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Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell. Let’s take a look at the biggest remaining free agents this offseason.

Let’s take a look at the top remaining free agents and if they fill any Dodger needs. Click on the players name to be taken to his baseball-reference.com page. The age listed is the age on opening day this season.

Kyle Tucker, 29, outfielder

Tucker had a great first half of the season with the Cubs (.280/.384/.499) and a poor second half (.231/360/.378). Turns out he was dealing with a hairline fracture in his right hand and later had a strained calf muscle. It was the second straight season hampered by injuries (he played in only 78 games in 2024 because of a right shin injury).

Some experts think he will get 10 years, $400 million, but will his recent injury history bring that number down? He would fit well in the Dodgers outfield, but it seems unlikely they would pay that much for him. He has talked to the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Mets. The Mets have apparently offered him three years, $150 million.

Bo Bichette, 28, shortstop

You remember Bichette from the World Series, where he hit .348 with a homer and six RBIs. Bichette is a solid hitter (career OPS+ of 121), but he has one problem: he can’t field. If the Dodgers signed him, they would have to move him to second base, where he is also a bad fielder. That could move Tommy Edman to center field, Andy Pages to right and Teoscar Hernández to left. Bichette could get eight years, $200 million. Would the Dodgers take diminished defense to get his bat in the lineup? It seems that if the Dodgers were to sign Bichette, or Tucker, they would give fewer years with a higher average value.

Cody Bellinger, 30, outfielder

Bellinger has apparently reached an impasse with the Yankees in negotiations to re-sign with them. Can the Dodgers swoop in and bring in a familiar face? It seems unlikely. They didn’t part ways under the best of circumstances. Bellinger’s numbers last season were inflated somewhat by playing half his games in Yankee Stadium. But since 2023, he is hitting .281/.338/.477 with 73 home runs, and, get this, finished in the top 20 among the most difficult hitters to strike out last season. He could slot in at any outfield spot for the Dodgers and also give Freddie Freeman a rest at first base. He really is a perfect fit for the Yankees though.

Framber Valdez, 32, starting pitcher

Valdez has spent eight seasons with the Astros and has a 3.36 ERA, winning 81 games. He is the top starting pitcher on the market and will probably get $30 million a season. The Dodgers don’t really need to spend that much on starting pitching right now.

Ranger Suárez, 30, starting pitcher

Suárez has spent eight seasons with the Phillies, good for a 3.38 ERA. If Valdez is the No. 1 pitcher out there, Suárez is 1A. He has been on the IL for part of each of the last five seasons, which will hurt his deal. Again though, it doesn’t seem like the Dodgers need a high-priced starter this season.

This just in: Right after I wrote this, Suárez agreed to a five-year, $130-million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Those are the three big position players and two top pitchers left on the market. As far as relievers go, the Dodgers already signed Edwin Díaz to anchor the bullpen and he was considered the top bullpen arm on the market. They might make another pitcher signing or two, but it seems unlikely it will be a big name.

As far as predictions go, I learned a long time ago not to try to predict what Andrew Friedman is going to do. He may just decide to make one of his famous multi-team trades for someone. And the Dodgers like to wait and see what is happening and then swoop in at the last minute with an attractive offer to a player who may feel he is being undervalued by others. The Dodgers have won two titles in a row, and their reputation among players around the league is sterling. Some players will take less to come here (Teoscar comes to mind). We will just have to wait and see what happens. But, if you forced me to make a prediction, I’d say the Dodgers don’t sign any of these guys unless they are willing to accept fewer years.

Also keep in mind that there will probably be a lockout by the owners after this season. They desperately want a salary cap and by most accounts they will be fine staying locked out into the 2027 season to get one. That could keep both sides from making usual free agent deals this offseason.

For a look at another opinion, check out our free-agent tracker here.

