The Best Winter Walks Across the UK

Winter Walk Route Facts

Route	Region	Distance	Time	Difficulty
Loch Morlich	Scotland	3.1 miles / 5.1 k	1.5h	Easy
Rydal Water	Lake District	2.8 miles / 4.5 km	1–2h	Easy
The Twelve Apostles	West Yorkshire	4 miles / 6.4 km	2h	Easy
The Roaches	Staffordshire	6.2 miles / 10 km	4h	Moderate
Blakeney to Wells-next-the-Sea	Norfolk	7.7 miles / 12.4 km	4.5–5h	Easy
St Ives to Zennor	Cornwall	6.5 miles / 10.4 km	4h	Moderate
Elidir Trail	Wales	2.4 miles / 4.5 km	1.5h	Easy

Scotland

Loch Morlich, Highland

Distance: 3.1 miles/5.1 km
Time: 1.5h
Difficulty: Easy

Get ready to explore Scotland’s finest settings along this easy walking trail. Surrounded by pine forests and fringed by glorious beaches, the Loch Morlich walk starts and ends in the Highland town of Aviemore. The snow covers Cairngorms summits for more than 100 days a year, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stroll.

North West of England

Rydal Water, Lake District

Distance: 2.8 miles/4.5 km
Time: 1-2h
Difficulty: Easy

This family-friendly walk in the Lake District is a treat all year round, but even more so when temperatures hit minus figures. Twirling around the foot of Nab Scar before heading towards the lower part of Loughrigg Fell, it provides breathtaking views over the water.

West Yorkshire

The Twelve Apostles, Bingley

Distance: 4 miles/6.4 km
Time: 2h
Difficulty: Easy

This four mile-loop starts and finishes in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and makes a beautiful winter walk. Tranquil and picturesque, it provides a great opportunity to take in the stunning landscape. Climb to the top of Burley Moor, 400 metres above sea level, to admire the mysterious Bronze Age stones.

West Midlands

The Roaches, Staffordshire

Distance: 6.2 miles/10 km
Time: 4h
Difficulty: Moderate

This curling woodland trail in Staffordshire is home to unique flora and rare wildlife, from red grouse to buzzards and sparrowhawks. You’ll explore three Pick District Ethels before stumbling upon the spooky (but charming nonetheless) Lud’s Church – a deep, sandstone chasm and a West Midlands symbol.

East of England

Blakeney to Wells-next-to-the-Sea, Norfolk

Distance: 7.7 miles/12.4 km
Time: 4.5-5h
Difficulty: Easy

Looking for a relaxing coastal walk? Norfolk has just what you need. Follow the East of England coast’s blistering winds and explore the village of Blakeney before getting lost in the spectacular Blakeney Nature Reserve. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for seals and rare birds!

South West of England

St Ives to Zennor walk, Cornwall

Distance: 6.5 miles/10.4 km
Time: 4h
Difficulty: Moderate

Few places can rival Cornwall’s breathtaking beauty, and this walk makes the perfect starting point to explore it. As you go around Pen Enys, don't forget to look back at St Ives to take in the picture-perfect views. If you keep heading towards Zennor, the wild Atlantic coast will open before your eyes, making the challenging trail all the more worthwhile.

Wales

Elidir Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles/4.5 km
Time: 1.5h
Difficulty: Easy

Nothing short of spectacular, Elidir Trail represents Wales at its finest. Found within the so-called ‘Waterfall Valley’ in the Brecon Beacons National Park, this walk is perfect for families. Follow the River Pyrddin upstream towards Sgwd Gwladus, home of the Lady Falls. Magnificent all year round, wintertime adds some extra charm with its ice patterns.

 

Winter Walking Gear Checklist

Essentials

• Waterproof walking boots
• Warm, layered clothing
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Hat, gloves and warm socks
• Fully charged mobile phone
• Water bottle and snacks
• Head torch or flashlight
• Printed map or GPS device
• Small first aid kit
• Emergency contact information

For Longer Walks

• Walking poles
• Spare warm layers
• Power bank
• Survival blanket
• Hot drink flask

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