There’s nothing like the rosy glow of a walk in the winter, getting wrapped up against the elements and watching your warm breath meet the chill air in a hazy cloud. Even when the weather may be perceived to be a bit gloomy, the boost of natural light on a walk is good for our souls and tops up our levels of Vitamin D, boosting our immunity and making us feel more alive. Of course, there are the physical benefits too – walking sees our fitness improve as we rack up those steps, it helps muscle tone and, particularly pertinent to this time of year, helps us to walk off those seasonal excesses!

Whether you prefer a solitary walk to clear your mind and calm your soul or the buzz of social interaction with family or friends, a walk is a good opportunity to notice what is around you and connect with nature.

Walking boots, gloves and hat at the ready? Well, let’s have a look at five winter walks to step into the new year:

Cassiobury Park (Watford)

A park on the edge of urban development might not be front of mind for a date with nature but visit Cassiobury Park and you may be surprised. As well as being home to our nature reserve, where wet woodland surrounds once shallow watercress beds which have developed into marshland and open pools, you will find paths that take you alongside the Grand Union Canal and through Whippendell Woods. Children will be kept happy with an extensive play park and there are cafes on hand too, plus the town centre is but a short stroll away for anything else you might need. Perhaps the biggest consideration about a walk around Cassiobury Park is its accessibility – there are plenty of public transport links to put you in its vicinity and good pathways for wheelchair users or those pushing buggies. A great all-rounder for that winter walk, and, one where, if you look carefully, you might spot a Grey Heron, a Little Egret, see the iridescent flight of a Kingsfisher or see a Siskin. Cassiobury Park LNR and Whippendell Wood SSSI are owned and managed by Watford Borough Council who are working in partnership with the Trust to improve their value for wildlife and people. The partnership is working in consultation with a range of stakeholders to involve the local community, support volunteering and enable people to care for and enjoy these special places. 

Fir & Ponds Woods (near Potters Bar)

This nature reserve sits on the Hertfordshire and Middlesex borders, making it a prime spot for those looking to escape the suburbs and experience the wild. Whilst one clue to the kind of habitat you’ll find here is in its name, Fir & Ponds Woods boasts habitats other than woodland too – meadow and wetland, making it a prime spot for a wildlife spotting walk, and definitely in the easy category! Meander through the cover of ancient trees, explore the medieval fish pond and look out for Fieldfare and Redwing as you stroll.

Tewinbury and Panshanger Park (near Hertford)

Tewinbury and Panshanger Park are within easy reach of one another, with both flanking the River Mimram – one of Hertfordshire’s globally rare chalk rivers. The Chalk River Discovery Trail runs alongside the River Mimram at Tewinbury Farm Hotel, and next door to the Trust’s Tewinbury Nature Reserve. The trail is open every day to hotel guests and members of the Trust, who can access it by collecting a key from the hotel’s reception. The trail includes a number of interpretation boards so you can find out more about the habitat. Panshanger Park also offers wonderful opportunities to gaze down into the Mimram – stand on one of the bridges and listen to the water babble below for an instant hit of calm. Whilst you are there check out the Panshanger Great Oak, which is believed to be the oldest Oak tree in England. With multiple trails and 1,000 acres, there are plenty of walking options to explore. Between Tewinbury and Panshanger Park, sits Archers Green – a vital link between the two sites and our newest nature reserve. 

Wilstone Reservoir (near Tring)

This large expanse of water, Wilstone Reservoir is one of the four reservoirs that collectively make up Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve, becomes the winter home of many visiting wildfowl. Conveniently, there’s a free car park next to the reservoir so once you arrive you’ll be ready to stride out immediately. There are a couple of options here – walk to the Paul Thrush Hide in about 20 minutes and take shelter from the biting crosswinds, whilst you watch the birds on the reservoir. Or, if you prefer a longer jaunt, you can set off for a circular walk of around three miles, on which you will encounter farmland, hedgerows, the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal, look up to see the towering Hybrid Poplars and get great views across the reservoir from a number of directions. Happily, there’s a café close at hand – Mead’s Farmhouse Kitchen, which is signposted from the edge of the reservoir. Our supporters, Puddingstone Distillery are also next door – so why not pop in and pick up a bottle of their Ultrasonic gin, knowing that £2 from each bottle sold goes towards the good work of the Trust.

Stocker’s Lake (near Rickmansworth)

Stocker's Lake is an extensive former gravel pit becomes a nationally important hotspot for the number of wintering birds it attracts at this time of year. A family-friendly circular walk will take you around its edge and put you in the company of wildfowl, who have migrated from the likes of Russia, Iceland and Scandinavia. Tune in to listen to Cetti’s Warblers singing their melodic song from the reedbeds and look towards the Alder trees, where you are likely to spot flocks of Siskin. As well as well-placed bird hides, offering vistas of the lake and refuge from the weather, you can head next door to Bury Lake, where there’s a café to enjoy a well-earned, post-walk cuppa!

Of course, you can walk anywhere and nature is always close at hand, even in urban environments. Why not share your favourite walks with us or tell us about the wildlife you spotted on your winter walk by tagging the Trust @hertswildlifetrust on Instagram and Facebook and @HMWTBadger on Twitter.

In the meantime, we wish you amazing ambles, wistful wanders and heart-warming hikes – enjoy!