Dodgerfest is nearly here

The Dodgers will hold their annual fan festival, called DodgerFest, on Saturday, Jan. 31. This year’s event, hosted by Joe Davis and Stephen Nelson, will feature on-stage interviews with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday. You can click here for more information. The event begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

The event will feature a yard sale and a mystery bag fundraiser for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. There will also be VIP experiences, which will come with an extra charge, including player meet-and-greets, a Stadium Club lunch featuring a Dodger star, Dodger clubhouse tours, a Vin Scully Press Box tour, a tour focusing on Jackie Robinson’s legacy and photo opportunities with the 2024 and 2025 World Series trophies.

In case you missed it

Why $100 million in endorsements says Shohei Ohtani is the global face of sport

And finally

The top 10 Dodgers moments in the 2025 postseason. Watch and listen here.

Until next time…

Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

A soft breeze tickled the waters of Innominate Tarn, sending ripples dashing across the pool, bogbean and tussock grass dancing at its fringes. From my rocky perch atop Haystacks, I gazed down on Buttermere and Crummock Water glistening to the north, the round-shouldered hulks of Pillar and Great Gable looming to the south. A pair of ravens cronked indignantly, protesting against the intrusion on their eyrie; otherwise, stillness reigned.

Bless you, Alfred Wainwright, I murmured, picturing the hiking legend whose ashes are scattered around this lonely tarn. And then, surprising myself: you too, Rishi Sunak. In very different ways, both had brought me to this most spectacular of Lakeland crags.

It’s a little over half a century since Wainwright, patron saint of fell walkers, sketched a line on the map linking the Cumbria and Yorkshire shores. Not, of course, at random.

“The route follows an approximate beeline … from St Bees Head on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea,” he wrote. “The grandest territory in the north of England is traversed by it; indeed, two-thirds of the route lies through the areas of three national parks.”

Today Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path is possibly Britain’s most popular multi-day trail, snaking more than 190 miles through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks. Curiously, though, it isn’t marked on OS Maps. Some stretches don’t even follow a public right of way. Yet.

“Rishi Sunak, whose constituency encompasses the central part of the route, campaigned for its designation as a national trail,” explains Angela Hobson, Yorkshire Dales Coast to Coast project manager. “Previously there were issues with signposting, trail maintenance, even sections that didn’t have access formally agreed.”

Natural England, which administers national trails, announced the project in 2022, backed by £5.6m funding, to be completed “early 2026”. It involved a host of work – resolving legal issues of land access; upgrading and repairing paths, bridges and other infrastructure; improving signposting and waymarking with the distinctive acorn symbol; appointment of dedicated trail officers, and other aspects. But what practical difference will this status make – to walkers, to the environment, to local communities and businesses?

To find out, I tackled the route – joined for some stretches by my partner Sarah – over 12 often exhilarating, sometimes exhausting days starting from St Bees, covering between 12 and 23 miles and bedding down in a different inn or B&B each night. The proof, after all, is in the plodding.

It soon became clear that upgrades will probably be least palpable in the Lake District. Although some 6,000 tramp the route annually, contributing perhaps £7m to local economies, that’s a drop in the ocean for one of Britain’s most visited national parks, which welcomes close to 18 million visitors a year. Signposts are conspicuously absent on fell tops here, preserving the sense of wildness – and that looks unlikely to change. So the addition of green diamonds to the OS Map, indicating a waymarked route, will be a boon to those, like me, who are navigationally challenged. And there are other tangible infrastructure improvements.

That became apparent on day one, as I descended the first real hill, Dent, down Raven Crag, where photogenically curly horned Herdwick sheep modelled obligingly. At the bottom I followed Nannycatch Beck, meandering through an elfin realm as magical as its name, beneath rowan and hawthorn, between sheer valley sides clad in bracken and coconut-scented gorse – and crossing pristine wooden footbridges to which subtle new Coast to Coast signs are affixed.

