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<\/p>\nHere in the depths of the festive season the benefits of a good walk may be the only thing everyone still agrees on. Our pick of the best winter routes includes an atmospheric loop of Exmoor\u2019s Barle valley; thundering waterfalls in Wales, Yorkshire, the Lakes and the Peak District; bracing strolls along the Norfolk and Northumbrian coastlines; and a visit to the spectacular Isle of Mull. <\/p>\n
Depending on where you walk look out for swirling starling murmurations, vast flocks of overwintering waterfowl, white tailed eagles or mountain ponies in their fluffy winter coats. And don\u2019t let the weather put you off: throw on some waterproofs and a good pair of boots and find joy in embracing the full winter walking experience.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Green Dragon, Hardraw<\/p>\n
ALAMY<\/p>\n
How hard is it? 8 miles; challenging; upland and valley trails and paths. Fairly hilly with a big climb<\/p>\n
Crisp, clear winter light etches the landscape into glorious contrasts on this walk through Wensleydale. Follow the River Ure, home to otters and rare white-clawed crayfish, to visit the impressive waterfalls at Mossdale Head. Spot red squirrels in the pine woods at Cotterdale then climb Black Hill Moss for grand views out across the Dales, finishing along a stretch of the Pennine Way.<\/p>\n
Map OS Explorer OL30<\/p>\n
Start Appersett village green, DL8 3LN (SD857906)<\/p>\n
Getting there Trains to Garsdale then bus to Appersett (not Sunday). Road: on the A684 between Hawes and Garsdale<\/p>\n
Walk Cross the road bridge taking footpath (FP) left, signed Mossdale Head. Follow FP left and upstream along River Ure. Cross Mossdale Gill (SD826918) and take FP right to A684 and Thwaite Bridge. Cross and follow FP across fields, over track and downhill to lane in Cotter Dale (SD833933). Cross onto FP turning left through Cotterdale hamlet. Turn right over footbridge then left, following bridleway (BW) uphill to junction at moorland edge (SD836947). Turn right, following BW then bear right onto Pennine Way (PW) at Hearne Top. At Bluebell Hill (SD858919) turn right off PW, following FP downhill to road junction. Cross, follow A684 into Appersett.<\/p>\n
Lunch The Green Dragon, Hardraw (thegreendragonhardraw.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Yorkshire Dales National Park (yorkshiredales.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 2. Otley Chevin, West Yorkshire A panoramic view above Otley town<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 5 miles; moderate; moor and woodland paths. Undulating with some short steep sections and steps<\/p>\n A maze of trails explores Otley Chevin\u2019s 700 acres of woodland, heath and craggy gritstone outcrops. Start at Surprise View, taking in the panorama across glacial Wharfedale to Almscliffe Crag, Simon\u2019s Seat and, on a clear day, the White Horse at Kilburn, 30 miles away. Then loop through peaceful mixed woodland, home to roe deer and rare woodcock.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 297<\/p>\n Start Surprise View car park, LS21 3DG (SE204441)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Menston or Guiseley then buses to Otley, walk uphill (south) to join the route. Road: off York Gate road, between A65 in Menston and A658 from Yeadon <\/p>\n Walk Follow Dales Way (DW) east along ridge to East Chevin Road. Cross to bridleway opposite, bearing right, parallel to road, then left to path junction (SE227443). Turn left off DW downhill to path junction. Turn left onto Ebbor Way, then bear right onto bridleway through Chevin Forest Park to East Chevin Road. Follow pavement uphill then cross into East Chevin Quarry car park. Follow track out of car park, turning left then right onto path through woods below Surprise View to path junction (SE194442). Turn left, uphill, then left again onto DW, over Beacon Hill and back to Surprise View. <\/p>\n Lunch Spoilt for choice in Otley: head to the Old Cock on Crossgate for local beers or A Casa di Alessia on Orchard Gate for fabulous pizzas and coffee.<\/p>\n More information Friends of Otley Chevin Forest (chevinforest.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 3. Aber Falls, Eryri\/Snowdonia, Gwynedd Aber Falls, Snowdonia<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 4\u00bd miles; easy; well-surfaced paths, there is a hill but not too steep<\/p>\n Popular in summer, winter is the best time to visit Aber Falls, the largest of which \u2014 Rhaeadr Fawr \u2014 plunges 120ft down an igneous gorge in the foothills of the Carneddau mountain range. This walk explores Coedydd Aber, with its fascinating Iron Age archaeology, returning across higher ground to the west with views over the Menai Strait to Anglesey.