Who says Christmas always has to be spent in front of a fire with a festive movie? If you’re the outdoorsy type and still want to enjoy the frosty weather over Christmas, the UK is packed with beautiful walks for you to enjoy with your family or special someone.
Going for a walk is a great way to reconnect with loved ones away from all the distractions of modern-day life. Leave your phone in the car, wrap up warm and make it really special. Gift them a personalised Christmas card before jumping into the car – hats, scarves and mince pies at the ready – and enjoying the best of the British countryside.
Snowdonia
Only for the brave! Wales’s highest mountain poses a few challenges but there are plenty of adventures to be had in the national park if you don’t want to attempt the mountain itself. It’s the official adventure capital of the UK, so called because it is packed with zip lines, mountain biking, kayaking, water skiing, you name it.
Toast the day in a cosy pub whist the sun sets and brave the cold again to gaze at the star-speckled sky. North Wales boasts one of the lowest light pollution levels in the UK, so you can imagine how mesmerising the stars are here.
Gullane and Aberlady Bay
Scotland’s pristine coastline never disappoints. Gullane and Aberlady Bay is just one idyllic spot to enjoy what this area has to offer. Located near Edinburgh, it’s easy to access and has some of the most breath-taking views in the UK. Scramble up Gullane Hill and see if you can spot the capital and the Pentland Hills.
Devon
England’s south coast has a few tricks up its sleeve too. Its beautiful mix of woodland walks, seaside strolls and hilly hikes makes it ideal for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
For showstopping views, head to Cornborough Cliffs and look out over Clovelly and Hartland Point. The brisk sea air will undoubtably blow those cobwebs away! Alternatively, keep it nice and easy through Northam Burrows or Plymbridge Woods. And for those looking for a real adventure, the Watersmeet hike rewards everyone with varied, beautiful views.
Yorkshire
It’s called God’s Own County for a reason. Throw yourself into the gothic landscapes of Wuthering Heights, let the wintry elements swirl around you and encounter unexpected reservoirs and frozen streams along the way.
For the bare trees and babbling brooks, Hebden Bridge offers plenty of easy woodland walks. For Yorkshire’s signature vast and open landscapes, Hawthorn, Malham Tarn and the Yorkshire Matterhorn come into their own at wintertime. And if the weather is just too brutal, there’s no shortage of country pubs!