The following day, I was grateful for repairs to trails around limpid Ennerdale Water and Honister Pass. Likewise in Wainwright’s favourite vale: “The Lake District is the loveliest part of England,” he proclaimed, “and Borrowdale is the fairest of its valleys.” Along the Derwent, here a babbling baby stream shaded by venerable oaks, the splendidly christened Willygrass Bridge has been renewed.

Crossing into the Dales, I ambled through fractured limestone pavement erupting through the turf like so many broken molars. Once more, impacts of National Trail work were evident. “Many international guests have never experienced peat hag before,” notes Nick, who – with his partner Rachel – runs the fabulous Old Croft House B&B in Kirkby Stephen, where I stayed, dishing up local lore, advice and slabs of luscious chocolate cake. “Sections of the path were so muddy, and saw so many walkers each year, that it became a quagmire 30 or 40 metres wide. Now old flagstones reclaimed from the region’s mills have been laid up to and across White Mossy Hill, making it accessible in pretty much all weathers. Some say they spoil the sense of wilderness, but they protect that fragile environment as well as making navigation easier.”

Up towards the Brobdingnagian cairns on Nine Standards Rigg, I discovered a new long, snaking trail of heavy-duty stepping stones which protect precious peat and delicate moss ecosystems – and keep boots dry. Passing the route’s midway point, the postcard-pretty Swaledale village of Keld, and climbing on to the moor above Muker, past the ruins of gloriously named Crackpot Hall. Following the newly realigned path to the lead-mining relics around Swinner Gill and Gunnerside Gill, a concealed otherworld where the remains of pit buildings, channels and smelters only add to the enchantment.

Beyond Richmond’s bulky castle (built by Alan the Red, my new favourite Norman), and fuelled by tea loaf topped with a wedge of creamy local wensleydale, I left the Dales to cross the flat agricultural Vale of Mowbray. Past Ingleby Cross, at the gateway to the North York Moors national park, the ascent through the silver birches and ferns of Scarth Wood is a welcome return to hillwalking, tracing the northern scarp of the Cleveland Hills. Improvements, from new National Trail signs to replacing stiles with gates, will benefit local people, not just long-distance hikers, North York Moors Coast to Coast project officer Bernie McLinden told me.

Perhaps the loveliest example came in Little Beck Wood on my final day, following May Beck to the waterfall of Falling Foss. In this broadleaf Arcadia of mossy boulders and ferns, soaring shale cliffs, chiming birdsong and melodious brook, I joined laughing families on stone paths laboriously laid by Bernie and volunteers, replacing slippery boardwalks. A few miles out from Robin Hood’s Bay and journey’s end, I recalled Angela’s words.

“I took my daughter up to White Mossy Hill and said to her: ‘You’ll be able to walk over this with your children, and they’ll be able to walk over it with their grandchildren,’” she beamed. “‘And I helped build it.’” Wainwright’s legacy, refreshed.

The trip was provided by Macs Adventure, which offers various Coast to Coast holidays, including a 14-day itinerary (12 days’ walking) from £1,579 including B&B accommodation, luggage transfers and route info. More relaxed, slower options are also available.

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell. Finally, we are concluding the greatest Dodgers at each position series with managers.

Before we get a to the manager’s countdown, let’s catch up a bit. Not much has happened since the Dodgers signed reliever Edwin Díaz, which was covered in the last newsletter.

The Dodgers avoided arbitration with all four players who were eligible:

Left-handed reliever Anthony Banda was given a raise to $1.625 million compared to the $1 million he got last season; outfielder Alex Call will get $1.6 million, a nice jump from the $769,000 he made last season; Brusdar Graterol will get $2.8 million next season, the same he made last season, which he missed because of injury; and reliever Brock Stewart will get $1.3 million compared to the $870,000 he got in 2025.

In other news, outfielder Justin Dean, who was claimed by the Giants when the Dodgers removed him from the 40-man roster, has subsequently been put on waivers by the Giants, so it’s possible he could return to L.A.

