Countryside Rambles for the Festive Season: Embrace the Beauty of Winter Walking

The Christmas and New Year period is often filled with rich meals, indulgent treats, and plenty of time spent indoors with family and friends. 

But once you’ve had your fill of festive feasting, there’s no better way to refresh both body and mind than with a scenic countryside ramble.

Whether you’re looking to burn off that Christmas pudding, clear your head before the New Year, or simply enjoy the crisp winter air, exploring the UK’s stunning countryside is a delightful way to spend the festive break.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the joys of winter walking and offer tips on arranging the perfect countryside rambles during the Christmas and New Year period.

Why Winter Walks Are So Invigorating

Winter walks are a wonderful way to reconnect with nature during what can be a busy, often hectic time of year. The British countryside offers a sense of calm and beauty that can be truly magical during the colder months. Picture frost-tipped hedgerows, woodlands dusted with snow, and the serene stillness that comes from being surrounded by nature in winter.

Here are just a few reasons why winter rambles are a fantastic festive activity:

Escape the Festive Chaos: After days of socialising, eating, and staying indoors, a countryside walk offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Boost Your Well-being: Walking is great for both physical and mental health. A brisk winter walk can boost your mood, energise your body, and help with post-holiday digestion.

Enjoy Nature’s Winter Beauty: The British landscape takes on a different character in winter. Bare trees reveal hidden views, and the low winter sun casts a golden glow over fields and hillsides.

Tips for Planning a Festive Ramble

Arranging a countryside ramble over the Christmas and New Year period doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself, your friends, or your family.

1. Choose Your Route Wisely

The UK is blessed with countless walking routes that are perfect for a festive ramble. Whether you’re exploring coastal paths, woodland trails, or rolling hills, there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular winter walking destinations include:

The Cotswolds: With its picturesque villages and gently rolling hills, this area is perfect for a leisurely walk followed by a cosy pub lunch.

Lake District: For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Lake District’s fells offer stunning views and invigorating climbs, though you may encounter snow at higher elevations.

South Downs: If you’re in the south of England, the South Downs offer gentle slopes and wide-open views, perfect for a crisp winter walk.

Peak District: For those in the Midlands, the Peak District offers a mix of challenging hikes and easier strolls, with dramatic landscapes that look breathtaking under a dusting of frost.

Yorkshire: The Yorkshire Dales are ideal places for walks.

Shropshire: The Shropshire Hills are stunning territory for walking.

South West England: Some of the best walking routes in the UK.

Scotland: Very good walking terrain, but often for the more experienced walkers. 

2. Check the Weather Forecast

Winter weather in the UK can be unpredictable. Before setting off, check the forecast and be prepared for sudden changes. If snow or heavy rain is expected, consider adjusting your route or postponing your walk to avoid treacherous conditions.

3. Dress for the Season

Staying warm and dry is essential when walking in winter. Here’s what to wear:

Layers: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm insulating layer (like a fleece), and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.

Footwear: Good walking boots with sturdy soles and ankle support are a must, especially if paths are muddy or icy. Waterproof boots are ideal for trudging through damp terrain.

Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. A pair of thick walking socks can make all the difference on a cold day. 

4. Pack the Essentials

It’s always a good idea to be prepared when venturing into the countryside:

A Thermos of Hot Drink: There’s nothing like warming up with a hot cup of tea or coffee mid-walk.

Snacks: Pack some festive treats, like mince pies or flapjacks, to enjoy along the way. Kendal Mint Cakes are beloved of mountaineers and hillwalkers of all degrees of professionalism, 

A Map and Compass: While many routes are well-signposted, it’s always wise to carry a map in case you lose signal or get disoriented.

Torch: The days are shorter in winter, so it’s easy to be caught out by early sunsets. A small torch can be useful if you’re out later than expected.

Phone: Always take a smartphone plus a battery pack. And tell people where and when you will be walking.

5. Plan a Cosy Finish

One of the best parts of a festive ramble is ending it on a high note. Whether it’s a charming country pub, a roaring fireplace, or a hot chocolate at home, make sure you have a cosy spot to retreat to after your walk. Many countryside pubs offer festive menus during December, making it the perfect opportunity to refuel and relax after your walk.

Recommended Festive Walks

Here are a few tried-and-tested winter rambles to consider for your Christmas and New Year plans:

Box Hill, Surrey: A favourite of Charles Dickens, this circular route offers stunning views of the Surrey Hills. The trails are manageable for most abilities, and there’s a lovely café at the top for a warming hot chocolate.

Llyn Ogwen, Snowdonia: For those in Wales, a walk around this beautiful glacial lake offers breathtaking scenery with the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia as your backdrop.

Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland: A stretch of this iconic Roman wall is perfect for a winter walk. The snow-dusted landscape provides a dramatic and historic backdrop.

Loch Lomond, Scotland: If you’re up north, the loch offers numerous walking trails that showcase the best of Scotland’s winter landscape.

Embrace the Season’s Magic

There’s something truly magical about stepping out into the crisp winter air and exploring the countryside during the festive season. Whether you’re walking with family, a group of friends, or just enjoying some peaceful solitude, a countryside ramble can be the perfect antidote to the excesses of Christmas.

So, this year, why not swap the sofa for a scenic trail, the television for a beautiful view, and the crowded shopping centres for the quiet charm of nature? Wrap up warm, pack a few festive snacks, and head out to discover the wintry wonders of the British countryside.

