Whilst it might be tempting to stay inside on a cold winters’ day, there are plenty of benefits to be had in getting outside and connecting with nature. As well as topping up on immunity-boosting Vitamin D, a walk in the wild aids physical fitness and pays in terms of mental wellbeing too.

Indeed, the mental health charity, Mind, recognises the positive effect this can have and states that it can improve mood, reduce stress or feelings of anger, help you to feel more relaxed and even improve your confidence and self-esteem. What’s more, this can all be had for free. So, whether some solitary time suits you or you’re looking to burn some energy off the family, reap the rewards of a date with nature. Reserves Officer, Anna Daniels, takes us on a guided walk of one of her favourite locations, Wilstone Reservoir.

Wilstone Reservoir lies around 3km to the north-west of Tring – one of four reservoirs which collectively make up Tring Reservoirs. The reedbeds, wet woodland and open waters there provide a welcome habitat for birds and collectively put the reservoirs on the map as one of the best spots for bird watching in the south of the country

Start the walk at the free car park and head up the stairs, where you’ll be confronted with the huge expanse of water that is Wilstone Reservoir, take the well-trodden pathway around the rim – if you look diagonally to the right, you’ll see a hide, tucked into the trees and alongside it, the reedbed. Keep walking and you’ll be there in 15-20 minutes.

Staying on the footpath, leave the open water landscape and head onto a more intimate woodland pathway. Look at the bright green lichen gracing the deadwood and the fans of fungi adorning the trees. A left turn by the information sign takes you up to the Paul Thrush Hide. Take shelter from the elements and enjoy this super vantage point across the reedbed and the reservoir. Winter visitors abound at this time of year - Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon and Shoveler should be relatively easy to spot and on a good day you might see Goldeneye, Goosander and Smew too! Note the tern rafts to the right – a breeding ground for Common Terns over the spring and summer if the Black-headed Gulls don’t get there first! Before you go, you may want to take some time out to admire the many photographs that have been pinned up on the hide’s walls – giving you a birds-eye view even if you didn’t bring your binos!

Head back down to the main path. At this point you have the choice to turn right and return to the car park for an out and back walk of approximately 1.3 miles or, take the left path for a circular walk of around three miles, for which you should allow about an hour and a half, depending on pace and stops

If you decide to carry on with the longer walk, you leave the nature reserve and follow the public footpath alongside hedgerows, overlooking farmland. Walking conditions remain pretty flat until you take a shallow climb up to the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal – currently undergoing considerable restoration work. The height advantage provides fantastic views over the countryside and the reservoir below.

Continue to walk along the towpath until you see a silver gate to your left, flanked by a wooden post bearing a sign for Dacorum Borough Council Public Footpath 46. Head through the gate onto the downward path. Immediately to your right are some fine examples of old Ash coppice stools, amidst Blackthorn and Elder.

At the bottom of the hill, you’ll be met by the majestic Hybrid Poplars, towering high above – such is their height that our reserves team prioritise surveying them for safety on an annual basis. You are now on a gravel path, bearing right and back in the nature reserve. Listen to the gentle noise of nature’s wind-charm as the breeze meets the trees – a sound like water babbling over
a brook.

Once again you are met with the sight of the reservoir and open skies. Winter is a time when we can experience intense colours up above - blue, orange and gold (and yes, grey too)! Seeing those skies duplicated in the water provides a double helping of joy and a well-placed bench provides the perfect spot for a spot of quiet reflection.

It’s easy to get your bearings now and continue around the reservoir perimeter to return to the start point. If you’re not done yet though, you can take a detour down the wooden stairs on the right and follow the pathway, which is signposted ‘Mead’s Tea Rooms’ - a great place to warm up with a hot drink or snack, post-walk. Trust supporters, Puddingstone Gin Distillery are on the same development, with their shop open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays (plus other times by appointment). Time your visit right and you can pop in and pick up a bottle of their Ultrasonic Gin, inspired by the flight of native bats through the British countryside. The Trust receives a donation for each bottle sold so drink it (responsibly) guilt-free!

Visiting tips

• The steps to the top of the reservoirs can be pretty steep so good footwear is a must.

• Exposed to the elements and with large areas of open water these sites can be quite chilly on a cold day - an extra layer could be a good idea.

• You can visit one, two or even walk to all four Tring reservoirs using the Canal and Rivers Trust waymarked trails (the nature reserves are owned by Canal and Rivers Trust and managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust).

For more information about visiting Tring Reservoirs, click here.

Find out more about nature for well-being here.