National Trust winter walk
It's time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and get out on an invigorating winter walk. What better way to welcome in the New Year?
Plan your New Year's resolutions while rambling along blustery coastal paths or through frosty country gardens. Get the kids planning which '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' adventures they're going to complete in 2016 and where they'd like to explore next.
The special places the National Trust looks after are packed full of walking trails and great views that look even better with a dusting of frost. Here are some of the best walking events in the New Year to give you a spring in your step during the cold winter months:
Winter Wellbeing, 6 – 30 January, 10am – 5pm
Blow away the post-Christmas blues on a winter wellbeing walk around Basildon. Follow the fitness trails through the park and explore the estate's extensive parkland and informal gardens, inspired by the celebrated landscape gardener, Capability Brown. Afterwards, detox with superfoods in the mansion tea room for an all-round wholesome day.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01189 843040 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park
Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Christmas calorie-busting walks, 26 December – 4 January, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Burn off the Christmas calories on a self-guided walk through Hatchlands' tranquil parklands, ancient woodlands and open fields. Bring the whole family along and let the kids loose on the children's trails and adventure areas to complete some of their '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' activities; why not climb a tree or play in the snow?
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park
Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
New Year's Day Garden and Belvedere Tower Opening, 1 January, 11am – 2pm
Celebrate the start of 2016 and walk off the excess of the holiday season with a stroll around Claremont's eighteenth-century landscape garden and an opportunity to enjoy stunning panoramic views from the Belvedere Tower. A green sanctuary in the heart of Surrey, this is the perfect spot to escape everyday life with friends and family.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden
Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
New Year's Day walk, 1 January, 1pm – 3pm
Bring in the New Year with a guided walk around this beautiful estate and stunning ancient woodland. Hinton Ampner's head gardener will lead you on the four mile trail, taking in the panoramic views of the South Downs and seeing the estate from a different viewpoint. You will be rewarded with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine on your way round. Dog walkers are welcome – doggie treats for all canine guests.
Price: £10 (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01962 771305 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner
Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex
New Year's Day holly hike, 1 January, 11am – 1pm
Start the year as you mean to go on with a refreshing guided hike around the lesser-known parts of the estate led by Sheffield Park's longest serving member of staff. Hear stories and local tales that you won't find in any guidebook whilst enjoying stunning views across the lakes, garden and woodland.
Price: £6 (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01825 790231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
Visitors walking in the autumn at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire. (Chris Lacey)
Winter Walkabout, 27 – 31 December, 2 – 3 January, 11am – 4pm
This glorious winter walkabout will give you a breath of fresh air after December's festivities and celebrations. Get the whole family out of the house on an energising woodland walk with far reaching views across the beautiful Devonshire countryside and natural play areas to entertain the kids.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01822 853607 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey
Castle Drogo, Devon
Wind down and warm up, 27 December – 3 January, 11am – 4pm
Get a breath of fresh air and take a stroll around the beautiful Castle Drogo garden and estate. Take in the frosty landscapes and recharge your batteries as you get out for a day of fun with the family. Children can follow the winter trail around the garden and grounds.
Price: Free event (£1.50 per child for winter trail) normal admission fee applies
For more information, please call 01647 433306 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo
Explore Longshaw, 3 January – 28 February, 11am – 1.30pm
Explore some of the lesser-known parts of Longshaw on an informal ramble led by a team of volunteer walks leaders. Take the opportunity to learn about the area and spot winter wildlife. Afterwards, get in from the cold and treat yourself to a cream tea in the Longshaw tea-room where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views across the Eastern Moors.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01433 670368 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors
Boxing Day Pilgrimage, 26 December, 9.30am – 1pm
On a cold day in 1132, thirteen monks walked from Ripon to a completely deserted valley by the River Skell. There they started their own community from nothing. And so, Fountains Abbey was born. You too can follow the monks in their footsteps in this annual traditional pilgrimage.
Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Marsden Moor (Joe Cornish)
Marsden Moor Estate, Yorkshire
Marsden Meander: Bobus, 23 January, 10am – 3pm
This gentle-paced meander is a great way to get back into moorland walking and explore new routes. Discover the hidden history of Marsden Moor, spot wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views across this internationally important habitat.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01484 847016 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/marsden-moor
New Year's Day Winter Walk, 1 January, 11am – 1pm
What better way to start 2016. Wrap up warm and enjoy a stroll through these magical gardens. Led by one of Mount Stewart's gardening experts, you will have the opportunity to hear unique stories and learn unusual facts about these stunning gardens during winter.
Price: £10
For more information, please call 028 4278 8387 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Murlough National Nature Reserve, Co. Down
Our Work - An Explanation, 30 January, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Home to seals, wintering wildfowl, Neolithic sites and a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system, Murlough National Nature Reserve takes a lot of work to maintain. Come along and spend time with Murlough's rangers to find out how the area is managed and why it is all necessary. Afterwards, enjoy a bracing walk along the ancient dunes and stunning heathland.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 028 4375 1467 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough
Plan your New Year's resolutions while rambling along blustery coastal paths or through frosty country gardens. Get the kids planning which '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' adventures they're going to complete in 2016 and where they'd like to explore next.
