by Walk on the side of the valley in Brussels Brunel
Start in the Christmas card-perfect village of Clifton, with its shops and cafes, then head to the observatory, where Brunel’s suspension bridge is in front of you. Follow the contours of the valley for more precise views, spotting peregrine falcons, peregrine falcons and goats along the way. Continue to the sea wall and you will be rewarded with the view of the sun setting over Wales in the distance. Follow the winding road back across the wide and beautiful Downs, the sunset at your back.
Helen
Pastoral Pennines to Alston, Cumbria
As popular as the Lake District, the Cumbria North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the east is a quieter alternative for walkers. Isaac’s Tea Trail links Alston, one of England’s highest market towns, with gorgeous Allendale. It goes near the little Nent; stone farmhouses blending into the landscape, hawthorns skimming over walled pastures. A hundred steps down through the woods, Nent Hall or Lovelady Shield offer warming brews, then walkers can watch the water slide under the ice as the path continues past waterfalls for two miles to Alston.
Dave
Coastal heritage and beauty, Cornwall
There are many wonderful walks on the South West Coast Path but our local area is from Trevaunance Cove, in St Agnes, up the headland towards Chapel Porth Beach. Overcoming the mining heritage of the area, there is a wonderful view towards Godrevy lighthouse and St Ives as you come over the cliff edge approaching the ruins of Wheal Coates engine house. Once at the Chapel, you can stop for a “croque” sandwich at the cafe before walking along the beach at low tide to the village of Porth Tuathain.
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Tips from Guardian Travel readers
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will appear online and may be printed. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage
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Walking wide, Norfolk
Whitlingham Broad is a beautiful place to walk at any time of the year, but especially in winter when the frost glazes the reeds and trees, and it’s all visible in the waters of the broad. There is a path that takes you around the broad, which is suitable for most walkers. The sight and sound of abundant waterfowl and other birds will add to your enjoyment as you walk. There is also a small cafe in a barn for a hot drink at the end.
Sarah Warren
History, and hounds, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Our favorite walk is across Rodborough Common in the hills above Stroud in Gloucestershire. It offers stunning views across the Severn to Wales. In the valley below is Woodchester, home of the Roman governor. The second largest Roman mosaic in Europe is thought to have been buried underground. Neither can be seen now, but the walk is still beckoned by history. There is also the Dog Tree. Every year the locals decorate it with Christmas decorations. People send horrible messages about their dogs that have died. It gives your eye a tear.
Andy Ferrari
Explore Monkstown, Northumberland
The eerie moors above Blanchland, including Monk’s Moor, are at their best in winter. The low sun casts long shadows over frosty heather, and the calls of grouse echo almost everywhere. Go north from Blanchland and turn south-west at Slaine forest on the Carriers Way to experience the immediate silence from the cover of pine trees. The silence is only interrupted by gorse jumping from tree to tree and a deer darting between them. When the path meets the River Derwent, follow the valley back to Blanchland where a pint awaits the fire at the Lord Crewe Arms.
Lauren Shields
Rocky peaks and gray frost in Monadh Ruach
The easiest route is through the Caledonian pine woods towards the Green Pond which takes you past the paddocks amongst the reindeer on a well surfaced path below the granite section of the Boy’s Mall, with a frosty gray blanket on the vegetation. I find it hard not to be excited about the joyous journey of the crayfish that make their home here. The green pool itself, with shelter on each side, can remain in all but the worst winter weather. The return allows good views of Loch Morlich, Cairn Gorm, and the top of Bearna Calamain on the horizon.
Niall
Devon, for sea views and swimming
When the cold sets in, my favorite winter treat is a coastal walk to Stoke Beach in south Devon. Starting in the picturesque Mayo village of Noss, the setting of a cozy play by Dawn French (The Trouble with Maggie Cole), head up the hill where you’ll be greeted by sea views. As you hug the coast on your left you will discover the mysterious 13th century church of St. Peter the Poor Fisherman. Hardy and experienced swimmers may want to swim here before returning around the path and finishing with a great lunch at The Ship Inn back in the village.
Paul
Marvel at the Armagh mountain mosaic
With the snow-capped Cullinan to climb, County Armagh’s Mystery Mountain is all about gaining a better understanding of the rocky, poetic landscapes that give rise to Ireland’s rich mythology. Rising from a patchwork of fens and wetlands, the Gullion is a mosaic of color in winter; crystalline frost gray contrasts with vibrant kaleidoscopic purples and golds of upland heather, ferns and junipers. Verdant forest paths and serpentine mountain paths wind through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, past fairy tombs, cruciform passage tombs and ancient burial cairns. Going up to the top shows the lake of Cálydh Béarra, according to legend, Miluchra disturbed Finn McCool and its waters maintain a magical attraction.
Conor Brady
Winning tip: South Shields seaside excursion
The walk from Sunderland to South Shields is delightful. From St Peter’s station you head down to the banks of the River Wear, passing the National Glass Center and the marina, and then to the coast. Following a straight line up to Shields you pass various lighthouses, sculptures and, of course, chip shops. The Marsden Grotto pub offers an old cliff lift and views of the seafront, taking in a wealth of bird activity and Tynemouth Priory and Castle to the north. It is quite special in winter.
Tom Whelan
