There’s nothing like a refreshing walk (Picture: Getty Images)
The Boxing Day walk is a beloved tradition, and a chance to get a bit of fresh air before heading back inside for a leftover turkey sandwich.
From frozen lakes and frosty forests, to bracing coastal walks there are lots of different landscapes to explore across the UK.
And, Boxing Day or not, walking has a whole host of health benefits. Research from Cotswold Outdoor, which surveyed 2,000 people, found that 47% of people say that going on long walks improves their mental health – which can often suffer at this time of year.
So wherever you are, grab your scarf and your walking boots, and try out one of these scenic walks – from gentle strolls, to more adventurous climbs, these are perfect for Boxing Day, and beyond.
North East: Cragside, Northumberland
Northumberland National Park is pretty impressive (Picture: Getty Images)
On the outskirts of Northumbria National Park, lies the village of Rothbury. It’s home to the first house (actually a Victorian mansion) with hydroelectric and hydraulic power, now a National Trust property.
The home was powered by two man-made lakes, which now provide the backdrop to Nelly’s Moss Lakes Walk, an easy one-and-a-half-mile route around both lakes. However, on a frosty morning, the two-mile Views of Cragside walk is well worth the extra effort, as it provides Victorian Christmas card scenes of the magnificent house and its stunning grounds.
For those looking to stretch their legs even further, there are over 40 miles of footpath to explore, taking in the hills, woodlands and gardens. When you need to warm up, the house is well worth exploring, but if you’re pressed for time, you can just pop to the on-site café.
On Boxing Day, the garden, grounds, shop and tearoom will be open from 11am to 3pm. The house itself is closed.
North West: Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
A woody walk in the Forest of Bowland (Picture: Getty Images)
A designated Area of Outstanding Beauty, dubbed the Switzerland of England, the Forest of Bowland is one of the largest and most important areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in Lancashire. For Lord of the Rings fans out there, it’s also said to be the landscape that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy lands in the books.
There are miles of rolling hills, valleys and quaint villages to explore, so whether you’re looking for a relaxed walk post-Christmas indulgence or something more challenging, there is plenty to keep you busy. Plus, it’s a great place to get away from it all, as you can walk for miles without seeing another soul.
If you want to make a day of it, Cotswold Outdoor recommend the seven-and-a-half mile Roeburndale Walk, which takes you through ancient woodlands and open access moorland and on a clear day offers views of Calf Top, Gragareth, Whernside and Ingleborough.
South West: St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall
The coastal path between St Ives and Zennor (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You might not think of heading down to the beach in December, but a bracing coastal walk can brush off those cobwebs. During the winter months, this must-visit Cornish destination is far less crowded than in peak season – but no less spectacular.
The walk from St Ives to Zennor is roughly six miles and can be completed in either direction. As it’s not a circular route, once you’ve reached your destination, you can either get the bus back, or the brave can turn back on yourself and make it a longer 12-mile walk.
The path follows the ins and outs of the headlines and inlets, and with breathtaking views across the beaches, you quickly feel miles away from bustling St Ives.
Although a moderate walk, parts of the path are narrow with uneven terrain, so you need to take care with your footing.
If you finish your walk in Zennor, head to the Tinners Arms. Built in 1271 to house masons working on the nearby church, it is now a cosy pub that is the perfect place to warm up.
West Midlands: Kinver Edge, Staffordshire
A snowy footpath at Kinver Edge (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Take a walk into the past and discover the Rock Houses at Kinver Edge. Although there are a range of routes to explore, the Rock House Trail is a great choice for Boxing Day – the four-mile circular route takes two to three hours to complete, and although generally moderate, there are some steeper sections in the woods.
Along the route, there are different rock houses – although they’re not open to explore on Boxing Day. The surrounding landscape is still spectacular though, opens out into heathland.
Although the rock houses are the real star of the show on this walk, there is plenty to absorb along the way, including woodland and heathland, longhorn cattle and a variety of wildlife. The garden and tea room is also closed on Boxing Day, so make sure you bring your own snacks and a hot drink.
Yorkshire: Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay is stunning (Picture: Getty Images)
Another coastal walk,this four-mile circular route takes in all the charm of Robin Hoods Bay, with incredible views out across the North Sea.
Located between Whitby and Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay offers a unique seaside experience with quaintcottages and narrow courtyards tumbling down the steep slope towards the sea. The bay was once famous for smuggling, and it was claimed villagers linked their cellars to pass contraband up the steep slope unnoticed by the authorities.