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL17<\/p>\n Start Bont Newydd car park, LL33 0LP (SH663719)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Llandudno then regular buses towards Caernarfon, alight at Abergwyngregyn. Road: off the A55 north Wales coast road<\/p>\n Walk Follow waymarked path up valley with Afon Rhaeadr-fawr to the right and Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve to the left. After about a mile pass Iron age settlement to reach Rhaeadr Fawr. Turn right, follow path for about \u00bc mile, then right again. Path ascends gently then descends, take the next right, descending more steeply to the road. Turn right to finish.<\/p>\n Lunch Caffi Hen Felin community caf\u00e9 in Abergwyngregyn (01248 689454)<\/p>\n More information Eryri National Park (eryri.gov.wales<\/a>)<\/p>\n 4. Beadnell Bay from Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland A brisk winter day at Beadnel<\/p>\n SHUTTERSTOCK<\/p>\n How hard is it? 7 miles; moderate; fairly flat, coast path and beach<\/p>\n Beadnell Bay on the Northumbrian coast is known for its breeding tern colonies. Visit in winter to see twite, shore lark and snow bunting, as well as eiders \u2014 known here as \u201ccuddy ducks\u201d, after St Cuthbert. Half the global population of light-bellied brent geese overwinter on the Farne Islands, just offshore. Visit at dawn to watch them take off en masse to fly to their feeding grounds.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 340<\/p>\n Start Low Newton-by-the-Sea, NE66 3EH (NU240246)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Alnmouth, then catch the coastal bus towards Bamburgh, alight at High Newton-by-the-Sea. Road: off the B1339 coastal road between Embleton and Beadnell.<\/p>\n Walk Head towards beach, turning left onto coast path (CP) around Newton Point and Snook Point to Beadnell Bay. Cross the beach, trending north and up footpath (FP) between houses in Beadnell. Turn left and left again onto road (and CP). Continue onto narrower road through caravan park into Tughall Mill Links. Follow CP through dunes, over footbridge and through Newton Links to small car park by Link House Farm. Leave CP, continue through car park onto FP crossing coastal edge of fields back to Low Newton-by-the-Sea.<\/p>\n Lunch The Ship, Low Newton (shipinnnewton.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Northumberland Coastal Path (northumberlandcoastpath.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n 5. Watership Down, Hampshire<\/p>\n How hard is it? 7 miles; moderate; grassy downland trails<\/p>\n Follow the Wayfarer\u2019s Walk along the scarp of the North Wessex Downs with views to the Kennet Valley, Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame and pretty Kingsclere, with its Georgian high street and flint-built Norman church. Finches, fieldfares and redwings flock here to feast on seeds and berries \u2014 you might even spot a rabbit or two. On cold, misty days the majestic stands of beech appear wonderfully ethereal.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 144<\/p>\n Start White Hill car park, RG26 5UD (SU515565)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Basingstoke or Newbury. Buses to Kingsclere and walk from there. Road: White Hill is on the road between the A339 at Kingsclere and Quidhampton.<\/p>\n Walk Cross road to join Wayfarer\u2019s Walk (WW) uphill along edge of gallops to trig point on Watership Down. Turn left, walking downhill and right, crossing Nuthanger Down to road. Turn left, following road downhill past Ashley Warren Farm to footpath (FP) on right (SU486551). Follow FP uphill and right to junction with WW. Turn left to hill fort on Ladle Hill. Return along WW, staying left along edge of downs, crossing lane and ascending Nuthanger Down to trig point. Follow WW back to the start.<\/p>\n Lunch The Dewpond, Old Burghclere (01635 278408, dewpond.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n More information North Wessex Downs National Landscape (northwessexdowns.