Our Top 10 Winter Walks

“A stone’s throw from the Joules head office and a favourite walking spot of my whole family, Foxton Locks is buzzing with beautiful barges and forms the largest flight of staircase locks in England. The grade II listed locks climb a steep hill and the canal is dotted with pubs and shops for pit stops. The area is great for people watching and is also a ‘gongoozler’ hot spot. Want to be one? They’re like train spotters but observing canal life rather than trains. Much fun!”

Polly Faulks – Senior Digital Marketing Co-Ordinator

“We felt like we had stepped into another world on a winter getaway to Maybole in Ayrshire. We wrapped up warm, went horse riding to Maidens beach with Shanter Riding Centre, and did a spot of rock pooling on the shore. We also took a boat ride to Ailsa Craig, a rugged island that is now a nature reserve for local protected wildlife. On a clear day you can spot the Mull of Kintyre too. The beaches in the area are a mixture of sand and rock, with diverse flora and plenty of rare birds to spot. I’d recommend a beautiful hour long walk starting at Maidens beach, then taking a leisurely walk north along the beach and coastal footpaths, eventually reaching a National Trust treasure, Culzean Castle, with a museum and country park to explore.”

Kirsty Hutcheson – International Digital Marketing Assistant

“I’ve lost many a weekend in the Peak District and the historic abandoned millstones at Stanage Edge are a great draw for winter walks. The hills are steep and rambling enough to keep you busy and warm, and the millstones littering the moors offer fun climbing opportunities for children. There are also a number of drinking wells carved into the gritstone along the ridge, built to allow grouse to drink rainwater. Unless you are a serious walker or climber it’s a good idea to park at the southern area near Burbage End, cars can be parked on the road or in the nearby car park which is almost at the full height of the rocks, leaving a short walk to the Edge itself.”

James Snelson – Digital Marketing Manager 

“As a family, we’ve been lucky enough (or stupid enough) to have spent Christmas all under one roof over the past few years. Last year’s home from home was a Victorian hall in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. We drank, we ate, and we even had a go at walking. I say ‘had a go’. The youngest member of our festive rambling club is one. The eldest is close to 100. A stunning 20 minute drive from our temporary humble abode was the Llyn Cwm Bychan Lake located in the Rhinogydd Mountains of Snowdonia. These mountains have a reputation for tough walks and so it proved. My grandparents only made it a few hundred meters from the car park. The more nimble of us took on the Roman Steps climbing at first through woodland before entering a vast natural rockery with the summit of Rhinog Fawr dominating the landscape. Only my cousin and I made it to the top, but no matter whether you walk 10 metres or 10 miles, this is a truly stunning place to stretch your legs.”

Carl Wiezak – Senior Copywriter 

“I was blown away on a visit to the spectacular Kynance Cove last year. The secluded beach lies two miles north of Lizard Village and is backdrop to many a period drama including Poldark. It’s considered one of Britain’s most beautiful seaside spots by the National Trust, and Visit Cornwall say it’s probably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall. Be brave and conquer a steep 15 minute walk down to the cove, or for those laden with pushchairs and little people, take the alternative longer but more family friendly walk. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll whilst watching the winter sunset, definitely a new family favourite.”

Emma Hamblin – Social Media Manager

“When heading to the Lake District the first place I think of is the stunning Ullswater. I usually cycle around the 9 mile long lake but when walking, I’d start off with lunch at the popular walkers pub, Brotherswater Inn in Patterdale. Then continuing up Kirkstone Pass alongside the lake, you’ll find great winter walks, with little traffic, fantastic scenic views and photo opportunities aplenty. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, there are also plenty of smaller walking routes off the A592 main road.”

Lucy Marsden – Social Content Manager

“I have the pleasure of living close by the scenic hills, lakes and rivers that make up Bradgate Park in Charnwood. You can spot plenty of deer, paddle in streams and clamber around the ruins of 15th century Bradgate House, childhood home to the tragic queen of nine days, Lady Jane Grey. In 1928, Mr Charles Bennion, a local industrialist, kindly purchased Bradgate Park from the Grey family and presented it, in trust, to be used for the benefit of the people of Leicestershire and it’s visitors. There are endless walking routes, and a wide footpath running through the centre of the park, perfect for wetter winter days when we don’t fancy slipping around in the mud. When it snows, Old John hill provides a great sledging spot which is buzzing with locals thundering down the slopes. I like to walk the 3km length of Bradgate, from Newtown Linford to Cropston, and refuel at one of two of the park’s cafes with a jacket potato and hot chocolate!”

Rosie Bambury – Content Marketing Co-ordinator

Blogger’s Pick

10. Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland

“My favourite winter walk is a stroll along the shore at Whiterocks Beach on the Causeway Coastal route in County Antrim. It’s a beautiful beach with limestone cliffs and caves, and you can easily walk the whole way up to the quaint fishing harbor of Portrush. Climb along cliff tops for a bird’s eye view of the dramatic Atlantic Ocean crashing into the cliff base, or head north for 6 miles to see Giant Causeway’s unique hexagonal rocks. En route find cove after cove of sheer cliffs, with rare species of flora and fauna and rustic salmon fishing huts. The walk is full of history; once the site of volcanos, Causeway Coast is also the burial ground for hundreds of Spanish sailors who drowned when the Armada floundered in 1588, and you’ll find many a mystical story of lost Spanish gold.”

Rebecca – A Clothes Horse blogger