=\"wp-image-33271\" title=\"Church Stretton, aka Little Switzerland, in the snow, Shropshire\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Church Stretton, aka Little Switzerland, in the snow. Credit: Simon Whaley <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>On 39th January 1865, the Reverend Carr spent a night out on the Long Mynd, battling against one of the fiercest snow storms to hit 19th century Shropshire.<\/p> <p>This 21-square mile expanse of windswept heather moorland can be notoriously wild in winter. The Burway, the single-track lane that snakes up to altitudes of 475m, is frequently closed in winter, adding a sense of adventure for hikers out exploring this vast plateau in winter.<\/p> <p>Reverend Carr regularly crossed the Long Mynd to deliver Sunday services at Woolstaston and Ratlinghope churches. But one day, on his return journey for Woolstaston\u2019s evening service, the weather worsened. Carr became disoriented by fierce blizzards, got stuck in chest-deep snowdrifts and plummeted down the sides of steep, frozen valleys.<\/p> <p>This 8 mile route begins in Carding Mill Valley, where Carr was ultimately rescued, 22 hours after setting out and 5 miles off-course. Blinded by his frozen eyelashes, he heard children\u2019s voices and called for help. In one of the cottages here, he was given warm soup, his first real sustenance for hours.<\/p> <p>Today, the National Trust\u2019s Chalet Pavilion offers similar restorative refreshments to weary Long Mynd walkers.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-long-mynd-shropshire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Long Mynd walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stour Valley, Suffolk\/Essex<\/h3> <p>6.8 miles\/11km | 4 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2021\/11\/Cavendish-e929e9b-e1662460956942.jpg\" alt=\"Cavendish in winter\" class=\"wp-image-122165\" title=\"Cavendish Church\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Like many East Anglian buildings, the exterior of St Mary the Virgin church in Cavendish is dressed with flint. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Winter can be a magical time for exploring the peaceful river valleys and charming rural churches of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-suffolk\">Suffolk<\/a>, and there is much to be said for soaking up the atmosphere of this genteel corner of East Anglia out of high season.<\/p> <p>Days get off to a sluggish start, with the countryside swaddled in a lingering shroud of mist, soon shrugged off and replaced by crisp air and milky sunshine, ideal conditions for a winter walk.<\/p> <p>The Stour Valley is gentle and undulating, an ever-changing patchwork of woodland trails and farmland fringed with sleeping hedgerows. Sprinkled with small towns and pretty bucolic villages of thatched painted cottages, and complete with a reassuring cluster of cosy tea rooms, this is an area to be savoured.<\/p> <p>Starting from the historic wool town of Clare, Suffolk\u2019s smallest town, the route links three of the area\u2019s most charming churches, wending its way along the Stour Valley to Cavendish, before returning on the Stour Valley Path high above the river.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/clare-pentlow-cavendish-suffolk-essex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stour Valley walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Holkham, Norfolk<\/h3> <p>4.8 miles\/7.7km | 3.5 hours | Easy\u2013moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5538\" height=\"3662\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2019\/11\/GettyImages-146247924-8a3a97e.jpg\" alt=\"snow on beach\" class=\"wp-image-49321\" title=\"A stormy winter morning at Holkham Bay, Norfolk, England\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> A stormy winter morning at Holkham Bay. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>It&#8217;s said that in Norfolk you can tell how far you are from the coast by the roundness of the flint on the outside of the buildings \u2013 the rounder the flint, the closer you are to the sea.<\/p> <p>The interaction between sea and land is strong along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/guide-to-the-north-norfolk-coast\">North Norfolk coast<\/a>, where mudflats and salt marshes sit alongside miles of beaches. One such beach is Holkham.<\/p> <p>Here, a fusion of pinewoods and sand dunes tumble on to the beach and into the sea. The shoreline is part of one of the largest national nature reserves in the country, home to many rare species of flora and fauna and a favoured place for birdwatching. This walk is for both nature-lovers and those looking for the winter harmony offered by seemingly endless beaches, seas and skies.