The best winter walking routes in the UK

Winter has definitely now arrived, with the cold weather truly upon us. So, what better time is there to wrap up snugly and go for a brisk winter walk to warm up those toes? The UK has many interesting, varied and beautiful walks, so with many options at your doorstep, we explore some of the best ones here.

The East of England has a variety of winter walks; the Norfolk coastline contrasting with the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire. If you are situated in the East of England, how about trying the following for winter walking:

• the Norfolk four-mile Blakeney Point Coastal Walk which follows the beautiful sand dunes
• Suffolk's railway walk through nature, which starts with the famous medieval village of Lavenham all the way to Long Melford
• the three-mile Wicken Fen Adventurers' Trail through wetland habitat
• Bedfordshire's Dunstable Downs countryside walk

Perhaps you're planning on spending time in the Midlands this winter and need some ideas for winter walking to enjoy the UK countryside? The Midlands is famous for the Peak District making a perfect winter walk for those of you who prefer a less gentle terrain. Below are our suggestions:

• try a Dudmaston walking woodland trail which is perfect for your dog too
• a spectacular winter walk in the Peak District at Longshaw
• Calke Abbey tranquil winter walks
• a Charlecote's parkland winter walk, to spot wildlife and picture landscapes
• try a winter walk through the landscape in Chelmorton in the Peak District

Perhaps you are a ‘northerner' and looking for a winter walk in the North of England. With the Lake District on your doorstep, the North of England is blessed with long walking trails for those who like to get stuck in when it comes to winter walking. Here are some of the best winter walks for you:

• the Quarry Bank in Cheshire which hosts the Southern Woods where you can follow the River Bolin
• strolling through the wooded valley in the Lake District in the beautiful Borrowdale
• an upwards winter walk with on the Cragside's walks over hills and around lakes
• Yorkshire's Fountains Abbey walk following the deer path where you can spot wild deer
• a winter walk on the steep slope at Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire

From the north to the south, the South East of England also offers some of the best winter walks in the UK. Boasting the UK's capital city London, you can find some of the best winter walks here too. Below are some suggestions for walking in the winter in the South East of England:

• check out the highest points in Surrey with winter walking at Leith Hill
• try the Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke walk on the South Downs this winter for amazing views
• choose a slightly more formal walk such as one at Ham House and Garden in Richmond, just outside of London

The beautiful South West of England is an area of the UK that you may be familiar with in the summer for beaches. However, it also provides some of the best winter walks in the UK. We have picked some situated in places in the South West of England which are full of some of our favourite childhood memories:

• the Zennor Head Walk in Cornwall provides stunning coastal scenery
• a gentle winter walk with an amazing view can be found in the Salcombe Hill walk in Devon
• Dorset's Stourhead with 2,500 acres of unspoilt countryside in Wiltshire makes a perfect winter walk
• try a truly beautiful winter walk at Corfe Castle in Dorset
• breathe in the fresh air with a winter walk in Heddon Valley, Devon, soaking in the stunning scenery

If you are walking in Northern Ireland this winter there are many winter walks to choose from. We name a few of the best below:

• enjoy native Irish woodland as you go winter walking on the Florence Court Blue Trail
• watch the Atlantic waves wash ashore when taking a winter walk on the Runkerry Trail at Giant's Causeway
• choose a winter walk with cliff-top walks and sheltered gardens with the Downhill Demesne Walking Trail

And last but certainly not least, for those of you situated in Wales or perhaps spending Christmas there this winter, you can enjoy many winter walks in this part of the UK. We have selected a few of the best winter walks below for you to choose from:

• the famous Snowdonia provides you with some of the best views globally so why not take a winter walk in these mountains
• Stackpole inn Pembrokeshire has a coastline spanning eight miles for dramatic winter walks
• for challenging walks in winter, why not try the Brecon Beacons
• with a dedicated footpath covering the whole of the Welsh coastline, why not try a challenging winter hike around it?

Wherever you choose to take your winter walks in the UK during this cold season, you must do so safely. Staying safe is essential to avoid a walking injury or an accident. Here are some of our tips to stay safe this winter when out for a winter walk:

• choose the correct walking gear for the walk you select and know its limits
• ensure you have enough light to see your walking path so use a torch or head torch where necessary
• Walk for the weather, so if your winter walk takes place on a day of high wind, avoid a walk in the woods due to potential flying debris
• If you are choosing the most challenging winter walks in difficult conditions, you may need to take an ice axe and crampons

^{Last updated 08.12.22}