It’s the day after the big day. The bins are stuffed with wrapping paper, there’s a feasts worth of dishes soaking in the sink and everyone’s on turkey butties until new year. After a long day enjoying the festivities full of energy, let’s take it down a notch and go for a relaxing Boxing Day walk.
There’s nothing more relaxing than going for a leisurely stroll in the country on a calm and quiet day like Boxing Day. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of some of the best, most scenic Boxing Day walks in the country. So start burning that turkey off and get outdoors this Boxing Day!
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Coastal, Woodland
- Distance: 6.80km | Approx. Time: 2:25 hours (one way)
Located in Southwest Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 186-mile trail that covers some of the most varied and stunning coastal scenery in all of Britain, stretching from St. Dogmaels down to the little village of Amroth in the south.
We recommend starting your festive mooch with a lush little stroll around the beautiful old walled town of Tenby, then follow the coast round about 3 miles, following the stunning cliffs along the coast north until you reach the charming little village of Saundersfoot.
The views around Carmarthen Bay are absolutely awe-inspiring, they really just hit the spot over the festive season! Make sure you get yourself to Tenby by 11:30am as well so that you don’t miss the town’s annual fancy-dress Boxing Day swim, fun for everyone involved!
Maps to purchase for this route:
OS Explorer OL36: South Pembrokeshire / De Sir Benfro
OS Landranger 158: Tenby & Pembroke/Dinbyc-ypysgod a Penfro
You can download the route for this walk here.
Lackford Lakes, Suffolk Wildlife Trust
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland
- Distance: 5.85km | Approx. Time: 1:20 hours
With a wide variety of mesmerising wildlife, accompanied by beautiful landscapes of lakes, meadows, woodlands and then some, is there a more perfect route than Lackford Lakes for your festive Boxing Day walk.
Witness wildlife in all sizes, from the miniature but exceptionally stunning dragonfly up to the adorable otters. Lackford Lakes presents a fantastic opportunity to get out there and gaze at some of the avian wildlife that makes Britain so Great as well, with the majestic iridescent Kingfisher, the colourful Shoveler ducks and the slicked back Goosanders. Bond fans may even be lucky enough to catch a Goldeneye.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer 229: Thetford Forest in The Brecks / OS Landranger 155: Bury St Edmunds
You can download the route for this walk here.
The Roaches, Peak District
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Woodland, Hill
- Distance: 11.05km | Approx. Time: 3:35 hours
After a bit more of an adventure? Why not add some wilderness to your holiday hike and trek on up to The Roaches in the Peak District? Full of weather-beaten gritstone to create a sense of genuine free-form sculpting at every turn.
Take in the Peak’s most impressive skyline at the end of a relaxing three-mile walk, starting from Roach Road and heading north from Upper Hulme. It’s up here at the Roaches where you can see the mesmerising crags, not something to miss. Press on with a gentle 30-minute climb up to the eerie, moss covered chasm, Lud’s Church, to see the very best of the stunning crags.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL24: Peak District – White Peak area / OS Landranger 118: Stoke-on-Trent & Macclesfield
You can download the route for this walk here.
The Catbells, Lake District
No matter what level of experience walker you’re at, The Catbells in the Lake District is welcoming to everyone and anyone. A picturesque fell that delivers on the effort of the ascent tenfold by providing some of the most spectacular views in Cumbria. Paired with a nice warm brew at the summit, what could be more perfect?
You can make this walk as long or short as you’d like by simply adjusting your route and adding any extra detours you may want to explore. At 3.5 miles long, this walk shouldn’t take any more than a few hours, and is seen as one of the most iconic walks in the Lake District due to its breathtaking scenery.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Mountain
- Distance: 5.20km | Approx. Time: 2:15 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL04: English Lakes – North-western area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can download the route for this walk here.
Glencoe Lochan, Scottish Highlands
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland
- Distance: 2.50km | Approx. Time: 0:55 hours
Finishing our list at the northern most-point on our list is Glencoe Lochan in the Scottish Highlands. Located not far from the quiet little village of Glencoe, the Glencoe Lochan trail follows the edge of a tranquil loch surrounded by lush mountainous woods and scenery like you wouldn’t imagine. These American woodlands date back to the late 19th century, when Lord Strathcona planted them in hopes that they would make his Canadian wife feel less homesick.
The trail is actually an easy trek for the whole family, no matter what level you’re at. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and you’re wanting to push the boat out, there are some longer, steeper options in the area as well. With more than enough awe-inspiring views to take in and plenty of great little spots off the path for kids to explore. The perfect end to your Christmas holiday.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer 384: Glen Coe & Glen Etive / OS Landranger 41: Ben Nevis
You can download the route for this walk here.
Gunnerside Gill, Yorkshire Dales, England
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill, Rocky
- Distance: 9.65 km | Approx. Time: 3:10 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL30: Yorkshire Dales – Northern & Central areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
Kilburn White Horse & Gormire Lake, North York Moors, England
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland
- Distance: 8.45 km | Approx. Time: 2:40 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL26: North York Moors – Western area / OS Landranger 100: Malton & Pickering
You can download the route for this walk here.
Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings, South Downs, England
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 17.95 km | Approx. Time: 5:25 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL10: Arundel & Pulborough / OS Landranger 198: Brighton & Lewes
You can download the route for this walk here.
Those are our top winter walks you and your family can embark upon this Boxing Day! Check out our extensive range of walking gear to find everything you may need to enjoy these wonderful routes. Have a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years from everyone here at GO Outdoors!
