COVID-19 Travel: Top 5 UK Winter Walks

Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 02:11 pm

As the temperature gets warmer and the days get longer – you may find you have a renewed sense of motivation when it comes to spending time outside.  If you’re thinking of planning a mountain hike or country ramble- it’s still important to keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from The government.  From the 12th of April, you will be allowed to travel around the UK and stay overnight in a hotel, cottage or B&B. UK staycations mean that you can once again enjoy long walks in these long, picturesque beauty spots. 

Top 5 UK Walks

From frost-covered grass to iced lakes, there is nothing like the breathtaking views of a springtime walk. What with social distancing, working from home and local lockdowns – long spring walks can help you to become reacquainted with nature. However, with so many possible trails – it can be difficult to decide where to go. To help you decide, we put together our top 5 UK walks. 

1. Loch Morlich, Highland Walk

Loch Morlich in Glenmore Forest Park, Highland 

Route: 3.1 miles | 1.5 hours | easy

Top of our spring walks is Loch Morlich. Located in the Scottish highlands near Aviemore, this freshwater loch is every sports enthusiasts dream. From there you will be able to see the surrounding Cairngorms mountains, which are beloved by skiers, climbers, snowboarders and walkers.  

For more information about Loch Morlich, click here. 

2. Okehampton to Belstone, Devon

Route: 8.63 miles | 5 hours | moderate

Okehampton is situated on the northern edge of Dartmoor in Devon, it is where you’ll begin this second walk. You’ll start by heading to Moor brook near West Mill. After following it down to Okehampton camp, you’ll then head to Halstock hill. Where you’ll have fantastic views of the Boer war trench remains. Continuing, you’ll come to East Hill. East hill, though a quiet area of Devon, is a favourite place for dog walking. Point of Interest, along this stretch, is Knightstone Manor East Hill Forest. Finally, you’ll head back on yourself – to Okehampton. 

For more information about, Okehampton to Belstone, click here. 

3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire to Maw Myke 

Route: 6 miles | 4 hours | easy-moderate

Robin Hood’s Bay is where the surrounding North York country moors meet the north sea. Interestingly, the bay and Bay Town both have a long-standing historical link to smuggling dating back to the 1800s. Now, however, it is a quaint place full of cottages and fish boats. The route is 6 miles, you’ll begin at Robin Hood’s Bay heading in a northern direction along the cliffs. Along the journey, you’ll be able to enjoy the seabirds wheeling and as well as a strong sea breeze. 

For more information about Robin Hood’s Bay, click here. 

4. Moel Eilio Walk

Route: 7.0 miles | 4 hours | easy-moderate

Not up to the challenge of Mount Snowdon? Well, you’re in luck – for an easier climb with less snow, there is Moel Eilio. The walk from Moel Eilio from Llanberis has sensational views, making it a firm choice for any walker. The route is simple and breathtaking – you’ll start in Llanberis and follow part of the Bwlch y Groes mountain pass road and it’s circular up to Moel Eilio. And, if on completion, you feel up to tackling Mount Snowdon – you have access to it from your endpoint at Moel Eilio. 

For more information about Moel Eilio, click here. 

5. Loch View Walk

Route: 3.5 miles | 1.5-2 hours | easy

The chosen route is Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands. The loop offers scenic views, tranquil waters and stretches of forest. The selected trail takes you through the heart of Glenmore forest, here you’ll be in the thick of nature – you’ll be sure to spot plenty of wildlife. 

 For more information about Loch view walks, click here. 

Be Prepared for Local Lockdowns

Our Top five UK walks are sensational in more ways than one, some are best suited to those who are avidly in sports and others are designed for an afternoon ramble. While you may have added one or two of these routes to your ‘to hike’ list – we recommend that you check local lockdown and COVID-19 measures of the areas you wish to visit before heading off. To check the 7-day rolling Coronavirus map, click here.

Make Sure You Have the COVID-19 Travel Essentials

COVID-19 essentials are not just for international travel. If you’re thinking of enjoying a UK staycation or simply venturing out for the day – you’ll need to take with you the following items to keep yourself and those around you safe. 

You will need to following items; 

• A Face covering for when you enter any public spaces. For more information on face masks, click here. 
• Antibacterial gel that’s at least 60% alcohol concentration.

How To Travel with Confidence During the Pandemic

• Find the answers to the most common questions that AllClear policyholders have asked about their travel insurance cover
• COVID-19 Safety Issues Dominate the Travel Choices of British Holidaymakers
• Travel Insurance with enhanced Coronavirus cover

Author notes. By Lydia Crispin, AllClear Medical and Travel Content Creator. “It’s important to us that our customers have confidence when they travel. For every holidaymaker’s peace of mind – we strive to continuously provide the latest-travel insights and industry updates so that each and every person can make well informed travel-related decisions”
Edited by Letitia Smith, MSc, Content Manager at AllClear.

Updated on: 06/04/2021