Perfect Valentine’s Day walks

With only a couple of days until the most romantic day of the year, what better way than to go for a loving stroll with your other half. With a crisp, winter setting and a gorgeous, scenic route, you can find yourself falling in love all over again.

Ensure you are wrapped up warm with socks & gloves and have suitable footwear (flip flops are a no no). If you are yet to find love, fear not, as these walks are also great for a stroll without the need to hold someone else’s hand.

Virginia Water Lake, Surrey

One of Surrey’s best kept secrets, Virginia Water Lake was originally developed for royalty, and is an extension from Windsor Great Park. Rumours are it was named after Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen. These rumours are unfounded. Thankfully, it is now available for public use, and is enjoyed by thousands each year. Roughly 4.5 miles circulates the lake, making it an ideal length for a walk. There are various sites along the scenic route too, including a cascading water feature built in the rocks (inspiration for our own perhaps?), a towering 100 foot Totem Pole and a (very small) beach area, great for paddling (although perhaps not in February!)

The Long Walk, Windsor

Interestingly, this walk is located within the same estate as Virginia Water Lake (Windsor Great Park – this gives you an idea of just how big it is), however you’d need to walk an extra 2.5 miles to reach the lakes from the end point of the Long walk. Therefore this is justifiable as its own delightful route. Starting near the castle at Cambridge Gates in the heart of Windsor town centre, culminating at the The Copper Horse statue, this walk will take you 2.65 miles (or 5.3 miles if you need to return). Although a straight path, it’s beautifully set between trees and shrubbery, with various wildlife spotted along the way. At reaching your destination, you are welcomed with stunning views of the castle, and the view itself is spectacular, so be sure to bring your camera.

Tarn Hows, Lake District

Home of the highest mountain in England (Scafell Pike), the Lake District attracts over 15million people each year, and it’s not hard to see why. Covering 885sq mi, this large yet beautiful mountainous range offers activities and walks in abundance. Tarn Hows is a short lake-set walk (1.9m), situated between Coniston and Ambleside, west of Lake Windermere. It’s a very gentle walk, suitable for all ages and abilities, covering a mountain lake and a small wooded hill. Make sure you pack a raincoat however, as Tarn Hows and the Lake District is situated in one of the wettest parts of England.

Hyde Park, London

We return to the south east for this walk, situated in central London, just north of the River Thames.  One of the largest parks in London, covering 350 acres and listed as a Royal Park, Hyde Park has something for everyone. Chances are you won’t be the only couple enjoying a romantic stroll around this popular park, and runners will pass you on the way, but with so much to see and do, it’s amazing you can fit all this inside central London. With the infamous Speakers’ Corner, Serpentine Lake, Diane, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the 7 July Memorial, this park is rich on history. Contiguous with Kensington Gardens, it’s a 4.3 mile walk to cover the two, making it an ideal, scenic route to avoid the hustle and bustle of busy London streets.

Brighton Beach, Brighton

We conclude with a coastline treasure in Brighton beach, 5.4 miles from end to end. Over 150,000 people will visit the beach on sunny summer weekends, but for Valentine’s Day, the beach walk far less populated, making it an ideal romantic walk. Nothing beats walking next to the fresh smelling ocean water, and you’ve even an opportunity to stop off for fish and chips and a game of mini golf along the way. Another delight along the way is the Brighton Pier, where you can try win your sweetheart a cuddly toy or get a photo in a ‘Just Married’ cut out board (people do get married on the pier too, if that takes your fancy). This is definitely a walk for the activity friendly couple.

We hope you enjoy your Valentine’s day, whoever you decide to spend the special day with.

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Amie is a marketing enthusiast, having worked at Primrose since graduating from Reading University in 2014.

She enjoys all things sport. A keen football fan, Amie follows Tottenham Hotspur FC, and regularly plays for her local 5 a side football team.

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