The special places the National Trust looks after are packed full of walking trails and great views that look even better with a dusting of frost. Here are some of the best walking events in the New Year to give you a spring in your step during the cold winter months:
South East
Basildon Park, BerkshireWinter Wellbeing, 6 – 30 January, 10am – 5pm
Blow away the post-Christmas blues on a winter wellbeing walk around Basildon. Follow the fitness trails through the park and explore the estate's extensive parkland and informal gardens, inspired by the celebrated landscape gardener, Capability Brown. Afterwards, detox with superfoods in the mansion tea room for an all-round wholesome day.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01189 843040 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park
Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Christmas calorie-busting walks, 26 December – 4 January, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Burn off the Christmas calories on a self-guided walk through Hatchlands' tranquil parklands, ancient woodlands and open fields. Bring the whole family along and let the kids loose on the children's trails and adventure areas to complete some of their '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' activities; why not climb a tree or play in the snow?
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park
Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
New Year's Day Garden and Belvedere Tower Opening, 1 January, 11am – 2pm
Celebrate the start of 2016 and walk off the excess of the holiday season with a stroll around Claremont's eighteenth-century landscape garden and an opportunity to enjoy stunning panoramic views from the Belvedere Tower. A green sanctuary in the heart of Surrey, this is the perfect spot to escape everyday life with friends and family.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden
Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
New Year's Day walk, 1 January, 1pm – 3pm
Bring in the New Year with a guided walk around this beautiful estate and stunning ancient woodland. Hinton Ampner's head gardener will lead you on the four mile trail, taking in the panoramic views of the South Downs and seeing the estate from a different viewpoint. You will be rewarded with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine on your way round. Dog walkers are welcome – doggie treats for all canine guests.
Price: £10 (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01962 771305 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner
Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex
New Year's Day holly hike, 1 January, 11am – 1pm
Start the year as you mean to go on with a refreshing guided hike around the lesser-known parts of the estate led by Sheffield Park's longest serving member of staff. Hear stories and local tales that you won't find in any guidebook whilst enjoying stunning views across the lakes, garden and woodland.
Price: £6 (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01825 790231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
Visitors walking in the autumn at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire. (Chris Lacey)South West
Buckland Abbey, DevonWinter Walkabout, 27 – 31 December, 2 – 3 January, 11am – 4pm
This glorious winter walkabout will give you a breath of fresh air after December's festivities and celebrations. Get the whole family out of the house on an energising woodland walk with far reaching views across the beautiful Devonshire countryside and natural play areas to entertain the kids.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01822 853607 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey
Castle Drogo, Devon
Wind down and warm up, 27 December – 3 January, 11am – 4pm
Get a breath of fresh air and take a stroll around the beautiful Castle Drogo garden and estate. Take in the frosty landscapes and recharge your batteries as you get out for a day of fun with the family. Children can follow the winter trail around the garden and grounds.
Price: Free event (£1.50 per child for winter trail) normal admission fee applies
For more information, please call 01647 433306 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo
Midlands
Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, DerbyshireExplore Longshaw, 3 January – 28 February, 11am – 1.30pm
Explore some of the lesser-known parts of Longshaw on an informal ramble led by a team of volunteer walks leaders. Take the opportunity to learn about the area and spot winter wildlife. Afterwards, get in from the cold and treat yourself to a cream tea in the Longshaw tea-room where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views across the Eastern Moors.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01433 670368 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors
Yorkshire and North East
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North YorkshireBoxing Day Pilgrimage, 26 December, 9.30am – 1pm
On a cold day in 1132, thirteen monks walked from Ripon to a completely deserted valley by the River Skell. There they started their own community from nothing. And so, Fountains Abbey was born. You too can follow the monks in their footsteps in this annual traditional pilgrimage.
Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Marsden Moor (Joe Cornish)Marsden Moor Estate, Yorkshire
Marsden Meander: Bobus, 23 January, 10am – 3pm
This gentle-paced meander is a great way to get back into moorland walking and explore new routes. Discover the hidden history of Marsden Moor, spot wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views across this internationally important habitat.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 01484 847016 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/marsden-moor
Northern Ireland
Mount Stewart, Co. DownNew Year's Day Winter Walk, 1 January, 11am – 1pm
What better way to start 2016. Wrap up warm and enjoy a stroll through these magical gardens. Led by one of Mount Stewart's gardening experts, you will have the opportunity to hear unique stories and learn unusual facts about these stunning gardens during winter.
Price: £10
For more information, please call 028 4278 8387 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Murlough National Nature Reserve, Co. Down
Our Work - An Explanation, 30 January, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Home to seals, wintering wildfowl, Neolithic sites and a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system, Murlough National Nature Reserve takes a lot of work to maintain. Come along and spend time with Murlough's rangers to find out how the area is managed and why it is all necessary. Afterwards, enjoy a bracing walk along the ancient dunes and stunning heathland.
Price: Free event (normal admission fee applies)
For more information, please call 028 4375 1467 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough