Winter is a time where some people might want to cosy up indoors while others might see it as a chance to explore the great outdoors.
With the right clothing for winter, the season is enjoyable and going on walks in the cold weather is invigorating for many - a chance to blow the cob webs off for the New Year.
In some cultures like in Scandanavia, young babies are allowed to nap outside in the cold. Anecdotally, it is believed that the children fall sick less because there are less chances of catching a virus or other infections outdoors.
That tradition might not have caught on in the UK, but you can’t beat a good walk in the winter air here in the West Midlands and there are multiple options in and around Birmingham. You don’t have to go too far to find the best nature walks. If you like urban areas better, there’s something for you too.
From great big parks to canals, the city has a lot of outdoor spaces to enjoy in all weathers and it is a shame to not take advantage of that.
So, here are seven amazing places to go on winter walks in and around Birmingham:
5. Aston Park
If you like going on walks and don’t want to go too far, Aston Park is one of the best options. Located off the A38 Aston Expressway and next to Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club, this park offers great walkways in all weathers. This historic park is the home to Aston Hall a Jacobean mansion built in the mid-17th century and now a fascinating museum. It has mature trees and shrubs, sweeping avenues and constantly changing planting schemes making it perfect for a stroll. (Photo by Flickr/Elliott Brown) | Flickr/Elliott Brown
6. Handsworth Park
The Handsworth Park might be a surprising choice but it has numerous lakes and massive open spaces to walk and play in. It has over 63 acres of landscaped grass slopes, with flower beds, mature trees, shrubs, and plenty of wildlife. You can go boating here since it has a boating lake, with rowing boats available to hire. There are two play areas for children. Founded in 1888, it used to be called Victoria Park earlier and is now a home to a multicultural festivities like Vaisakhi. There are Ranger Services on offer at the park and you can go on nature walks, take up practical conservation activities and general activities with play centres and community groups too. (Photo by Flickr/Elliott Brown) | Flickr/Elliott Brown
7. Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park is a marvelous park in Moseley. In the summer, it’s the location for the Birmingham Mela and in the winter, you can enjoy the views of a frozen lake and a lot more. Made up of 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 acres of conservation and woodland plantation, the park is home to many furry creatures including red pandas, lynxes, and more. The park has a range of facilities including model trains, two playgrounds, golf at the mini-golf course, tennis, the Midlands Arts Centre, and even fishing! (Photo by Tony Hisgett/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic) | Tony Hisgett/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
8. Sandwell Valley Country Park
From leisure activities to walking, cycling, everything is possible at the Sandwell Valley Country Park. With 660 acres to walk round, it’s great for a walking tour with friends and family on a winter day. Just one mile from West Bromwich town centre, this park has playgrounds, a mountain bike trail, golf, cycling, farms with animals, tennis and football. If you are a history buff, there are sites like the priory ruins, The Sand Well, a ha-ha, an ice house, burnt mounds and remnants of coal mining there. You can also visit the Sandwell Park and Forge Mill Farms to spend the day with animals. (Photo - Shutterstock) | Shutterstock