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-holkham-beach-norfolk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Holkham walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cotehele, Cornwall<\/h3> <p>1.7 miles\/2.8km | 1 hour | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Path-to-Cotehele-House-49a4f29-e1665488341776.jpg\" alt=\"Path to Cotehele House\" class=\"wp-image-124180\" title=\"Cotehele House, Cornwall\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Explore the gardens of Cotehele House and its surrounding countryside. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>On the Cornish side of the River Tamar, the Cotehele estate encompasses 526 hectares of woodland, meadow and riverside countryside. As you enter Cotehele\u2019s house, it is easy to imagine age-old winter celebrations around the huge fireplace. Make sure to take a look at its spectacular floral <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/best-country-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk-this-christmas\">Christmas garland<\/a> \u2013 it takes most of the year to plan, grow and assemble.<\/p> <p>Our 1.7 mile winter walk offers the option for further exploration around Cotehele\u2019s gardens and up to the Prospect Tower, as well as a diversion to Cotehele Mill. The route is on footpaths and lanes with some hills and one steep downhill section.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/cotehele-cornwall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cotehele walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hawkshead and Latterbarrow, Cumbria<\/h3> <p>3.1 miles\/5km | 2 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1064\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/09\/Hawkshead_0-27f1d10-e1665488376117.jpg\" alt=\"An atmospheric view of Hawkshead veiled in mist, taken from the summit of Black Crag above Tarn Hows in winter.\" class=\"wp-image-16948\" title=\"Hawkshead_0-27f1d10\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Hawkshead shrouded in mist. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Conquer a mini mountain this winter with a trip to the crest of one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-the-lake-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lake District<\/a>\u2019s most accessible peaks. Latterbarrow\u2019s 244m-high summit sits less than 2 miles from the cobbled courtyards and alleyways of Hawkshead village, meaning the short but stiff climb can be done in just a few hours \u2013 leaving plenty of time for shopping.<\/p> <p>There are dozens of independent stores open throughout the winter \u2013 including Honeypot Deli and Hawkshead Relish \u2013 and the Hawkshead Christmas Fair takes place in early December. For an extra dose of charm, why not drop into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/people\/historical-figures\/10-things-you-probably-never-knew-about-beatrix-potter\">Beatrix Potter<\/a> Gallery?<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-hawkshead-and-latterbarrow-cumbria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hawkshead walking route and map<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dunster, Somerset<\/h3> <p>3.9 miles\/6.4km | 2.5 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1034\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/09\/Dunster_0-b354195-e1665488412534.jpg\" alt=\"Dunster, Somerset\" class=\"wp-image-16953\" title=\"Dunster, Somerset\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Dunster Castle in the Exmoor. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Every winter, the village of Dunster pays tribute to its medieval past in a long-held <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/top-10-quirky-christmas-traditions\">Christmas tradition<\/a>: by lighting up its streets with candles. Choirs sing, lanterns glow and the smell of chimney fire diffuses through the crisp winter air.<\/p> <p>Before the night\u2019s festivities begin, spend the day exploring the village on foot \u2013 11th century Dunster Castle, the old market place and a host of thatched cottages \u2013 then step into the countryside on a four-mile stroll over rumbling rivers to the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-dunster-somerset\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dunster walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Goring-on-Thames to Pangbourne, Oxfordshire<\/h3> <p>4.5 miles\/7.2km | 3 hours | Easy-moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1058\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/09\/Teal20winter-d579d05.jpg\" alt=\"ASCII\" class=\"wp-image-16954\" title=\"Teal, Anas crecca, single male on water, Norfolk, Winter\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Look out for teals on the half-frozen water. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Those with a keen eye may spot red kites circling overhead and teals and wigeons on the half-frozen water as they follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/historic-places\/discover-the-royal-river-thames\">Thames Path<\/a> from picturesque Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire to Pangbourne in Berkshire.