Embrace the winter chill with an invigorating walk through some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes.
In the depths of winter, it can be tempting to hibernate indoors, but you’d be missing out on the mind and body benefits that come from getting outdoors in the fresh air. Bundle up warm and you’ll soon discover that winter is one of the most rewarding times of the year to head outdoors for a walk.
From Cornwall’s rugged coastal trails to the wild moorlands of the Highlands, the British countryside is home to thousands of walking trails suitable for all abilities. To provide you with some inspiration, we’ve picked 20 of our favourite winter walks across the UK.
Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership.
Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. As well as getting access to exclusive events, Boundless members enjoy unlimited free or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, plus year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.
Simply click on a link below to jump straight to:
- Walks in London & the East
- Walks in the South West & Wales
- Walks in the Midlands & East
- Walks in the North of England
- Walks in Scotland & Northern Ireland
What are the benefits of a winter walk?
Credit: Getty Images
You don’t need to climb a mountain or walk for miles to feel the benefits of being outdoors — even a gentle stroll can do wonders for your health, especially in winter.
A brisk walk in cold air makes your body work harder to stay warm, increasing calorie burn and boosting circulation. Walking regularly also strengthens the heart, lungs, and muscles, and can improve aerobic fitness.
Winter walking also benefits our mental well-being as exposure to natural light boosts serotonin levels, helping to lift your mood and ease the ‘winter blues’ or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Even a short winter walk is an enjoyable way to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and appreciate the wild beauty of the colder months.
Wildlife to spot in winter
One of the advantages of winter for wildlife enthusiasts is that animals are much easier to spot — keep a look out for red kites, deer, and white mountain hares or listen out for the hoot of an owl at night.
Bring a pair of binoculars and take your time exploring — the quiet of the colder months makes every rustle, flutter and call even more noticeable. Whether you’re walking through woodlands, beside a river, or along a windswept beach, winter is a special time to enjoy wildlife spectacles such as starling murmurations, white mountain hares and migratory birds.
If you fancy getting closer to nature, why not visit one of WWT nine wetlands centres across the UK? As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. The on-site cafés are the perfect spot for a warming hot chocolate or tea and cake after a chilly walk, with members getting a 10% discount at WWT’s on-site cafés and shops. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Walks in London & the South East
Credit: Getty Images
Kew Gardens to Richmond Park
Winter walks in Richmond Park and along the Thames Path
London has thousands of green spaces to explore on foot – from vast parks and heaths, to reservoirs and riverside trails. One of the best winter walks follows the Thames Path from Kew to the beautiful parkland of Richmond Park.
Start your stroll beside the river in Mortlake, passing the stunning Kew Gardens, and the elegant Kew Palace, once a royal retreat. Continue along the river to Richmond Park – London’s largest Royal Park and home to free-roaming herds of red and fallow deer. On a clear winter day, you can even spot St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance.
Boundless members get unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. Members also get 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount in the Kew shop, both online and in store.
Denny Wood, New Forest, Hampshire
Step back in time with a winter walk through the New Forest National Park, a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since William the Conqueror declared it a royal hunting ground over 900 years ago. In this patchwork of open heathland, ancient oak and beech woods, and peaceful glades, ponies and deer still roam freely.
The Denny Wood walking route is an easy three-mile circular trail suitable for all abilities that loops through the forest.
Winterton and Horsey, Norfolk
In the winter, the sprawling beaches of East Norfolk are home to one of Britain’s most enchanting wildlife spectacles – from November to January, hundreds of grey seals haul out at Winterton-on-Sea and Horsey Gap to give birth to their pups.
Follow the four-mile stretch of the England Coast Path between the two beaches for a spectacular walk through rolling dunes, backdropped by vast skies and golden sands dotted with seal families. At Horsey Gap, the main colony is fenced off during the breeding season to protect the pups, but you can spot seals from the dedicated viewing platforms.
From here, you can extend your route inland to the peaceful hamlet of Horsey, home to the thatched All Saints Church with its distinctive round Saxon tower. Follow this Ramblers Horsey Mere & Horsey Gap route to complete this 5.2-mile circular walk.
Join Boundless Plus
The Ramblers is a great way to start your walking journey, with thousands of guided walks and routes available to members. What’s more, Boundless Plus members benefit from free access to the Ramblers.
