Top winter walks

Winter is the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for an invigorating walk. Blow away the cobwebs along blustery coastal paths, or take a frosty Christmas or Boxing Day stroll. You can go on a guided walk with one of our rangers or go your own way with one of our downloadable trails.

Killerton house in the mist
Walking trail

Killerton, Devon 

One of Killerton’s delights is its gardens, and there’s plenty to see even in winter. Enjoy the wintersweet, the hellebores and the amazing coloured stems of cornus. During this one-mile walk you can also enjoy sweeping views across the parkland to Dartmoor. As spring approaches you'll find cyclamen, crocuses and other early spring bulbs.

Enjoy a colour-filled stroll around Killerton's garden
Visitors walk in Stowe in winter
Walking trail

Stowe, Buckinghamshire 

Escape for a peaceful winter walk at Stowe Park. You can take in lake views and explore beautiful temples. Highlights of this easy one-mile walk include the Palladian Bridge, Lake Pavilions and the Temple of Venus. Don't miss the Rotunda, where the golden statue of Venus glows in the winter light.

Explore the lakes and temples at Stowe
A wooden bridge over Burbage Brook
Walking trail

Longshaw, Derbyshire 

Winter is the perfect time to explore the Longshaw estate. Stride out through frosty meadows and through quiet woodlands, or head down to Padley Gorge where the rushing Burbage Brook tumbles its way down the gritstone gorge. Afterward you’ll have earned a trip to the tea-room where you can indulge in tasty seasonal treats.

Wander across the heath at Longshaw
Three stags on frosty morning by the Cage at Lyme, Cheshire

Lyme, Cheshire 

This route takes you off the beaten path to some of the lesser-explored areas of the estate. Along the way you’ll be treated to sweeping views over the Derbyshire hills and into Yorkshire. You may also encounter Lyme's herd of red deer, who often spend their time in the east of the park.

Bridge over a river in the snow

Wallington, Northumberland 

Enjoy an easy mile-and-a-half walk combining nature and horticulture at Wallington. Meander through the West Wood and along the River Wansbeck, admiring the Palladian bridge, before returning via the walled garden. The route crosses the river over stepping stones but if conditions are icy or the river is too high there is an alternative route.

Frost covered view to Abbey from Studley Royal water garden

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire 

Discover the winter landscapes of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. This five-mile trail takes you through the deer park and elegant Georgian water garden. The route offers views of Ripon, the distant North York Moors and the impressive ruins of Fountains Abbey.

Wicken Fen - Konik ponies and horses in frost
Walking trail

Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire 

Wicken Fen is the place to enjoy spectacular winter landscapes, including the renowned sunsets in the vast fenland skies. Keep a look out for hen and marsh harriers, short-eared owls and Wicken’s herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies.

Wicken Fen wildlife walk
Bring the family for a winter walk at Dinefwr
Walking trail

Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire 

Follow this route designed by landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. It takes you through the deer park surrounding the 12th-century castle. Fallow deer roam the park and are often joined by a neighbouring second herd in winter when food becomes more scarce. Keep a look out for some of the park's 150 ancient trees that you'll pass on this one-and-a-half-mile walk.

Follow in 'Capability' Brown's footsteps at Dinefwr
View of Divis peak

Divis and the Black Mountain, County Antrim 

On a bright sunny winter's day there's nothing more invigorating than a climb up Divis and the Black Mountain. At the top you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Belfast and beyond. The weather can change quickly on the mountain, so please dress appropriately.

Follow the summit trail

Find more wintery walks

Map reading in the Peak District

Guided winter walks 

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the work we do to care for special places, then joining a guided walk is a great way to find out more. This winter our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be leading walks at our places all across the country, including several special New Year’s Day events. Wrap up warm and come along to experience our places at their seasonal best.

Visitors in the pub beer garden at Gibside

Cosy pub walks for winter 

We all love a crisp winter walk, especially when there’s a pub to cosy up in afterwards. We own over 35 characterful tenanted pubs and inns, plus the Sticklebarn Tavern in Cumbria which we run ourselves. Settle down beside the fire and enjoy a warm welcome, lip-smacking ales and delicious local food.

Sika deer at Knole

Winter nature walks 

Get some tips on wildlife to look out for during the winter months. There are gentle strolls and some more demanding walks in this list of wildlife trails.