It’s a bit of an effort sometimes, but almost always worth it, even when the weather throws its nastiest stuff at you. Your mind and your memory are assuring you that you’ll feel just great once you’re out and striding along the tops of those sharp winter hills, but the year itself, dipping right down into the valley of the solstice, is yawning at you to join in the hibernation. There’s the extra gear to put on: the wool, the fleece, the waterproofs – what some serious walkers call layering – with maybe a bit of thermal going on underneath.
The first incline of the day is always a wake-up call, but the heart hears it, the blood speeds up, the central heating kicks in and by the time you’re rewarded with the first small elevation, you know this was the right thing to do with the day. The brevity of the daylight even lends it a kind of scarcity value.
Much of the winter-walking I’ve done has been in Surrey. Why? Because it’s there, as George Mallory said about Mount Everest. It’s a dark horse of a county, is Surrey – surprisingly, perhaps, the most heavily wooded in England, according to a Forestry Commission survey. They’re fine things, trees, but too many of them and they can get in the way of the view.
There’s a particular walk I’ve done in all seasons, starting at Box Hill & Westhumble station, just after the train has gone through a magic tunnel which converts the land from south London suburbia to open countryside in a matter of seconds.
In the summer, the foliage on some of the paths on the shoulders of the North Downs is almost blinding, while down in the low ground between Ranmore Common and Polesden Lacey there are times you are walking through a green tube.
Doing that brilliant circuit the other day confirmed my suspicion that winter is the best time to come this way. The high summer weather and full-blown trees are so very adept at their own PR, particularly in our perverse climate. But now, with the plain white sky visible through the countless random frames of dark branches, the upward view became a kind of monochrome stained glass. Less flash but more restful. Also, you could see the line of the downs more clearly on its way west towards the remote church of St Martha-on-the Hill, on the Pilgrims’ Way to the west of Guildford.
Of course, winter can show off as well as the next season when it puts its mind to it and turns the world white overnight. But its best and most seasonal gift is that of unlayering, even as you’re wrapping up.
Readers’ favourite winter walks
Stunning Jurassic Coast walk
The walk from Branscombe beach to the small fishing village of Beer in Devon, and back, must be one of the most stunning walks you can make in Britain. For every 10 yards altitude gained when leaving the beach at Branscombe, your view improves, providing you with miles and miles of “seascape” once you’ve reached the top. Once at the top, the walk is quite an easy one. What adds to the attraction is that your walk is sandwiched between some great places to eat and drink, both at Branscombe and in Beer. Treat yourself to a lovely pint of the locally brewed Branoc Ale in front of a log fire at the Mason’s Arms, and your winter’s day has reached perfection!
Ruud Jansen Venneboer
Malven Hills
From Great Malvern station walk up through the town, possibly stopping for coffee and cake at one of the cafes, and go up St Ann’s Road into the Hills. Stay on the east side of the Hills and head generally upwards until you are out of the trees and can navigate to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon by sight. From the top, drop down on the west side of the hills aiming for West Malvern. In the village stop for soup and a beer at the Brewer’s Arms. Head back up the west side of the hills and head north. As you drop off the north end of the hills follow the road back down to Malvern Link station. Stop at the Nag’s Head if you must. The best days are when there’s mist in the valleys and you are up above it in the sun.
stopbangingon
West Oxfordshire
Witney lakes, a lovely half-hour walk for all the family and dogs on the outskirts of town.
ID6383022
A walk in Olde England
Start your winter around Bosworth battlefield along the banks of the busy canal at Sutton Cheney Wharf, head through the hauntingly silent woods then march up the hill where two huge flags dedicated to Richard III and Henry Tudor fly dramatically over the Leicestershire countryside where the last Plantagenet King of England was slain. Round off your exertions with a home made lamb pasty or stilton cheese salad and pint at the excellent cafe.
nicolletta
Waseley Hills, south of Birmingham
When it snows you get lots here. Plus extensive views back to Birmingham and the Black Country; to the Clee Hills in Shropshire; to the Malvern Hills and beyond to the Brecon Beacons; and south to the Cotswolds. And all just 4 miles out of Birmingham.
ayjay3
