Coastal paths, hiking trails, rural routes – the UK is home to some of the most outstanding walks in the world. Come the fierce depths of winter, it can be easy to think you’re better off wrapped up in a cosy blanket. However, heading off along one of Great Britain’s fantastic walking routes on a cold January morning will come with great rewards.
Walks in the winter are seriously underrated and, considering how short the days are, soaking up as much sunshine as you can is a great way to boost morale. Luckily, there are so many routes to explore in the UK. From slow, scenic walks where you can take in your surroundings, to intense hikes that get the blood pumping – read on to see some of the best trails you can take on this winter.
Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge, Cumbria
Heading through valleys, above streams and reaching breathtaking viewpoints, this Lake District route is one of the best walks when it comes to beautiful scenery. Take a break at Ashness Bridge, one of the most photographed places in the area, to take in the view. At roughly 4.5 miles, it’s a moderate trail that takes about two hours from start to finish.
Heddon Valley, Devon
Following Devon’s north coast and neighbouring Exmoor national park, Heddon Valley is a route like no other. Pass through ancient woodland as you traverse the River Heddon towards the sea, offset by imposing cliffside views and a vast array of wildlife. The area is a site of special scientific interest, which means the creatures you bump into won’t always be just average bugs and birds, but otters and the rarely-seen high brown fritillary butterfly.
Beatrix Potter Walk, Sawrey
One for those looking for a challenge and especially of interest to literary fans, the Beatrix Potter trail takes adventurers through numerous sites relating to the author. This route passes Claife Heights and the villages of Hawkshead and Sawrey, offering up the sights and sounds that inspired Beatrix Potter. As you make your way along the 13-mile journey, you’ll experience the magical woodland of Cockshott Point and, if it sounds a bit daunting, there’s a shuttle bus and a ferry that you can hop on and off to suit your itinerary.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Corfe Castle is one of the UK’s most photographed sites, which makes this winter walk a particularly special getaway. For the early birds among us, you can catch the mist lingering over the ruins as the sun rises on a cold morning. Popular routes around the castle include the Common History Walk, on which you can look out for signs of early human activity around the site, as well as the roughly 9-mile Purbeck Ridgeway Walk, which leads from the castle to the coastline.
Photo credit: Maria Orlova / Pexels