<\/p> <p>The waymarked and almost entirely flat trail runs alongside the river for five glorious miles between the two villages. Those with the energy can return the same way \u2013 otherwise, catch the bus back to Goring for a well-earned pint at a cosy inn.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-goring-on-thames-to-pangbourne-oxfordshire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goring-on-Thames to Pangbourne walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marlpit Hill, Kent<\/h3> <p>3.3 miles\/5.4km | 1.5 hours | Easy-moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1316\" height=\"877\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2017\/12\/Sheep-in-snow-3ede0d4.jpg\" alt=\"Sheep in snow\" class=\"wp-image-29659\" title=\"Sheep in snow\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Hardy sheep endure the winter weather. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>In the winter months, the pastureland and labyrinthine waterways surrounding Marlpit Hill in Kent crystallise with frost. A quilt of mist hangs low around copses of oak, hazel and birch, and winter wildfowl flock in the meadows.<\/p> <p>Low, golden light makes this time of year perfect for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/photography\/best-photography-kit-for-beginners\">photography<\/a> \u2013 take your camera and explore the area with a 3.3-mile walk.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-marlpit-hill-kent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marlpit Hill walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>Need to update your kit? Check out our guides:<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/cold-weather-kit\">Best cold weather gear for winter walks<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"http:\/\/The best early Black Friday walking boot deals we've found in November 2024\">The best early Black Friday walking boot deals we&#8217;ve found in November<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/gear\/hiking-gloves\">Best hiking gloves 2024: thermal picks to stay warm on cold walks<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best winter walks in Scotland<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loch Morlich, Highland<\/h3> <p>3.1 miles\/5.1km | 1.5 hours | Easy<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1038\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/09\/Loch-Morlich-in-Glenmore-Forest-Park-d7955c2.jpg\" alt=\"Loch Morlich in Glenmore Forest Park\" class=\"wp-image-16940\" title=\"Loch Morlich in Glenmore Forest Park\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Loch Morlich sits among the trees of Glenmore Forest Park. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Excitement abounds when looking out from the Highland town of Aviemore to the mighty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-the-cairngorms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cairngorms<\/a> mountains, beloved by snowboarders, skiers and winter climbers. It\u2019s the visceral reaction to the size and rawness of these granite giants that makes this landscape such a compelling place for all nature lovers.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/get-active\/the-best-places-to-ski-and-snowboard-in-britain\">Where to ski and snowboard in Scotland, England and the rest of the UK<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/environment\/where-are-the-snowiest-places-uk\">Where are the snowiest places in the UK? A White Christmas is guaranteed in these stunning locations<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <p>Nowhere else in Britain has the same scale of tundra-like plateaux and sub-Arctic habitats. Snow covers the numerous 1,000m summits for more than 100 days a year, and icy tentacles stretch across the lochs that bejewel the foot of the range. It\u2019s here, cloaked in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/trees-plants\/scots-pine-facts\">Scots pine trees<\/a>, that one of the finest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest resides, home to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/birds\/facts-about-golden-eagles\">golden eagles<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/mammals\/red-squirrel-guide-how-to-identify-and-where-to-see-in-britain\">red squirrels<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/mammals\/pine-marten-guide-how-to-identify-where-to-see-in-britain-and-other-facts\">pine martens<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/mammals\/10-badger-facts\">badgers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/mammals\/british-deer-guide\">deer<\/a>.<\/p> <p>Bustling Aviemore, with its choice of bars, restaurants and hotel-run wooden cabins, is the ideal base for a wintry foray around the northern fringes of the park and its most beautiful lochs \u2013 not least Loch Morlich.