Beat the January Blues with a Winter Walking Break
January can feel long. The festive rush has passed, the evenings are still dark, and motivation can dip. But it’s also one of the best times of year to step away, get outside, and reset — especially when everything is already organised for you.
At Large Outdoors, our January trips are designed to make winter walking feel simple, welcoming, and genuinely enjoyable. These are hotel-based, fully guided walking breaks, with transport included during the trip as part of our car-free experiences. There’s no driving between walks, no route planning, and no pressure to keep up — just steady walking, good company, and time outdoors when it’s at its quietest.
Most people join on their own, and our small groups are set up to help everyone feel comfortable from the start. January walking isn’t about big distances or ticking things off a list. It’s about fresh air, movement, conversation, and coming home feeling lighter than when you arrived.
Why January Is a Great Time to Go Walking
Winter landscapes have a calmer feel. Coastal paths are quieter, countryside pubs are warmer, and popular places feel more relaxed. Walking at this time of year is often clearer and more focused — fewer distractions, fewer crowds, and a better chance to slow things down.
Our January trips focus on well-paced routes, chosen for interest rather than difficulty. There’s time for coffee stops, pub lunches, and finishing walks before the day feels long. Everything is guided, so you can simply turn up and enjoy the experience.
Hotel-Based, Car-Free, and Easy to Join
All of our January breaks are hotel-based, offering comfort at the end of the day and the option of single rooms on selected trips. Transport during the trip is included, whether that’s linking walks or getting to the start points, which makes these breaks ideal if you’d rather travel by train and leave the car at home.
This approach keeps things straightforward and sociable, and it’s one of the reasons many people choose Large Outdoors for their first winter walking break.
January Walking Breaks to Consider
If you’re looking for a gentle way to beat the January blues, these trips are a great place to start:
Walking Through Stories: Jane Austen & Watership Down
A leisurely walking weekend inspired by classic English landscapes, with easy countryside walks and time in welcoming country pubs.
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/walking-through-stories-jane-austen-watership-down-weekend
Whitby & Robin Hood’s Bay – Yorkshire Coast Walking Weekend
A winter coastal break linking historic seaside towns with steady clifftop walking and quieter coastal paths.
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/whitby-robin-hoods-bay-yorkshire-coast-walking-weekend
Pickering Walking Weekend: Discover the North York Moors
A friendly, hotel-based walking weekend exploring moorland and valleys, with train station collection and a strong car-free focus.
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/pickering-walking-weekend-discover-the-north-york-moors
Walking & Gin Break in Hampshire
An early February option combining guided countryside walking with visits linked to local gin producers, keeping the relaxed winter feel going a little longer.
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/signature-walking-gin-tour
A Simple Way to Start the Year Well
You don’t need to be super fit, experienced, or confident to enjoy a January walking break. You just need to like being outdoors, enjoy walking at a steady pace, and be open to spending a few days with a friendly group.
If January usually feels like something to get through, a winter walking break can be a genuinely positive way to start the year — with structure, fresh air, and something to look forward to.
To explore all upcoming trips and dates, visit the Trip Calendar:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar
If you have any questions at all, the Large Outdoors team is always happy to help.
New to Large Outdoors? Start your journey here to see how our trips work and what to expect before booking:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/new-to-large-outdoors-start-here
