Winter walks
Make the most of England in the snow with a refreshing winter walk. England's diverse and often breathtaking landscapes mean there are some superb stretches of countryside to explore, which are probably closer than you think!
Read on to discover a perfect winter walk near to you...
South East
Walking the Weald of Kent
Between the North Downs and the High Weald lies a wealth of tranquil Kentish countryside that is perfect for exploration. This walk takes a circular route from the charming Sutton Valence to the quaint village of Ulcombe. Passing, amongst other sites a 12th Century Norman Castle and a historic Norman Church, the walk also provides a view over the Wealden countryside that is sure to stop you in your tracks. If you have a little spare time whilst completing the walk, the magnificent Leeds Castle is close by and always worth paying a visit to.
Distance: 5 miles.
Where: Start at Sutton Valence, Maidstone, Kent.
Further information: visit www.visitsoutheastengland.com/countryside
In Oxfordshire's tranquil Cherwell Valley
Way-marked throughout the Cropredy Battlefield Walk, this circular route follows the canal-side, passing by the Old Toll House before travelling on and through to the bridleway and fields beyond. The walk explores some of the most picturesque parts of Oxfordshire’s countryside and incorporates tales of the past, at one stage journeying through the hamlet of Williamscot where it is reported Charles I slept in ‘a very poor man’s house’. A great way of exploring the Cherwell Valley and its century’s of history.
Distance: 4.5 miles.
Where: Car Park in Cropredy Sports Ground, Cropredy, Oxfordshire.
Further information: visit www.visit-northoxfordshire.co.uk; www.visitsoutheastengland.com/countryside
Igtham Mote Boxing Day Brunch and Trek, Kent
26 December
Full English breakfast followed by a walk across the estate. Booking is essential. Call 01732 811314.
Ashridge Estate, Buckinghamshire
28 December
Festive woodland walk followed by food/drink and finished up with mulled wine and mince-pies. To book your place call 01442 851 227 or email ashridge@nationaltrust.org.uk
South West England
Bath Skyline Walk, Bath
A walk around the hill tops surrounding the beautiful city of Bath. Walk through history from an Iron Age Hill fort to Mediaeval and Roman Settlements and eighteenth century follies. Stroll through the peace of hidden valleys, tranquil woodlands and patchworks of small meadows all rich in wildlife. Stop and enjoy the spectacular views of Bath, take time to picnic, to fly a kite, or simply to escape from the city below.
Distance: 6 miles
Where: Start at Bath University
Further information: Free route description and map available to pick up from Bath Tourist Information Centre in city centre or call 0906 711 2000 (calls cost 50p/min).
Gloucester Via Sacria self-guided walks
Discover Gloucester's unique history with the Via Sacra, a circular walk around the City. The route approximately follows the lines of the City Walls passing many of the City's historic buildings. The walk starts and finishes at the cathedral and takes about an hour to walk. As well as the main Via Sacra route, there are a few little detours to take in more hidden historical gems. To be done all in one day or mix and match for a few days of festive walks.
Distance: varies
Starts: Gloucester Cathedral
Further information: www.gloucester.gov.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on: 01452 396572 or 01452 396576
Savernake Forest, Postern Hill, Wiltshire
A peaceful walk in the lovely surroundings of this ancient mainly broad-leaved forest in the heart of Wiltshire. Savernake boasts one of the largest collections of ancient trees in Europe. It is the only forest in Britain still privately owned and the main through road, ‘Grand Avenue’ stands in the Guiness Book of Records as the longest avenue in Britain - 3.9 miles. A recommended short circular walk of approximately 3 miles is from the picnic site to Great Lodge and back. It takes in a number of Savernake’s hidden treasures including the majestic avenue of ancient beech trees and large open areas which attract all manner of wildlife.