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-loch-morlich-highland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Loch Morlich walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glenfinnan, Highland<\/h3> <p>10.5 miles\/17km | 6 hours | Challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1971\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/11\/Glen-Finnan-looking-north-a212956.jpg\" alt=\"Glen Finnan in Highland, Scotland \u2013 looking north\" class=\"wp-image-32177\" title=\"Glen Finnan in Highland, Scotland \u2013 looking north\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Looking north up the glen on a late-winter&#8217;s day. Credit: Jake Graham <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Gothic in style, the Church of St Mary and St Finnan stands like a stoical watchman over the mountain-flanked waters of Loch Shiel, surely one of Britain\u2019s most enchanting landscapes.<\/p> <p>In winter, as day breaks from a cloudless night, the glen is particularly magical. Frost envelops everything: the pine trees, the mountain ridges, the church\u2019s pitched roof. It dusts frozen puddles, crunches beneath feet and petrifies plants.<\/p> <p>The Church of St Mary and St Finnan, built between 1870 and 1872, was designed by architect Edward Welby Pugin, son of one of the greatest British architects, designers and writers of the 19th century Augustus Welby Pugin. Just down the road is the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, with a shop, toilets, caf\u00e9 and accessible parking. The centre is the starting point for a 10 mile walk (the first half of which is accessible) from Loch Shiel to the dramatic mountain pass of Bealach a\u2019Chaorainn.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-glenfinnan-highland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glenfinnan walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <div class=\"wp-block-columns highlight-box is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8\"> <div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"> <div class=\"wp-block-group highlight-box\"> <div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"> <p><strong>Best Boxing Day walks<\/strong><\/p> <p>After enjoying a day of Christmas indulgence, nothing beats heading outdoors for an invigorating winter walk. From the wilds of Scotland to a gentle canal stroll in southern England, here&#8217;s our pick of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-boxing-day-walks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best Boxing Day walks<\/a> across the British countryside.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Bennachie, Aberdeenshire<\/h3> <p>5.5 miles\/8.9km | 3.5 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5876\" height=\"3917\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/hiker-at-the-summit-of-Bennachie-near-Inverurie-in-the-Aberdeenshire-region-of-Scotland-a3465ff.jpg\" alt=\"Female hiker at the summit of a hill\" class=\"wp-image-65244\" title=\"Woman on Bennachie summit, Aberdeenshire\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Hiker at the summit of Bennachie near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p class=\"p1\">Bennachie is a prominent prospect as you travel through the hills and river valleys of Deeside, its unique profile visible for many miles around.<\/p> <p class=\"p3\">Rising from the flat plains of Aberdeenshire, a few miles west of Inverurie, Bennachie\u2019s twin tops of Oxen Craig and Mither Tap grant far-reaching vistas. At 518m, Mither Tap is slightly lower than Oxen Craig (528m), but its shapely character leads to Bennachie\u2019s Gaelic derivation \u2018mountain of the breast\u2019.<\/p> <p>The two main tops are connected by a wild and wonderful plateau where meadow pipits, lapwings and red grouse thrive. The remains of a Pictish hill fort can also be visited.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/bennachie-aberdeenshire-scotland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bennachie walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Steall Falls and Glen Nevis, Highland<\/h3> <p>2 miles\/3.2km | 1.5 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5472\" height=\"3648\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2019\/01\/IS7A6895-3346459.jpg\" alt=\"Steall Falls, Nevis Gorge, Scotland\" class=\"wp-image-39792\" title=\"Steall Falls, Nevis Gorge, Scotland \u00a9Jake Graham\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Steall Falls tumbling into Glen Nevis. Credit: Jake Graham <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Tapering south from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/west-highland-way\">Highland town of Fort William<\/a>, gorgeous Glen Nevis is bounded by several high, rugged mountains, including the huge bulk of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/ben-nevis\">Ben Nevis<\/a>, which, at 1,344m (4,409ft) above sea level, is the highest point in the British Isles.<\/p> <p>Other iconic peaks include Sgurr a\u2019 Mhaim and Stob Ban and the glen is a playground for mountaineers, mountain bikers and white-water rafters.