Ben Wolstencroft
Winter is a lovely time for a walk – the skies are bright and crisp, with the cold crunch of frost underfoot and clear views for miles around.
Even in soggy weather, walking can be very satisfying – and you might have more festive goodies as a reward!
We’ve put together a list of just some of our favourite reserve walks, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Do let us know your favourite winter walk on or around our reserves – we love to hear your suggestions.
Filled with thousands of overwintering birds and glimmering in the cold winter sunlight, Potteric Carr is our wetland star. Famed for its birds including starling murmurations, bitterns and marsh harriers, you can explore the mosaic of habitats and enjoy views through trees and across marsh and fen.
At 200 hectares, Potteric is one of our biggest reserves, with a network of fully-accessible paths with pre-marked routes varying between one and four miles allowing for however many hours of walking you feel comfortable doing – and enjoy a hot brew at the end!
(c) Adrian Grey
The Lines way is a stunning green corridor, 3.5 miles connecting wild spaces and communities. It links Garforth to Allerton Bywater, but you can join enroute.
Suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, the route connects Letchmire Pastures, Hollinghurst Wood, Owl Wood and Pit Plantation, and Townclose Hills nature reserves.
Overwintering songbirds are a highlight – keep your ears out for long-tailed tits, bullfinches and linnets.
Start at Ninelands Ln, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2AN, or at Park Ln, Allerton Bywater, Castleford WF10 2AT.
Fancy something bracing? Blow away the cobwebs with a sea breeze at Flamborough Head with beautiful sea views and the chance to spot peregrines, short eared owls, or Lapland and snow buntings.
For a longer walk, start at North Landing and walk around the headland to South Landing – roughly 8 miles and 4.5hrs to complete. For a shorter trek, base yourself at either North Landing or South Landing car parks.
Look out for grey seals on the rocks below the cliffs and for harbour porpoises offshore if conditions are calm.
A fabulous expanse of heathland close to York. Hen harriers and great grey shrikes have been seen in recent years, but stonechats, lesser redpolls and roe deer are more frequently seen.
Strensall Common is accessible via several unmarked permissive footpaths allowing several route options. The paths are largely footworn through the heathland and follow gravel and tarmacked tracks or the peaty woodland edge. A complete circuit of the reserve is about 2.5km and takes an hour or more to complete.
My escape at Strensall Common (c) Steve Gray
Birch Wood is a stunning ancient woodland. Facing across the picturesque valley towards the roots of the Hambleton Hills, the reserve boasts some of the most spectacular views in the area and hosts great spotted woodpeckers and stoats – which on rare occasions have their white winter coats.
Parking is available in a large layby just past the reserve entrance, and a public footpath cuts through the site alongside other unmarked routes. Please note that there are steep, uneven and unsurfaced paths throughout the woodland, and dogs are not permitted.
If you want a bold challenge, plan a hike around Ingleborough National Nature Reserve, part of the famous 26 mile three peak challenge.
Three Wildlife Trust nature reserves are nestled amongst this corner of the Yorkshire Dales; Brae Pasture, South House Pavement and Southerscales. You can walk between these three sites along the Ingleborough walking route.
Carefully pick your route over the narrow clints and grykes of the limestone pavement and enjoy some amazing views.
View of Brae Pasture credit Graham Standring
Please take care, plan and prepare to enjoy the shorter days and outdoors responsibly. Winter weather can quickly change.
Find details of all our reserves here.