And for those of you still emailing, worried about the Dodgers re-signing Kiké Hernández, remember he had surgery on his elbow and won’t be able to play until the All-Star break. The best guess here is the Dodgers will not re-sign him until they can put him on the 60-day IL (which begins in spring training). That way he won’t count against the 40-man roster. In fact, they might wait until he’s ready to start baseball activities again. In short, it seems if he does come back next year it will be as a Dodger, unless some other team decides to throw a lot of money at him, which seems unlikely.

In the next newsletter later this week, we will look at the remaining free agents out there, including Cody Bellinger, who is apparently at an impasse in re-signing with the Yankees, mainly over the length of the contract.

Top 5 managers

Here are my picks for the top five managers in Dodgers history, followed by how all of you voted. Numbers listed are with the Dodgers only. Click on the manager’s name to be taken to the baseball-reference.com page with all their stats.

1. Walter Alston (1954-76, 2,040-1,613, .558 winning percentage, seven NL pennants, four World Series titles)

Alston began managing the Dodgers in 1954 when they still were in Brooklyn and remained manager until 1976, winning seven NL pennants (1955, 1956, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1974) and four World Series, (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965), three of them in Los Angeles.

Alston was named NL manager of the year six times. He had his number (24) retired by the team in 1977 and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. When he got his 2,000th win in the 1976 season, he became only the fifth manager to reach that milestone. There are only 12 now. He is one of five managers to win at least four World Series. The others: Joe McCarthy, Casey Stengel, Connie Mack and Joe Torre.

Alston died at age 72 on Oct. 1, 1984.

A great Alston story, recounted in many books on the Dodgers, comes from the time when teams still traveled by bus. One time, the bus the Dodgers were using was old and had no air conditioning. Several players spent the trip yelling and getting on Lee Scott, the club’s traveling secretary, for getting them such a rickety bus.

Alston, sitting in the front, stood up and said: “I don’t want to hear another word about this bus. And if anyone has something more to say about it, he can step off right now and we’ll settle it right here.” No one said a word after that.

Legendary Times columnist Jim Murray wrote the following when Alston retired:

“I don’t know whether you’re Republican or Democrat or Catholic or Protestant, and I’ve known you for 18 years,” Murray wrote of Alston. “You were as Middle-Western as a pitchfork. Black players who have a sure instinct for the closet bigot recognized immediately you didn’t know what prejudice was. There was no ‘side’ to Walter Alston. What you saw was what you got.”

You can read more about the life of Alston in this article.

2. Dave Roberts (2016-current, 944-575, .621, five NL pennants, three World Series titles)

The question isn’t whether Roberts deserves to be ranked ahead of Tommy Lasorda, the question is if he should be ranked ahead of Alston. Right now, Alston has him beat on longevity, but Roberts is gaining fast.

Roberts has the best winning percentage of any manager in history, minimum 1,000 games. He is 368 games above .500, which is 10th all time. The nine guys ahead of him are all in the Hall of Fame and all managed at least 600 more games than Roberts. He is one of only 11 managers with at least three World Series titles. All are in the Hall of Fame except Bruce Bochy, who will be. He is one of only 12 managers with at least five pennants. All are in the Hall except for Bochy and Vic Harris, a Negro Leagues manager.

Does he have his weaknesses? Sure. Every manager does, though. Is he helped by the fact the Dodgers pay a lot for players? Sure. But there have been managers throughout history who have led powerful teams nowhere.

The fact is, managing now is different than managing when Alston or even Lasorda was in charge. Analytics play a much bigger role now. Most front offices don’t favor such things as sacrifices or steals. The biggest responsibility now is probably keeping all 26 players satisfied with their role on the team. And, Roberts has gotten much better at managing a pitching staff the last couple of seasons.

I’m sure there will be those who will say “Roberts is a bum!” whenever the Dodgers lose a few games in a row next season. Those people are wrong and shouldn’t be listened to. There’s a reason many players are clamoring to play in L.A. One of those reasons is Roberts.