<\/p> <p>However, it&#8217;s a low-level, two-mile walk through the dramatic Nevis Gorge that really packs a punch and provides an unforgettable aural and visual experience. Sections of the path can be rocky and slippery but with a little care this is a superb walk.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-steall-falls-and-the-nevis-gorge-highland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steall Falls and Glen Nevis walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ben Lomond, Argyll and Bute<\/h3> <p>7.6 miles\/12.3km | 5-6 hours | Challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3267\" height=\"2178\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Boat-on-Loch-Lomond-in-dawn-light-a-snow-capped-Ben-Lomond-behind-673e07d.jpg\" alt=\"Snow-capped mountain\" class=\"wp-image-65546\" title=\"Boat on loch by a mountain\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Boat on Loch Lomond, in dawn light, a snow-capped Ben Lomond behind. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Ben Lomond is the most climbed of the Munros (see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/what-is-a-munro\">guide to Munros<\/a>), not only because it\u2019s the most southerly, but also because of the direct ascent to its 974m summit.<\/p> <p>Climb north up the tourist path from Rowardennan, then either retrace your ascent route or take the rougher return along Ptarmigan Ridge to the west. It is a tall hill, so bring clothing and supplies for any eventuality.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-ben-lomond-argyll-and-bute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ben Lomond walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glencoe Lochan, Highland<\/h3> <p>2 miles\/3.2km | 1 hour | Easy<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4341\" height=\"2894\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2014\/04\/Glencoe-Lochan-Scotland-c665109.jpg\" alt=\"Sun over loch\" class=\"wp-image-45541\" title=\"Glencoe Lochan, Scotland\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Glencoe Lochan as autumn turns to winter. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/day-out-glencoe-argyll\">Glencoe<\/a> needs no introduction. Scotland\u2019s most famous glen is well known, both for its extraordinary scenery (as showcased to the world in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/where-is-harry-potter-filmed\"><em>Harry Potter<\/em> film series<\/a>) and bloody history.<\/p> <p>There are many ways to enjoy its wild and rugged landscape, but one of the most satisfying is to take a winter walk around the tranquil waters of Glencoe Lochan.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/glencoe-highland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glencoe Lochan walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tobermory and Calgary Bay, Inner Hebrides<\/h3> <p>1.9 miles\/3.1km | 1 hour | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1058\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/09\/Tobermory_0-f069481-e1665487820807.jpg\" alt=\"Tobermory_0-f069481\" class=\"wp-image-16960\" title=\"Tobermory_0-f069481\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Colourful house line the shoreline of Tobermory. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Fires crackle and smoke, warming the walls of Tobermory\u2019s colourful houses and shops \u2013 the Isle of Mull Soap Company, Tobermory Chocolate and Mull Pottery, to name a few.<\/p> <p>A short drive away on the opposite side of the island is Calgary Bay and the start of a woodland sculpture trail. Discover the willow-woven stag, dens for the kids and a hidden face in the hillside.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-tobermory-isle-of-mull\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calgary Bay walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title\">Best winter walks in Wales<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea<\/h3> <p>10km\/6.2 miles | 4 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1315\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2021\/12\/Three-Cliffs-Bay-f220962-e1665488503503.jpg\" alt=\"Three Cliffs Bay at sunset\" class=\"wp-image-122191\" title=\"Three Cliffs Bay, Wales\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>It\u2019s not as if the south Gower coast is otherwise unremarkable \u2013 maritime grassland atop limestone rock, which has been scoured into beaches and bone caves, yielding to an expansive sea with Devon fizzing on the horizon \u2013 but Three Cliffs Bay is a truly special place.<\/p> <p>The cliffs are triangles of a single promontory, swimming out like a dragon to guard a bay brightly ringed by Pennard Pill river, which has squirmed through the saltmarsh to reach it.