When winter sets in, it’s tempting to stay indoors with a blanket and a hot drink. But the colder months bring their own magic. Frosted trees, snow-covered hills, and icy lochs transform familiar landscapes into breathtaking scenes. As well as being impressive to look at, these vistas provide the perfect setting for a winter stroll and a captivating backdrop for stunning photos.

To celebrate the UK’s winter scenery, we’ve revealed the top 20 winter walks, including the top 10 for each nation. The walks were ranked using Google reviews, star ratings, number of reviews and winter-related keywords to highlight the most scenic routes.

So, let’s get into the detail.

Which winter walks make the UK top five?

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is in first place with 814 winter-related reviews. Scotland’s first National Park spans 1,865 square kilometres of mountains, lochs, rivers and unspoilt woodlands. The Great Trossachs Forest, one of the UK’s largest nature reserves, is perfect for contemplative strolls, with trails weaving through mossy forests and misty hillsides.

2. Dartmoor National Park in Devon follows in second place with 657 reviews. The park is home to 235,000 acres of rolling hills, frozen streams and ancient woodlands which provide a serene backdrop for walks. As well as stunning scenery, various animals can be found on the grounds including the Dartmoor ponies and Bog Hoverflies.

3. Cairngorms National Park is in third place with 637 reviews. The UK’s largest National Park, covering 4,528 square kilometres features snow-capped mountains, frosted forests, and tranquil lochs. Due to its sheer size, the space covers 6% of Scotland’s land and is home to some of the UK’s highest mountain ranges, including Ben Macdui which stands at 1,309 metres.

3. Tollymore Forest Park ranks in third with 227 reviews. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, this forest features rivers, bridges, grottos, and snow-speckled trees. Rocky outcrops and panoramic views provide plenty of spots to take in the crisp winter air.

4. Ballintoy Harbour takes fourth place with 178 reviews. Located in County Antrim, this raised beach offers a painter’s paradise with sea stacks, rocky islands, pools, nestling harbour and sandy beach walks. It’s also famous for being used as the Iron Islands location in Game of Thrones.

5. Antrim Castle Gardens rounds out the top five with 152 winter-related reviews. This hidden gem is a 400-year-old garden complex featuring elements from different historical periods. Highlights include the splendid 17th Century Anglo Dutch style canals, a 12th Century motte and the Large Parterre Garden. At Christmas, it becomes a magical winter escape, with twinkling lights bringing the grounds to life.

Feeling inspired to explore the great outdoors and soak up the winter scenery? Discover the full list of the top 20 winter walks below.

England’s top five winter walks

Fancy taking a ramble in England? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top five walks – featuring everything from frosted gardens to beautiful countryside landscapes.

1. Dartmoor National Park takes the top spot for England’s best winter walk.

2. Lizard Point in Cornwall takes second place with 476 winter focused reviews. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs that overlook the historic Lizard Lighthouse, the area features white beaches, serene seas and unique geology.

3. Stourhead in Wiltshire follows in third with 403 reviews. This 2,650-acre landscape garden becomes enchanting in winter. First opened in the 1740s, the garden features a magnificent lake, neoclassical temples, bridges and the infamous Stourhead House. During the festive season, illuminated trails sparkle with lights creating a magical atmosphere.

4. Shropshire Hills in Shrewsbury takes fourth place with 266 winter-related reviews. The hills offer quiet landscapes and feature snow-dusted hillsides bare-branched trees that evoke classic countryside charm. Writers and filmmakers have long drawn inspiration from this serene scenery.

5. Clumber Park in Worksop, Nottinghamshire completes the top five with 200 reviews. Part of the Sherwood forest, the park combines history with natural beauty. Covering more than 3,800 acres, woodlands, gardens and a striking lake make it a versatile spot for family strolls or contemplative winter walks.

