Winter walking

Maria Castellina, Ramblers spokesperson said: “With crisp snow underfoot, bright blue skies overhead and the promise of a hot meal and a roaring fire at the end of the day, walking in winter is a joy to all the senses.”

Maria also offered some advice for winter walkers: “Whatever time of year you go walking, it’s always important you’re prepared for the conditions. In winter it’s particularly important that you have enough warm clothes, a waterproof coat and footwear and something with you to eat and drink to keep your energy levels up.

“When walking in the snow, try and walk on un-touched snow as it will be less icy underfoot and always wear a pair of gloves so that you can keep your hands warm but out of your pockets, just in case you should fall.”

Waterscape’s selection of winter walks can all be done in two hours or less, so you won’t be spending too long in the cold, and they all feature a pub so you can warm up and have some well-deserved refreshments.

If you don’t see a walk that suits you here, check out routes near you on our walking page.

Waterscape’s top winter walking routes

Walking in the snow, Parbold, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Scenic walk in Gnosall, Staffordshire
A pleasant walk of about an hour, starting and finishing at the Boat Inn. The route follows the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal for part of the walk, passing through a cutting and a tunnel, and also has a wooded section and views of a historic quarry.

Towpath wildlife at Dickens Heath, West Midlands
This two-hour circular route takes you through Dickens Heath in Solihull - a wetland area, which is an excellent place to see wildlife. The route follows the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal at several points. The route starts and finishes at the Drawbridge pub, which makes a convenient place to get lunch after your walk.

North

Sprotborough and the River Don, Yorkshire
An easy walk from the rural town of Sprotborough with its large lock, along the River Don to the majestic Conisbrough Viaduct. Along the way, you will pass through the Sprotborough Flash & Woodland Nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known especially for migrant birds in winter. The Boat Inn at Sprotbrough is a traditional country pub that has real log fires to warm you up after your walk.

East

Surlingham Church Marsh, Norfolk
A walk around the Church Marsh nature reserve, a wetland area that is home to many species of birds. The route starts and ends at Surlingham Church, near the River Yare. It passes by the Ferry House Inn, a family-run pub serving traditional pub food.

Ouse Valley Way from Godmanchester to Houghton, Cambridgeshire
This walk takes you along a short section of the 26-mile Ouse Valley Way, which follows the River Great Ouse on its picturesque route through flat fenland surroundings. Along the way, you will pass the Old Bridge Hotel in Huntingdon, which offers a bar and restaurant.

South

Around Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
This two-hour walk takes you from Bradford-on-Avon to the village of Limpley Stoke, via the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal and the beautiful Avon Valley. Sights along the way include a packhorse bridge, a historic tithe barn and an aqueduct designed by James Rennie. In the pretty village of Avoncliff, you can stop at the Cross Guns pub for refreshments.

East Farleigh to Wateringbury, Kent
A linear walk along a rural section of the Medway Valley Walk, via the former waterworks at East Farleigh, two locks, two medieval bridges, one boat yard and two marinas. The route follows the River Medway and ends at the Railway Hotel in Wateringbury. You can then return to your starting point on the train, using the Medway Valley Line.

Wales

Talybont on Usk to Brecon, Powys
A two-hour walk taking in some of the stunning countryside along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. About halfway along, you will pass the Royal Oak pub in Pencelli, and you will finish in the bustling market town of Brecon.

Chepstow riverside walk, Monmouthshire
An easy hour’s walk around the town of Chepstow and the River Wye. Along the way, you will see various historic landmarks, including the Chepstow Museum, based in an 18th-century townhouse, the Gunstock Wharf area, and the Old Wye Bridge, which marks the border between England and Wales. The historic Boat Inn is a great place to stop for a riverside drink or meal.

Last updated: 20/12/2011