3. Tommy Lasorda (1976-96, 1,599-1,439, .526, four NL pennants, two World Series titles)

Can you imagine if social media existed in 1985? What would the reaction had been online after Lasorda let Tom Niedenfuer pitch to Jack Clark? And what would Lasorda’s reaction to that have been? The mind shudders at the thought.

Lasorda began his pro career in 1945 as a left-handed pitcher in the minors for the Philadelphia Phillies. After spending two years in the Army, he pitched one more season in the minors for the Phillies before the Dodgers drafted him in 1949. That began a long association with the Dodgers, with only a brief interruption to pitch for the Kansas City A’s in 1956 and as a minor leaguer with the New York Yankees in 1956 and 1957 before being reacquired by the Dodgers in 1957.

Lasorda pitched in four regular-season games for the 1955 World Series champion Dodgers and has a ring to show for it. He started against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 5 and had an interesting first inning. He walked Wally Moon, who took second on a wild pitch. Then he walked Bill Virdon. Another wild pitch put Virdon and Moon on second and third with Stan Musial at the plate. Musial struck out swinging. With Rip Repulski at the plate, Lasorda unleashed another wild pitch, and while Moon was sliding into home to score, he accidentally spiked Lasorda in the knee, opening up a gash deep enough to see bone. Lasorda, having waited years for this moment, covered up the injury, struck out Repulski and got Red Schoendienst to pop to first. When he limped to the dugout, manager Walter Alston saw his knee and took him out of the game. It was Lasorda’s only start for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers sent Lasorda back to the minors June 8 to make room for a bonus baby they had signed: Sandy Koufax.

But Lasorda is not on this list because of his pitching; he’s here because of his managing and the fact there may not have been a more colorful character in Dodgers history.

After retiring as a player in 1960, Lasorda became a scout for the Dodgers from 1961 to 1965. In 1966, he became a minor league manager and led the Ogden Dodgers to three league championships. He became manager of triple-A Spokane in 1969 and remained the manager when the team moved to Albuquerque in 1972. In 1973, he became the third-base coach for the Dodgers, who still were being managed by Alston.

Most figured Lasorda was the heir apparent to Alston, and Lasorda must have believed that too, because he turned down opportunities to interview for managing positions with the Montreal Expos and the Yankees.

Alston announced his retirement with four games remaining in the 1976 season and let Lasorda manage those final games. The Dodgers considered naming either Lasorda or first-base coach Jim Gilliam as the new manager but settled on Lasorda, who kept Gilliam as the first-base coach.

The rest, as they say, is history. It’s hard to write a good summary for someone who has led such a public life as Lasorda. We all know he managed the team to the NL pennant in his first two seasons, losing to the Yankees in the World Series both times. He managed the Dodgers to World Series titles in 1981 and 1988.

Some people think Lasorda was all flash and no substance, considering him to be an overrated manager. But Lasorda did a very smart thing in 1981. The season had been split into two halves by a strike, and Major League Baseball decided that the teams in first place when the strike began automatically would qualify for the postseason, playing the second-half winner of their division. Lasorda, realizing he had a playoff spot sewn up, started giving his bench guys, such as Jay Johnstone, Steve Yeager and Steve Sax, more playing time, getting them ready for the postseason. And who helped the Dodgers finally defeat the Yankees in the 1981 World Series? Guys such as Yeager and Johnstone, who had key hits in the six-game victory.

Lasorda’s final game as Dodgers manager was June 23, 1996, a 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros. He went to the hospital the next morning because of stomach pains. It turned out he had a heart attack. After taking time to recover, Lasorda announced his retirement on July 29. He finished with 1,599 victories, good for 23rd on the all-time list.

Lasorda died at 93 on Jan. 7, 2021. One of his final public appearances was during the 2020 World Series, when he watched the Dodgers win the title for the first time since his 1988 team.

