The UK’s best winter walks | Daily News Byte

Tisbury Circular, Via Hindon and Fonthill Estate – Wiltshire

This 13.6-mile circular walk winds around the 9,000-acre Fonthill Estate – and some of Wiltshire’s best countryside. Turning west from Tisbury through the open fields and woodland of the Fonthills, the route then heads north along the Wessex Ridgeway towards the village of Hindon, which marks the halfway point. As with any good winter walk, the pubs are the main attraction, particularly The Lamb at Hindon and, at a later stage, the Beckford Arms (which has wonderful rooms for overnight stays). On the final leg of the walk, you’ll pass Fonthill’s tranquil lake and the country’s largest moated barn, now home to the popular Messams Wiltshire Gallery. A direct train takes you from Waterloo to Tisbury in one hour and 45 minutes, so it’s very doable as a day trip for Londoners.

Crester to Low Newton Coastal Walk – Northumberland

About 40 miles north of Newcastle, the fishing village of Craster is the starting point for an eight-mile scenic yet scenic circular walk along Northumberland’s rural coastline. It begins in coastal meadows – keep an eye out for eider ducks on your approach above the rocky headland, the ruins of 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle. From here, the smooth sands of Embleton Bay open up, and the Ship Inn waits for a lunchtime tipple at Newton-by-the-Sea before returning on a different path slightly inland. Dog-friendly with largely flat terrain, this is a great trail for families.

Kettlewell to Grassington – North Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales market town of Grassington is a real gem, with cobbled squares, pubs and tea houses – and wonderful walks to choose from. Take advantage of the public bus service to simplify logistics: park in Grassington and catch the 72 bus north to Kettlewell before starting the spectacular seven-mile return walk.

Heading south on the Dales Way, the route takes in Wharfedale – one of Yorkshire’s prettiest valleys – and the River Wharf. Expect breathtaking views across meadows and pristine pastures. You can extend the route to 10 miles by staying on the bus with one additional stop to Buckden.

Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia National Park – Wales

Located in the mountainous north-west of Wales, not far from Bangor, Cwm Idvaal is one of the awe-inspiring geological features of Snowdonia National Park. It has long attracted curious visitors, including Charles Darwin, who in 1831 noticed that large boulders scattered in the valley contained sea shells.

This family-friendly, three-mile circular walk takes you around Llyn (Lake) Idwall and back again, offering a real taste of exploring the park’s highest and wildest peaks without the need for experience or knowledge. That said, Devil’s Kitchen is a natural extension that leads down this path for those seeking a challenge.

Worth Metravers, Jurassic Coast – Dorset

This part of Dorset has a bounty of impressive walks – including Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks and Studland – and Worth Metravers is the perfect start and end point for walks along the Jurassic Coast, largely because of its cozy pub The Square and Compass, complete with flagstones and With a wood burner (and plenty of car parking). This short three-mile circular loop sees walkers descend through rolling farmland before meeting up with the coastal path, where you’ll pass the abandoned mines of Seacombe and Winspit, before returning to the track to close the loop. The walk is easily extended if you want to see more of the stunning Purbeck coastline.

Polzeth to Port Isaac – Cornwall

A walk to the headlands and Smugglers’ Cove. Park on the beach at Polzeth and walk the best stretch of the South-West Coast Path, hugging the coast through exposed headlands and ducking into sheltered coves for around 10 miles. After rounding Pentaire Point, the road heads north-east – and before reaching the small village of Port Quinn, you’ll be met by the delightful miniature castle (or folly) of 19th-century Doyden Castle, designed by Samuel Simmons. Friends and indulge in drinking and gambling.

After arriving at Port Isaac, there are several options to refuel. If you’re feeling extravagant, consider Nathan Outlaw’s one-Michelin-starred Outlaw’s New Road restaurant. Be sure to keep an eye out for Cornwall’s national bird, the chow.

Gobro Fell and Era Force, Lake District – Cumbria

At 912 square miles, the Lake District is England’s largest national park and home to 214 waterfalls, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. In winter, many of the dramatic moves can be treacherous, but these are good and just as impressive year-round.

With four-and-a-half miles and a respectable 366m of ascent, this family-friendly circular walk offers fantastic views of woodland, roaring falls, open falls and Ullswater from the rounded summit of Gobaro. British fell-walker Alfred Wainwright described it thus: “Flowers, heather and bilberry bloom on the pleasant little ridge where the summit cairn is.”

Climbing Jack Trail, Mortimer Forest – Shropshire

A truly beautiful and testing nine-mile circular woodland walk, which rewards (after 500m of ascent) with panoramic views across rural Shropshire, Herefordshire and the summits of High Vinals in Wales. Keep an eye out for goshawks and long-haired fallow deer, which are known to exist only in these forests. After the walk, visit the historic town of Ludlow, a few hundred meters from the starting point. Sir John Betjeman described it as “perhaps the prettiest town in England”, so stop by the 11th-century Ludlow Castle and the town’s plentiful eateries.

Dover to Deal: Three Castles Walk – Kent

One of England’s best and most unique coastal walks, this linear route runs north from Dover and ends in the charming town of Deal, about eight miles away. After leaving the busy ferry port, you’ll soon be walking to the top of Dover’s iconic White Cliffs. Pass the South Foreland Lighthouse to St Margaret’s Bay, once popular with smugglers (the tea room here is perfect for a hot cuppa).

From here, the cliffs give way to quiet pebble beaches and Wolmer and Deal Castles, both built by Henry VIII around 1539 to defend against French invasion. Deal Pier marks the end of the walk, from where you can catch a train to London in less than 1.5 hours. Return to Dover if you parked at the ferry terminal.

Bremer, Cairngorms National Park – Scotland

Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Royal Deeside village of Braemar (about eight miles from Balmoral) is the perfect base for countless outdoor activities – and countless stunning walks. This gentle four-mile route starts in the village, and climbs about 200 meters up a hill near Crag Choinnich – which has wonderful panoramic views of the Cairngorms – before descending through mature pine woods and returning along the River Dee.

The route also passes close to Bremer Castle, built in 1628 by John Erskine, Earl of Mar as a hunting lodge.

Settle Loop, Pennine Bridleway – North Yorkshire

This 10-mile circular walk leads out of the historic market town of Settle to the limestone uplands above the town. There are wonderful views of Ribblesdale and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and at the end of the loop, the glacial lake of Malham Tarn. Easily accessible by public transport – it’s an hour’s train ride from Leeds – and with plenty of stops to enjoy a well-earned meal, it ticks all the boxes for a winter walk.

Glenday, Mount Caburn and Lewes – South Downs National Park, East Sussex

Glynde is an East Sussex Downland village, home to Glyndebourne Opera House – and the start and finish of this six and a half mile walk. The route quickly drops into the National Nature Reserve, with the Iron Age fort of Mount Caberne looming over the horizon to the south. Soak in the views of the Elizabethan manor house Glende Place as well as the South Downs National Park, the Ouse Valley and the panorama of Lewes. Just a mile to the south is the chocolate-box village of Firley, situated at the foot of Firley Beacon, one of the highest points in the South Downs National Park. Here, dine at The Ram Inn – a friendly country pub serving hearty British fare by the side of a warming fire.