Happy rambling, and wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year filled with adventure, fresh air, and joyful moments!

Cosy Autumn and Winter Bliss Awaits you and your family at the Collective at Woolsery

Dreaming of an Autumn or Winter staycation full of country strolls, roaring fires and hearty pub lunches? Then you need look no further than The Collective at Woolsery. Located off the beaten track in a stunning part of North Devon, it's the perfect place to escape for truly sumptuous and cosy weekends in the country.

After a blustery and exhilarating walk along the South West Coast Path or in the delightful surrounding countryside, you can snuggle up in one of The Collective at Woolsery's design-led rooms or suites, with super soft beds, sofas and soft furnishings. 

The Collective at Woolsery offers a collection of three cottages, two suites, and two rooms within the village, each showcasing its own unique character. 

Carefully crafted by Hannah Lohan of New Heritage Designs, these accommodations pay homage to the village's history and heritage, with nostalgia permeating every corner, creating an ultimate sanctuary to relax, unwind and embrace the art of slowing down.

The interiors are adorned with beautiful artwork, while vintage pieces lend an air of authenticity to every room. The meticulously curated décor pays homage to the village's long farming history, providing guests with an immersive experience that transports them to a bygone era of rural life.

Surrounded by open countryside and a mere stone's throw from the romantic and dramatic Hartland Peninsula coastline, The Collective at Woolsery is a peaceful haven where the stars shine bright and the darkness of night envelopes and cocoons. 

Guests will be able to explore nearby tracks, footpaths, and lanes, or take a short drive to the rugged South West Coast Path. With fires aplenty to warm chilly toes after any adventure, guests will be rewarded for braving the elements. Alternatively you can stay in, kick back and truly relax and go nowhere with everything you need at your fingertips. 

The food at The Collective at Woolsery is worth travelling for. Guests can choose between dining at The Farmers Arms or savouring a gourmet takeaway of fish and chips. Executive chef Ian Webber, in collaboration with head gardener Josh Sparkes and livestock manager Chris Jenn at Birch Farm, crafts a menu that exemplifies integrity and celebrates local produce. 

The contemporary offerings draw inspiration from the traditional fare of farming families, ensuring a nourishing and comforting dining experience that perfectly showcases the season.

Breakfast at The Collective at Woolsery is a remarkable and utterly extraordinary affair, unlike anything you'll have ever experienced before. Served in-room, with guests selecting their meals the previous night, the breakfast menu boasts an array of mouth-watering options. From honey-glazed hams and hoggett to homemade porridge and yoghurt, from freshly baked muffins, sourdough, and crumpets to farm-fresh eggs, each dish is a testament to the kitchen's dedication to flavour and wholesome nourishment.

A stay at The Collective at Woolsery is an unparalleled experience that transcends mere ordinary luxury. Every tiny detail is meticulously crafted and embellished with love and comfort, redefining the concept of a truly indulgent cosy retreat.

More information about accommodation options is below. To find out more about The Collective at Woolsery please visit the website here https://woolsery.com

Suite 1 - sleeps 2

Curated with wonderful pieces of furniture that capture the essence of the 1930s and 1940s, Suite 1 has a large sitting area and sumptuous bathroom, with a backdrop of bold wallpaper and ornate light fittings. Here you can curl up with a book on a chaise long, snuggle down into a plush velvet sofa, or enjoy the rain shower and freestanding bath. 

Price per night: £325

Suite 2 - sleeps 2

This retro-styled room oozes opulent romance with gold embossed Art Deco-inspired wallpaper, a free standing bath, and a rain shower. Throw off your shoes and sink into the sofa, play some tunes on an old record-player, or delve into the bar. 

Price per night: £325

Room 3 - sleeps 2

Vintage feminine charm pervades in this room which is built into the rafters of the building and features a huge skylight that frames the mediaeval church. This room is filled with glamour and charm with soft pastel colours and pretty pinks and a primrose yellow bath that will call you like a siren for a long, hot soak. 

Price per night: £275

Room 4 - sleeps 2

You'll be absolutely amazed by the stature of this room where floor to ceiling windows let volumes of light dance through and provide views right across the north Devon countryside to Dartmoor. Dark wood, rich fabrics and Art Deco pieces have created a masculine vibe that oozes comfort and relaxation. 

Price per night: £275

The Old Smithy - sleeps 2

Steeped in rich history, The Old Smithy is country cottage living with a welcome contemporary twist. A neutral palette against the warm, rich tones of the furniture and soft furnishings, exposed beams and polished cement floors emanate a sense of warmth and welcome. With two wood burners and sumptuous sofas, this is a place to unwind, switch off and relax. 

Price per night: £450

Rosehill Cottage - sleeps 4

This stunning space reflects the eclectic aesthetic of The Collective at Woolsery, with rich tones, opulent furnishings, and stunning artwork at every turn. It's a space that will make you stop in awe, and wonder at the cleverness of brilliant interior design that seems to wrap you up, and want you to stop and stay and savour every moment. 

Price per night £550

Hillside Cottage - sleeps 6-8

Gather your gang for a stay at Hillside Cottage which sleeps six to eight people. This is a cottage designed for entertaining with four roomy bedrooms, and beautiful well-appointed social spaces both inside and outdoors.

Prepare a feast in the fully equipped kitchen and dine at the banquet style table, where the original well is an incredible glass covered feature, or head outside for some delightful al fresco dining. 

Price per night as a 3 bedroom: £650 Price per night as a 4 bedroom: £750