Our top five winter walk locations

The perfect cure for those winter blues - wrap up warm, blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a refreshing walk in a frosty location near you.

With some of our most spectacular landscapes looking their best at this time of year, here are our top five places to enjoy the crisp winter weather in:

  • Anglesey Abbey

    The beautiful colours of the winter garden at Anglesey Abbey © R Todd

    Set your winter alight with a walk full of fiery colour and delicious scent.

    At a time of year when gardens are generally past their best, Anglesey Abbey's Winter Garden comes into its own. For almost a quarter of a mile, the path winds its way through a stunning array of colour and some 150 species of plants, chosen for their attractiveness in winter.

    The carefully arranged groups of fiery Cornus stems, coppiced Willow and Whitewashed Bramble, Mahonias, Sarcococca and Chimonanthus sit alongside wonderful coloured tree barks.

  • Wicken Fen

    Grey Heron at Wicken Fen © Richardnicollphotography.co.uk

    An extra layer or two, stout walking boots or wellies and a pair of binoculars are all you need to discover the amazing wildlife spectacular at Wicken Fen.

    Intricate dew laden spiders’ webs stand out amongst the reed lined banks of Wicken Lode. Train your binoculars on the reedbeds in anticipation of seeing one of our most elusive and endangered wetland birds, the bittern, which are easier to spot in winter.

    As the sun finally dips to the River Cam in the West, the fen is bathed in a crimson glow; the distinctive sails of Wicken’s historic wind-pump silhouetted on the skyline - the perfect end to a magical winter’s day.

  • Blickling Estate

    View of Blickling Hall reflected in the water of the lake, on an early misty morning © NTPL/Nick Meers

    Even on the greyest of winter days, a historical walk around Blickling Park can beat the winter blues.

    Whilst out in the park, catch glimpses back at the magnificent Jacobean Hall across the lake. Look out too for the Tower, originally built for the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire to watch horse races. Then there’s the mausoleum, a pyramid which would be more fitting for Egypt, but was built to commemorate the death of the 2nd Earl.

    With all-weather paths, plenty of seats and no steep hills, this certainly makes a great walk for all abilities.

  • Flatford

    Flatford Lock during the winter © National Trust

    Explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale made famous by 18th century landscape artist, John Constable.

    The little riverside hamlet of Flatford is the setting for some of Constable’s most famous paintings, such as The Hay Wain.

    But also, look out for the Cattawade Marshes, where the freshwater of the Stour meets the tidal estuary, a great place to spot waterfowl and waders.

    The nearby villages of East Bergholt and Dedham are also worth a visit.

  • Dunstable Downs

    View across Pascombe Hill at Dunstable Downs © Amanda Miller

    Enjoy the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside on an exhilarating walk across the Dunstable Downs.

    Soar above a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations. Along the way, discover diverse wildlife, Iron Age hill forts and burial mounds.

    Don’t forget to pop into the Chilterns Gateway Centre for some delicious food with a view; you might need the sit down after your walk.