Are you looking to start the year with a positive mind-set?
From short strolls through glistening frost-covered fields, to long walks over rolling hills and enchanted woodland, we’ve rounded up five of Britain’s best winter walks that are a great excuse to get out into nature and restore your sense of focus.
So pull on your walking boots and some thick socks – these walks are worth braving the cold for!
If you’d like to spend more time exploring any of the places below, check out our inspired British breaks travel guides and our nearest Hertz rental car branches.
1. Brent Tor, Dartmoor, Devon (3 miles)
Brent Tor is one of the most impressive rock outcrops in Dartmoor, formed from basaltic lava which flowed almost 350 million years ago into a shallow sea that covered the area during the Lower Carboniferous and Devonian periods.
Enjoy a delightful walk to the top of Brent Tor, where you’ll find the striking, 13th -century church of St Michael sitting at the summit. From here, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views across Devon – before respiting inside the warm church to marvel at the interior.
Visit on a wet and cold wintery day and your heart will drop at the sunset view and Dartmoor skyline from the top.
The walk starts in North Brentor and finishes at Mary Tavy Elephant’s Nest Inn.
To find out more about this walk, go to Visit Dartmoor.
Closest Hertz branch: Hertz Exeter
Telephone number: 0843 309 3028*
Address: 8 B Christow Road, Exeter, United Kingdom, EX2 8QP
Directions can be found here.
2. Chrome Hill, Derbyshire (6.5 miles)
Chrome Hill is an area with the most fascinating geology, where alien-looking formations (sharp, limestone hills) erupt out of the ground like miniature mountains.
The circular walk includes seven short but steep climbs to each summit, and from each, you’ll enjoy wonderful views over the Dove Valley towards the surrounding Peak District Hills.
The steepest hill has a contour at 425m – so make sure to put on your best walking boots and remember to take a photo from the top!
Start/Finish: The walk starts in the village of Earl Sterndale near Buxton. You will descend to Tor Rock and then through Dowel Dale and then Glutton Grange and Glutton Dale, before returning to Earl Sterndale.
Check out a map of Chrome Hill walk.
Closest Hertz branch: Hertz Macclesfield Sunderland House
Telephone number: 01625 800 148
Address: Sunderland Street, Macclesfield, United Kingdom, SK11 6JF
Directions can be found here.
3. Hadrian’s Wall Walk, Housesteads to Steel Rigg (8 miles)
Take a journey through history and explore Hadrian's Wall Country on this 8-mile circular walk. Renowned as being one of the richest parts of the country for Roman archaeology, there’s history to be uncovered every step of the way, from the wall itself, built in AD122, to the fascinating Housesteads Fort ruins.
The walk beings at Housesteads Fort.
To find out more about this walk, and for a map, visit the National Trust.
Closest Hertz branch: Hertz Newcastle - 2 Forth Banks
Telephone number: 0843 309 3052*
Address: 2 Forth Banks, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, NE1 3PA
Directions can be found here.
4. Seven Sisters & Friston Forest (8 miles)
Iconic and beautiful, the Seven Sisters is a series of chalk cliffs that border the English Channel between Seaford and Eastbourne. And though this circular walk over the cliffs is challenging (taking around six hours to complete), the stunning coastal views are definitely worth it. Just make sure to stay away from the edges!
As well as wild sea views, the walk also offers woodland and a number of steep ascents and descents, taking in Birling Gap, Seven Sisters and Friston Forest.
Start/Finish: Start and finish at either Exceat (Seven Sisters Country Park), East Dean Village or Birling Gap.
Check out a map of Seven Sisters & Friston Forest walk.
Closest Hertz branch: Brighton Railway Station
Telephone number: 01273 358 310
Address: Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Rd, Brighton BN2 9XZ
Directions can be found here.
5. Marazion to Porthleven, Penzance, Cornwall (10 miles)
Here’s another cliff walk which allows you to stroll along sandy beaches and really get lost in the beauty of nature.
Much of this walk passes through an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a level path allowing you to really take in the views as you go. Stop and see the surfing beach at Praa Sands, the quaint buildings around Prussia Cove, disused tin mines and a fascinating mining history - especially around Perranuthnoe.
The walk gets a little more difficult as you incline over the cliffs up to and beyond Praa Sands, so make sure to put on your walking boots.
Start/Finish: Marazion (View on Google Maps), Porthleven (View on Google Maps)
Check out a map of the Marazion to Porthleven walk.
Closest Hertz branch: Hertz - Truro Railway Station
Telephone number: 0843 309 3077*
Address: Station Rd, Truro TR1 3HH
Directions can be found here.
* Calls to 0843 numbers cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.