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 6. Loch an Torr, Isle of Mull Watch out for the white-tailed eagles at Loch an Torr<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 6\u00bd miles; moderate; forestry and moorland trails, some quiet roads<\/p>\n Winter on Mull is a great time to see golden eagles hunting and white-tailed eagles in pairs or groups. You might also catch a glimpse of an otter as you skirt the shores of Loch an Torr before following good tracks \u2014 a rarity on Mull \u2014 through wooded Glen Gorm, returning over high ground with views to the jagged peaks of Rum.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 374<\/p>\n Start Loch Torr layby on B8073, closest postcode PA75 6GN (NM452524)<\/p>\n Getting there The Tobermory-Calgary bus (weekdays only) passes the start just before Dervaig. Road: on B8073 between Tobermory and Calgary.<\/p>\n Walk Join forestry track heading away from road with loch to right. Bear left at fork, continuing over hill through forest to path junction (NM431548). Turn right over Mingary Burn then continue as track bends right, then left to gate. Follow path straight ahead to junction (NM444551). Turn right, signed Loch Frisa, over moorland. Descend to road, turning right to finish.<\/p>\n Lunch Glengorm Coffee Shop, Glengorm Castle, PA75 6QE (seasonal opening times, 01688 302321)<\/p>\n More information Visit Mull and Iona (visitmullandiona.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2022 I\u2019ve been going on walking holidays for 20 years. These are Europe\u2019s best<\/a><\/p>\n 7. Horsey, Norfolk<\/p>\n How hard is it? 6\u00bd miles; moderate; coastal and country paths, country lanes. Flat but some steep slopes and steps<\/p>\n Winter beneath Horsey\u2019s vast skies and rolling seas heralds the birth of hundreds of grey seal pups. Spot them on the beach (but keep your distance) then trace the shoreline through dunes and marshes, a favoured hunting ground for marsh harriers. From the atmospheric ruins of Brograve Mill, return through Horsey Mere, where wildfowl overwinter in their thousands, finishing at the restored Horsey Windpump.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL40<\/p>\n Start Horsey Windpump National Trust car park, NR29 4EE (TG456223)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Great Yarmouth then bus to Martham, alight at Winterton-on-Sea and follow coast path to join route. Road: east of A149 coastal road, take smaller coastal road between Stalham and Martham.<\/p>\n Walk From visitor centre cross road, go through gates and follow path across fields and left to lane. Turn right onto lane, then left onto track to sand dunes. Cross dunes to coast path (CP), turning right and continuing for \u00bd mile before descending to beach. Turn left, crossing beach to car park at Horsey Gap (TG464242). Go through car park and follow access road inland to road. Turn right onto road to signed footpath (FP) on left. Follow FP across field to path junction. Turn right onto FP past houses at Horsey Corner, continuing over footbridge. Turn left, follow FP to Waxham New Cut opposite Brograve Mill. Turn left along dyke above Waxham Cut to Horsey Mere. Stay on path along northern shore of mere to Horsey Mill.<\/p>\n Lunch The Nelson Head in Horsey (01493 393378)<\/p>\n More information Visit the Broads (visitthebroads.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 8. Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire The lighthouse at Strumble Head<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 7 miles; challenging; coast path or inland farm and moorland paths. Hilly and can be steep and rough underfoot.<\/p>\n Circumnavigate Strumble Head on Pembrokeshire\u2019s remote Pencaer peninsula, watching the waves for porpoises and grey seals. Cheeky, red-beaked choughs are regular visitors to the dramatic coastal cliffs. Take in views to the lighthouse, perched on its rocky outcrop, then explore the intriguing landscape of Garn Fawr Iron Age hillfort, climbing to the top for wonderful views across the entire peninsula.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL35<\/p>\n Start Strumble Head car park, SA64 0JJ (SM894412)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Fishguard but no winter buses onto Strumble Head. Road: small coastal roads from Fishguard<\/p>\n Walk Facing lighthouse, turn left, follow coast path (CP) southwest for 2\u00bd miles to road at Pwll Deri hostel. Cross onto footpath (FP) through Tal-y-Gaer farm, over Garn Fawr hillfort and down to small car park and road (SM899388). Cross, onto FP over Garn Fechan and left, then bear right onto bridleway (BW). Follow walled track, north of Garn Folch and left at Trenewydd. Turn left on road, then right on FP, heading north across fields for about 1 mile to CP. Turn left, follow CP back to Strumble Head.