Winning tip: Lake District highs and Hows

Starting with a forest climb, the ascent of Tom Gill’s tumbling waterfalls sets the scene for this breathtaking, two-hour walk to Tarn Hows in the Lake District. At the top, you plateau to a different world, crisp and pure. Ahead, the undulating path meanders around jutting peninsulas and chilly bays, past boulder-dotted banks, bare twisted larch and islands bristling with soaring, verdant conifers. Face the waters and the tarn’s cold, polished surface, the colour of the winter sky, paints the landscape in reverse, reflecting, if you’re lucky, the snow-dusted peaks of Wainwright’s fells that shoulder the view.
Kevin O’Hara

On a poetry and art trail in the Chilterns

The Ridgeway, running along the edge of the Chiltern escarpment, is a great walk any time of year, but in winter I would recommend the section near Whiteleaf Cross (which inspired the artist Paul Nash). It’s high enough to see five counties on a clear day. Then follow the footsteps of the poet Rupert Brooke through the beech woodlands to the Pink and Lily pub at Parslows Hillock, which serves hot food and real ales. Brooke was a regular and the snug has been left as if it was waiting for his return from the first world war where he died in 1915.
Chris Allen

A river in the sky near Wrexham

For a gentle winter stroll through a world heritage site, Llangollen Canal is perfect. Begin by crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The Dee, 39 metres (127 feet) below, supplies this “river that runs in the sky”. Follow the towpath towards Llangollen, overtaking slow-moving narrowboats with ease. At Llangollen there’s a canalside halt, where the shires that pull the horsedrawn boats peer wistfully from their stable. Persevere past the Marina; look for Ivy Wood House. The owners Harley and Louie have cut their canalside garden hedge to house a cabin selling homemade cakes and drinks, including Baileys hot chocolate, to enjoy in the pale Welsh winter sun.
Fiona Collins

A stroll in the Derbyshire peaks

Referred to by my family as a “cheat” hike, the Nab is a peaceful alternative to the bustling crowds at Mam Tor. But you’re rewarded with the views. It’s a short, circular route, only a few miles in length. But it’s versatile, too, because if you’re feeling adventurous, you can summit Kinder Scout. Or, a more relaxing finish is the Rambler Inn located beside the convenient Edale public car park. Edale is equally accessible by train, between Manchester and Sheffield. It’s the perfect Peak District escape.
Ben Evans

Getting salty in West Sussex

My favourite winter walk is along Shoreham beach in West Sussex. It is a broad, shingly beach which, in spring, is a mass of viper’s-bugloss, thrift and valerian. But in the winter, with low, grey clouds rolling in from the west, it has a barren beauty all of its own. With waves breaking over the shingle beach, and the salty spray on my face, the boardwalk directs me towards the renovated remains of a Napoleonic fort, and the ever-changing horizon melts away any stresses.
Karen Muir

Lochs and beavers in the Highlands

Lochan Mor on the Rothiemurchus Estate in the Highlands is also known as the Lily Loch. The water lilies are not in bloom in winter, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this lovely loch. Especially since beavers have been released back into it. To have a chance of catching a glimpse of them visitors should go between dusk and dawn, when they are most active. The Beaver Trail starts at the Rothiemurchus Centre and is four miles long. It goes through ancient forests and also visits Loch an Eilein. You could extend the walk a little by following the path along this loch to get closer to the island with its 14th-century castle ruins. Or you could walk all the way around Loch an Eilein, making it eight miles in total. Once back at the centre you can treat yourself to a warming stew at The Barn cafe.
Peter Diender

A mossy gorge near Sheffield

We love to catch the bus out of Sheffield to Longshaw estate or Surprise View and then walk down Padley Gorge to Grindleford Station cafe, which serves enormous and excellent chip butties. Then catch the train back into Sheffield. It’s a short walk and mostly down hill so great for little legs. The gorge is beautiful in every season. In winter it feels sheltered, damp and mossy, and makes a delightful contrast to the higher moorland.
Esme Lawy

Donegal walk will put the world to rights

Father Hegarty’s walk in Inishowen (north Donegal) is a beautiful coastal path named after a local priest who was killed by English Redcoats in 1711. Only 30 minutes’ drive from Derry, it offers uninterrupted views of Lough Swilly and the neighbouring Fanad peninsula. Derry people have traditionally spent their Sunday afternoons here stopping at beautiful Porthaw beach which conveniently marks the halfway point. Even on a cold winter’s day the weather seems mild along this stretch. Round off your walk with pints by the fire in Buncrana’s Drift Inn. There are few problems that can’t be solved by a walk along the Swilly.
Tom

Find the hidden boathouse, Glasgow

Sometimes the nearest walks that you can nip out on before darkness falls are the best in winter. Rosshall Park in Glasgow is a beautiful, often overlooked treasure of the city and a frequent walk for us when the days are shorter, perfect for some exercise after work. At the heart of the park is a small but elaborate carved grotto of pools and ponds from the late 1800s/early 1900s, with a duck pond that fills with pink and white lilies in summer. In winter, the ferns and decorative grasses that grow unruly from inbuilt planters in the grotto’s walls, are coated in frost, making the walk through the arches feel particularly magical.Try to find the hidden boathouse, which will bring out your inner Indiana Jones.
Katie

Golden sands and mining legacy, Cornwall

Park at Porthtowan, on Cornwall’s north coast. Take the low tide walk to Chapel Porth. The Atlantic is on one side, cliffs on the other. Golden sand in front, your footsteps behind. It’s important to time it properly. The beach cafe may be open to offer something warm. A zigzag up the coastal path follows, passing reminders of Cornwall’s mining legacy. Take some moments on the bench just before the drop into Porthtowan, perhaps to watch a brave surfer, the surging waves or a glimpse of Godrevy lighthouse.
Ben Merritt