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11 wondrous winter walking spots across England
11 wondrous winter walking spots across England
Frosty landscapes, crisp fresh air, mystical light, and the promise of a crackling pub fire at the end. Winter walking in the British countryside has a beauty of its own.
As Autumn fades, the days dim and the temperature drops, it's tempting to stay wrapped up indoors and let hibernation commence. Home cooking, cosy pyjamas and boxsets beckon, and time spent outside in the cold and wet feels a lot less enticing. But at this time of year, it's vital to keep connected to the great outdoors, and what better way to do so than with a magical winter walk?
To the walker, beer, pubs and the countryside go hand in hand, providing the essential ingredients for a great day's ramble. Having stimulated a healthy appetite and a parched throat, the sight of a welcoming country pub will quicken the steps of even the weariest of walking legs. Indeed, few things in life are as pleasurable as running a finger along the red dotted line of a map until it arrives at those magical initials, PH.
In winter, the walker's route is through a beautiful bleak landscape, often with chilly winds inspiring warming thoughts of snug bars, cheery landlords, hearty plates of food and pints of ale supped by a crackling log fire. Isn't this what winter walking is all about?
Read on for 11 of our favourite winter walking spots across England, where you'll also find a few of our cosiest inns nearby, to eat, drink or stay at. Don your walking boots, wrap up warm and hit the trail.
1. Cornish Coast Path - Zennor
West Cornwall offers some of the world's most awe-inspiring coastline. One of the most beautiful short circular walks (4 miles) on the Penwith Peninsula starts from the Gurnard's Head pub and follows the magnificent coast path, with its fine sea views and steep climbs over rugged terrain, to the tiny village of Zennor, which shelters in a hollow between boulder-strewn moorland and the rugged coast. Spend time at Zennor, exploring the fascinating 12th-century church, the quaint Wayside Museum, filled with local artefacts, and enjoy a drink in the timeless Tinners Arms, where DH Lawrence drank when he lived nearby during the First World War, writing Women in Love. The return journey to the Gurnard's Head is a gentle ramble across wide pastures.
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor, Cornwall
Visible for miles with its yellow-ochre walls and the words 'Gurnard's Head Hotel' emblazoned on the roof, this iconic inn is a real beacon on the Cornish coast and sets the standard for relaxed, convivial hospitality. 'Eat, Drink, Sleep' is the mantra, and the place lives up to its promise. Log fires, stone floors, brass lanterns, panelled walls and lots of local artwork create just the right vibe in the bar, while some of the rustic and homely rooms and the back garden offer views of the sea. The kitchen champions seasonal Cornish produce. In short, this delightfully remote retreat is just the place to recharge those batteries. Dogs are welcome overnight.
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor, Cornwall
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor
2. The Bath Skyline
Soaring over the majestic Georgian City of Bath, the Bath Skyline Walk brings together gorgeous city views with six miles of meadows, woodland and quiet valleys. Follow the 'skyline' signage along the way so you won't get lost on this circular stroll, and enjoy the magnificent vistas and hills rolling down into the city. Click here for more information.
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, Somerset
After stretching your legs, head out of town for some rest and relaxation at The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay. Tucked down twisting narrow lanes in a hidden valley just 15-minutes south of Bath and perched on a hillside looking across the village, this 16th-century rural gem is as pretty as a picture, and the perfect spot to kick back and relax. Make sure to book their magical outdoor winter wonderland to dine under the stars, beside firepits and heaters to keep you warm.
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, Somerset
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, Somerset
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, Somerset
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, Somerset
3. West Yorkshire Dales
Walking is certainly the best way to see the Yorkshire Dales, a landscape of caverns and waterfalls, of limestone pavements and wooded valleys, sheep-cropped grass and stone-built villages clustering around ancient bridges or wide greens. Countless paths and tracks, once used by packhorses and sheep drovers, lead well away from roads into some of the finest scenery in the country. Stunning walks through the Yorkshire Dales National Park radiate from the door of the Black Bull, set at the foot of the splendid Howgill Fells - a walker's paradise, although surprisingly quiet, so you'll have the big skies and undulating hills all to yourself.
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Black Bull is a lovingly restored 17th-century inn with plenty of historic charm. Look forward to warm dark hues, wooden floors, red leather seating in cosy corners and two wood-burning stoves - perfect for hunkering down after an invigorating walk across the Dales. Ask for a map from reception, and set out on multiple walking adventures from the doorstep of this country hideaway.