<\/p>\n Lunch The Gourmet Pig coffee shop and deli, West Street, Fishguard, SA65 9AD (01348 874404)<\/p>\n More information Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (pembrokeshirecoast.wales<\/a>)<\/p>\n 9. Wansfell Pike, Cumbria The view from Wansfell Pike<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 6\u00bd miles; challenging; forest and fell paths and trails. Wansfell Pike is a big hill<\/p>\n Standing at 482m above pretty Ambleside, Wansfell Pike is a fantastic viewpoint, often clear when the higher fells are in cloud. Wander up through Skelghyll Woods, where red squirrels scamper through some of England\u2019s tallest trees. Take in summit views along Windermere to the south and Grasmere to the north before returning to Ambleside past the spectacular falls at Stock Ghyll Force.<\/p>\n Spot the red squirrels at Skelghyll Woods<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL7<\/p>\n Start Outside Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, LA22 9DS (NY376045)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Windermere then buses to Ambleside. Road: on the A591 between Windermere and Keswick<\/p>\n Walk Follow Stockghyll Lane, taking signed footpath (FP) opposite, up and right onto Lower Gate Road. Bear left onto Old Lake Road, then left on Skelghyll Lane. Follow lane and bridleway (BW) uphill, through woodland and past High Skelghyll Farm. Continue on BW, joining Robin Lane (track) and descending left to road. Bear left onto road through Troutbeck to FP on left signed Wansfell Pike. Go through gate and up FP (Nanny Lane) bearing left at path junction (NY402040) to ascend Wansfell Pike. Continue straight over, following FP downhill and left onto road into Ambleside.<\/p>\n Lunch Force Caf\u00e9, Stockghyll Lane, Ambleside, LA22 OQY (01539 468335, force.cafe<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Lake District National Park (lakedistrict.gov.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2022 Seven great Scottish wintry walks (with a well-earned tipple for afters)<\/a><\/p>\n 10. Slieve Binnian, Co Down The rugged tors atop Slieve Binnian<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 7 miles; challenging; mountain paths and trails, easy navigation in good weather but exposed in bad conditions<\/p>\n The jagged, frost-shattered tors that crown the summit of Slieve Binnian are the remnants of nunataks \u2014 rocky towers that once rose above a vast sheet of ice that covered the Mournes until 13,000 years ago. Here, in the landscape that inspired Narnia, spot mountain hares and snow buntings as you make the climb to the top, from where views stretch to Wicklow and the Isle of Man.<\/p>\n Map OSNI Map 29 \u2014 The Mournes<\/p>\n Start Carrick Little car park, Newry, BT34 4RW (J345219)<\/p>\n Getting there Lincoln is the closest train station. Take the Horncastle bus, alight at Minting Lane end and walk from there. Road: Head Road and the car park is inland from the A2 at Annalong.<\/p>\n Walk Follow track north and through gate in the Mourne Wall. Turn left onto path uphill to summit rocks. Bear right through gap in rocks to reach summit. Turn right, follow ridge path north, descending past rocky tors to col (J317241). Follow path to right of North Tor, then rejoin ridge to descend to path junction above Ben Crom Reservoir (J321256). Turn right, descend southeast past Blue Lough. Continue onto track near Annalong Wood back to Carrick Little car park. <\/p>\n Lunch The Galley in Annalong (028 43767253, thegalleyannalong.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Visit Mourne Mountains (visitmournemountains.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 11. Chanonry Point, Highland The lighthouse bathed at Chanonry Point<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 4\u00bd miles; moderate; coast path and beach, hilly inland section which can be muddy.<\/p>\n Extending from the Black Isle into the Moray Firth, Chanonry Point is famous for dolphins. In winter the firth fills with birds: vast flocks of dunlins and ringed plovers, curlews and oystercatchers, goldeneyes, red breasted mergansers and long tailed ducks. Starting from ruined Fortrose cathedral, explore the sand and pebble sweep of Rosemarkie Bay and the point with its lighthouse and views to Fort George.