Top 10 Christmassy walks in the UK

There’s nothing like getting out in the fresh air at Christmas. If, like us, you love the crunch of frost under your feet and the chance to take in some incredible winter scenery, here we’ve got some of the best Christmas walks in the UK to add to your festive agenda.

Cairngorms, Scotland

The Cairngorm mountains in Scotland are truly magical at Christmastime. The national park is a haven for wildlife and has plenty of fantastic walks to enjoy at this time of year. You may also spot the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the UK. Head to Lochan Uaine which means ‘Green Loch’ – it’s claimed that the green water comes from fairies washing their green clothes in it. If you’re lucky enough, you might just see one.
Lyme Park, Cheshire

Nestled at the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park is wonderful for a walk at any time of year but it’s extra special at Christmas. The 1300 acre estate has incredible views and is home to a deer park with red and fallow deer. There’s woodland to stroll through, views from Sponds Hill to drink in, and the beautiful Lyme Hall to wander around. Fingers crossed for snow too!
Marloes, Pembrokeshire

Head to Marloes on the Pembrokeshire coast for bracing sea air and breathtaking views. This stretch of coastline has some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the UK and some famous wildlife too. Stretch your legs along the coastal path and look out to Skomer and the Skokholm Islands to try and spot the puffins in their breeding grounds.
New Forest, Hampshire

You’ll find some of the best Christmas walks in the UK in Hampshire’s New Forest. Throw on your walking boots and get ready to explore its ancient woodland and endless trails. As well as the beautiful landscapes, a real treat is the wild ponies that call the area home.
Nare Head, Cornwall

Get ready to take in some of the best scenery in Cornwall, with a 7.5 mile hike from Carne Beach up to Nare Head and back. This circular route takes you along the South West Coastal Path and includes views of Veryan Castle and quaint Cornish villages. If you’re feeling brave and want to blow away the Christmas cobwebs, how about a dip in the sea too?
Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales

You know we love our Yorkshire heritage at TOG24, so we had to include a Yorkshire destination in our best Christmas walks list. And you really can’t beat Malham Cover with its epic limestone cliffs and awe-inspiring Gordale Scar waterfall. Follow the circular route to the top of the cove and breathe in the countryside views. You’re in God’s own county.
Kingley Vale, West Sussex

Close to the market town of Chichester, Kingley Vale is a lovely hillside nature reserve with a range of leisurely walking routes to enjoy. You’ll wander through woodland until you reach the Devil’s Humps, where the ground plateaus and opens out. Drink in the views out over Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. What a delightful Christmas present from Mother Nature.
Tayport and Tentsmuir, Fife

Begin your eight-mile circular walk in Tayport town centre and stroll to Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve and back. Christmas is a wonderful time to visit. As you hike across sand, through dunes and in and out of woodland, there’s the chance to spot an abundance of wildlife, including greylag geese, sea eagles, ospreys and seals.
Cynfal Falls, Snowdonia

Head to Snowdonia for epic mountain views and a plethora of Christmas walk options. One of our favourites in this part of the world has to be Cynfal Falls. Boasting four miles of striking scenery, you’ll take in waterfalls and an impressive gorge along the way. It’s probably too cold to dip your feet in the water though!
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Lake District

This stone circle is a stunning sight in winter. Start your walk in Keswick and hike up to the Lake District’s answer to Stonehenge on this four-mile circular walk. At the top of the hill, you’ll find a large circle of 30 stones, each around two metres high, and a smaller inner circle. It’s a wonderfully peaceful and spiritual place for a Christmas walk.

What to wear on a Christmas walk

When you’re heading out into nature at Christmas, you’ll need to wrap up warm. A winter jacket is essential and you’ll likely need a fleece to layer under your coat too. Throw some ski socks on your feet underneath your hiking boots, and don’t forget those thermal base layers if you’re tackling the likes of the Cairngorms in Scotland or Snowdon. A good winter hat is essential and you shouldn’t go anywhere at this time of year without a trusty pair of gloves. Hopefully, you’ll get a new pair in your stocking this year.

Happy walking. And Merry Christmas!

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