He was quite the talker in his prime, so what better way to end this than with some Lasorda quotes:

“There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder, ‘What happened?’”

“When you’re not playing up to your capability, you gotta try everything, to motivate, to get them going. All of them have to be on the same end of the rope to pull together. It’s playing for the name on the front of the shirt, not the back. Individualism gets you trophies and plaques. Play for the front, that wins championships. I try to remind them of that.”

“I walk into the clubhouse today and it’s like walking into the Mayo Clinic. We have four doctors, three therapists and five trainers. Back when I broke in, we had one trainer who carried a bottle of rubbing alcohol, and by the seventh inning he’d already drunk it.”

“When you say you’re a Padre, people ask when did you become a parent. When you say you’re a Cardinal, they tell you to work hard because the next step is Pope. But when you say you’re a Dodger, everybody knows you’re in the major leagues.”

“I don’t like the pitch count! How are you gonna develop your arm? If you’re a track man, you don’t say, ‘Hey, you can’t run too much.’ Or if you’re a boxer, you don’t say, ‘Hey, you can only box three rounds.’ It’s not right!”

“Listen, if you start worrying about what the people in the stands think of your decisions, before too long you’re up in the stands with them.”

4. Leo Durocher (1939-1946, 1948, 738-565, .566, one NL pennant)

Durocher was a fiery presence, always willing to pick a fight to spur his team to action. In 1947, some Dodgers players circulated a petition asking management not to put Jackie Robinson on the team. The team was training in Cuba when Durocher found out about the petition around midnight. He immediately called a team meeting and told the players what they could do with their petition. “I don’t care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a … zebra. I’m the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What’s more, I say he can make all of us rich. And if any of you can’t use the money, I will see that you are traded.”

5. Wilbert Robinson (1914-31, 1,375-1,341, .506, two NL pennants)

Robinson managed the Dodgers to two NL pennants and the team was so identified with him at the time that they were called the Brooklyn Robins for a while in his honor. In 1915, famous aviator Ruth Law was near the team’s spring training camp in Daytona Beach, Fla., and getting a lot of publicity for dropping golf balls from her plane on a nearby golf course. The Dodgers saw a chance to get in on this publicity and asked her if she would drop a baseball from her plane to a player down below, who would catch the ball. She said sure, but no player would volunteer to do it. Robinson, wanting to show his players they need to be tougher, said he’d do it. When the time came, Law realized she forgot to bring the baseball with her, but she did have a grapefruit (don’t ask me why). So, she dropped that instead. Robinson got the grapefruit, which exploded the moment it hit his mitt. Robinson was convinced the pulp covering him was his innards and that he was seriously injured. He called for help. Players rushed to his side, and once everyone figured out what had happened, he never lived it down. Robinson died in 1934 after falling in a bathroom and striking his head on the bathtub. He was 70.

The readers’ top five

There were 2,098 ballots sent in. First place received 12 points, second place nine, third place eight, fourth place seven and fifth place six points. For those of you who were wondering, I make my choices before I tally your results. Here are your choices:

1. Walter Alston, 1,420 first-place votes, 23,498 points
2. Tommy Lasorda, 501 first-place votes, 20,770 points
3. Dave Roberts, 163 first-place votes, 17,204 points
4. Leo Durocher, 7 first-place votes, 13,007 points
5. Joe Torre, 9,842 points

The next five: Wilbert Robinson, Burt Shotton, Chuck Dressen, Don Mattingly, Jim Tracy.

Scheduling note

We will be back at a more regular schedule now since, hold on to your hats, the first spring training game is just 40 days away.

And finally

Some special messages to Clayton Kershaw from members of the 2025 Dodgers. Watch and listen here.

Until next time…

Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

This idyllic village offers a peaceful escape from bustling crowds while still being conveniently accessible for travellers.

