8 walks to enjoy this Autumn and Winter

IT is easy to get used to lazy weekends in the house hiding away from the cold once it gets to this time of year.

But with the autumn colours and winter on the horizon which will no doubt offer us a day or two of snow, it is the perfect time to grab your winter coat and walking shoes and get out there with the gang to discover some of the most beautiful places we have here in the North West. Just don’t forget your scarf, gloves and a flask of tea, of course.

Borrowdale
Borrowdale is the most wooded valley in the Lake District, and at seven miles long there are plenty of choices for walks to enjoy the autumn colours. There are riverside walks through the woods from Rosthwaite towards Grange to enjoy, or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, try the paths climbing up through the woods from Stonethwaite and Longthwaite.

The Burnley Way
A 40-mile discovery through industrial heritage, along waterways, through fields, parks, old farms and the Forest of Burnley woodlands which will lead you to the South Pennine Moors. The walk comes in six different parts, with various routes, including Weavers Triangle to Queen Street Mill and Towneley to Hapton, meaning you can jump on whichever route is closest to you.

Ullswater
Ullswater in the heart of the Lake District offers some of the very best scenery in the whole region. There are many walks you can choose between in Ullswater, including Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail. The walk isn’t for the faint-hearted though, as there are vertical drops and flights of steps involved, but it is worth it for the sights you will see at the top. Other trails include the farm trail, where you will explore one of the largest hill farms in the Lakes and the park trail, where you will walk through an ancient deer park and see views down the Ullswater lake.

Picture credit: ©National Trust Images David Sellman

Kendal to Lancaster Canal Walk
If hills just aren’t for you, try the Kendal to Lancaster Canal Walk instead. The walk, which can be divided into sections and completed in 2-3 days, offers walkers the chance to see some of the most beautiful countryside that the North has to offer, as well as a wide range of wildlife and a step back into history.

Allan Bank and Grasmere
If you fancy visiting the house which was once home to William Wordsworth and is full to the brim of history before or after walking and taking in the local scenery, head to Grasmere in the Lake District. Not only are there several walks to enjoy, including Helm Crag, which is the perfect introduction to hiking in the Lake District, Silver How, Esasedale Tarn and Grasmere Lakeshore, which was a favourite of William Wordsworth’s.

Picture credit: ©National Trust Images Stewart Smith

Formby
Whether it is a stroll on the beach or an easy woodland walk, you will love Formby in Merseyside. The wood offers pine woodlands before heading onto the beautiful sand dunes, giving you the chance to appreciate the incredible views onto the Irish Sea. If you admire wildlife, you may enjoy the red squirrel walk or there is the asparagus walk where you can wander the crop fields.

Dunham Massey
Discover the beautiful surroundings of Dunham Massey in Cheshire this Autumn and Winter where you can explore the gardens surrounding the grand house. The Earls of Stamford and Warrington used to enjoy the gardens, but now visitors can head along to see a wide range of wildlife and stunning autumnal colours. Families can also explore the historic stables and dogs are more than welcome too.

Picture credit: @National Trust Images Paul Harris

Sizergh
With over 700 years of history to discover and still lived in by the Strickland family, Sizergh in the Lake District has many tales to tell. Sizergh offer wildlife walks and a large garden as well as a wild play trail for the kids to enjoy. If you get a bit chilly, you can also head into the house and take a tour that spans over 700 years.