Key Takeaways:
- Explore Cheshire’s mini Matterhorn, Shutlingsloe, for breathtaking panoramic views on a crisp winter day
- Discover the vast expanse of Holkham beach and nature reserve in Norfolk, perfect for walking and birdwatching
- Take a cliff walk in Derry, Northern Ireland, for stunning sunsets and a refreshing Atlantic breeze
- Enjoy a frosty day hike in the Chilterns, with scenic views of the Vale of Oxford and ancient woodland
- Experience the beauty of North Yorkshire’s Skipton Moor, with its sparkling frost and panoramic views
- Follow the Skyline loop around Bath, taking in the city’s stunning architecture and surrounding countryside
- Explore the Lake District’s Sale Fell, with its grassy hillside and amazing views over Bassenthwaite Lake
- Visit the Black Mountains in south-east Wales for a scenic winter walk with stunning views and atmospheric pubs
- Enjoy a coastal stroll in Northumberland, with its beautiful beaches, castles, and cosy pubs
- Discover the Greenock Cut, a hidden gem near Glasgow with majestic views and scenic walking trails
Introduction to Winter Walks
Winter is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the UK. From the rolling hills of the Chilterns to the stunning coastlines of Northumberland, there are plenty of amazing winter walks to discover. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best winter walks in the UK, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, scenic countryside, or a refreshing coastal breeze, there’s something for everyone.
Cheshire’s Mini Matterhorn
Cheshire’s Shutlingsloe, also known as the mini Matterhorn, is a must-visit destination for any winter walker. This 506-metre peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Staffordshire Roaches, Manchester’s skyline, and the Cheshire Plain. On a crisp winter day, the views are even more stunning, with the snow-capped hills and frosty fields creating a picturesque landscape. After your walk, head back to Trentabank car park, where you can warm up with a cup of coffee and a local speciality, such as a Staffordshire oatcake.
Norfolk’s Holkham Beach
The vast expanse of Holkham beach in Norfolk is a winter walker’s paradise. The beach, marshes, and pinewoods offer a range of walking routes, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The southerly winds can bring balmy winter days, but the winds off the North Sea can be brutal, making it a great spot for blowing away the cobwebs. The light is fantastic, and the variety of walking routes is huge, with a boardwalk and visitor centre enriching the experience. Keep an eye out for migrant birds making landfall, and enjoy the welcome shelter of the pinewoods on a bitter day.
Derry’s Cliff Walk
The Portstewart Cliff Walk, also known as the Nuns’ Walk, is a great spot for a winter stroll. The walk starts overlooking Portstewart Strand and finishes in the town centre, offering stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. The sunsets here are to be savoured, so try to time your walk for dusk, and enjoy a post-walk pint by the fire in the Anchor Bar. The walk is exposed to the Atlantic, making it perfect for clearing the head after a long day.
The Chilterns
The Chilterns are a great destination for a frosty day hike. From the village of Ewelme, head east uphill through fields and beech woodland to Ewelme park, taking in the stunning views of the Vale of Oxford. The walk is 5 miles long and takes around 2.5 hours to complete, but the scenery is so beautiful that you won’t care. Keep an eye out for deer, pheasant, and dappled sunlight, and enjoy the ancient earthworks and woodland as you descend gently back to Ewelme.
North Yorkshire’s Skipton Moor
Skipton Moor is a hidden gem in North Yorkshire, offering spectacular views of Airedale and Pendle. The moor is wonderfully quiet, despite being just outside the Yorkshire Dales national park. On a cold, foggy morning, the misty woods are a magical place to be, and the sparkling frost outlines all the spider webs in the gorse bushes. Take a walk up the hill from the edge of town, and enjoy the panoramic views from the high points.
Bath’s Skyline Loop
The Skyline walk around Bath is a great way to experience the city’s stunning architecture and surrounding countryside. The 6-mile loop takes you through rolling hills, ancient woodland, and scenic valleys, with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. On a frosty morning, the mists rising over the sandstone rooftops are a spectacular sight, and the walk is a great way to work up an appetite for a cosy pub lunch.
The Lake District’s Sale Fell
Sale Fell near Cockermouth is a great spot for a short winter walk. The grassy hillside feels safe to walk even when frosty, and the views over Bassenthwaite Lake towards Skiddaw are amazing. Take the quiet path through the woods towards the Wythop valley, passing the ruins of an old church where deer can be spotted. Finish the walk with a pint in the lovely Pheasant Inn or coffee and cake in the award-winning Bassenthwaite Lake Station cafe.
The Black Mountains
The Black Mountains in south-east Wales are a great destination for a winter walk. Park at Capel y ffin and follow the path along the valley of the Nant Bwch, taking in the waterfalls and steep-sided valley. The views from Rhiw y fan are spectacular, and the return journey along the Rhos Dirion ridge offers stunning views into Wales. Stop for an atmospheric pint in the cellar bar at Llanthony Priory, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bannau Brycheiniog national park.
Northumberland’s Coastal Stroll
A coastal stroll in Northumberland is a great way to enjoy the beautiful beaches, castles, and cosy pubs of this stunning county. Start at Embleton and head down the hill to the beach, turning north away from the cracking view of Dunstanburgh castle. Walk along the beach for about an hour to Low Newton, a National Trust-preserved square of fisher’s cottages and the Ship Inn, a dog-friendly, cosy pub with a strong food offering. Return either via the beach or head to the dunes and the coastal path, and recover from the walk up the hill into Embleton with a pint at the Greys Inn.
The Greenock Cut
The Greenock Cut near Glasgow is a hidden gem for winter walkers. The walk starts in mundane fashion, but soon opens out into majestic views across the River Clyde to the hills in Argyll. The Cut’s visitor centre and cafe offer a warming break, and the good-quality paths keep the walk passable even on wet or icy days. Walkers can continue onwards along the hill to return via the spectacular Wemyss Bay railway station, or loop back on a shorter route passing the calm Loch Thom. Both routes are stunning, and offer a great way to experience the beauty of the Scottish countryside.