Winter walks by day and night, remote hideaways, French Riviera rail trips and hot chocolate in Turin are among the remedies our informants offer for dark January days Scroll down to see the winner
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Winter fun in Highland Glencoe
When it comes to exciting journeys to new places at the darkest and dreariest time of the year, there’s nothing better than an impromptu road trip. Just south of Glencoe village, Glencoe Mountain Resort (micro-lodge for two from £75 per night) offers easy sledding and skiing, as well as lovely winter walks – an almost Scandinavian experience for those on a budget. Breathing the invigorating Scottish air and taking in the breathtaking scenery is the tonic we all need to last us until spring. Sleeping in the comfort of a miniature hotel can add to the adventure and make the most of this short break.
Clare Renton
Night Walk, Lancashire
Snowwalking in Rivington as the sun sets
We discovered the joys of night walking during the blocked winter months. We live in light-polluted Manchester, but only a short drive from Rivington, near Chorley and its accessible woodlands and marshes. The bare trees and high marshes provide enough moonlight to walk safely without a flashlight, awakening all the senses and fully embracing the beauty of a dark winter night. I love gazing at the lights of the city in the distance, the colorful sunsets at tea time, and the crisp, cold air.
Kay
Vision and Hot Chocolate, Turin, Italy
The city of Turin, home to Juventus, Fiat and Lavazza coffee, is full of churches, museums, palaces and squares, but has few visitors in the off-season. Don’t miss the Mole Antonelliana tower, with its elevator whistling 85 meters straight up to the observation deck. My favorite view comes from Torre Campanaria, where, for just 4 euros, you can see the skyline including Mole. Afterwards, warm up with a traditional bisselline, a layered mixture of hot chocolate, espresso and milk froth. I’m blessed with winter sunshine; if that’s not your thing, there’s an eclectic mix of world-class museums and 18 kilometers of covered walkways to explore.
Kristin Reardon
Horizontal rain clears the cobwebs, Yorkshire Dales
Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales
A trip to Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales in January was a sure way to dispel the Christmas cobwebs. The weather forecast looked clear and it was a beautiful morning when we arrived, but the higher we climbed, the more the weather changed – gusty winds and driving, horizontal rainfall. All of this added to the fun and challenge of climbing the summit and made the bottle of tea and sandwiches at the top worthwhile. The weather improved on the descent and overall it was a wonderful January hike, ending with a pint of beer in front of the welcome fire at the Golden Lion in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