<\/p> <p>At high tide, Great Tor in the west grants seclusion. But at the tide\u2019s ebb, Three Cliffs Bay merges with Tor Bay, Oxwich Bay and Pobbles Bay \u2013 with its dramatic cliffs and caves \u2013 to create one vast dazzling magnitude of sand. Discover more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/gower\">beautiful walks on the Gower Peninsula<\/a>.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/three-cliffs-bay-gower-swansea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Three Cliffs Bay walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title\">Dinefwr Park and Newton House, Carmarthenshire<\/h3> <p>2.4 miles\/3.9km | 1.5 hours | Easy<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"624\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Lane-around-Dinefwr-Park-ae34611-e1665488678738.jpg\" alt=\"Lane around Dinefwr Park\" class=\"wp-image-124188\" title=\"Lane around Dinefwr Park\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Look out for fallow deer foraging in the frosty fields at Dinefawr Park and Newton House. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>A flurry of white flakes, a crunch underfoot. As winters warm, the white-spotted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/mammals\/british-deer-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fallow deer<\/a> and sound of trampled beechnuts might be the closest you get to snow at Dinefwr near the town of Llandeilo in Wales. Nevertheless, winter will be dark and Newton House in the grounds will be cosy.<\/p> <p>At Christmastime, the house is transformed with its annual Christmas fair, decorations and the Welsh <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/top-10-quirky-christmas-traditions\">Christmas tradition<\/a> of the Mari Lwyd.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/dinefwr-park-and-newton-house-carmarthenshire-wales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dinefwr Park and Newton House walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four Waterfalls Walk, Powys<\/h3> <p>2.5 miles\/4km | 1.5 hours | Easy-moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5400\" height=\"3600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Sgwd-Ddwli-Uchaf-a2f9f51-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf waterfall in winter\" class=\"wp-image-124194\" title=\"Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf, Waterfall Country, Wales\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Sgwd yr Eira swells in periods of heavy rain. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Just south of Ystradfellte in the southern Bannau Brycheiniog<em> <\/em>there is a patch of woodland, much of it a coniferous plantation. To the western edge, deciduous trees take hold, while, deep below, the rivers Mellte and Hepste can be heard roaring over a series of impressive waterfalls.<\/p> <p>There are several walks through Waterfall Country, including the 5.5 mile Four Waterfalls Walk.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/four-waterfalls-walk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Four Waterfalls Walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Foel Benddin and Y Gribin, Gwynedd<\/h3> <p>8.7 miles\/14km | 5\u20136 hours | Challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Cwm-Cerist-Dinas-Mawddwy-9e97011-e1665490089887.jpg\" alt=\"Cwm Cerist near Dinas Mawddwy\" class=\"wp-image-124197\" title=\"Cwm Cerist, Dinas Mawddwy\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Cwm Cerist near Dinas Mawddwy. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Brave the wild hills of south-east <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-snowdonia\">Eryri (Snowdonia)<\/a>, an unforgiving landscape once roved by a band of cattle-rustling, bow-wielding robbers.<\/p> <p>Experience all that the hills have to offer with a challenging 9 mile hike from Dinas Mawddwy over the high hills of Foel Benddin and Y Gribin in Eryi National Park.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/foel-benddin-and-y-gribin-snowdonia-wales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Foel Benddin and Y Gribin walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Cribyn, Powys<\/h3> <p>11.5 miles\/18.5km | 7 hours | Moderate-challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4873\" height=\"3268\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2020\/10\/Cribyn-in-winter-f881089.jpg\" alt=\"Snow on mountain\" class=\"wp-image-65552\" title=\"The frost covered Brecon Beacons in South Wales\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Frost on the mountain peak of Cribyn in Bannau Brycheiniog. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Amid the lumps, bumps and rounded humps that form the ridgelines of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/best-walks-in-the-brecon-beacons\">Bannau Brycheiniog<\/a>, sits Cribyn.