For this walk, you’ll need to park at the top of the bay as there’s no visitor parking in the bay. From the car park, head towards the disused railway line, before joining the Cleveland Way and following the cliff tops for spectacular sea views – walk for as little or as long as you like. You might even spot some people going for a bracing Boxing Day swim in the sea.
East Midlands: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
A family friendly walk in Nottinghamshire (Picture: Getty Images)
If you’re after a family-friendly walk this Boxing Day, then we recommend heading to Wollaton Hall just on the outskirts of Nottingham. With over 500 acres of gardens and parkland and two cafes, it’s easy to spend the entire day here.
There are numerous family trails and play areas, so it’s a great place for little ones to burn off excess energy. Plus, for the bigger kids, there’s an onsite orienteering course.
Although a delightful place to visit at any time of year, it comes into its own through winter. The lake takes on a magical quality on frosty mornings, and the house shines in its Elizabeth Grandeur as the early morning mists rise.
On Boxing Day, the park is open from 9am to 4pm, while the shop, café and toilets are open from 10am until 4pm. The Hall itself is closed.
East: Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, Suffolk
Good for bird watchers (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Lackford Lakes is a must-visit destination for anyone serious about twitching, with Shoveler, Lapwing, Goosander, Bittern and Goldeneye all descending on this reserve during the winter months.
There are various routes available, taking from one to two hours but don’t be surprised if you end up spending longer as there are many hides where you can while away the hours seeing what you can spot. It’s worth packing a flask and some snacks.
Just 10 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, the reserve is easy to access and open all year round. The paths can become muddy and waterlogged during the winter months, so waterproof footwear is a must.
On crisp, clear mornings, you can soak up the frosty, frozen landscapes, while an afternoon visit brings the bright orange and pink hues of an early winter sunset.
On Boxing day, the visitor centre and toilets will be closed.
South: Marlpit Hill, Kent
Check out the wildlife (Credits: Getty Images/500px)
This walk starts and ends at the family-friendly Swan Pub in Edenbridge, takes around two hours to complete, and while moderate, includes several stiles.
The route takes you past Broxham Manor and Moat, famous for having been burnt down twice before finally being rebuilt in the 18th Century to the right as the original location was believed to be unlucky.
Edenbridge itself was once an important crossroads on route to the Forest of Weald, so has a wealth of history.
Budding photographers should pack their cameras as the route is home to a range of wildlife, including robins, deer and winter wildfowl, while the low golden light makes for spectacular pictures of the frost-covered pastures and crystalised waterways surrounding Marlpit Hill.
Wales: Castell Coch And Fforest Fawr
A beautiful walk through the forest (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The fairytale castle with towering turrets and charming conical roofs rises from the ancient beech woods of Forest Fawr and is frequently used for TV programmes, including Sherlock and Merlin.
This location is best appreciated in the morning, so you can catch the sun slowly rising and the mists clearing to reveal the magnificent castle. It offers range of circular walks, including a sculpture trail based on a giant living in the woods. Whichever trail you take through the forest, you’re walking in an area steeped in history, keep an eye out for mounds and hollows, which are the remains of ancient iron-making workings and spoil tips.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to visit inside the castle to enjoy its lavish furnishings and fairytale allure, as it’s closed over Christmas.
Northern Ireland: Slieve Binnian, County Down
This is a challenging walk (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
One of the more challenging routes, this six-mile walk takes around four-and-a-half miles to complete.
Located in the magical Mourne Mountains, the landscape that inspired much of C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. The mountain range formed around 13,000 years ago when vast ice sheets began to melt and has a pre-historic feel.
The route is challenging, with the 600m ascent demanding some hillwalking experience and the right equipment, including walking poles for extra support on the toughest sections of the climb. However, on clear days once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with views across the County Down coastline.
You should keep a lookout for wildlife on your walk with Irish Hare, Falcons and Snow Bunting present during the winter months.
Scotland: Loch Morlich, Highlands
This walk takes just an hour (Picture: Getty Images)
As the winter conditions in the Highlands can be challenging for the most experienced walkers, a gentler option is a route around the beautiful Loch Morlich.
In winter, the Loch freezes and the surrounding snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop. It’s one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the mountains without having to climb them.
At just over three miles long, the walk only takes around an hour and a half to complete, making it ideal for a Boxing Day stroll. For the most part, the route is wide and smooth, but in wintry conditions, you need to watch out for patches of ice.
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Whether it’s a Boxing Day stroll or a more adventurous climb, there’s something for every rambler.