Distance: 3 miles
Further information: Start at the car park at Long Harry, car parking available. Malbourough Tourist Information Centre (01672 513 989) or www.forestry.gov.uk
West Lavington and Salisbury Plain
West Lavington is situated in the heart of Salisbury Plain, and the village itself is so long that it has joined with the adjacent hamlet of Littleton Pannell. The first part of this walk is on the Wessex Ridgeway, which then meets the Imber Range Perimeter Path for a short while, before dropping back into the valley and returning to the village. Magnificent views across the hills, woods and villages can be savoured, along with unusual flora and fauna.
Distance: 6 miles
Where: Park in lay-by opposite gates to West Lavington Manor
Further information: Bus service X72 runs hourly (Bath to Easterton) Mon-Sat. Less frequent on Sundays. For further details contact Wiltshire Bus Line, tel 08457 090 899. More information at: www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Heart of England
Eckington Walk Circular Walk
Eckington Wharf is a pleasant place to linger for a while, enjoying the view up the River Avon towards Bredon Hill, or watching elegant swans glide beneath the arches of the medieval bridge spanning the river. This is the starting point for a delightful and undemanding walk which takes you alongside the river, through meadows and fields, to Strensham Lock before returning through Eckington village.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Where: start at Eckington Wharf Picnic Place.
Further information: for a free walk leaflet call 01905 766493 or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside
Pershore Bridges Circular Walk
Starting at the site of a medieval bridge, this easy and enjoyable walk follows a peaceful stretch of the River Avon and passes through glorious countryside and beautiful woodland teeming with wildlife. The highest point of the walk offers views of the surrounding countryside and the Georgian Town of Pershore including Pershore Abbey.
Distance: 5 miles
Where: start at Pershore Bridges Picnic Place.
Further information: for a free walk leaflet call 01905 766493 or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside
East of England
Riverside Walk, Norfolk
Explore the historic city of Norwich on the Riverside Walk on a journey from and back to The Forum.
Distance: 3 miles
For more information: www.visitnorwich.co.uk/riversidewalk.aspx
The Little Ouse Path for Walkers, Brandon and Thetford
Meander through the leafy river valley between Brandon and Thetford, a damp corridor though what is otherwise a dry sandy landscape. The river was once navigable by barge, and the Path often follows the old towpath. Look out for The Brecks waymark signs along the route. Start the walk at Brandon Bridge. Walk along the reed fen and alder woods of Gashouse Meadows. Follow the Little Ouse onto Weeting Decoy Cross the river at The Little Ouse Meadows. See the traditional valley grazing meadows which are being recreated on this site to help conserve threatened wetland wildlife. Pass White's Pit, a disused gravel quarry, cross back across the river and pass the Power Station to Turfpit Common. Continue through Broadwater Common under the A11 towards the Holy Sepulchre ruins to Thetford Railway Station, where, if you have checked your timings, there will be a train to take you back to Brandon.
Distance: 10 miles
More walks in the East of England can be found at www.visiteastofengland.com
North East England
Durham City and Houghall Discovery Trail, Durham
No one should miss the historic city trail from which it is easy to visit the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, acclaimed the best Cathedral on Planet Earth by Bill Bryson; the medieval Crook Hall and gardens and the city's cobbled streets. The 2-3 hour route leaves the city for a riverside path and wooded lanes and tracks with wildlife and historic interest with the Houghall Discovery Trail, before returning to the city through Great High Wood and Maiden Castle Wood.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Where: Market Place, Durham City
Further information:www.visitnortheastengland.co.uk/walking
Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside
A real gem with breathtaking views in every direction on this 2-3 hour walk. Now boldly painted in red and white hoops, Souter lighthouse opened in 1871 and was the world's first electric lighthouse. At Marsden view the ruins of a limekiln, descend by lift or steps to the Grotto and marvel at the sea bird colonies, with thousands of pairs of Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gulls and Cormorants. The ghost of John the Jibber is said to haunt the area - he died a slow death suspended in a bucket half way down the cliff face, after betraying fellow smugglers to the Customs men.