<\/p> <p>It\u2019s the kind of peak a child may draw; pyramidal and stacked with brawn. Yet in spite of its mountain status, its summit is neither as high nor as insurmountable as you may imagine<\/p> <p class=\"template-article__description template-article__description--headline-led body-copy-large\">Cribyn, at 795m, sits 101m below the tallest peak in southern Britain, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/pen-y-fan-brecon-beacons-wales\">Pen y Fan<\/a>. But far from inferior, the angular mount affords spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, making it well worth the climb.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li class=\"template-article__description template-article__description--headline-led body-copy-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/day-out-cribyn-powys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cribyn walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saundersfoot to Tenby, Pembrokeshire<\/h3> <p>8 miles\/13km | 5 hours | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"474\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2023\/07\/Tenby-best-winter-walks.jpg\" alt=\"Tenby best winter walks\" class=\"wp-image-197388\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Catch the sunset over the beach. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Perched on the western fringes of Carmarthen Bay, the charming seaside towns of Tenby and Saundersfoot are designated conservation areas that offer superb Blue Flag beaches and picturesque harbours.<\/p> <p>While the crowds flock to its beaches through the summer, it&#8217;s well worth returning in the winter. Warm up and rest tired feet in one of Tenby&#8217;s pubs.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-tenby-pembrokeshire\">Tenby walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Gwynedd<\/h3> <p>7.5 miles\/12km | 5-6 hours | Challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2019\/01\/Bethesda-Snowdonia-in-winter-6860a38.jpg\" alt=\"Mountain range in winter with frozen lake\" class=\"wp-image-49626\" title=\"Snowdonia in winter\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> View from Bethesda in winter. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in England and Wales at 1,085m (3,560ft). The range covers 16 square miles and gave birth to Welsh rock climbing in the 19th century.<\/p> <p>Today the tracks are bustling all year round \u2013 though extra care should be taken in winter \u2013 and there are plenty of varied routes to the top.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-snowdon-gwynedd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Snowdon walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best winter walks in Northern Ireland<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Slieve Binnian, County Down<\/h3> <p>6 miles\/9.7km | 4.5 hours | Challenging<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2163\" height=\"1442\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2018\/12\/Mourne-Mountains--fdec78e.jpg\" alt=\"Hikers among snowing mountains\" class=\"wp-image-33675\" title=\"Slieve Binnian\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Hikers stride towards Slieve Binnian, with the North Tor towering above. Credit: Getty Images. <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Winter is the most evocative season to scale Northern Ireland\u2019s Mourne Mountains, because winter is when this landscape was created. The entire range owes its form to the scouring movements of vast ice sheets, which only began to melt some 13,000 years ago.<\/p> <p>Yet not all the peaks were covered by ice; the very highest summits protruded above the frozen wasteland. Slieve Binnian was one such landmark, and the massive, frost-shattered tors that erupt from its tip were once nunataks, lonely towers of rock that withstood the elements above the icy expanse.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-slieve-binnian-county-down\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slieve Binnian walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glenariff Forest Park, Country Antrim<\/h3> <p>2.4km\/1.5 miles | 1 hour | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2021\/04\/Glenariff-Forest-Park-350b244.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden boardwalk on the hill with a view on tall waterfall and river in Glenariff Forest Park\" class=\"wp-image-143273\" title=\"glenariff Forest Park\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Spectacular wooden boardwalk at Glenariff Forest Park. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>This luxuriant, water-carved gorge in County Antrim\u2019s east is known in Northern Ireland as the \u2018Queen of the Glens\u2019. It\u2019s easy to see why. On a fine winter\u2019s day, sunlight breaks through the woodland\u2019s skeletal canopy, shining like stardust as it hits and refracts on the waters below. Liverworts, mosses and outstretched ferns flourish and birdsong cheerfully resounds.<\/p> <p>A short and well-marked path leads through the forest \u2013 an ideal winter wander for the whole family.