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 432<\/p>\n Start Fortrose High Street, IV10 8TF (NH727566)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Inverness, regular buses to Fortrose. Road: head north of Inverness on A9, then take the A832 to Fortrose<\/p>\n Walk Turn left onto East Watergate Street, continuing out of town to footpath (FP) on right, signed Rosemarkie. Follow FP downhill along edge of woodland to road. Turn right, follow Bridge Street into Rosemarkie, then left on Mill Road to coast. Turn right onto beach or coast path (CP) to Chanonry Point. Follow CP around lighthouse, car park and golf course, through caravan park to Wester Greengates Road. Bear right onto FP signed Fortrose, past playing fields to Deans Road. Cross and take Castle Road opposite back into Fortrose. <\/p>\n Lunch The Anderson, High Street, Fortrose (01381 620236, theanderson.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Visit the Black Isle (visitscotland.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2022 Seven of the loveliest country parks for an autumn walk<\/a><\/p>\n 12. Oare and the Swale, Kent The view from Oare Creek<\/p>\n JOE BENSON<\/p>\n How hard is it? 7\u00bd miles; moderate; country lanes and coastal trails; fairly flat<\/p>\n Internationally important for migratory and overwintering wetland birds, Oare Marshes has a range of habitats including freshwater dykes, pools, reedbeds, saltmarsh and one of the few remaining grazing marshes in Kent. Follow the Saxon Shore Way up Oare Creek to the Swale estuary to see snipe, redshank, curlew and vast flocks of wildfowl. Stay until dusk to spot rare, acrobatic hen harriers.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 149<\/p>\n Start Faversham Guild Hall, ME13 7AG (TR015613)<\/p>\n Getting there Faversham train station is a few minutes\u2019 walk from the start. Road: just off the eastern end of the M2.<\/p>\n Walk Follow West Street out of town centre, bearing right past Stonebridge Pond and right onto Davington Hill. Continue to The Street, over Oare Creek, then right onto signed footpath (FP). Follow Saxon Shore Way along Oare Creek to Swale estuary. Turn left, following coast path upriver, past visitor centre to track junction at old jetty (TR005653). Turn left crossing marshes to Uplees Road. Cross onto FP opposite through fields, past Poplar Hall to church in Luddenham. Turn left onto FP across fields to Uplees Road. Turn right, through Oare, rejoining outbound route into Faversham. <\/p>\n Lunch The Sportsman, Seasalter (thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Kent Wildlife Trust, Oare Marshes (kentwildlifetrust.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 13. Whixall Moss and Wem Moss, Shropshire Starlings over the Llangollen Canal at Whixhall<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 6 miles; easy; country lanes and wetland trails. Flat but some sections can be muddy<\/p>\n Winter at the Marches Mosses freezes the wet ground and frost-coats the grasses and reeds. Explore Wem Moss and Whixall Moss, either side of the Llangollen Canal, popping into hides to watch wildfowl and scanning the open skies for vast, rippling starling murmurations and elegant, acrobatic hen harriers. If you\u2019re lucky you might spot short-eared owls over the marshes, hunting for voles.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 241<\/p>\n Start Morris\u2019s Bridge Car Park, Whixall Moss, SY13 2RT (SJ493354)<\/p>\n Getting there Prees is the closest train station, buses to Coton, walk from there. Road: east of the A495 or west of the A49, both from Whitchurch, head for Dobson\u2019s Bridge.<\/p>\n Walk Follow purple way markers into Whixall Moss and continue to Llangollen Canal (SJ472357). Turn right, leaving purple trail and following canal path to Cornhill Bridge. Cross and bear left on Shropshire Way (SW) to Cadney Lane. Follow lane left to Corn Mill. Continue on track ahead and onto footpath (FP), trending left to path junction on edge of Wem Moss (SJ470340). Stay left, following FP around edge of nature reserve to path junction (SJ476343). Turn right past Hornspike Farm and across fields to Moss Lane. Turn right, then next left to join SW. Bear right on SW and cross canal at Allmans Bridge. Turn left, follow canal, cross Roving Bridge, turn right and follow SW back to Morris\u2019s Bridge.<\/p>\n Lunch The Horse and Jockey community pub in Northwood, SY4 5NN (01948 411470, horseandjockeynorthwood.