Distance: 10 km / 6.25 miles
Where: Whitburn Coastal Car Park
Further information: visit www.visitnortheastengland.co.uk/walking
Yorkshire
Hebers Ghyll and the Swastika Stone
Allow 2 1/2 hours for this exciting walk with a steady climb. From The Grove, continue along Grove Road, past some fine Victorian houses with 'Heathcote' on the right, built by Sir Edwin Lutyens as a private residence and now offices. Follow the road round, past all the houses, to the foot of Hebers Ghyll. Take the path up alongside the stream, which crosses and re-crosses it by small wooden bridges. At the top is a chalybeate well. Go through the kissing gate onto the moor and half right up through the bracken. You will see the old iron railing on the cliff edge that protects the Swastika Stone. Return to the top of Hebers Ghyll, then continue past Panorama Reservoir and along the edge of the moor. Cross Spicy Gill and join the Keighley road down to Wells Road, past the college and into Ilkley.
Distance: 3.5 miles
From: The Grove, Grove Road
Further information:www.ilkley.org/iguide/walk.htm
Wander in Whitby
Whitby is a maritime town steeped in history and set among fine stretches of coast with spectacular cliffs and bays. Dominated by a 13th century cliff top Abbey. One hundred and ninety nine steps take you down from the cliff top into the old town and a maze of narrow streets that are home to shops selling antiques, crafts, and jewellery made from locally mined jet.
Distance: varies
For further information: www.yorkshire.com
England’s Northwest
Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire
Boxing Day walk to burn off those Christmas excesses in Cheshire. To book your place call 01625 527 468 or email quarrybankmill@nationaltrust.org.uk
Historic Houses, Highest Hill, Bolton
This walk takes you from the medieval manor house of Smithills Hall up to the television mast on Winter Hill, which reaches a height of almost 1500 feet and is the highest hill in the West Pennine Moors. From the heights there are views over to the Peak District and Pennines, to North Wales and even to the Isle of Man. The route returns to the start of the walk by way of the classic mill village of Barrow Bridge. The shorter, 4-mile circuit provides easy walking but the full 8-mile walk takes you over high, rough moorland.
Distance: 4 miles or 8 miles
Starting point: Smithills Hall Drive entrance, Smithills Dean Road
For further information:www.manchesterscountryside.com
London
Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol & Seasonal Traditions Walk
The first one is on November 20th at 10:30 am and runs every week - and on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day! - right through New Year's Day.
Start: Just outside Tower Hill Tube Stop
Alison's Old City Christmas Carol Pub Walk - with hot mince pies!
Wednesday, December 20th at 7 pm
Start: Exit 2 of St. Paul's Underground station
1660 - Samuel Pepys's London Walk
Christmas Morning
Start: By the big Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square
Christmas Day Charles Dickens's London Walk
Christmas 2 pm
Start: By the big Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square
For more information on Walks throughout London this Christmas season visit: www.enjoyengland.com/ideas/rural-escapes
East Midlands
Derwent Valley Heritage Way, Heatherdene, Peak District
Follow the meandering River Derwent through breathtaking scenery and heritage sites of the Peak District National Park. The walk begins at Ladybower Reservoir and ends at Derwent Mouth where the river meets the Trent. Along the way you will pass the magnificent Chatsworth House, beautiful Derbyshire Dales and the Derwent Valley Mills Heritage site. The walk can be enjoyed in smaller chunks or for the more ambitious, a long distance trek.
Distance: 55 miles total, varies
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, River Derwent Mouth
For more information: www.enjoyengland.com/ruralescapes
Stamford Walking Tour, Lincolnshire
Passing through four counties, the Stamford walking tour takes you through pretty villages and rolling countryside. The walk starts in the historic town of Stamford, and then follows the River Welland towards Rutland and onto Northamptonshire before passing the grandiose Burghley House.
Distance: 10 miles
Start: Stamford Tourist Information Centre, 27 St Marys Street
For further information:www.visitlincolnshire.com
