A walking route in Lancashire has been named among the best in the UK by a writer at The Times.
Christopher Somerville said the walks are his favourite in the winter, particularly when the new year starts.
Introducing the list, he said: “Put the gloves and boots on, and get yourself out into that beautiful wintry countryside under a clear blue heaven, with a hint of frost to nip your nose and a scoop of breeze to redden your cheeks.
“Down through the woods where the shapely skeleton of every tree stands naked to admire.
“Out by the sea with the clamour of five thousand wintering geese overhead and unbelievable colours streaking the evening sky. Or a skid and a puff up the hill for the reward of sublime views over the frozen landscape from the summit, and a bonus of smugness that you did it.
“And then down to a proper pub with a log fire and a well deserved hot toddy to warm you up.
“Sounds good? It’s all here in these twenty winter walks, all favourites of mine. Enjoy them to the hilt.”
Mere Sands Wood and Martin Mere in Lancashire features in 8th place on the top 20 list but what makes it so special?
Why this Lancashire walk is among the best to do this winter
This route is described as being “easy”, eight miles long and takes you on “level paths through fields”.
Somerville added: “A walk in classic winter birdwatching territory. Watch teal, wigeons and pintails from hides on the lakes of Mere Sands, then walk fields thronging with pinkfooted geese to Martin Mere Wetland Centre and its Community Reedbed Walk round the perimeter, featuring greylag geese, whooper swans and, if you’re lucky, a barn owl.”
You can see the full list of the top 20 winter walks via The Times’ website.
If you’re using a map, he recommends the OS Explorer 286 but you can find trail maps at the nature reserves.
The starting point of the walk is Mere Sands Wood Visitor Centre, Holmeswood Road, Rufford L40 1TG (OS ref SD 447159).
For those driving to the start point, take the A59 to Rufford then the B5246 Holmeswood Road and you’ll see a sign for Mere Sands on the left.
If you’d like to find out more about the walk, you can visit the Lancashire Wildlife Trust or Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust websites.
Stopping for a bite to eat? If, after your walk, you’d like some refreshments, you can take a stop at the Hesketh Arms in Rufford (L40 1SB).
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Somerville has shared how you can enjoy the walk: “Follow Mere Sands Wood Blue Trail anticlockwise to New Barn entrance on south edge of reserve (446156). Right along Rufford Boundary sluice to Sandy Way (436158).
“Left to corner (436154); ahead across footbridge; right to fingerpost sign, left across fields for nearly a mile to Fish Lane (433142). Right; in 150m, left (“Martin Mere Reedbed Walk”) and follow Reedbed Walk before returning same way to Mere Sands Wood. If visiting Martin Mere WWT Wetland Centre, continue along Fish Lane to entrance on left (429144).”
Have you tried this walking route? Let us know in the comments.