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Layer Up for our Top 10 Winter Walks

Believe it or not, winter is one of the best seasons to enjoy a walk. Whether you’re young, old, fighting fit or just eager to quash the effects of Christmas, there’s something truly magical about pulling on the right gear and heading out on a winter walk with your loved ones.

And what better way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and witness our beautiful countryside and coast?

We’re rather smitten with the great outdoors here at Staycation Holidays, so our team have compiled their top 10 unmissable winter walks to help you plan your weekend getaways.

If you’re thinking of planning a winter getaway and/or walk- it’s important to check the latest national and local Government rules/guidance before you travel: http://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions.

1. Thetford Forest, Norfolk

10 unmissable winter walks: Thetford Forest, Norfolk Brecks

© Thetford Forest

The Brecks is one of the driest parts of the UK and a unique landscape of sandy soils which are light and free draining – ideal for a winter walk. Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain offering 50,000 acres of safe, prime cycling and walking trails. In winter, the forest takes on a magical, tranquil, Narnia- esque quality. With trails to suit all ages and abilities including the Giant Play Sculpture Trail at High Lodge, a great 1 mile easy walk for the liitle’uns to let off some steam! The forest is refuge to a wealth of wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, pheasants, woodlarks, nightjars and more. There are 26 walking trails around the forest for all to enjoy.

Need a place to stay? Vicarage House & Pool House is a very special holiday home in six acres of magnificent grounds. Thetford Forest is on the doorstep and the owners positively encourage guests to get out and about, providing adult and children’s bikes and printed walking and cycling routes.

2. Batsford Arboretum, Cotswolds

10 unmissable winter walks: Batsford Arboretum, Cotswolds

Batsford Arboretum

Described as one of the jewels of the Cotswolds, Batsford Arboretum is located close to Moreton-in-Marsh on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills. Even during the depths of winter, Batsford has a stark beauty that it is worth the journey. The Aboretum is open every day from 10.00 – 4pm and there’s a garden terrace café serving hot food and drinks on site.

Need a place to stay? Our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds make an amazing base for unmissable winter walks. 

3. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

10 unmissable winter walks: Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Cheddar Gorge

At almost 400ft deep and 3 miles long, Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge and, with its weathered crags and pinnacles, is one of our most spectacular natural sights. There’s a rich variety of winter wildlife and plant life to be spotted on this exhilarating four-mile circular winter walk. Look out for peregrine falcon, Soay sheep, jackdaws, buzzards, ravens.

Need a place to stay? Our North Somerset holiday cottages, sleeping 4 – 18 guests, are 6 miles from Cheddar Gorge.

4. The Malverns, Herefordshire

10 unmissable winter walks: The Malverns

The Malverns

The Malvern hills provide endless spectacular winter walking routes. The 20+ peaks are a 15km range of ancient rocks dating back over 650 million years and are criss-crossed with 160km of bridleways and footpaths across their entire length. The short wiry grasses on the top of the mini mountain range provide ideal winter walking conditions over stunning views. Dividing the Counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the hills rise dramatically out of the landscape and feature many springs and fountains, in particular St Ann’s Well where there are lots of cafes for a pit stop!

Need a place to stay? Hampton Wafre Cottage is located 18 miles from St Ann’s Well.

5. Bateman’s, East Sussex

10 unmissable winter walks: Batemans, East Sussex

Bateman's

Follow in Rudyard Kipling’s footsteps with a walk around the grounds of Bateman’s, his former home. Take a gentle winter walk through the fields, hills and woodlands of the 300 acre estate, or a stroll through the garden. Bring the children and they can follow in the footsteps of Puck, the magical fairy from Kipling’s book. The house is open from 11.30am to 3.30pm daily, while the restaurant and shop open from 11am to 4pm.

Need a place to stay? Check out our Sussex holiday cottages.

6. Long Mynd, Shropshire

10 unmissable winter walks: Long Mynd

The Long Mynd

Carding Mill Valley offers far reaching views of the Shropshire countryside and is an ideal base for a winter stroll beside the stream or a more adventurous hike up the hills. You don’t have to venture far out of the valley to find your own piece of solitude on the Long Mynd. 2015 celebrates its 50th anniversary of being purchased by the National Trust.

Need a place to stay? The National Trust’s Long Mynd Estate is accessible from directly outside the front gate of The Oaks, and Carding Mill Valley is 2.5 miles away.

7. Lamanna Chapel walk, Cornwall

10 unmissable winter walks: Looe to Talland Bay

Lamanna Chapel walk

If you’re looking for winter walks along coastal scenery in South East Cornwall, try the fabulous Lamanna Chapel walk from Looe to Talland Bay. This moderate 3.7 mile walk visits the site of an ancient Celtic chapel, where a Benedictine chapel was later built after a number of pilgrims drowned trying to reach the chapel on St George’s Island. The rattling call of a rare Dartford warbler can sometimes be heard.

Need a place to stay? Our South Cornwall holiday cottages, sleeping 2 – 10, are 6 miles from the start of the walk.

8. Holt Country Park, Norfolk

10 unmissable winter walks: Holt Country Park

Holt Country Park

The flatlands of Norfolk offer a variety of unmissable winter walks, including coastal routes and woodland wanders. Head to Holt for a beautiful ramble out of the village and through the Holt Country Park where you will be surrounded by Scots pines and seasonal snowdrops that bloom throughout winter.

Need a place to stay? Weavers Loft and Coach House are 10/13 miles from Holt.

9. Earth, Wind & Water Walk, Kent

10 unmissable winter walks: Faversham

Faversham, Kent

Kent is perfect for crisp winter walks! If you are a food enthusiast, the Food Trail starting in Faversham is a great way to discover some of Kent’s tastiest treasures. The 10.3 miles walk will take you from the vibrant market square past the famous Shepherd Neame Brewery and out into the fields.

Need a place to stay? Please check out our Kent holiday cottages.

10. Haldon Forest, Devon

10 unmissable winter walks: Haldon Forest

Haldon Forest, Devon

Beginning and ending in Haldon Forest Park, just minutes outside Exeter, the all-ability Mamhead Trail takes walkers along flat, well-surfaced tracks. It’s perfect for those with younger children, as it’s a ‘sensory trail’ with special markers along the way to encourage walkers to appreciate their whole surroundings, and plenty of resting points. Starting at the car park in Mamhead, the 1.5 mile route follows through the forest and a beech-lined avenue to the high viewpoint near the Obelisk. From there walkers can admire views across the whole of Exeter, and on a clear day across to Start Point and Dawlish.

Need a place to stay? Enjoy unmissable winter walks at our East Devon holiday cottages, all within half an hour’s drive.

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