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Black Bull, Sedbergh
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
4. The Mottisfont Estate Walk, Hampshire
Not for the faint hearted, this six-mile route meanders through farmland and woods along the pretty River Test. It's a gorgeous spot to stroll during the winter months as the valley sparkles with frost and mist, and the light fades. Follow the stone markers with the bear crest on them, many with numbers that relate to the walking trail. Click here for more information.
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge, Hampshire
A beautiful riverside inn located in the heart of Hampshire with a number of notable accolades, including Michelin Pub of the Year. Boasting a gorgeous garden backing onto the River Test, England's fly-fishing capital, dine overlooking glorious river views in their outdoor tipi, adorned with fairy lights and heaters to keep you warm, or in one of their wonderful outdoor domes.
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge, Hampshire
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge, Hampshire
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge, Hampshire
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge, Hampshire
5. Lancashire - The Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is the most breathtaking countryside in the north-west of England and this exhilarating circuit explores the area's little-known limestone scenery, following field paths and farm tracks through the Hodder Valley and negotiating two sets of ancient stepping stones across the river. High moorland, famous for its grouse shooting, rises to over 1,700ft around you, and gradual ascents afford great views over the valley to the wilder country beyond.
The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell, Lancashire
You can savour the spectacular views from almost every room at the wonderfully laid back Inn at Whitewell. The welcome is as warm as the night is chilly, so expect huge fires in ornate iron grates, polished flagstones and grainy oak furniture, wandering black dogs, and great food and superlative wines in luxurious yet unpretentious surroundings. Tasteful bedrooms sport Colefax and Fowler fabrics, antiques and flickering peat fires. Dogs are welcome overnight.
The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell, Lancashire
The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell, Lancashire
The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell, Lancashire
The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell, Lancashire
6. The North Norfolk Coast - Brancaster
Wildlife-rich saltmarsh, colourful boats, a Roman fort and a fascinating round-towered church make this breezy coast path walk between Brancaster and Burnham Deepdale an enjoyable winter outing. While you're on the coast path, take the time to stop, close your eyes and listen - to the hiss of wind in the long grass, the muted roar of distant waves, the plaintive call of the curlew and, at dusk, the eerie sound of thousands of geese flying in to roost on the marsh and fields.
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
For the most hauntingly beautiful views across the saltmarsh to the coast and Scolt Head Island, bundle up and enjoy a hot brew or a pint of Brancaster Best on the outside terrace, or head for warmth in the conservatory dining room at the White Horse in Brancaster Staithe. Modern menus focus on locally caught fish and seafood, and the pick of the contemporary, beach-hut themed rooms is the two-tiered 'Room at the Top', with fantastic marsh views, and a telescope. Dog-friendly garden rooms have private terraces and offer direct access to the coast path.
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
7. The North Pennines - Romaldkirk
The North Pennines region, described as 'England's Last Wilderness', offers some of the most exhilarating walking in Britain - 772 square miles of spectacular ravines, green dales, forest and high moorland. Romaldkirk hunkers down in pretty Teesdale in the heart of this unique landscape and, along with neighbouring Weardale, these valleys are the obvious contenders for great walks. You'd have to make countless trips to Romaldkirk to cover every stunning mile of footpath - the choice is endless. The Pennine Way, now an amazing 50 years old, cuts across this magical landscape and passes close to Romaldkirk.
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co. Durham
This three-storey, creeper-covered inn holds a commanding position in the centre of the historic village, as it has done since the 18th century, standing right by the village green and 12th-century church of St Romald. There's a rugged charm to the Rose and Crown, with its narrow passages, beams and stone walls, with logs sparking in the fireplace in the bar, and a touch of refinement in the lounges and oak-panelled restaurant. The menu is as rooted in the environment as the pub itself, with a genuine local flavour, and every room upstairs or in Monk's Cottage is comfortable and tastefully decorated; dogs are allowed in all of the rooms expect one.
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co. Durham
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co. Durham
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co. Durham
The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk, Co. Durham
8. The New Forest
A vast network of woodland paths and tracks await you on the doorstep of The Old Mill. One of the loveliest walks in the area connects Lymington to Beaulieu via a scenic stretch of the Solent Way, including a sheltered and beautiful section along the banks of the Beaulieu River from Buckler's Hard. Elsewhere, there are great mixed woods of oak and beech to explore, notably Bolderwood and the Rhinefield Walk, and vast acres of wild and beautiful heathland, untouched by, and independent of, man: a genuine survival of an ancient landscape. You can generally roam at will through this timeless and serene landscape.