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Shropshire Wildlife Trust (shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2022 My 20 all-time favourite spring walks<\/a><\/p>\n 14. Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate<\/p>\n JUSTIN MINNS\/NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES<\/p>\n How hard is it? 6\u00bd miles; moderate; country lanes and paths; can be muddy<\/p>\n This walk follows the ancient Icknield Way past the late neolithic\/Bronze Age round barrow at Five Knolls, with views over the Vale of Aylesbury. Listen out for the clinking call of stonechats and the piercing cry of red kites overhead. Whipsnade tree cathedral is close by.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 193<\/p>\n Start Chiltern Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, LU6 2GY (TL008194)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Luton then the X61 bus to Aylesbury via Dunstable Downs (not Sundays). Road: on the B4541 between Dunstable and Whipsnade.<\/p>\n Walk From visitor centre turn right onto Icknield Way (IW), over Dunstable Downs and Five Knolls, then downhill to West Street. Cross and turn right, then left through car park onto Green Lane (path). Continue on IW to crossroads (SP998221). Turn left, leaving IW and following byway across fields to Totternhoe. Follow Furlong Lane, turning left onto Church Road, then left onto Wellhead Road. Continue to main road, cross and follow bridleway (BW) opposite to path junction at base of downs. Turn right onto BW along edge of woodland to path junction at B4540. Turn left, head uphill on BW to junction with IW. Follow IW left along Dunstable Downs to finish.<\/p>\n Lunch The Greek Bakers, High Street, Dunstable (01582 757715)<\/p>\n More information National Trust Dunstable Downs (nationaltrust.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 15. Barle Valley from Simonsbath, Exmoor, Somerset The river Barle at Cow Castle<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 7 miles; moderate; riverside and moorland trails. Undulating and some sections can be muddy<\/p>\n Explore the wild upper Barle Valley from Simonsbath, following the Two Moors Way through woodland and upstream to the ruins of Wheal Eliza, a 19th-century copper and iron mine. Further on, climb the impressive Iron Age hillfort at Cow Castle for beautiful valley views. Cross to the north and return across the high ground, grazed by hardy Exmoor ponies in their fluffy winter coats.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL9<\/p>\n Start Ashcombe car park, Simonsbath, TA24 7SH (SS773394)<\/p>\n Getting there The closest train stations are Tiverton or Barnstaple but buses don\u2019t serve this route well. Road: at the junction of the B3358 from the west, B3223 from the north and B3224 from the east.<\/p>\n Walk Leave car park, turn right on main road past pub. Cross road, join footpath signed Picked Stones onto Two Moors Way (TMW) heading for Cow Castle. Continue on TMW downstream past Wheal Eliza and Cow Castle hillfort. Head through gate onto track, following TMW left, away from river and uphill to track junction (SS806364). Turn left off TMW, walking uphill to next track junction. Turn left, follow track onto driveway and left of Pickedstones Farm. Continue on bridleway, crossing White Water and following signs back to Simonsbath.<\/p>\n Lunch The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath, TA24 7SH (01643 831341, exmoorforestinn.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Visit Exmoor (visit-exmoor.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 16. Killiecrankie and Craig Fonvuick, Perthshire<\/p>\n How hard is it? 5\u00bd miles; moderate\/challenging; riverside trails and quiet country lanes, optional extension to Craig Fonvuick is steeper and rougher<\/p>\n Bare winter branches better reveal the scale of the magnificent wooded gorge at the Pass of Killiecrankie and it\u2019s even more magical in snow. Visit Soldier\u2019s Leap, where a Redcoat jumped the River Garry to escape the Battle of Killiecrankie, then follow the riverside path watching for dippers, woodland birds, fluffy red squirrels and even elusive pine martens.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL49<\/p>\n Start Killiecrankie visitor centre, PH16 5LQ (NN917626)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Pitlochry, then bus towards Blair Atholl, alight at Killiecrankie. Road: Killiecrankie is on the B8079, signed from the A9, north of Pitlochry.