Explore a winter wonderland on Marsden Moor

A man walking in the snow with an omega sign that says Eastergate — A man walking on Marsden Moor in the crisp winter snow | © Annapurna Mellor

Whether it's the crunch of fresh snow under your boots or fresh-air camaraderie with friends and family, there are plenty of reasons to love a winter walk, and Marsden Moor is one of the finest places in the UK to take one (in our humble opinion). Here are five top trails for walking in this winter wonderland...

Family-friendly winter wanders

Eastergate Return
A nice easy jaunt from Marsden for even the rough weather days. Three miles along the canalside to this picturesque packhorse bridge feels Dickensian, but in a good way.

Pule Hill
Follow the green waymarkers to find this route that hugs the lower slopes of Marsden's famous humped hill. It's a family-friendly, 4.5-mile option with frosty moorland views and picturesque sheep encounters.

Deer Hill
This 4.5-miler has great views over Marsden and it is a bit less boggy than some of the others for wet weather periods. It's easy to stay on track with this one too, just follow the blue waymarkers.

A quote by Kate Divey MatthewsNational Trust Resilient Landscapes Project Officer

A group of winter hikers with view over a reservoir in the distance — A group of winter hikers get a great view over one of Marsden's reservoirs | © Annapurna Mellor

Winter walks for serious ramblers

Wessenden Valley
This eight-mile route, which winds past four reservoirs in the Wessenden Valley, has been enjoyed by walkers for over 150 years. Finish up with a drink in The Railway at Marsden, which has a similar vintage.

Standedge Circuit
One for people who have really gone hard on the mince pies: this challenging ten-mile circular walk is a Pennine Way taster. Expect varied landscapes on open moorland with far-reaching views.