As the temperature drops and the days shorten, many across the UK are embracing the unique beauty and adventure the colder months offer. From spectacular natural phenomena to invigorating coastal walks, readers of The Guardian have shared their favourite winter pursuits, proving that the season is ripe for exploration.
Nature's Spectacles and Coastal Adventures
For a truly breathtaking winter display, Fowlmere RSPB reserve in Cambridgeshire is the place to be. Arriving an hour before dusk allows time to secure a prime spot to witness the mesmerising starling murmurations. The birds gather in their thousands, swirling and diving in intricate, fluid patterns against the winter sunset before finally settling into the reedbeds for the night.
Further west, the untamed north coast of Cornwall offers a dramatic escape. The stretch between Tintagel and Port Isaac, with the South West Coast Path tracing the cliff tops, feels particularly wild in the off-season. After a bracing walk, the Port William inn above Trebarwith Strand provides the perfect perch for wave-watching, often accompanied by spectacular sunsets.
In Somerset, the fossil-rich beach at Kilve is a winter wonderland for families. Visitors regularly discover ammonites, devil's toenails, and fossilised wood, turning a trip into a thrilling treasure hunt combined with rockpooling and playful exploration.
Invigorating Walks and Outdoor Pursuits
For many, a crisp, bright winter day is best spent on a hilltop walk. The Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, particularly the route up Herefordshire Beacon to the British Camp iron age hill fort, come highly recommended. The reward for the climb can be a post-walk hot chocolate from nearby cafes.
In Wales, a clear day presents the perfect opportunity to tackle Cader Idris in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. A challenging five-hour circular walk from the Dôl Idris car park leads past the stunning Llyn Cau corrie to the summit, Penygader, steeped in local legend.
Urban rowing takes on a new charm in winter, as members of the Bristol Channel Social Rowers club will attest. Their early morning sessions on the city's harbours offer serene views of landmarks like the SS Great Britain and St Mary Redcliffe church, often accompanied by the sound of Sunday bells.
Stargazing, Foraging and Community Spirit
Northumberland's Kielder Water & Forest Park, home to one of Europe's largest artificial lakes, is a hub for cycling and walking. Its prime attraction on a clear winter night, however, is the Kielder Observatory. Located within one of the UK's designated Dark Sky zones, it offers unforgettable views of the cosmos through powerful telescopes, with hot chocolate on hand to ward off the chill.
For a quieter, closer-to-the-ground pursuit, winter woodlands become a hunting ground for fungi enthusiasts. Identifying species with colourful names like witch's butter, wood ear, and velvet shank adds a layer of discovery to any forest walk, though experts caution against using apps alone to determine edibility.
Community spirit shines in Derry on Boxing Day with the annual Goal Mile charity walk. The route along the River Foyle and across the iconic Peace Bridge is a popular way to shake off cabin fever and support global humanitarian work.
Ultimately, these shared experiences highlight a common theme: winter in the UK, far from being a time to hibernate, is a season filled with unique beauty, adventure, and a powerful sense of place for those willing to wrap up warm and step outside.