<\/p>\n Walk Follow signs to Soldier\u2019s Leap viewpoint, then return to main path following Pass of Killiecrankie signs downstream. Cross footbridge then bear right up steps to B8019 at Garry Bridge. Stay right, through car park and along path, then right onto smaller road. Follow road uphill through woods to waymarked gate on left (NN910620). Either continue down road to River Garry or, for more challenging route, turn left through gate, uphill through woods. Turn right, skirting below Craig Fonvuick summit then right past Balrobbie Farm to road. Follow road over River Garry and railway to reach B8079. Turn right, following signs to Pitlochry.<\/p>\n Lunch Jacobite Caf\u00e9 at the visitor centre (01796 473233, eatatkilliecrankie.co.uk<\/a>) <\/p>\n More information National Trust for Scotland, Killiecrankie (nts.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 17. Kinder Downfall, Derbyshire The Kinder Scout plateau from Kinder Reservoir<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 8\u00bd miles; challenging; moorland trails, rocky sections and hilly. Exposed to the weather <\/p>\n Skirting the peaceful shores of Kinder Reservoir, make the adventurous climb up William Clough to the Kinder plateau, the only place in England to see mountain hares in their white winter coats. Follow the Pennine Way to Kinder Downfall before descending through moorland, watching for day-hunting short-eared owls.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL1<\/p>\n Start Bowden Bridge car park, SK22 2LJ (SK048869)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Newtown (New Mills) then bus to Hayfield. Follow Kinder Road or river path to route. Road: Hayfield is on the A624 between Glossop and Chapel-en-le-Frith or A6015 from New Mills.<\/p>\n Walk Walk up Kinder Road and onto the path along western shore of Kinder Reservoir. Continue uphill, ascending William Clough to junction with Pennine Way (PW). Turn right, follow PW to top of Kinder Downfall. Cross stream and bear right on PW along edge. Pass Kinder Low (SK079870) and descend to path junction (SK080861). Leave PW, turning right down Oaken Clough on stony bridleway. Pass Coldwell Clough and bear right on track down valley and across bridge to Kinder Road. <\/p>\n Lunch The Pack Horse, Hayfield (thepackhorsehayfield.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Visit Peak District and Derbyshire (visitpeakdistrict.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2022 21 of the best fishing spots in the UK<\/a><\/p>\n 18. Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire The Humber Bridge from the Far Ings National Nature Reserve<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 4\u00bd miles; easy; flat paths through the nature reserve<\/p>\n Once a series of clay pits, now a mosaic of reedbeds, saltmarsh and mudflats hugging the southern banks of the mighty Humber estuary, Far Ings is a hidden escape for overwintering wildlife \u2014 and walkers too. Wander along the waterside, with great views to the Humber Bridge, to see dunlin, plover, knot, redshank and bar-tailed godwit feeding at low tide.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 281<\/p>\n Start Water\u2019s Edge country park, DN18 5JR (TA030233)<\/p>\n Getting there Barton train station is a short walk from the start via Maltkiln Road. Road: just off the A15, follow signs to Barton-upon-Humber then brown signs to Waters\u2019 Edge.<\/p>\n Walk Head for the riverbank, turning left onto Viking Way (VW) and crossing footbridge to Barton Waterside. Cross road and follow VW trending right to Humber estuary. Turn left under Humber Bridge and along estuary side of Far Ings Nature Reserve. At car park (TA004230) turn left, joining blue waymarked Grebe Trail past ponds on left. Turn left near South Cliff Farm, continuing on Grebe Trail around Blow Wells Pits and left to road by Ness End Farm (TA011229). Turn right onto road, then left to join yellow Bittern Trail. Continue on Bittern Trail across nature reserve to VW. Turn right, back under Humber Bridge and across Barton Waterside to finish. <\/p>\n Lunch Humber Hideaway caf\u00e9 at Waters\u2019 Edge country park (01652 811222)<\/p>\n More information Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (lincstrust.org.