Escape the Indoors: 7 Affordable Winter Walking Weekends
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. In fact, it’s one of the most magical times to explore the UK. Crisp air, quiet footpaths, and the promise of a roaring fire at the end of the day make this time of year perfect for wrapping up and getting out on a hike. Plus at low season times of year you really get great value for money, the perfect excuse to get planning a little micro adventure.
Winter is the Perfect Time to Book a Hiking Weekend
The media is full of stories about how getting out for a walk regularly is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health and that’s especially true in winter months. Read our complete guide to winter wellbeing for more advice on kickstarting your motivation and your metabolism this winter. A weekend break could be just the tonic to ignite your passion for hiking.
Affordable Hiking Weekends – You’ll Be Surprised at the Prices and the Choice of Great Rooms!
YHA’s offer REALLY affordable accommodation, some private double rooms in the amazing hostels featured here are just £30 per night off season.
YHA hostels aren’t just for backpackers roaming the countryside on foot anymore, most offer parking, private rooms, lovely self-catering kitchens, and cosy communal spaces perfect for groups. With drying rooms that mean you don’t need to worry about damp gear and most hostels within reach of a welcoming pub, all you need to do is pack the right layers and rally your friends to get off the group chat and get out for a micro adventure.
Plan Less, Explore More with OS Maps
We’ve handpicked seven YHA locations, all of which offer ready-made walking routes that you can follow straight from the doorstep, with no planning required thanks to OS Maps. Just click the links below each YHA to explore the routes.
If you’ve got OS Maps Premium, you can find loads more routes and preview your route with a stunning 3D flythrough before you even lace up your boots. Plus, you can download our maps to your device, so if you lose signal, as long as you have your phone charged you’ll still be able to pinpoint your location and stay confidently on track.
Want some advice on getting started? – read our Beginners Guide to Hiking
Adventure, fresh air, and the right company, even if that means planning a peaceful solo escape. You definitely don’t need wall to wall sunshine to have a great time outdoors! So become a winter weekend warrior and add a hiking getaway to your diary.
Our Top 7 YHA’s for a Fun Walking Weekend in the UK
🌿 YHA South Downs
Postcode: BN8 6JS
Intro: Set in a beautifully restored Sussex farmhouse right on the South Downs Way, YHA South Downs offers instant access to rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and peaceful countryside. Just a short walk from Southease station on the River Ouse, it’s ideal for a car-free escape from London.
🔗 YHA South Downs
There are two great walking routes we recommend from the South Downs YHA:
⛰️ YHA Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Postcode: LD3 8NH
Intro: Surrounded by 15 acres of woodland in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, this cosy 19th-century farmhouse is a gateway to epic walks, including Pen-y-Fan. Whether you’re glamping or bunking up, it’s a peaceful base for exploring waterfalls, wildlife, and wide open skies.
🔗 YHA Brecon Beacons
🏔️ YHA Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Pen-Y-Pass
Postcode: LL55 4NY
Intro: Perched over 1,000ft above sea level at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), this hostel is a legendary base for mountaineers and hikers. With trails like the Pyg and Miners Track starting from the door, it’s a winter adventure hub with dramatic views and a warm welcome.
🔗 YHA Snowdon Pen-Y-Pass
🏰 YHA Ilam Hall
Postcode: DE6 2AZ
Intro: Possibly one of the most impressive of all the YHA’s in the UK. It’s set in a fairytale Victorian Gothic mansion within 84 acres of National Trust parkland, YHA Ilam Hall is a stunning base for exploring Dovedale and the Peak District. From riverside rambles to limestone gorges, it’s a magical spot for group getaways and scenic walks.
🔗 YHA Ilam Hall
🏞️ YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
Postcode: S33 8WB
Intro: This grand gothic mansion sits in 27 acres of parkland in the heart of the Peak District. With Mam Tor, Peveril Castle, and Blue John Caverns nearby, it’s a walker’s paradise with a touch of heritage and plenty of space for groups to relax and explore.
🔗 YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
🌄 YHA Keswick
Postcode: CA12 5LH
Intro: Right in the centre of Keswick in the Lake District and overlooking the River Greta, this hostel offers easy access to Derwentwater, Skiddaw, and the bustling market town. It’s perfect for lakeside strolls, mountain hikes, and warming up in a local pub after a day outdoors.
🔗 YHA Keswick
🧗 YHA Helvellyn
Postcode: CA11 0QR
Intro: Located 963ft up England’s third-highest mountain, YHA Helvellyn is a remote retreat for walkers, climbers, and winter adventurers. With routes to so many iconic Lake District fells starting nearby, it’s a peaceful escape with dramatic scenery and a cosy vibe.
🔗 YHA Helvellyn
There are so many YHA’s to choose from in the UK and we have 100’s of great recommended routes you can take direct from the doorstops of these great venues.
By Hilary Pullen
Meet Hilary, Editor of Get Outside – the Ordnance Survey Blog. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales on her blog. Drop her an email hilary.pullen@os.uk if you are interested in posting an article on Get Outside.
