The scenery can be stunning at this time of year, and the exercise might be the perfect antidote to a Christmas spent lounging around and scoffing chocolates.
But exactly where should you go for a walk? There are a few worthwhile places to consider.
Coastal Charm: Ramsgate to Margate, Kent
The Kentish coastline can be particularly inspiring at this time of year. You can start a walk at Margate and explore a series of bays (including Botany Bay), before ending up in nearby Ramsgate. The terrain is reasonably varied, and you can expect biting wind during winter. Make sure that everyone has a sturdy pair of walking boots, and that they’re wrapped up reasonably warm.
Woodland Wonders: Haldon Forest Park, Devon
If you’ve paying a visit to Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter, then the Discovery Trail offers a short stroll through the pines that’s great for families with small children. It’s just a mile and a half long, and thus provides a perfect introduction to nature.
Historic Landscapes: Bakewell to Chatsworth, Peak District
If you’re based further to the north, then the Peak District might be compelling. There’s a particularly noteworthy walk stretching between Bakewell and nearby Chatsworth House. There are actually two distinct walks to choose from, covering either six or eight miles. You can pick whichever you like, and enjoy a stunning country estate, and amazing views of the house itself and the surrounding landscape.
Enchanted Forest: Bryngarw Country Park, South Wales
This Welsh country park offers two very short walks: the Riverside Ramble, which covers just half a mile, and the Woodland Walk, which covers around three-quarters of a mile. Having completed a circuit, you can then explore the Bryngarw House itself, which, according to some estimates, dates back to the fifteenth century.
Coastal Adventure: Blakeney to Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Finally, we should consider another coastal walk. This one is in Norfolk, and covers three miles between Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Arrive at the latter, and you’ll be able to enjoy views of the iconic Cley windmill, as well as the sea itself. Unlike many of the other coastal walks in the country, this one is reasonably flat – which makes it approachable even for families with limited mobility. During your stroll, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of winter birds in the surrounding marshland.
By Bs0u10e01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121611684