With the short days of winter upon us there might be fewer daylight hours, but it’s more important than ever to enjoy them outside! The skies are full of birdlife and walking is great for keeping you warm so get off the sofa and try one of these Discovering Britain walks created by our friends at the Royal Geographical Society.
The most loved hill in Britain?
To Hell with your Alps, Rockies and Himalaya, Bennachie is the hill for me!
Bennachie in Aberdeenshire is not particularly high, certainly compared with the giants of the nearby Cairngorm Mountains, yet it stands out from the surrounding undulating lowlands. It has become an icon of the area, much beloved by local people, imbued with folklore and captured in the poetry and arts of the region.
Blow away the cobwebs and invigorate your mind (as well as your body) on this 6 mile walk. Find out why it’s might just be ‘the most loved hill in Britain’, discover the legends of the hill and fall under its spell.
– If you enjoy hill walking you might also like our geographical walks up the Wrekin in Shropshire, Great Dun Fell in the North Pennines and Borrowdale in the Lake District.
Water in reserve
The Tring Reservoirs are known for some of the best bird-watching in southern England. This is especially true during winter – this season you could spot flocks of lapwing, golden plover, tufted duck and pintail to name just a few.
Wandering around this tranquil landscape today, you’d never think this area was a hub of the Industrial Revolution. Over 200 years ago the Grand Junction Canal cut through the Chilterns at Tring. Barges laden with coal, sugar, tea and spices plied up and down this busy waterway.
On this 6 mile walk you’ll discover why and how the canal was built through the Chiltern Hills, see evidence of the area’s industrial heritage and uncover a variety of wildlife flourishing on the reservoirs and waterways.
– Other Discovering Britain walks that are great for bird spotting include Rye in East Sussex and Faversham in Kent.
Glen Cornaa
The picturesque valley of Glen Cornaa is a perfect place for a winter’s walk. On a clear day there are wonderful views across the Irish Sea to Cumbria. Our first walk on the Isle of Man goes beyond the scenic beauty to understand how the landscape has been shaped by the dramatic forces of nature and by humans exploiting its natural resources. Follow the course of a river, discover how river cliffs and waterfalls were formed, see evidence of mining and mills and enjoy a ride on the unique Manx Electric Railway!
If you’re visiting the Isle of Man you might like to explore the ancient capital of Castletown.
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