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n 19. Yr Eifl, Llyn, Gwynedd<\/p>\n How hard is it? 5 miles; moderate; moorland and mountain paths and trails. Can be wet and rough underfoot<\/p>\n The Llyn peninsula protrudes like an arm from the shoulder of northwest Wales, a place of rugged hills edged by cliffs, sea stacks and crescents of pale, surf-washed sand. On the north coast, overlooking Caernarfon Bay, Yr Eifl (the Rivals) are a trio of inviting summits. Link them up to enjoy gorgeous views and plenty of interest including the partly restored Tre\u2019r Ceiri hillfort.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer 254<\/p>\n Start Yr Eifl car park, Llithfaen, LL53 6NU (SH353439)<\/p>\n Getting there Trains to Pwllheli then regular buses (not Sundays) to Llithfaen. Road: car park just north of Llithfaen on the B4417. <\/p>\n Walk Follow Wales Coast Path uphill to path junction on Bwlch yr Eifl (SH362453). Turn left and scramble up to Garn For. Return to path junction and continue straight up Garn Ganol trig point. Bear left, following waymarked path to Tre\u2019r Ceiri hillfort. Follow clear path southwest down to lane (SH359436). Turn right onto path along moorland edge back to car park, or continue on lane to Llithfaen.<\/p>\n Lunch Caffi Meinir at Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, LL53 6NL (01758 750334, nantgwrtheyrn.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n More information Visit Eryri\/Snowdonia (visitsnowdonia.info\/llyn-peninsula<\/a>)<\/p>\n 20. Exminster Marshes from Starcross, Devon The lake at Powderham Castle<\/p>\n ALAMY<\/p>\n How hard is it? 8\u00bd miles; easy; flat riverside and marshland trails<\/p>\n From the tiny station at Starcross trace the edge of the Exe estuary past Powderham Castle, home to the Courtenay family for 600 years. Look out for curlews, oystercatchers, avocets and other waders along the vast mudflats, then loop Exminster Marshes, home to hundreds of brent geese over the winter months. Stop off at the Turf Lock pub for lunch or catch a ferry across to lovely Topsham.<\/p>\n Map OS Explorer OL44<\/p>\n Start Starcross train station, EX6 8PA (SX976819)<\/p>\n Getting there Starts at Starcross train station. Road: on the A379 coastal road from Exeter towards Dawlish.<\/p>\n Walk Join Exe Valley Way (EVW) at station, following estuary path upstream. At Turf Lock stay on EVW along canal path to small car park on left (SX963873). Leave EVW, follow lane past Eco Park to next car park (SX953872). Don\u2019t cross railway, turn left, follow footpath with railway to right and marshes to left. Continue on path around marshes back to Turf Lock. Turn right onto EVW back to Starcross. <\/p>\n Lunch The Galley, Topsham (galleyrestaurant.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n![\"Panoramic](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/c3a2a2c7-ff4e-4e5d-a851-2627340c3861.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Aber](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/bc01aab8-a1ca-493e-8769-71a13631249d.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/94cf3c0a-22ce-4003-8486-c55cd03a5823.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"White-tailed](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/09e5671f-c113-46b8-a78e-4bf77c63a1da.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/00c1c3af-b3ce-4940-960d-ea74bd368d99.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/82b29be9-5f7c-4b37-b173-2415adc04ae9.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/5f53849b-a6b9-46ca-917f-c6c3913d6d2d.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Summit](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/74635138-ee52-46fd-8d85-358f0fb01d04.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Chanonry](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/5e71f63e-7247-4f1c-a2d7-51617e97d6d8.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/8682fb96-e4d8-41bf-8cde-823a13a2978b.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/626977a3-c25a-4296-9c6c-847deaaf91b5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Sheep](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/80939a0a-419c-4e4f-ac71-bded5d8877c2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Autumnal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/7bd0ae9c-e307-4d0b-9af4-7397e0fd7eb4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Kinder](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/8c709437-f233-47e9-b051-0afcad23b5c9.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/bb6f747c-50aa-46dd-89ce-fd58f944c5ea.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Powderham](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\/7ecac530-b7c9-48c2-a323-e76574f2520b.jpg\")
<\/p>\n