The UK is famous for its outstanding national trails, coastal paths and rural walking routes which are especially scenic in winter. While the flowers of spring, the greenery of summer and the vivid colours of autumn have all disappeared, an early start to the day in winter will be rewarded with mist rising from the lochs, valleys and forests.
Winter is an excellent time to get out and explore the natural world, and you'll feel the benefits of soaking up the mild sunshine during the shorter days too. The UK is blessed with a wide array of winter walking routes for you to explore, whether you're looking for winter hikes to get your blood pumping or some more sedate winter walks where you can slow down and truly appreciate the scenery.
We've rounded up 10 of the best winter walks in the UK to inspire you to get out and explore even when it's cold outside. And if you're looking for a cosy cottage to come back to after your day out in the fresh air, simply click the button below to discover our collection of winter holiday cottages.
Winter cottages
Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge, Cumbria
Passing over Derwent Water, the jewel of the Lake District, this walk showcases some of the region’s finest scenery. Stop at Ashness Bridge with Skiddaw as its backdrop, one of the Lake District’s most photographed places. With scenery as spectacular as this, you’re guaranteed a magnificent view, whatever the season.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
This spectacular walk over Corfe Castle, one of the UK’s most photographed sites, makes for a pretty special winter walk. If you’re an early riser, catch the mist hanging over the ruins and a beautiful sunrise. If you’d like a lengthy jaunt, walk from Corfe Castle Square all the way to Kimmeridge Bay on the South West Coast Path. For more wonderful walks in Dorset, take a look at our guide to the area.
Set on the coast, backed by Exmoor National Park, Heddon Valley offers a stunning walk. One of our favourite winter walks in England, you can take in the crisp, fresh air while taking in the route’s diverse landscape from the wooded valley all the way through to the rocky beach. After your wander, pop into local pub The Hunters Inn for a cosy pub lunch. Both North and South Devon are packed with beautiful walks like this one, so why not take a look at our guide to the best Devon walks?
Tintern Abbey and Devil’s Pulpit, Wye Valley
The spectacular ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian abbey are a sight to behold in every season, but in the winter, it is truly magnificent. On a crisp winter’s morning, with mist settling over the River Wye, this is one of the most unforgettable walks in winter.
Blakeney Freshes, Blakeney, Norfolk
Set on the North Norfolk coastal path, this wild winter walk stretches across Blakeney Freshes reserve . On a cold morning, catch the mist rising from the marshes and look out for flocks of golden plover and other resident birdlife.
Beatrix Potter Walk, Sawrey, Lake District
One for literary fans, the Beatrix Potter walk covers numerous sites with links to Beatrix Potter including her home, the wooded fells of Claife Heights and the western shore of Lake Windermere. At 8 miles, the walk is perfect if you’re looking for a way to warm up while taking in the sights and sounds of the Lake District. And if you're visiting the Lake District and packing your walking boots, why not take a look at our guide to the best walks in the Lake District?
Leading you through a medieval deer park, home to wild Red, Fallow and Sika deer, the 5-mile walk at Fountains Abbey is truly beautiful. The circular route passes the 18th century Studley Royal Water Garden and has wonderful views over Ripon and the mysterious North Yorkshire Moors. As one of the most popular destinations in the UK, Yorkshire has plenty to do all year round; take a look at our guide to winter days out for more inspiration.
The South Loch Ness Trail, Scotland
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie through the winter morning mist, the South Loch Ness Trail is perfect. Starting just outside Fort Augustus, the trail leads you through years of myth and legend, as well as past beautiful wildlife and woodland. As the peaceful “undiscovered” side of Loch Ness, this trail makes for a magical winter walk.
Worcestershire Beacon, Cotswolds
The view from the top of Worcestershire Beacon is well worth the climb. This 4.5-mile hike through the Malvern Hills is an idyllic winter route, with far reaching views over the Severn Valley. Start your walk at the Upper Wyche village and climb 425 metres to enjoy the most spectacular views. For more scenic walks in the Cotswolds, take a look at our guide.
Two Bridges to Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor
If you’d like to explore the mysterious Dartmoor landscape, this circular footpath is truly magical. Passing over farmsteads and open moorland, this bracing route leads you to the mystical oaks of Wistman’s Wood. Even on a bleak winter’s day, this twisting woodland is like something out of a fairy-tale.
Discover the UK this winter
Now you have a list of the best UK winter walks, it's time to get out and explore. Winter is a brilliant time for a UK holiday, where you can enjoy visiting some of the most popular attractions away from the crowds of the summer. Plus, we have a wide range of cosy cottages in which you can cuddle up in after your adventures. Click the button below to find your perfect place to stay on a winter holiday in the UK.
Winter cottages