Finding a group couldn’t be simpler: just enter your postcode on the Ramblers website and you’ll see which of their 500 local groups is nearest to you.
Walks in the South West & Wales
Lacock, Wiltshire
From early in the year, delicate snowdrops push through the frosty ground, transforming landscapes into carpets of white. One of the loveliest places to see them is the chocolate box village of Lacock, near Chippenham.
Famous for its appearances in Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films, Lacock’s historic streets and abbey make a magical setting for a winter walk.
A gentle one-mile circuit takes in the old packhorse bridge, medieval tithe barn and 14th-century St Cyriac’s Church. Visit in January or February to wander among snowdrops in the abbey grounds, then warm up in one of the village pubs or the National Trust tearoom. There are various routes available, or you could try this 10-mile Ramblers Lacock & Bowood route if you’d prefer a longer walk.
Devil's Pulpit and Tintern Abbey, Forest of Dean
Wrap up warm and enjoy wintry walks through the Forest of Dean's extensive walking trails - from the popular arts trail to the viewpoint of Symond’s Yat. For breathtaking views across Tintern and the valley, follow the trail up to the Devil’s Pulpit. Founded in 1131, Tintern Abbey looks especially atmospheric in winter, when mist hangs over the River Wye and the ancient ruins are surrounded by a frosty landscape.
Why not make the most of your visit to this beautiful region and stay for a weekend, or even a week? Boundless members can also save up to 20% on all stays at Whitemead Forest Park, in the heart of the forest with plenty of footpaths leading directly from the site. For further inspiration, here is our pick of the best walks in the Forest of Dean.
Aberystwyth and Pen Dinas, Ceredigion
Starting from Aberystwyth railway station, this scenic circular Ramblers Pen Dinas, Aberystwyth route combines coastal views, riverside paths, and local history. Follow the Ceredigion Coast Path south from the town, enjoying sea views before climbing Pen Dinas, crowned by the Wellington Monument and the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. From the top, take in sweeping vistas over Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay, and the Ystwyth Valley — especially striking on clear winter days.
Descend through the Tan y Bwlch Nature Reserve, a tranquil area of shingle beach, saltmarsh, and riverside woodland rich in birdlife. The return path follows the River Ystwyth back towards Aberystwyth town along clearly marked tracks and pavements, where you’ll find a good selection of cosy pubs and cafes for post-walk refreshments.
Gutter Tor to Higher Hartor Tor, Dartmoor National Park
The wild moors and rolling hills of Dartmoor have inspired generations of writers, from Agatha Christie to Arthur Conan Doyle. Home to more than 160 tors (craggy outcrops of granite), there are nearly 500 miles of trail to be explored.
This popular four-mile circular walk from Gutter Tor to Higher Hartor Tor reveals the rugged beauty that also inspired Michael Morpurgo to write War Horse. The route crosses classic Dartmoor terrain – wide expanses of heather-clad moorland, granite tors, and sweeping views that seem unchanged by time.
From Gutter Tor, follow clear tracks over open ground towards Higher Hartor Tor, where you can pause to take in the vast, wild scenery that once served as the backdrop for wartime cavalry training. Look out for grazing ponies and remnants of ancient settlements scattered across the landscape.
Zennor Head Walk, Cornwall
Rugged, remote and stunningly beautiful, Zennor Head is situated on Cornwall’s wild Atlantic coastline. Breathe in lungfuls of fresh coastal air with this National Trust walk beginning in the tiny village of Zennor, famous for its medieval church, the route follows a section of the South West Coast Path along dramatic clifftops.
On a crisp and bright day, the walk offers sweeping views across turquoise coves, jagged granite headlands and the sea. Keep an eye out for seals, kestrels and the occasional pod of dolphins offshore.
After completing the circular route, return to Zennor for a well-earned rest at the Tinners Arms, a welcoming 13th-century inn that’s perfect for warming up beside the fire.
With a Boundless membership, you can enjoy a discount of 10% off National Trust Gift Cards. These cards can be used to explore more than 500 historic houses, castles, gardens and other sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to shop and dine in National Trust stores and cafés.
