Four local trails have been named among Australia's best winter hikes
So after analysing the data and crunching some numbers, they've rounded up the ten most popular winter hikes in Australia, and four trails around Victoria have made the cut. Guess it's time to lace up your boots, pop on some layers and face the frosty conditions. We reckon these scenic tracks are well worth it.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills
This 7.6-kilometre loop features a hiking trifecta: gorgeous views, rock scrambling and, for the brave, a post-hike swimming hole (if you can brave the chill in winter!). Our favourite photo spot is the Eastern Lookout at the gorge, which offers panoramic views of the park's coolest natural wonders.
Yarra Bend Park Loop, Melbourne
Just a short drive from Melbourne's CBD, this relaxed 9.2-kilometre track on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people weaves through the city's largest natural bushland park. Look out for rainbow lorikeets, red-rumped parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and possums. Highlights include Dights Falls and Studley Park Boathouse – the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra River recently underwent a huge renovation, and is a beautiful spot to refuel.
Mount Lofty Loop, Wonga Park
This five-kilometre mountain climb has a lot going for it – there are plenty of uphills to get the blood pumping, but you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Yarra Valley stretching all the way to the Dandenong Ranges. You may even spot some wildlife along the way. It was also named the third most popular trail in Australia for 2024, so you know this one is a certified winner no matter what the weather conditions.
Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop, Melbourne
Hidden in the Dandenong Ranges, this 6.6-kilometre loop offers a chance to spot the trail's namesake bird. Locals recommend walking anticlockwise to make it a little less strenuous. With lush, green scenery and giant ferns to admire, it's a particularly pretty track – keen photographers may want to bring their cameras.
These are Australia's top ten winter hikes, according to AllTrails:
Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains, NSW
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills, VIC
Yarra Bend Park Loop, Melbourne, VIC
Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls, Perth, WA
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Sydney, NSW
Mount Lofty Loop, Wonga Park, VIC
Enoggera Reservoir Circuit, Brisbane, QLD
Pages Pinnacle, Numinbah Valley, QLD
Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop, Melbourne, VIC
Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk, Sydney, NSW
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Wales Online
6 days ago
- Wales Online
North Wales comes out top when it comes to 'nerves of steel' ridge walks in UK
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Walkers heading to North Wales can take on a variety of terrain - from gentle countryside and beach strolls to nerve jangling scrambles. In recent years ridge walking has become increasingly popular in the UK, with searches for ridge walks rising 180% in the past year. The hike, which usually involves following the crest or spine of a mountain or hill, offering panoramic views on either side, is a great way to increase fitness and see great sights. The outdoor adventure experts at Blacks have analysed factors such as search popularity and weather to name the top 10 must-visit locations for a ridge walk in the UK(full list below). There is perhaps no surprise to see the top two positions filled by spots in Eryri (Snowdonia). One has become famous on social media with daily videos of people taking on the challenge. This has seen Crib Goch, part of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) range - named the best ridge walk in the UK. It involves some grade 1 scrambling as you head up the Crib Goch summit and has steep, narrow and rocky sections, so it is important to take the correct hiking gear and only take part if you are a confident scrambler. (Image: @heleddowen/Instagram) Another Eryri hike is Tryfan's North Ridge, which takes second place. In the past year, the 5.6km circular trail has been searched for over 32,000 times, and has received a 4.7 star rating on Alltrails. Reviewers praise stunning views, enjoyable scrambles, and a challenging experience. (Image: Eryl Crump) Once again experience, good equipment and a head for heights are all vital. Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at Blacks, said: 'Ridge walks can be incredibly rewarding, often revealing views that go on as far as the eye can see at the top of peaks, but it is extremely important to make sure you are well prepared before starting any hike. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'Ridge walks come in very different levels of difficulty: From well-paved, relaxed hiking trails that don't require belaying, to high-grade scrambles. This makes route planning extremely important. If you have no experience with harnesses, carabiners or ropes, it is best to choose an easy ridge walk that is well paved. 'Even if your route looks to be simple, it is important to pack correctly to ensure that you are prepared for any situations you may encounter. Durable hiking shoes with strong ankle support and good grip will be essential for any rocky or uneven terrain, while walking poles can provide extra stability and reduce the strain on your joints, which is especially important for any steeper ascents or descents. If you are not sure that you have the correct equipment for the difficulty and conditions of the climb, you should not attempt it. 'You should also prepare for any weather conditions. Ridge walks can be windy, as the path is more exposed to the wind. As you climb higher, wind speeds tend to increase, making it cooler. Wearing base layers allows you to regulate body temperature and manage moisture, keeping you comfortable during your trek. Clear visibility conditions are preferable for ridge walking and an important consideration for beginners. You should also pack a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of any wet weather.' The 10 best ridge walks in the UK
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- North Wales Live
North Wales comes out top when it comes to 'nerves of steel' ridge walks in UK
