The Best Hidden-Gem Winter Walks in the UK—Quiet, Scenic and Crowd-Free

Fed up with elbowing your way along heaving National Trust paths every weekend? You’re not the only one.

As winter sets in, more families and groups, whether local or looking to make the most of their festive getaways, are searching for quiet, scenic routes where they can actually enjoy the countryside – without weaving through half of the UK to do it.

Now Neil Atkinson, travel specialist and owner of Luxury Group Stay, has revealed his top five hidden-gem winter walks across Britain.

These are the spots he says are shockingly peaceful even in peak season – and some look so dramatic in cold weather that many prefer them now compared to summer.

Kielder Forest Lakeside Way, Northumberland

While the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales are packed shoulder-to-shoulder in winter, Kielder stays almost eerily calm. The 26-mile Lakeside Way loops around vast, mirror-flat water with huge skies you just don’t get anywhere else. Not ready for 26 miles? You can break it into easy, family-friendly sections.

This is England’s biggest forest and home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, where groups can spread out and truly escape the world. Wildlife is incredible: around half of England’s red squirrel population, plus ospreys, wild goats, roe deer, salmon, otters, and water voles.

Winter also brings the darkest night skies in England, making it a stargazer’s dream at the Kielder Observatory. And it’s not all mud and boots – hidden contemporary art and cosy spots to eat make it a full winter escape.

Cardinham Woods, Cornwall

Cornwall may be famous for its beaches, but Cardinham Woods is the winter secret locals keep quiet about. Frosted mornings turn the forest into a fairytale, and the wide, well-marked paths are ideal for families, dog walkers, and multi-gen groups.

Kids can run wild while adults enjoy a gentle stroll through streams and hidden glades. Sheltered from the coast, the woods stay blissfully quiet even on weekends – fitting for those who want calm without effort.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

If you want space from the hectic festive season, Clumber Park delivers it by the acre. At a massive 3,800 acres, this National Trust giant is so big that even on busy days it swallows the crowds whole. In winter, it feels practically endless.

The sweeping lakeside paths, shady forest trails, and long, straight avenues mean groups of all sizes can spread out without losing track of each other. It’s ideal for meetups, where some want a long ramble while others prefer a slow, scenic potter.

The park’s huge lake looks incredible on icy mornings, and mist often settles low across the lawns, giving the whole estate a proper Victorian-ghost-story feel – minus the jump scares.

Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Perth & Kinross

Looking for big, dramatic Scottish scenery without the lung-busting climbs? The 13-mile flat circuit around Loch Leven delivers. Families love it because you can split it into smaller chunks while still taking in the huge views.

Winter transforms the loch: edges freeze, hills turn white, and the whole place takes on a Nordic, cinematic feel. Wildlife, from kingfishers to otters, appears alongside the trail, adding to the magic.

Aber Falls Trail, Snowdonia

Summer sees crowds; winter, a near-empty trail. A wide, gentle path leads to the 120-foot Aber Falls, which, in cold snaps, freezes along the edges, creating a jaw-dropping spectacle.

It’s perfect for families or groups wanting rewarding scenery without a mountain climb, and the quiet winter valley makes you feel like the falls are all yours.

Neil Atkinson added: “Winter is the best time to explore these quieter walking spots in the UK.

“These hidden gems have it all – stunning scenery, wildlife, and plenty of space to spread out, without the crowds you get at the more ‘famous’ places. Whether you’re out with the family, a group of friends, or several generations, there’s ultimately something for everyone.

“What makes them so special in winter is the atmosphere – frosty forests, icy lochs, and the crisp, fresh air. Spotting wildlife or looking up at a clear, starlit sky just adds to the magic in the air at this time of year, and these walks will no doubt live long in the memory.”

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