Some of the best walking in Britain happens in winter. On a cold, still day the light is low and golden, the air is clear, the paths are quiet and the pub fire feels earned. The trick is choosing routes that suit short days and changeable weather: coastal paths, lakeshores, valley walks and well-marked low-level hills. Here are the places that make a great winter walking break, with the practical advice that keeps it enjoyable.
Northumberland coast
The coast between Alnmouth and Bamburgh is one of the finest winter walks in England: wide beaches, dunes and castles on every headland. The walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is short and spectacular, and Bamburgh’s beach under a winter sky is unforgettable. Holy Island is reached by a tidal causeway — always check the published safe crossing times. See our Northumberland guide, and stay in Newcastle if you want a city base.
The Lake District
Winter on the high fells is serious mountaineering territory, but the valleys and lakeshores are glorious and accessible. Around Keswick, the circuit of Derwentwater and the short climb to Friar’s Crag or Castlerigg Stone Circle give huge views for modest effort. Buttermere, Grasmere and Tarn Hows are other good low-level choices. See our Cumbria guide.
Pembrokeshire coast
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is quiet in winter, and grey seal pups can sometimes be seen on remote beaches in late autumn and early winter — keep your distance and dogs on leads. Short sections around St Davids, Stackpole and Marloes are ideal for winter days. Our best UK coastal walks guide covers more routes.
Peak District
The Peak District is within easy reach of millions of people and has walks for every winter day: the limestone dales around Dovedale, the edges above Hathersage and the paths around Chatsworth Park. Frost on the gritstone and mist in the valleys make it particularly atmospheric. Derby is a handy rail gateway.
Yorkshire and the North York Moors coast
The Cleveland Way follows the cliffs between Scarborough and Whitby, with Robin Hood’s Bay in between. Winter seas are dramatic, and the towns are quieter and cheaper than in summer. Combine it with a night in York.
Snowdonia and Anglesey
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in winter is for experienced, properly equipped mountaineers only. For everyone else, Snowdonia’s valleys and waterfalls — around Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and Llyn Padarn — are beautiful in winter. The Anglesey coast and the Great Orme at Llandudno make excellent alternatives when cloud is down on the mountains.
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) offer waterfall walks in the south and wide open ridges in the north. On clear winter days the views are outstanding, but conditions change quickly on the tops, so lower routes and the canal towpath are good fall-backs.
The south coast and the downs
The South Downs between Eastbourne and Seaford take in the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs; stay well back from the edge, which is unstable. In Dorset, the Jurassic Coast around Lyme Regis is good for winter fossil hunting after storms — check tide times and keep away from the foot of the cliffs. In South Devon, the coast path around Dartmouth is sheltered and mild. In Norfolk, the coast is famous for winter birdlife, including large numbers of geese.
Scotland: Highlands and Skye
From Inverness, forest and loch-side walks are rewarding in winter, and the Isle of Skye is beautiful in low light. Days are very short in the north in midwinter, so plan to be off the hill well before dark. Mountain conditions here can be severe; check the Mountain Weather Information Service and avalanche forecasts if you are heading high.
Winter walking safety
- Plan around daylight. In December, sunset is before 4pm across much of the UK and earlier in the north. Start early and carry a head torch.
- Check the forecast and tides. Use the Met Office for weather, and check tide times for any beach or causeway walk.
- Layer up. Waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm hat, gloves and boots with good grip. Paths can be icy and muddy.
- Take a map. Carry a paper map or offline map; phone batteries drain fast in the cold.
- Know when to turn back. Leave a route plan with someone, and in an emergency call 999 and ask for the police, then mountain rescue, or the coastguard on the coast.
Plan your winter break
A winter walking weekend pairs well with a Christmas break or a New Year’s Day walk, or a stop at a Christmas market. January and February are typically the cheapest months for accommodation — see our Black Friday travel deals guide for booking tips, and the UK events calendar for what’s on.