Dreaming of a White Christmas?
We may not get all of our wishes, but White Christmas or not, winter always offers a walking wonderland.
So, here are a few suggestions for top spots for wonderful winter walks.
Follow the Vikings
The Viking Way, which runs 149 miles from the Humber Bridge to Rutland, marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, so celebrate early and get out to explore all, or part of the long-distance trek. Crossing through the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the historic city of Lincoln, the route is famously marked with signs bearing a Viking helmet on a yellow disc. For plenty more inspiration for walking routes through Lincolnshire, whatever the time of year, check out Visit Lincolnshire’s website here.
Clifftop rambles
Summer sees the towering coastal cliffs of East Yorkshire come alive with nesting sea birds. In fact, so many arrive that the RSPB Bempton Cliffs nature reserve has the well-earned nickname of “Seabird City’. With seabirds largely departed for a winter at sea, the coastal clifftop paths may not seem like the place to be for a winter wander. But while a quiet time of year, the bracing cliff top walks and soaring seascapes are probably the best in Yorkshire. Head a little further south along the coast and Flamborough Head, with its spectacular chalk cliffs, stacks, arches and smugglers’ caves, as well as two lighthouses, is also one of Britain’s hotspots for migrant birds.
Winter Wanderlust
Head for almost anywhere in the Lincolnshire Wolds, and you’ll be hard pressed not to find a walk to suit, whatever the season, but a dusting of snow, or a frosty morning, certainly adds to the charm. Perhaps one of the less well-known routes is The Wanderlust Way, a 20-mile circuit which starts and finishes in Bradley Woods, just outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in the north of the county, but which passes through attractive small villages and across the woods and farmland of the undulating Wolds.
Bridging the gap
For a truly towering view, head to the Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Hull. A haven for people and wildlife offering dramatic views over the River Humber and famous Humber Bridge. Set amongst woods, meadows, ponds and cliffs, the tree covered chalk terraces of the old chalk quarry offer dramatic views over the River Humber and towering Humber Bridge.
A country estate meander
Sitting elegantly in formal gardens with views across pleasure grounds and an ancient deer-park, Belton House is often cited as being the perfect example of an English country-house estate. While the house and playground are closed, the garden and park at Belton are open right through winter, perfect for a wander around the gardens, pleasure grounds and 1,300 acres of parkland. From crisp, bright, frosty days to atmospheric, misty mornings, Belton is a delight in winter. One of the best views is from top of the slope to the Old Wood.
Westwood walk’s Minster views
While the medieval market town of Beverley is a great spot to wander the cobbled streets to marvel at the historic architecture, the pastures of The Westwood offers a wide-open space popular with families and walkers. With parking also available, the acres of common land consists of open space and wooded areas – and with the added advantage of views of the magnificent Beverley Minster in the distance.
A stroll with Elizabethan splendour
The free-to-enter parkland surrounding one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses offers a chance to stroll through the Deer Park landscaped by Capability Brown. While Burghley House and Gardens may be closed, the free car park and parkland remain open throughout the year. Along with views of the House itself – which recently featured as a real-life movie location for Netflix’s Frankenstein – there are also sweeping vistas down to the spires of Stamford, said to be England’s finest stone town, just a mile-and-a-half walk through the park.
