Photography by: Gareth Jones Photography
Are you looking to become more active, healthier, lose weight, or just destress your mind from the utter chaos of the world? Stepping outside for winter walks is a great way to spend your spare time during the darker, colder months, where you can dust yourself down and step back inside feeling refreshed and deserving of the warm mug in front of the fire.
You may choose to go alone to gather your thoughts, catch up with friends, or bond with your family. Either way breaking away from your regular routine can relax the mind, ease the soul and allow you to reflect on life as you
know it. You can even hear any worries being crunched under your wellies as you step on the frosty morning grass and break through the morning mist.
More than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort during recent difficult times. For many this has become a permanent leisure activity in the weekly calendar, however for some you may have slipped back into your shell and need some encouragement to get out there and start exploring once again. For that very reason, we have pulled together some walks to help inspire you to explore our stunning local countryside, taking you across parks, trails, paths, and footbridges. For those feeling a little more adventurous we’ve added in some beaches and mountains if you’re looking for the next challenge, or in need of an outing.
Right, let’s go. Wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for an invigorating walk. Make sure you start off at a level that suits you, remember something is better than nothing and you can build on distance, frequency and add in different terrain to increase the challenge.
Walking Checklist
- Take a bottle of water or plan a stop along the wayto rehydrate
- High Energy snacks, flapjack, a piece of fruit and sandwiches for longer walks
- Grab the right all-weather gear and stay warm
- Wear sensible footwear for the terrain. Walking boots provide the best support
- Mobile phone (Fully charged)
- First aid if you are going further
Heart Raiser
Stride over the rolling hills of Therfield Heath, where you can twist through the tree line or walk on the paths within the long grass where you can hear the birds sing. This stunning open land is situated on one of the few hills in this notoriously flat area. Therfield Heath is a lovely place to get fresh air and get a feeling of outdoors.
Keep your eyes peeled for flying golf balls! Whilst walkers have the right of way, it is always good to be respectful of the players and not get yourself caught in the crossfire.
Walking routes aren’t perhaps as well marked as you might like in this area, but it is clearer where to go once you get into the small woodland space away from the road, and some trails are well trodden. Otherwise, stay off the fairways, I guess.
Once you have finished you can meander down to the Heath Cafe for some refreshments or even walk a bit further into town which is a short walk away.
Windsweeper
Introducing Wells-Next-the-Sea. For those of you who have been before, just hearing those words can transform you to the walker’s paradise, where you will be greeted by fresh sea air and stunning views.
Nestled between Holkham beach and the unique bird sanctuary of Blakeney Point, Wells has an array of stunning views to take in along the way, where you can choose to amble along or push on to cover some serious ground. This pretty Georgian town boasts a quaint harbour, historic docks, rugged golden sand dunes and thick pine woodlands to set back from the beach, protecting the town from the coastal winds. Once you have made it back you will be able to meander through the streets of the town, where it has a good mix of traditional and contemporary shops, where you can find several options for well earned fish and chips.
Nature Trail
Fowlmere nature Reserve is a protection birds nature reserve between Fowlmere and Melbourn in Cambridgeshire, where it plays host to an abundance of visiting wildlife and proves very popular with photographers. Previously known for its water-cress beds, the reserves reedbeds and pools are fed by natural chalk water, meaning that they are particularly clean and clear making it oasis for visiting wildlife.
For families visiting you will have to approach the hides with caution where bird enthusiasts are patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of seasonal visits from the likes of the Kingfisher, but grab a nature checklists and your kids will have a blast looking for all.
Autumn and winter are good times to see flocks of finches, buntings, thrushes and starlings roosting or feeding in the scrub, and catch a glimpse of a kingfisher and occasionally bittern or bearded tit. Brown trout breed in the chalk stream (River Shep). Large flocks of winter thrushes forage on the berry bushes in some years.
Beat the Barge
With Hertfordshire being completely land locked, to enjoy a local walk by the water’s edge, then try the popular riverside walk from Cambridge to the nearby village of Grantchester. It takes you along the River Cam with lovely views of Grantchester Meadows, University colleges and pastoral scenes with cows and sheep grazing next to the meandering river, as well as punts and little boats along the way.
In Granchester, there a few resting points to choose from, including a selection of pubs such as Rupert Brooke and the Red Lion and if you are looking for an afternoon tea, the Orchard Tea Room. After refreshments you can either catch a bus back to Cambridge or follow the same route back on foot.
If you are seeking a longer distance riverside trail, you could take the Fen Rivers Way long trail which takes you along the Cam in the other direction, from Cambridge to King’s Lynn in Norfolk. This runs alongside the River Cam and the River Great Ouse, passing a series of riverside towns and villages including Ely, Littleport and Downham Market.
Family Stroll
A family walk could be just what’s required to lift the household mood and get some much-needed exercise, however you may need a distraction or find a motivation to keep tiny feet moving. Milton Country Park has all this and more. Situated just North of Cambridge, the park has attractive pathways, woodland, lakes, playgrounds and a Café to raise energy levels post or pre walk.
Created from old gravel pits, the park is suitable for everyone; welcoming bicycles, pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs which can be walked off-lead in designated areas.
Seasonal colours are in abundance, particularly at Remembrance Meadow where the Canadian Maple and the English and American oak give a stunning autumnal display.
Gentle Walk
Going for a nice leisurely stroll is an excellent way for you to get your body moving, raise your heart rate and keep you active. You won’t be breaking any records, or hiking for miles, but getting out there in the fresh air can be exhilarating. You may be content with a stroll round the neighbourhood or a brisk walk into the town, wander round the park. It’s just important to get out and make a start.
You can always stop off at STONES HQ Kooky Nohmad and grab a quick hot drink and a nibble from the hatch to keep you going. Sometimes setting your sights at a cafe or pub en-route or half way can keep you motivated and provide you with a destination and purpose for the walk.
You’ll never be short of new landscapes to explore in around and Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Just pick your level, plan your route and make sure you’ve ticked your checklist!
If you have any other walks you’d recommend, let us know, we’d love to hear about them.