The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire
Two miles west of Lymington, set in over five acres of grounds beside the Avon Water, is this delightful creeper-clad 17th-century inn; a former riverside mill, boasting a stunning location and overlooking delightful gardens which prove a magnet for wildlife. Wrap up warm, push open the latch gate, and explore The Old Mill's rambling 'Secret Garden' with a drink in hand - the Art Walk is full of unusual artworks, sculpture and exhibits.
The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire
The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire
The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire
The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire
The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire
9. The Cotswolds - Windrush Valley
You really are spoilt for choice in terms of where to walk in the idyllic Cotswolds countryside. If you just want an easy stroll from the front door of the Swan at Swinbrook, take a walk through the beautiful valley of the Windrush to the charming town of Burford, famous for its antique shops, or to the little medieval church of St Oswald, built on the site of a Roman villa. The air hangs heavy with history here and the river looks heavenly, winding its way through the attractive countryside. Elsewhere, there's also a good selection of long-distance trails, which can be adapted into manageable chunks, including the Heart of England Way, the Wychwood Way, the Oxfordshire Way and, slightly further afield, the magnificent Cotswolds Way.
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire
The Swan seems as much a part of the landscape as the River Windrush that flows past, with its creeper-covered Cotswold stone walls as rooted in its environment as the green fields all around. The dinky village of Swinbrook is as English as they come, with its church and cricket pitch, and the inn is even owned by the Chatsworth Estate. The pub oozes country charm: think warm hues, fresh flowers, crackling real fires, and rugs and old dining tables on tiled floors in cosy dining areas. Boutique rooms, British food cooked with flair, and a riverside garden with roaming Bantams complete the idyllic rural picture.
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire
The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire
10. The Wiltshire Downs
The Nadder Valley and the Wessex Downs west of Salisbury is a walker's paradise. From the Beckford Arms' doorstep, numerous walks link picturesque villages and fine scenery, including a glorious circuit through the Nadder Valley, across fields and through woodland and parkland, via Old Wardour Castle, to Donhead St Andrew, returning to Swallowcliffe along a lofty chalk ridge, affording far-reaching views south over Cranborne Chase and north towards Salisbury Plain. Cranborne Chase, a short drive south, is famous for its magnificent views, breezy high points and secluded valleys, and is perfect for exploring on foot, or you can explore the accessible trails and tracks on remote Salisbury Plain.
The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
Close to Tisbury, The Beckford Arms is a country pub reinvented for the 21st century, with a relaxed atmosphere, easy-going service and just the right amount of 18th century eccentricity. Its glorious rural location, on the edge of the Fonthill Estate, makes this a superb spot for a little rest and relaxation. Taking full advantage of the surrounding countryside, the kitchen celebrates local ingredients, favouring simple, seasonal dishes as well as jazzy pub staples, including homemade sausage rolls, pheasant fingers, cottage pie, crab cakes or braised beef.
The Beckford Arm, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
11. The Shropshire border - Neenton
On Neenton's doorstep lie 600 miles of byways and bridleways, threading their way across some of Britain's most spectacular landscapes. The glorious border country of Shropshire is a walker's paradise. Most ramblers head for the four dramatic ridges of Wenlock Edge, the Long Mynd, the Stiperstones and the Clee Hills - A E Housman's 'blue remembered hills'. Just 3 miles from the Pheasant at Neenton lies Brown Clee Hill, Shropshire's highest point - with breathtaking views stretching from the Cotswolds to Snowdonia and the Peak District to the Brecon Beacons. There is also a host of gentler, less demanding walks to enjoy throughout the region, and a stroll up to Five Springs on Brown Clee is the perfect prelude to a fine dinner.
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
Situated opposite the charming church in the heart of sleepy Neenton, The Pheasant is now thriving as a proper country pub, deep in the Shropshire Hills. Lovingly restored by the local community in 2014 where the villagers rallied and formed the Neenton Community Society to restore and reopen The Pheasant, it's now a social hub and a cracking rural inn offering top-notch food.
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
The Pheasant, Neenton, Shropshire
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Last updated: 08.12.21
