Eden Project, Cornwall, England

Ok, this one is a bit of a cheat as you’ll be able to whip off the winter woolies as soon as you step inside the giant Biome domes, which transport you into the humid climate of a tropical rainforest, surrounded by the flourishing plant life that thrives in such conditions. Plus, the outdoor gardens look stunning all year round as well.

Eden Project, Cornwall, England, UK by Cayetano

Snowdonia National Park, North Wales

As the name suggests, the peaks of Snowdonia offer a snow-capped winter wonderland for much of the season. While the weather can be hostile at the highest peaks, choose a clear and calm winter day and you will enjoy spectacular views across the park while breathing in the fresh, crisp air. The mountains are dramatic and the scenery is awe-inspiring with walking routes to suit all abilities taking in the mountains, cliffs and coast, while hardy souls will be able to refresh with white water rafting or kayaking in the chilly waters.

Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia National Park, UK by Christopher Owen Jones

Loch Ness, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands offer picturesque winter scenes more consistently than many other other areas of Britain, with a consistently cold and snowy climate throughout winter. It can be unforgiving if you’re not prepared, but if you wrap up warm then you will be rewarded with some of the most inspiring winter landscapes anywhere on earth. Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland and one of its most popular and it glistens in winter. Too deep to freeze over, you can still hire boats or enjoy trips on the loch during winter, giving you a unique perspective on the frosty surroundings and historic sights around the banks of the water, or catch it on a frosty morning to see mystical steam rising from the lake.

Loch Ness, Scotland, UK by Lyn Gateley

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Another attraction where you can escape the cooler climate and enjoy Mediterranean temperatures inside the balmy glasshouse which offers flourishing greenery and flowers in a warm atmosphere throughout the year. The outdoor gardens are perfectly maintained during the winter too and still a beautiful sight, while the glass-like lakes are mesmerising in the freezing temperatures.

National Botanic Garden of Wales, UK by Welsh

The New Forest, Hampshire, England

Walking through the historic New Forest you’ll be following in the footsteps of William I who used the forest as his private hunting ground back in the 11th century. Today you won’t come across many hunters, but you’ll hopefully encounter some tough local residents in the shape of the wild New Forest Ponies, which brave the chilly weather throughout the winter. A host of walks are available to enjoy the forest at its best throughout the winter and you’ll find plenty of pubs complete with log fires and local brews to help you warm up.

New Forest, Hampshire, England, UK by Jim Champion

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Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Jones

The world is filled with stunning and breathtaking landscapes, but did you know that some of the best are right on your doorstep? If you are anything like me you’ve probably spent your whole life living in the UK but have yet to see all of this small isle’s best beauty spots. From picturesque locations ideal for an afternoon stroll to more challenging hikes set against a fantastic backdrop, here is my run down of the top 7 must-see, must-do walks in the UK…

Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight (14 miles)

One for experienced hikers, this difficult but rewarding trail is so named because the poet Tennyson loved this challenging, up-and-down walk for the whole 40 years that he lived on the island in the 19th century, describing it as ‘noble down’.

Follow this marked trail and go back in time and you follow in Tennyson’s footsteps and view the scenery that inspired some of his best work, from the forbidding Carisbrooke Castle that imprisoned Charles I before he was executed in 1649, to the towering heights of Alum Bay which is the perfect spot for a lunch break before you head back down to Earth.

Ridgeway and Watlington Hill, Oxfordshire (8.5 miles)

For a more manageable walk suited to newer hikers, the beautiful Chiltern Hills are a hidden gem of the English countryside. From Lewknor village you move to a stunning nature reserve that is arguably Oxfordshire’s finest spot of natural beauty. Continue through the almost deserted Wormsley Valley with nature as your only companion, before heading through a delightful forest and up onto the chalky landscapes of Watlington Hill.

The Roaches, Staffordshire (8.5 miles)

Close to the famous Peak District lies this often-overlooked location, the perfect alternative when you want to avoid well-trodden paths and discover a quieter but no less beautiful area. Similar in length and pace, this dramatic landscape provides a stark contrast between the towering rocky summits and the lush green plains that you will see stretched out for miles and miles before you from the summit, Hen Cloud.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (10 miles)

The ideal choice for the amateur hiker, this relatively easy hike can be walked in around half a day and then a Hopper bus will take you back to the starting line at Great Malvern for a much deserved cup of tea in this picturesque Victorian spa resort. Following the gently sloping path upwards from St Anne’s Well you will traverse some of the UK’s finest woods and cross a beautiful open plain before reaching the hill’s summit, where a relaxing walk along the ridge will lead you to the bus service.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by TomGough

Coast to Coast, The Lake District (190 miles)

Not for the faint of heart, this 12-day walk is an absolute must for any true lover of the great outdoors. At just under 200 miles this trail is challenging but unmissable, offering breathtaking scenery and a last glimpse at an area of the UK that has not been tarnished by industrial development.  Start at St Bee’s head in the West where the walk is harder but the scenery is all the more stunning, reaching some of England’s highest grounds. Then leave the coastline behind you as you make for the famous Yorkshire moors, following through to an easy but delightful walk across the Eastern side to a grand finale at the historic Robin Hood’s Bay.

Manningtree to Dedham (4 miles)

The perfect beginner’s hike, this short and peaceful trail through the flat, open lands of South-East England starts at Manningtree rail station and passes across the wildlife-rich, rural marshlands of Flatford that was the inspiration behind Constable’s better-known words such as The Mill Stream. Literary walkers will want to stop at the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage on the way to discover more about this great author, before returning to Manningtree.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire (9 miles)

From the idyllic seaside town of Newport this lovely trail takes you up the side of the heather-wrapped mountain Carn Ingli. Continue across open moors and lonely woods in the deserted Gwaun Valley, before doubling back on a different set of ancient paths that lead back down the mountain to Newport.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Felix O

Have you been on some great hikes recently? Tell us all about it!

Kate Dawson is a keen writer who blogs for Optegra on a regular basis. Optegra are specialist eye care providers who provide many treatments such as cataracts treatment for a number of eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

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