January 2026 is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors in the West Midlands. With crisp air and invigorating temperatures, wrapping up warm for a winter walk is an ideal way to shake off the post-holiday blues. The region boasts a stunning array of trails, from peaceful canalside paths and expansive moorland vistas to serene, leafy woodlands.
Whether you're after a short, gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, there's a route to suit every ambition. Based on highly-rated user reviews from the popular walking app AllTrails, here are five of the best winter walks to try this month across the West Midlands.
Top-Rated Trails for All Abilities
The selection features walks graded from easy to moderate, ensuring options for casual walkers and more experienced hikers alike. Each route offers its own unique charm, from historical rock dwellings to spectacular panoramic views.
1. Sutton Park Circular
This popular trail holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 415 reviews. Classed as moderate, the route covers 10.9km with an elevation gain of 224m, typically taking between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.
Starting from the car park near Bracebridge Pool, the path winds through attractive woodland before opening up across the parkland. Walkers will pass Longmoor Pool and travel through Holly Hurst to the visitor centre by Town Gate. The return leg guides you through more woodland past Blackfoot Pool back to the start.
2. Kinver Edge Circular
Boasting an outstanding 4.7 out of 5 score from 1,146 reviews, this moderate walk is a firm favourite. The 6.4km loop involves a 201m climb and usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
Beginning at the Kingsford Lane car park, the route explores the surprising landscape of Kinver Edge. Expect sweeping views, a heathland that's a paradise for wildlife, and the extraordinary sight of historic dwellings carved directly into the sandstone rock.
3. The Bulls Head and Earlswood Lakes Circular
Ideal for those seeking a gentler walk, this trail is rated easy and has a 4.3 out of 5 rating from 406 reviewers. It spans 6.8km with 175m of elevation, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
This lovely circular walk starts from The Bulls Head pub in Earlswood, near Solihull, on the border between the West Midlands and Warwickshire. It offers a tranquil waterside experience perfect for a winter's day.
Walks with Breathtaking Panoramas
4. Walton Hill to Four Stones to Adams Hill Circular
Another highly-rated moderate walk, this route scores 4.6 out of 5 from 372 reviews. Covering 8.2km with a 240m elevation gain, it demands 2.5 to 3 hours of your time.
This wonderful Worcestershire route takes you up Walton Hill and to the famous Four Stones on Clent Hill. The reward for the climb is a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views over Birmingham, Kidderminster, and the surrounding countryside.
These five trails demonstrate the incredible diversity of landscapes right on our doorstep in the West Midlands. With detailed ratings and clear route information from AllTrails, planning your January outdoor adventure has never been easier. So, pull on your boots, grab a warm coat, and discover the natural beauty of the region this winter.