Walkers heading to North Wales can take on a variety of terrain - from gentle countryside and beach strolls to nerve jangling scrambles. In recent years ridge walking has become increasingly popular in the UK, with searches for ridge walks rising 180% in the past year. The hike, which usually involves following the crest or spine of a mountain or hill, offering panoramic views on either side, is a great way to increase fitness and see great sights. The outdoor adventure experts at Blacks have analysed factors such as search popularity and weather to name the top 10 must-visit locations for a ridge walk in the UK(full list below). There is perhaps no surprise to see the top two positions filled by spots in Eryri (Snowdonia). One has become famous on social media with daily videos of people taking on the challenge. This has seen Crib Goch, part of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) range - named the best ridge walk in the UK. It involves some grade 1 scrambling as you head up the Crib Goch summit and has steep, narrow and rocky sections, so it is important to take the correct hiking gear and only take part if you are a confident scrambler. Another Eryri hike is Tryfan's North Ridge, which takes second place. In the past year, the 5.6km circular trail has been searched for over 32,000 times, and has received a 4.7 star rating on Alltrails. Reviewers praise stunning views, enjoyable scrambles, and a challenging experience. Once again experience, good equipment and a head for heights are all vital. Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at Blacks, said: 'Ridge walks can be incredibly rewarding, often revealing views that go on as far as the eye can see at the top of peaks, but it is extremely important to make sure you are well prepared before starting any hike. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'Ridge walks come in very different levels of difficulty: From well-paved, relaxed hiking trails that don't require belaying, to high-grade scrambles. This makes route planning extremely important. If you have no experience with harnesses, carabiners or ropes, it is best to choose an easy ridge walk that is well paved. 'Even if your route looks to be simple, it is important to pack correctly to ensure that you are prepared for any situations you may encounter. Durable hiking shoes with strong ankle support and good grip will be essential for any rocky or uneven terrain, while walking poles can provide extra stability and reduce the strain on your joints, which is especially important for any steeper ascents or descents. If you are not sure that you have the correct equipment for the difficulty and conditions of the climb, you should not attempt it. 'You should also prepare for any weather conditions. Ridge walks can be windy, as the path is more exposed to the wind. As you climb higher, wind speeds tend to increase, making it cooler. Wearing base layers allows you to regulate body temperature and manage moisture, keeping you comfortable during your trek. Clear visibility conditions are preferable for ridge walking and an important consideration for beginners. You should also pack a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of any wet weather.' The 10 best ridge walks in the UK Rank Ridge walk Area Country Google searches (July 2024 - June 2025) Average % of time with clearer skies Ridge walk score /10 1 Crib Goch Snowdonia (Eryri) Wales 399,300 41% 9.41 2 Tryfan North Ridge Snowdonia (Eryri) Wales 32,800 41% 8.28 3 Aonach Eagach Highlands Scotland 77,000 40% 8.05 4 Crook Peak Walk Somerset England 2,820 43% 7.59 5 Striding Edge Lake District England 171,100 39% 7.14 5 Bristly Ridge Snowdonia (Eryri) Wales 14,080 41% 7.14 7 Malvern Ridge walk Worcestershire England 500 41% 6.69 8 Sharp Edge Lake District England 60,300 39% 6.46 9 Forcan Ridge Highlands Scotland 12,810 40% 5.78 10 Carn Mor Dearg Arête Highlands Scotland 7,320 40% 5.55
Powys County Times
09-08-2025
- Powys County Times
Hay Bluff walk in Powys that's like something from a movie
Nestled in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, among the Black Mountains Range, is a walk described by visitors as like something from a "film scene". The Black Mountains Range attracts around four million visitors every year. Towards the northern tip of the Powys mountain range is Hay Bluff, a hill which stands 677 metres (2,221 ft) tall and offers "beautiful" views of the surrounding area, including the Wye Valley and Hay-on-Wye. The largest national parks in the UK Discover the Hay Bluff walk that's like something out of a movie Hay Bluff has been described on TikTok as "the wild west of the UK" and is a popular location for walkers. Awomanwalks on TikTok posted a video of her adventure to Hay Bluff, showing off the "beautiful" scenery on the way up. @awomanwalks The wild west (of the UK) 🐎 A beautiful sight on a recent very long hike I did (7 hours, 40 minutes 💪🏻) 📍 This is walking from the west up to Hay Bluff. Have you walked here? #AWomanWalks #powys #blackmountains #wales #BannauBrycheiniog #solohiking #hiketok ♬ son original - Iceland_Adventure The video has been viewed around 4,000 times (at the time of writing), with users in the comments describing the walk as "amazing" and "incredible". One person commented: "Haven't gone yet but on my list for sure!!!" Another user added: "That view." While a third person posted: "This is like a film scene omg." Hay Bluff walking trail If you are looking to visit Hay Bluff and check out the picturesque scenery, there is a 2.7km walk that will take you to the top and back, viewable on AllTrails. The walk usually takes around an hour and 12 minutes and is graded 'moderately' difficult. A guide to safe and responsible hiking Describing the walk, AllTrails says: "Enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding area as you make your way to Hay Bluff. "The trail includes a sustained climb to the top, but your efforts are rewarded with sweeping views from this vantage point on a clear day. "The path is very rough and steep in places so care is needed with footing, especially in wetter conditions. Sturdy footwear is required." There is a small roadside car park at the trailhead, according to the outdoor experts, but it can fill up quickly, so you'll need to arrive early to get a spot. The Hay Bluff walk boasts a near-perfect 4.7-star rating (out of 5) on AllTrails.