Walks in the Midlands & East
Credit: Getty Images
Mam Tor and Winnats Pass, Derbyshire
For a winter walk that blows the cobwebs away, it is hard to beat a climb to the peak of Mam Tor (1,695 feet) – known as the famous ‘Shivering Mountain’ with sweeping views across the valley towards Castleton.
You can opt to follow the well-marked footpath up through Winnat’s Pass from Castleton or try a longer eight-mile circular walk, which begins and ends in the small village of Hope, taking in the summits of Lose Hill, Hollins Cross and Mam Tor.
In the winter months, returning after a long day walking in the peaks to a roaring open fire and locally brewed beer on tap is a welcome sight – and you’re in luck if you visit in the festive season as the shops and pubs along Cross Street in the medieval village of Castleton are decorated with sparkling Christmas lights. Check out this BBC Countryfile Magazine route.
Black Hill to Pinnacle Hill Walk, Malvern Hills
The Malvern Hills are stunning year-round, in winter enjoy sweeping views across a landscape dusted with frost or sparkling under a blanket of snow.
Starting from the Black Hill car park, this gentle 200-metre trail climbs gradually towards the ridgeline of the Malvern Hills, offering an easy yet rewarding route for all abilities. A short detour from the main path leads you onto the summit, where you’re treated to sweeping views across Herefordshire and Worcestershire — particularly stunning on clear winter days.
Broadway Tower, Cotswolds, Worcestershire
The Cotswolds are especially charming in winter, when rolling hills, honey-coloured villages, and frost-covered fields transform the landscape into a scene straight from a Christmas card.
A classic winter walk starts in Broadway, often described as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds” to Broadway Tower. Starting in Broadway, follow well-marked Cotswolds Way footpath, climbing gradually towards Broadway Tower. This old folly is perched atop the Cotswold escarpment, offering panoramic views over the surrounding hills — on a clear winter’s day, you can see as far as the Malvern Hills and even the Welsh mountains. Entry to the folly is ticketed, but you can walk in the hills around it for free.
If you fancy a winter break, Boundless members save up to 20% on Cotswold Cottages bookings – and enjoy unlimited access to the Cotswold Motoring Museum and discounts on other attractions.
Church Stretton, Shropshire
Shropshire’s rolling hills and quiet valleys make it one of England’s most peaceful counties to explore on foot — especially in winter, when mist hangs in the hollows and frost sparkles across open fields.
A classic route begins in the market town of Church Stretton, often called “Little Switzerland” for its dramatic scenery, and climbs onto the Long Mynd, a broad heather-covered ridge offering panoramic views across the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Follow one of the well-marked trails from Carding Mill Valley, winding past waterfalls and rocky outcrops to the plateau above. On clear days, you can see as far as the Welsh mountains to the west and the Malvern Hills to the east.
Walks in the North of England
Credit: Getty Images
Haweswater, Cumbria
Escape the crowds in one of the Lake District’s quieter corners – Haweswater’s peaceful reservoir, set between Penrith and Windermere, offers stunning winter scenery and easy access when higher fells are snowbound.
From the car park at Mardale Head, a 10-mile circuit follows good paths around the lake, with views of waterfalls and the chance to spot red squirrels in ancient woodland. Walking anticlockwise, finish with a well-earned break at the Haweswater Hotel, where sweeping lake views await. For an extra adventure, continue uphill to Small Water Tarn – a perfect spot for a winter picnic (top tip: bring a flask of soup). Follow this Ramblers Haweswater route.
Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
On the Yorkshire coast, the small fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay is a maze of tiny cottages and narrow alleys tumbling steeply towards the sea. Down on the shore, fishing boats still rest on the rocks of Landing Scar, echoes of the village’s notorious smuggling past.
For walkers, winter is a lovely time to explore. Begin at the Station Car Park above the village (cars aren’t allowed in the narrow streets) and follow a three-mile circular route through the surrounding North York Moors National Park. The path loops south along the Cleveland Way, offering spectacular coastal views towards Ravenscar, before descending back through fields and quiet lanes. Finish with a stroll along the beach, keeping an eye out for fossils.
Hadrian's Wall and Sycamore gap, Northumberland
The rugged and wild landscape of Northumberland National Park makes it ideal for walking – particularly for those looking to follow the historic Hadrian’s Wall, which was built during the Roman Empire.
