Main image: Chatsworth Estate, Peak District

These top UK winter walks offer stunning scenery, wildlife and historic landmarks - and of course a cosy café - making braving the cold just that little bit more appealing. And, after all that fresh air, you can kick back in your cosy Staycation bolthole, soothe your muscles in a hot tub or bask in the warmth of a warming fire!

Barwick Park Follies, Somerset

Atherstone Farmhouse | Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs

Voted among Britain’s top 10 follies by BBC Countryfile, these four follies in Barwick Park, a picturesque estate just south of Yeovil, form the route of our first scenic winter walk and are well worth a visit. Unusual as their names – Jack the Treacle Eater, The Fish Tower, The Rose Tower and The Obelisk – mark the north, east, south and west boundaries of the park respectively. Barwick Park makes a top UK winter walk anytime of year, but there’s something about getting a breath of icy fresh air here at Christmas time which is really special.
Find out more: 5km walk; www.parksandgardens.org/places/barwick-park
Stay nearby: We offer four luxurious grade II listed cottages on the 3,000-acre Dillington Estate, near Ilminster. Fill your days with bracing country winter walks through the estate on your doorstep or try this walk at Barwick Park, just 24 minutes drive away | Sleeps 4-16 + 2 dogs each

Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire

Scout on the Water | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Winter in the Cotswold Water Park is a stunning experience so why not embrace the great outdoors, breathe some fresh crisp air and enjoy a winter walk? In winter the area is quiet and peaceful, with lots of birds to spot, with thousands of wintering waterfowl which stay here from the Arctic. You can download six circular walks, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the area, and to experience the huge variety of landscapes, from winding river trails, canal tow paths, vast lakes and woodland walks.
Find out more: waterpark.org/things-to-do/walking - these top UK winter walks range from 1.6-18km; 
Stay nearby: We offer seven stunning holiday homes in idyllic lakeside locations across the Cotswold Water Park. Available for holidays and short breaks all year round, many are dog friendly | Sleeps 5-10

Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk, East Devon

Top right: Overlooking Branscombe by Reiner Tegtmeyer; Burrows | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog 

The picturesque Jurassic Coast villages of Branscombe and Beer are home to a plethora of cosy cafés to warm up the chilliest of walkers on a cold winter’s day. This ancient scenic coastline in East Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to wonderful unique walks. This top UK winter walk follows the cliffs along the South West Coast Path with fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site before exploring the pretty seaside village of Beer. Returning to Branscombe, the loop takes you back by the Hooken Undercliff path.
Find out more: 9.5km loop; Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk
Stay nearby: For the opportunity to enjoy this and other top UK winter walks in the area, why not book one of our East Devon cottages? The East Devon AONB truly showcases the best of the British coast and countryside and is the ideal location for a relaxing winter holiday that is filled with fresh country air! 

Chatsworth Estate, Peak District

Haddon Grove Farm; Bramble | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog 

The hills and dales of the Peak District and Derbyshire are a walker's paradise at any time of year, but nothing beats wrapping up warm and heading outdoors for an invigorating winter walk. Chatsworth House, the magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, looks especially beautiful with a frosty backdrop. The trails in the park and Stand Wood are open to walkers throughout the year and there are many paths for you to discover and explore, providing the perfect winter-walk.
Find out more: 2-6km loop; www.chatsworth.org/park/suggested-walks
Stay nearby: Why not treat the family to a winter break at one of our 15 Bakewell holiday cottages, all within 20 minutes' drive of this top UK winter walk | Sleeps 2-51 + 2 dogs each

The Harbourside, Bristol

Drystone Manor and SummerHouse

Bristol’s stunning Floating Harbour is particularly magical when cold air and misty winter scenes dance across the water. A circuit round is always enjoyable, and ticks off so many of Bristol’s sights in one go as well as providing scrumptious grub and hot drink stops en route! Park near the Brunel’s SS Great Britain and enjoy a top UK winter walk anti-clockwise past Cargo, M Shed, spotting Cabot Tower, The Matthew, a Banksy and multi-coloured houses as you go. Loop back round past Arnolfini, Watershed, We The Curious, through Millennium Square and lastly Underfall Yard.
Find out more: This top UK winter walk is about 3 miles, and can be shortened by hopping on a ferry or lengthened by continuing past M Shed towards Redcliffe Caves and crossing on the Redcliffe Bascule bridge.
Stay nearby: Head to our cottages near Bristol, all less than 30 minutes away, and with cosy wood burners perfect for a winter getaway | Sleeps 4-26. Most are dog friendly.

Aira Force, Cumbria

Above: Blencowe Hall | Sleeps 24; below: Hause Hall | Sleeps 10 - 18 

Winter hikes in Cumbria are just as stunning as those in summer and there are plenty of great walks in the valleys, beside the lakes and on the low fells. With the mountains covered in snow, this can often be one of the most visually stunning times to visit, and the crisp air and unique winter light is well worth experiencing. Aira Force Waterfall is almost even more impressive than usual in the winter when there is typically more rain and groundwater. You can choose a longer or shorter walk depending on how much time you have and your ability.
Find out more: The waterfall trails range from 1-3km loops. For something longer, you can follow four other trails; https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater
Stay nearby: Our delightful range of dog-friendly Cumbria holiday cottages are nestled in the Lake District and Eden Valley, in England’s most glorious countryside. Matching historic grace with modern luxury, our homes are a paradise for walkers offering a wide selection of spectacular hikes and walks, many from the front door | Sleeps 2-24 + 2 dogs each

The Malverns, Herefordshire

Hampton Wafre Cottage | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 

The Malvern hills provide idyllic 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 with far-reaching views over the Severn Valley. The view from the top of Worcestershire Beacon from Upper Wyche village is well worth the climb, as is St Ann’s Well where there are lots of cafes for a pit stop!
Find out more: 7km walk; www.walkingbritain.co.uk/Malvern-Hills-walks-list
Stay nearby: Cosy up in Hampton Wafre Cottage, our luxury holiday cottage in Docklow, less than half an hour's drive from these top UK winter walks | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Long Mynd, Shropshire

The Oaks | Sleeps 10 + 1 dog 

Carding Mill Valley, at the heart of the Long Mynd, 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. Even in winter, there is a weallth of flora and fauna to be found - from a remarkable assortment of lichens to woodland birds sheltering amongst the trees in the lower valleys. Ravens and Buzzards may be seen here at this time of year as well, and, whatever the time of year, there is always a good chance of spotting the wild ponies.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carding-mill-valley-and-the-long-mynd - these walks range from 1 - 16km
Stay nearby: The National Trust’s Long Mynd Estate is accessible from directly outside the front gate of The Oaks. In winter, enjoy plenty of excellent UK winter walks in this breathtaking landscape before settling in by the log burner to snooze it off | Sleeps 10 + 1 dog

Thetford Forest, Norfolk

Vicarage House | Sleeps 9-15 + 1 dog 

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 top UK winter walks. 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 and is refuge to a wealth of wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, pheasants, woodlarks, nightjars and more. There are 26 walking trails around the forest to suit all ages and abilities.
Find out more: Trails range from 1.5-12km; www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/walking-trails-high-lodge
Stay nearby: If your perfect winter escape involves ‘walking in a winter wonderland’, Vicarage House & Pool House boasts wonderful walks in Thetford Forest right from the doorstep. After your walk, head back to the house and cuddle up in front of one of the two open fires, guaranteed to get you all nice and toasty | Sleeps 9-15 + 1 dog