The best UK country parks for a winter walk
The cold and sometimes wet winter weather shouldn’t stop you from getting outdoors and enjoying some fresh air and the beautiful scenery that is all around. The UK boasts some of the prettiest views in the world, and that makes it the perfect location for a winter walk, wherever you may live.
From huge national parks to seaside towns and country parks, there is plenty to explore and discover right on your doorstep. In this guide, we take a look at some of the best country parks in the UK that also offer great accessibility for all. With recommendations from local bloggers included, read on if you want to find some new local walking spots.
The best UK country parks for a winter walk:
- Lepe Country Park, the New Forest
- Margam Country Park, Neath Port Talbot
- Rother Valley Country Park, South Yorkshire
- Lickey Hills Country Park, Birmingham
- Ham Hill Country Park, Somerset
Lepe Country Park, New Forest
Located in the New Forest, Lepe Country Park is a combination of sophisticated parkland and coastal beauty as it brushes along the Hampshire coast. A popular location for walkers, the Lepe Loop is a 5-mile circular walk that offers the best of both worlds, coast and country. Although the terrain can be uneven at times, it is still suitable for those with limited mobility as long as sensible footwear is worn. If walking at a leisurely pace, the walk can take around two hours and is a great way to see some of the Hampshire countryside.
The shoreline and beach are also great locations for a brisk walk that offer long-stretching views across the Solent to the Isle Of Wight. The long shingle beach is home to an abundance of amazing wildlife, with the Lepe Point Nature Reserve close by, so a walk in the area is always going to offer some amazing sights and sounds. If you want to bring your furry friends on a walk with you, you’ll be pleased to know the country park is dog friendly.
Margam Country Park, Port Talbot
Margam Country Park near Port Talbot is a location of history, mystery and sheer beauty. Not just a country park, this location is home to Margam Castle, landscaped gardens and a huge deer park that is home to its very own herd of deer. With over 800 acres to explore on a walk, you can really tailor your experience to your wants and needs. With a plethora of waymarked trails to follow, you can choose the length and difficulty of your route so even those who may rely on aids like home lifts or stairlifts can enjoy a stroll. We’ve recommended a few of the most popular trails below.
Pulpit Trail – The Pulpit Trail is 2.25 miles trail that is marked out by blue signage and takes you up to the Pulpit View Point. The trail can be steep in some sections, so those with limited mobility should consider that beforehand.
Monastic Trail – The Monastic Trail is marked out by purple signage and takes you 2.5 miles around the Iron Age hill fort and then onto the medieval church Hen Eglwys, which both sit in the land. Again, the walk is relatively easy but can be steep in some places.
Craig-y-lodge Trail – An easy route for those who may be limited in mobility, the 1.5-mile Craig-y-lodge Trail is marked out by red signs and follows some of the lower areas of the park. This is the perfect route for those who want to try and catch a glimpse of the Margam Deer.
Rother Valley Country Park, South Yorkshire
In the borough of Rotherham in South Yorkshire, Rother Valley Country Park is a location that you really can’t beat if you’re looking to enjoy a winter stroll. This location is one that Petra, blogger at A Mum Reviews, recommended to us; she explained why:
“My recommendation for a country park that is suitable for everyone in the family and also has great accessible facilities is Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire. It’s a beautiful place with a circular walk around Rother Valley Lake. The path is wide, flat, and well-kept. There are accessible parking spaces available and also accessible toilets which are accessed from the courtyard. The courtyard has a ramp/sloped path for easy access. The courtyard also offers plenty of seating options, both open air and undercover, to use for food you’ve brought with you or purchased from The Stables Café, which is also located in the courtyard.”
With challenging trails and easy, gentle paths, the location is great for the whole family to enjoy. Paths, bridleways and cycling trails criss-cross over the park, and wherever you walk, you’re going to be greeted by beautiful views and plentiful wildlife.
Lickey Hills Country Park, Birmingham
Ten miles south of Birmingham lies Lickey Hills Country Park. Covering 524 acres, the parkland is a playground for those looking to enjoy a winter walk, as it is home to 380 species of flowering plants, 350 species of fungi and 17 species of fern. Beacon Hill is the most famous viewpoint at the Lickey Hills and offers expansive views over the rolling countryside, and is part of one of the many marked walks in the park.
Maps that detail the walking routes can be bought at the visitor centre, and many of these take you to some of the best parts of the park. With longer and more strenuous walks as well as shorter circular walks that are suitable for those of all abilities. A walk in Lickey Hills Country Park is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and really appreciate the beauty of nature.
Ham Hill Country Park, Somerset
Known for being one of the most geologically important sites in Somerset, Ham Hill Country Park is centred around an Iron Age hill fort near Yeovil in South Somerset. With over 390 acres of wildflower meadows, woodlands, paths and bridleways, the site really is a tranquil and peaceful location. Ham Hill is also a profound location that is known for being home to the beautiful golden rock hamstone.
The park is known for its accessible walks that are suitable for those of all ages and mobility levels and is a great way to see some of the best views in Somerset. Alternatively, just walking to get a glimpse of the hamstone up close is enticing enough.
If you’re looking for a location to enjoy a crisp winter walk, then hopefully, this guide has given you a little inspiration for some stunning places to visit. For more blogs and guides like this, make sure you check out our blog.