By HELEN NICHOLSON

Walking in a winter wonderland: Soak up the snowy scenery in the Peak District National Park


If your flight has been cancelled or you're reading this while stuck on a stationary train, you'll no doubt be well and truly fed up with the snow by now. But take heart, the winter weather does have its benefits.

The thick blanket of fresh white snow that is covering much of the country has turned the UK into a frosty playground and bestowed an ethereal calmness on our beautiful countryside. From winter walks in 'enchanted' forests to husky rides followed by hot chocolate around the campfire, embrace the icy onslaught and make the most of the winter wonderland...


Winter wonderland walks
In the South East, explore the snow-covered Kentish countryside between the North Downs and the High Weald. Or venture west to enjoy the peace and quiet in Oxfordshire’s tranquil Cherwell Valley.

In Wales, wrap up warm and take a winter hike along the Clwydian Range - the Offa’s Dyke National Trail follows almost the entire length of the ridge crest and offers unbeatable views of the surrounding countryside.

In the South West, take a stroll into the hills surrounding Bath for great views of the snow-capped city. Better still, embark on a walk among the noble ancient beech trees in Savernake Forest, Wiltshire.

Head North to soak up the breathtaking winter scenery in the Peak District National Park, and then keep on going to let the bracing winds blow out the cobwebs along the South Tyneside coast.

Hopefully the snow will last until Boxing Day when the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks kicks off. TV presenter Ben Fogle will be leading the way as thousands of ramblers set off to sample Britain at its most magical.

Hundreds of walks led by experienced ramblers will take place around the country between Boxing Day and 3 January. They’re free and open to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Just remember to wrap up warm and don’t forget your tea flask! To find your nearest walk visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks.


Romantic rink: London's Somerset House provides a stunning setting for Christmas ice skating


Sledging
Grab your sledge, tea tray or bin bag and head to the hills for an exhilarating winter rush.

Londoners should climb to the top of Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, which offers sweeping views of the capital, while you’ll get great views of Kenilworth Castle as you whizz down the hill at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth.

Boars Hill in Oxford is renowned for its sledging prowess, as well as its view, and Lyme Park in Cheshire provides a beautiful backdrop to your winter fun on the edge of the Peak District.

In Yorkshire, serious sledgers head for the top of Clay Bank in Bilsdale near the Yorkshire moors, which even has graded runs, while over in Nottinghamshire, Wollaton Park makes a great sledging run if you can manage to dodge the herd of deer.

Alternatively, for a super-charged adrenaline rush, try Arctic Quest's husky ride at Croft Farm in Tewkesbury. You’ll experience the thrill of mushing through the English countryside before settling down beside a campfire with toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate. Rides start from £10. Visit http://www.arcticquest.co.uk for more information.


Freeze frame: The Eyeskate ice rink is new to London, and provides a magical skating experience at night


Skiing
Skiers are celebrating the recent snowfall as the ski season comes early to Scotland. Hundreds of skiers enjoyed a day on the slopes last weekend and it’s set to be a bumper ski season at the Scottish resorts.

In the west of Scotland, Cairngorm (www.cairngormmountain.co.uk), Glenshee (www.ski-glenshee.co.uk) and Lecht (www.lecht.co.uk) ski resorts have all had sufficient snowfall to open for business this week, and they’re expecting record numbers to sign up for season passes this year.

Cairngorm has seen around 2,500 skiers this month – the highest number for November for a decade. Over a metre of snow has fallen in parts of the hills, and further snowfall is predicted.


Festive fare: The Frankfurt Christmas Market is crammed full of stalls selling handmade toys and gingerbread
Ice rinks


Embrace the icy temperatures by practising your figure of eight on one of the country’s many outdoor winter ice rinks.

On the south coast, the Brighton Centre opens its ice rink on 20 December and the distinctive domes at the Eden Project will provide a unique backdrop to the outdoor skating experience in Cornwall.

The beautiful Winchester Cathedral plays host to the city’s open-air ice rink in Hampshire while Newcastle’s main outdoor ice rink will be located outside the Centre for Life. And visitors to Glasgow will be able to skate beneath the stars in the city’s bustling George Square.

London is home to dozens of ice rinks, including the romantic 18th century courtyard at Somerset House. The Tower of London and National History Museum also have equally impressive backdrops.

New this year is Eyeskate - located at the foot of the London Eye on the South Bank - which provides a magical skating experience at night.


Winter warmer: Thaw out on Brighton beach during the annual Burning the Clocks ceremony


Festive events
There are a host of festive events that will have an extra bit of sparkle thanks to a coating of winter snow.

Highlights include the Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park, which features adrenaline-packed rides, a German Christmas market and London's biggest open-air ice rink. Visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com to find out more.

In Swansea, the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum have been transformed into a Waterfront Winterland, complete with an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, a family funfair and a giant Ferris wheel. Visit www.swanseachristmas.com

In Birmingham, shoppers can warm up with mulled wine at the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is open until 23 December, and is crammed full of stalls selling handmade toys, Christmas decorations, grilled sausages and gingerbread. Live music and carols will be performed every lunchtime and evening from a bandstand in Victoria Square and there’s a giant helter-skelter and carousel to keep children entertained. Visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket.

In Gloucestershire, discover The Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum where the snow-covered trees will be decked out with thousands of festive lights. Follow the Illuminated Trail around the Old Arboretum, which takes in some spectacularly beautiful trees, and then warm up with some mulled wine and roast chestnuts as you listen to the carol singers.

Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt.
Meanwhile, down in Brighton there are further opportunities to thaw out during the Burning the Clocks ceremony. The annual event, which marks the Winter Solstice, takes place on 21 December and attracts thousands of people who parade through the city carrying paper and willow lanterns. When they reach Brighton Beach, they ‘offer up’ their lanterns to a giant pyre which burns brightly into the night. Just the thing for warding off an icy Siberian blast. Visit www.burningtheclocks.co.uk.


source: dailymail