Grab a warm jumper and put on your thick socks to experience Britain at its most wild and wintery. Say goodbye to your winter blues with our top 5 winter walks!
- Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
This short but sweet walk is the perfect route for striking views across the Scottish capital and beyond. Start your route from the main entrance to the Scottish Parliament Building on Horse Wynd.
Where? Edinburgh, Scotland.
How long is the walk? 7 to the summit and back
Advice and tips:
Source: fourjandals.com
- The further north you get, the colder it gets, so make sure you wear lots of layers
- Be aware of the steep incline, so appropriate foot wear is advised
- If you take a camera you will be able to take some magnificent shots of the capital
- Checking the weather forecast before you set out is always recommended
- The image below shows the route of the walk
Best time to go?
To capture the best views, this route is best on a clear day. Mid-day is usually a good time to go, to insure all fog has disappeared
2.The Medway Marshes
The Medway Marshes
This walk is a very long walk, therefore unsuitable for your little ones. However, this hike is infused with history, that displays spectacular winter wildlife so make sure you bring your binoculars!
Where? Rochester, Kent
How long is the walk? 5 miles
Advice and tips:
- Bring your binoculars along for a chance to spot the wildlife
- The 10.5 miles route starts from Cliffe on the isle of Grain, it is long but mostly flat, however you can take a shorter route.
- Staying hydrated is key, so make sure you bring a drink
Best time to go?
- Going to the marshes on a clear day is always advised, so you can spot the wildlife
- The marshes can be very boggy, so hope for a dry day!
3.Richmond Park, London, England
Richmond Park, London
Richmond Park is the largest park in London, which lures you into thinking you are in the countryside. Famous for its ancient oak trees and picturesque views, Richmond park is a great walk to get you in the Christmas spirit with your loved ones.
Where? Kingston, London
How long is the walk? 5 miles if you do the Beverly brook walk ( this is the best walk to spot all the wildlife.)
Advice and tips:
- Make sure dogs are kept under control at all times
- Don’t get too close to the deer for the safety of the animals and yourself
- You might want to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views and wildlife. Have a look at Richmond Park’s website for an overview of the best view points.
- Public toilets ( including disabled) are located near selected park entrances
- Places where you can grab something to eat or drink are situated at: Pembroke Lodge, Roehampton Café, Pen Ponds car park and Broomfield Hill.
- Local horse riders use this park so be aware of our four legged friends although there are horse trails too.
- Cars drive through this park but at a restricted speed.
- The park offers flat and hilly routes, which gives you the options of making your walk more strenuous or shorter and easier.
- The park is a Royal park.
Best time to go?
- The park is open from 7.30 am in the winter, and closes to traffic at dusk all year round but there are pedestrian gates too.
- If you’re driving to Richmond Park parking can sometimes be difficult. Parking will be easier in the morning.
4.Gatton Walk, Surrey
Source: megalithic.co.uk
One of the best things about the walk at this, or any time of year, has to be the impressive historic landscape. During the winter period you can see wildlife from all angles, soaring high and scuttling alongside the tranquil lakes and open fields.
Where? Reigate, Surrey
How long is the walk? 2 miles
Advice and tips:
- Boots are advised on this walk due to the different terrains you will walk across
- Bring your camera along to take some brilliant wildlife snaps
- A bottle of water is always a good idea to keep you hydrated
Source: theguardian.com
- Your four pawed friends are allowed on this walk
- The walk has some steep gradients so make sure you’re fit enough to participate
- If you are wanting to drive to this walk, parking is available.
Best time to go? When wet the track can become incredibly muddy and slippery, therefore try to walk this on a dry and clear day to get the full experience.
5. Top Withens, West Yorkshire
Top Withens, West Yorkshire
This walk oozes with great English history, tourists come to the Haworth area where the Bronte sisters lived and wrote. It is also a relatively short walk, making it the perfect walk for a mid-winter afternoon before heading back to West Yorkshire’s countryside pubs to enjoy the hospitality.
Where? Haworth, West Yorkshire
How long is the walk? 5 miles
Advice and tips:
- Keeping your dogs under control is a must as stock graze on these grounds
- Start at Bronte Waterfall and finish at west of Haworth (Click here to see the route)
- Bring your camera and binoculars to spot the winter wildlife
- Although it is a short walk remember to wrap up warm to keep the cold chills out
- Wearing the correct footwear can give you extra support and prevent any injuries on this walk
- Check the weather forecast before setting off, to make your walk more enjoyable.
Best time to go? This walk is best at winter time as there’s bundles more atmosphere then.
Please have a look at this Guardian article for advice and tips on what to spot on your walk with directions on how to get there.