Wales’ top five winter walks

Wales is home to a variety of beautiful landscapes that provide the ideal setting for a winter stroll. Whether it’s striking mountains, tranquil rivers, or picturesque countryside, there’s something for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is in first place as the most wintery walk in Wales.

2. Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is in second place with 175 reviews. Perched atop a hill near Aberystwyth, this trail offers sweeping views over Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. Remnants of the area’s mining past peek through, adding historical texture to your walk.

3. Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls takes the third-place spot with 171 winter-centric reviews. Deep in the Cambrian Mountains, the 300-foot waterfalls are among the highest in Wales, featuring five major drops cascading through a woodland gorge. Even William Wordsworth was inspired by them, making the falls a must-see for nature lovers and poetry enthusiasts.

4. Aber Falls claims fourth place with 155 reviews. Located in the northern foothills of the Carneddau mountains, this 120-foot waterfall is known as one of the more accessible waterfalls in Snowdonia National Park. Visitors can enjoy a scenic path through woodlands and alongside the Afon Goch to the base of the falls.

5. National Botanic Garden of Wales takes the final spot in the top five with 129 reviews. This 568-acre garden in Carmarthenshire is a winder wonderland. The garden is home to the Great Glasshouse and are are filled with flower-rich meadows, woodlands and waterfalls.

Scotland’s top five winter walks

Scotland’s winter landscapes are nothing short of spectacular, with snow-dusted mountains, shimmering lochs, and vast moorlands cloaked in mist. From the Highlands to the islands, this country offers some of the most breathtaking winter walks in the UK.

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park takes the first-place spot for the best winter walk in Scotland, with 2. Cairngorms National Park following in second.

3. Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye secures the third spot with 407 winter-related reviews. Located near Glenbrittle at the foot of the Black Cullin Mountains these pools are a wild swimming hotspot and are known for their blue waters and icy temperatures.

4. Dunnottar Castle takes the fourth spot with 221 reviews. Perched on a cliff above the crashing North Sea, the oldest surviving structures date back to the 13th Century, whilst the rock (known as a pudding stone) was formed over 440 million years ago, making this a truly fascinating experience for geology enthusiasts.

5. Glenfinnan Viaduct completes the top five with 174 winter-centric reviews. The 380 metres long and 30 metres high viaduct was built between 1897 to 1901 and is in the West Scottish Highlands. Due to its appearance in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express route, the landmark attracts over 500,000 visitors every year and offers 360 panoramic views of rolling mountains and Loch Shiel.

The top five winter walks in Northern Ireland

Winter in Northern Ireland brings a crisp beauty to its landscapes. From the quiet forests to the rugged coastline and rolling mountains, these winter walks showcase the region’s natural charm and tranquillity.

1. The Giant’s Causeway is the best winter walk in Northern Ireland.

2. Carrick-a-Rede takes the second-place spot with 309 winter-centric reviews. The bridge which is over 250 years old and 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions. It offers unrivalled coastal views as well as Rathlin Island and Scotland across the sea.

3. Tollymore Forest Park ranks in third with 227 reviews. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, this forest features rivers, bridges, grottos, and snow-speckled trees. Rocky outcrops and panoramic views provide plenty of spots to take in the crisp winter air.

4. Ballintoy Harbour takes fourth place with 178 reviews. Located in County Antrim, this raised beach offers a painter’s paradise with sea stacks, rocky islands, pools, nestling harbour and sandy beach walks. It’s also famous for being used as the Iron Islands location in Game of Thrones.

5. Antrim Castle Gardens rounds out the top five with 152 winter-related reviews. This hidden gem is a 400-year-old garden complex featuring elements from different historical periods. Highlights include the splendid 17th Century Anglo Dutch style canals, a 12th Century motte and the Large Parterre Garden. At Christmas, it becomes a magical winter escape, with twinkling lights bringing the grounds to life.

If you’re looking to create lasting memories of your trails, explore our wide selection of photo books, personalised wall art , gifts, personalised calendars and photo prints.