Starting at the Twice Brewed Inn, an inviting 18th-century pub that’s perfect for warming up after your walk with a hot meal, follow the marked trail along Hadrian’s Wall, winding across open moorland and gentle hills while taking in views of Roman forts and the rugged North Tyne Valley.
The footpath passes the site of the famous Sycamore Gap, a solitary tree which once sat in the gap in the hillside until it was felled by vandals in 2023. It remains a spectacular spot with sweeping views across the valley and Hadrian’s Wall.
Boundless members get 35% off an OS Maps Premium annual subscription, giving access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map, plus thousands of expertly plotted walking routes across the UK’s footpaths, tracks, and trails. For adventures off the beaten path, maps can also be downloaded and printed, ensuring you can navigate confidently even in areas with limited signal.
Walks in Scotland & Northern Ireland
Credit: Getty Images
Tayport and Tensmuir, Fife
Take in Fife’s stunning coastline on a circular walk from the coastal town of Tayport to Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, where the River Tay meets the North Sea.
Winter is a great time to get out on foot and explore, with a good chance of spotting snow buntings, teal, and flocks of pink-footed and greylag geese gathering across the reserve. Pause at one of the wildlife hides for a closer look — you may even glimpse sea eagles, ospreys, seals or eider ducks.
This Ramblers Tayport and Tentsmuir route follows well-maintained paths through woodland, dunes and open sands, offering fresh sea air, wide horizons and an invigorating dose of winter wildness.
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, Highland
Just a short stroll from Aviemore, the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is a peaceful Highland escape where woodland, water, and mountain views meet. Well-marked trails wind through birch forest and along tranquil lochans, with routes to suit all abilities. The gentle Lochans Trail is perfect for a relaxed wander, while the Viewpoint Trail offers a rewarding climb to sweeping vistas across the Cairngorms and Strathspey Valley.
In winter, the reserve is especially beautiful — frost sparkles on the heather, mist drifts over the hills, and red squirrels and woodland birds add a splash of life and colour. Paths are accessible year-round, making this an ideal spot for a refreshing seasonal walk.
Glenfinnan, Highlands
Famous for its dramatic scenery and cinematic connections, Glenfinnan offers one of the most memorable winter walks in the Scottish Highlands. Starting near the Glenfinnan Monument, the trail leads along the shores of Loch Shiel, where snow-dusted peaks rise steeply from the water’s edge.
Follow the path towards the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, and take in breathtaking views of the 21-arched structure framed by rugged moorland and winter skies. From the viewpoint above, you can see both the viaduct and the monument set against a backdrop of sweeping glens.
The impressive Glenfinnan Monument is just one of the many historic sites looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. With a Boundless Plus membership, you can enjoy unlimited access to over 100 National Trust for Scotland properties, including free admission for up to six children per visit and complimentary car parking.
Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim
Known as the “Queen of the Glens,” Glenariff Forest Park is one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive winter destinations. Situated in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, this stunning valley transforms into a winter wonderland when the temperatures drop.
There are several walking routes to enjoy, from gentle forest strolls to more challenging climbs. The Waterfall Walkway is a particular highlight, winding for about three miles through deep gorges and past tumbling cascades. Wooden boardwalks and bridges make the trail easy to follow, while viewpoints offer breathtaking vistas across the glen and out to the coast.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too — you might spot red squirrels darting among the trees or hear the call of woodland birds echoing through the crisp air. After your walk, warm up with a hot drink in the forest café and take in the views across the valley.
Giant's Causeway, Causeway Coast Way, Northern Ireland
One of Northern Ireland’s most rewarding routes is the Causeway Coast Way, a spectacular coastal trail linking Portballintrae and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.
This section of the walk follows dramatic clifftops overlooking the Atlantic, with views of sea stacks, hidden coves, and distant Rathlin Island. In winter, waves crash against the basalt columns, seabirds wheel overhead, and the coastline feels wild and untamed. The clearly marked path is around five miles (8km) each way, with plenty of spots to pause for photos or a flask of something warm.
While exploring Northern Ireland, don’t forget that Boundless members have unlimited access to WWT Castle Espie. If you’re a Boundless Plus member you’ll benefit from unlimited access to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens thanks to a partnership with Historic Royal Palaces.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.
Wellbeing
Short Breaks
