Top Three Wintery Walks Where You Live
There’s no better feeling, after tucking into a hearty Christmas dinner, than donning your warmest woollies and heading outside for a refreshing walk.
In the UK, we’re lucky to have access to some really picturesque locations. So, whether you’re a seasoned rambler or novice walker, we’ve put together our top three favourite walks across the East and West Midlands, and South East of England.
Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire
Just a short drive from our Highgrove Fields neighbourhood in Sileby is Beacon Hill Country Park – a beautiful nature area, filled with trails, undulating hills, wildlife and spectacular viewpoints.
Whether you’re choosing to walk or cycle over the festive period, there are plenty of routes to take, all varying in distance and all offering sublime views of Leicestershire’s natural woodland, grassland and flora and fauna.
You may find it hard to believe, but this beauty spot is located just two-miles from the M1. With the peace and serenity of the park though, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the middle of nowhere.
It also has a rustic play area for kids, hidden in the middle of a secluded forest - perfect for little explorers.
Don’t forget to look out for the unique sculptures scattered across the park, the grazing livestock and, for that ultimate ‘wow’ moment, head towards the summit of Beacon Hill which, at 248m high, boasts panoramic views across Leicestershire.
Packwood House, Warwickshire
Pack the wellies, and prepare for a walk across Warwickshire’s picturesque countryside at Packwood House - a National Trust-owned estate, set over 600 acres of country park and just under 15-minutes from our Regency Fields neighbourhood in Tidbury Green.
With 15 lakes, country lanes and miles of tree-lined fields, there are plenty of options to suit every walker. Take the Packwood House to Baddesley Clinton Walk, where you can walk through the Arden countryside, taking in the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and two Tudor country homes.
Although the walk lasts around two and a half hours, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views of the Warwickshire countryside. You can also sample a coffee and slice of cake from one of the Tudor cafés en route.
West Wittering Beach, Chichester
A trip to the beach doesn’t have to be limited to summer. In fact, there’s nothing more revitalising than a brisk walk along the beach on a cold winter’s morning. And, West Wittering Beach in Chichester, just under a 25-minute drive from our Minerva Heights neighbourhood, is the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs of Christmas.
This four-mile walk along the white sandy beach towards East Head is a great alternative to a countryside walk. On a clear day, the walk offers incredible vistas of the blue waters, with far-reaching views across the Isle of Wight. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals on the horizon.
Stop by the beach café on your way home to grab a piping hot chocolate; you’ll be able to warm up your fingers and toes, while watching the world go by.
If you have a favourite festive family walk, share it with us over on our Facebook or Twitter pages. And, if you’re braving the cold on Christmas Day, tag us in your winter adventures and we’ll share our favourite photographs over on our Instagram page.