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-glenariff-nature-reserve-county-antrim\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glenariff Forest Park walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Dundrum Bay, County Down<\/h3> <p>6.2 miles\/10km | 3 hours | Easy<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5100\" height=\"3400\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/06\/Dundrum-bay-county-down-GettyImages-170494555-1-d204f8b.jpg\" alt=\"Dundrum Bay in County Down\" class=\"wp-image-120959\" title=\"Dundrum Bay, County Down, Northern Ireland.\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> View to the Mourne Mountains and Newcastle. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Dundrum Bay is a nature lover\u2019s haven in the colder months of the year when the Inner Bay teems with overwintering birds.<\/p> <p>This coastal walk begins on the edge of the Inner Bay at Dundrum, one of the county\u2019s loveliest villages, set below a magnificent Norman castle ruin.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/dundrum-bay-county-down-northern-ireland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dundrum Bay walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-1 template-article__title template-article__title--headline-led\">Cove Cave, County Down<\/h3> <p>5.6 miles\/9km | 3 hours (return) | Moderate<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"aligncenter size-landscape_thumbnail\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2384\" height=\"1567\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2021\/11\/Cove-Cave-in-the-Mourne-Mountains-0e5b243-e1669288539430.png\" alt=\"Rocky escapement in mountains\" class=\"wp-image-101528\" title=\"Cove Cave and Lower Cove in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Looking south-east along the Lower Cove escarpment just beneath Cove Cave towards the town of Annalong and the Irish Sea. Credit: Jake Graham <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div> <p>Caves conjure mystical, murky thoughts of bats and boggarts, dragons and trolls. These doors into the earth \u2013 or out of it, depending on your aspect \u2013 can be found across the UK. Some are well-known, revered for their great atriums, jousting stalactites and archaeological remains; others are more elusive, secreted among quiet hills like dozing shadows wanting none of the fame.<\/p> <p>One such hollow sits high within a rocky escarpment on the western slopes of the Annalong River valley in the Mourne Mountains.<\/p> <p>This 6 mile, there-and-back-again walk takes you right to it, an exhilarating winter quest for friends and families with adventure in their veins.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-cove-cave-county-down\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cove Cave walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down<\/h3> <p>4.75 miles\/7.6km | 2.5 hours | Easy<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1959\" height=\"1288\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2019\/11\/Murlough-National-Nature-Reserve-36b3e49-e1662469170349.png\" alt=\"Murlough National Nature Reserve\" class=\"wp-image-65656\"\/> <figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Winter at Murlough National Nature Reserve. Credit: Getty Images <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <p>Situated 3.5 miles north-east of the coastal town of Newcastle in County Down, Murlough National Nature Reserve is a wildlife-watchers\u2019 dream.<\/p> <p>Its range of habitats play host to a vast diversity of flora and fauna, and the long, sandy beach is the focal point of a fantastic walk, overlooked by the iconic Mourne Mountains.<\/p> <p>This 2.5 hour walk is beautiful at any time of year but is particularly stunning on a cold winter&#8217;s day.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/murlough-national-nature-reserve-county-down-northern-ireland\">Murlough National Nature Reserve walk<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From the Scottish Highlands and English Lake District to enchanting Welsh woodlands and Northern Ireland&#8217;s wave-buffeted coast, here&#8217;s our pick of the best beautiful winter walks in the UK <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":42097,"template":"","categories":[1,115],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"21"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-scaled.jpg",2560,1440,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-1024x576.jpg",800,450,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-1536x864.jpg",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/11\/30-of-the-uks-most-beautiful-winter-walks-2048x1152.jpg",2048,1152,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"From the Scottish Highlands and English Lake District to enchanting Welsh woodlands and Northern Ireland's wave-buffeted coast, here's our pick of the best beautiful winter walks in the UK","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/42096"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}