Top winter walking destinations

Although the colder months are fast approaching us, there is no doubt that those wintry walks are worth braving the cold for. Whether it be hiking up hills or countryside strolls, we have compiled the top walking destinations in the UK to visit this year. From coastal trails to beautiful national parks, you can be sure to find the best walking locations below. So wrap yourself up, put your winter boots on and enjoy a crisp walk!

LOCH AN EILEIN, CAIRNGORM NATIONAL PARK

Hailed by Rough Guides as the world's most beautiful country, Scotland is without a doubt, one of the most picturesque places to visit in the UK. With a wide range of lochs, beaches, and charming castles to choose from, you can be sure to put your hiking boots on and walk your way into the scenic Scottish Highlands or simply stroll along the sandy beaches.

Our top pick for Scotland is Loch an Eilein, located in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park. Here you can find a low level route, perfect for families, where you can enjoy a 13th century castle, surrounded by the beautiful loch. This loch is situated in the UK's largest national park, right up in the north of Scotland, offering stunning scenery all year round!

BOURNEMOUTH

At the opposite end of the country, we have picked Bournemouth for your perfect walking destination in the south. If you're looking to explore the UK's finest coastline trails, then look no further than the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth. Here you can find some of the best walking routes along the coast and of course the renowned Bournemouth pier!

Our top trail in Bournemouth is Alum Chine which is situated in West Overcliff Drive. You can reach Alum Chine by walking along the seafront of Bournemouth, or you can even catch the train from Bournemouth pier. Along your way you will find the beautiful Argyll Gardens and a tropical garden whilst taking in the fresh sea air and the sounds of the waves from below.

Why not stay at one of our hotels in Bournemouth, all located within just 5 miles of the Bournemouth pier! 

GREAT ORME, LLANDUDNO

For those wanting a wintry walk in Wales, then look no further than the stunning seaside town of Llandudno. Our top pick for Wales is The Great Orme, off the north west coast of Llandudno, where you can find one of the most picturesque beaches in Wales!

If you want an even more impressive view, then hop on a cable car or get yourself on the Great Orme Tramway, Britain's only cable-hauled street Tramway which both offer fantastic views of Llandudno's sweeping coastline and the Great Orme. The Tram takes you on a 1-mile journey to the summit of the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve, whereby on a crisp winter's day, views can stretch as far as the Isle of Man. If you are feeling up for it then walking to the top is also an option for those more adventurous.

Take a look at our hotels in Llandudno, and enjoy a weekend away in Wales.

LAKE DISTRICT

Last but not least, we have the Lake district, which is a well-known favourite among walkers and hikers for its truly spectacular landscape. Not only is it beautiful in the summer but also provides stunning views in the winter months, making it one the best destinations for walkers this season! With an abundance of walks and hikes to choose from in the Lake District, we have narrowed it down to just one region which is perfect for the colder months, allowing you to see the snow-capped scenery around you.

Our top trail in the Lake District is from Buttermere to Rannerdale. At only 3 miles long, this is the perfect trail for a gentle stroll. This path is accessible for all the family yet still allows you to see one of the most impressive views in the whole of the Lakes. If you're feeling brave, there is also a pretty pebbly beach further along the way, for those wanting a winter's plunge!

It might be winter, but that's no excuse to hide indoors!