The document provides descriptions of several winter walking trails throughout the UK that offer scenic views and opportunities to see wildlife. A trail near Corfe Castle in Dorset is described as following paths through former communal land and burial mounds on a 1.5 mile route that was an inspiration for Enid Blyton's books. The Chess Valley Walk in Buckinghamshire runs along a chalk stream hosting various wildlife over its 10 mile route. Culbin Forest in Moray, Scotland has a family-friendly two hour trail through woodland and past views of the Cairngorms.

1. Need some inspiration? Sign up
to a Ramblers Festival of Winter
Walks from 19 Dec to 3 Jan – free,
fun and friendly group walks to
get your body moving. Go to
ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks
to find more walks near you.
Exercise
Gobackintime
Where better to start a big
adventure than Corfe Castle in
the village of Corfe in Dorset,
the place Enid Blyton used as her
inspiration for Kirrin Castle in
her Famous Five books. Starting
at the ticket office, this 1.5-mile
trail is idea for all ages. Follow
the path across the former Halves
or Hawes communal land, over
the Copper Bridge built in the
1800s, and along the bumpy path
(remains of Bronze Age burial
mounds). You’ll come to an area
used by 18th century smugglers
– who were busy transporting
French brandy and silk gloves to
London – before heading back
along the original track that was
once used by carts between the
quarries to the Castle.
FiND out moRE Nationaltrust.
org.uk/corfe-castle/trails/
corfe-common-history-walk
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winter
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Watchwildlife
Deep in the Chilterns Area of Natural
Outstanding Beauty in Buckinghamshire,
the 10-mile Chess Valley Walk is rich in
wildlife. Starting from Rickmansworth
Station, follow the calming waters of
The Chess – a chalk stream that plays
host to water voles, kingfishers, brown
trout and damselfly. The route will also
take you past historical manor houses
before finishing the walk at Chesham.
FiND out moRE Chilternsaonb.
org/explore-enjoy/interactive-
map.html#381
the two-hour trail through
Culbin Forest in moray is
accessible for those with
terrain baby buggies so great
for families. Start at Wellhill
car park and see the big tree
planted by former Pm Harold
Wilson in 1969, then follow
the black arrows until you
come to Hill 99. Here, the
kids will love to climb up
the wooden tower, which
gives amazing views over
the Cublin nature reserve
and as far as the Cairngorms.
As you descend, you’ll pass
the dragonfly pool and go
through more woodland until
you’re right back to the start.
FiND out moRE
Walkhighlands.co.uk/
moray/culbin-forest.shtml
Seewonderful
waterfalls
If you don’t mind a rather steep climb
and descent, try the six-mile circular walk
to Cautley Spout in the Yorkshire Dales
to view the highest cascade waterfall in
England. Starting at the Cross Keys pub in
Sedburgh, cross the footbridge over the
River Rothay towards Pickering Gill, head
round Ben End and the impressive falls
will be before you. Overall, it’s three hours
of stunning scenery, but only attempt it
when the weather is clear as the path can
become as dramatic as the views at times.
FiND out moRE Walkingbritain.co.uk/
walks/walks/walk_a/3006/
This 12½-mile scenic ramble, part of
the Viking Way in Lincolnshire, is marked
by Viking helmets! Starting at Bardney,
you’ll pass Bardney Abbey, sacked by
the Vikings in AD870, Stainfeld Hall, once
the site of a Benedictine priory, and
Barlings Abbey, founded in 1154. The trail
ends just outside Lincoln city centre, but
the cathedral is well worth a visit too.
FiND out moRE microsites.
lincolnshire.gov.uk/countryside/
visiting-the-countryside/walking/
viking-way/
p
W t h ildlif
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Seewonderful
Enjoy this seven-mile trek in the Quantocks Hills in
Somerset, home to William Wordsworth and Samuel
Taylor Coleridge in the late 1790s. Starting at Holford,
you’ll pass Holford Combe, where the video for Bryan
Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You was shot. Take
in the vista at Pack Way, then go on to Lady’s Edge, a
favourite of the poets. You’ll also pass Alfoxton House,
the venue of wild parties hosted by Wordsworth,
before reaching the footbridge over Holford Glen.
FiND out moRE Discoveringbritain.org/walks/
region/south-west-england/quantocks.html#tabbox
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