A stunning village tucked away in East Yorkshire is the hidden treasure you need to discover for the ultimate weekend retreat.

Often overlooked in favour of the more renowned Yorkshire regions like North York Moors and the Dales, this peaceful village brims with charm within its modest confines – making it a prime choice for your next UK staycation.

Nestled between Pocklington and Driffield, this idyllic village offers a serene escape from bustling crowds while still being conveniently accessible for travellers.

Huggate village in East Yorkshire is often touted as the highest village on the Yorkshire Wolds, sitting approximately 558 feet above sea level. However, the nearby village of Fridaythorpe also frequently stakes this claim.

Situated 13 miles north-west of Beverley and nine miles west of Driffield, this petite village boasts another unique distinction: it’s home to one of England’s deepest wells, plunging 116 yards deep. It was reportedly the primary water source for the village’s inhabitants before modern systems were introduced, reports Yorkshire Live.

Another must-see attraction in this captivating village is St Mary’s Church. This 12th-century church, a Grade I Listed building – a rarity for a High Wold church – features a towering, commanding spire that can be seen from miles around.

The graveyard offers breathtaking panoramas across the Wolds, whilst the heritage-listed village War Memorial stands proudly on the southern flank at the church entrance. This memorial serves as a tribute to Huggate’s thriving community and their spirited nature, having been built following a fundraising drive by local villagers.

Both Huggate and St Mary’s Church have featured as subjects in two artworks by celebrated painter David Hockney.

Yet arguably the most celebrated aspect of Huggate village is its circular route, which draws walkers and ramblers from throughout the nation annually. In fact, this East Yorkshire walking path previously secured a spot in The Times’ top 20 “best walks” nationwide.

Whilst the Huggate Circular might not claim the title of the Yorkshire Wolds’ most frequented trail, it has cultivated a devoted following through the years, thanks largely to its tranquil appeal and spectacular vistas. This uncomplicated four-mile loop proves ideal for novices and seasoned walkers alike who relish magnificent scenery in peaceful surroundings.

During this tranquil ramble, visitors can also savour the striking panoramas of Holme Dale and Horse Dale, whilst marvelling at the splendour of the Yorkshire Wolds’ limestone peaks. These picture-perfect undulating hills and valleys maintain their verdant appearance year-round, even during winter months, making this an excellent walking route for every season.

Those embarking on The Huggate circular hike will undoubtedly encounter several of the renowned poetry benches that embellish the Wolds Way. However, be mindful of the mud and rain during winter, and dress appropriately before setting out.

Just 3.7 miles from Huggate lies another hidden treasure: Waves and Time. This understated earthwork by artist Chris Drury takes the form of a colossal spiral, located at the intersection of three popular Wolds dry valleys – Bradeham Dale, Thixendale, and Worm Dale.

Enhanced by the stunning backdrop of panoramic blue skies, Waves and Time was crafted by digging a curving trough to a depth of roughly 400mm, followed by the formation of a curving mound approximately 500mm high using the soil excavated from the troughs.

Derbyshire’s Peak District offers one of the UK’s most spectacular winter walks, with this 517m summit near Castleton village providing panoramic views across snow-covered countryside

As snow blankets Derbyshire and frosty temperatures settle in, many are seeking ways to soak up the magical winter atmosphere, and this particular walk could be just the ticket.

Year-round, visitors flock from far and wide to tackle the ascent of Mam Tor, regardless of the weather. However, there’s something particularly enchanting about the trail during winter months, as its sweeping vistas allow you to witness the entire Derbyshire landscape draped in a delicate layer of snow. The peak is affectionately dubbed the ‘Mother Hill’, rising majestically to 517m and providing sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. What makes the walk particularly appealing is the variety of routes on offer, ranging in difficulty, with most beginning in the picturesque nearby village of Castleton.

One walker shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, noting: “This short walk offers an excellent chance to see unrivalled 360° panoramic views of the Peak District… It does not take long to complete the walk; we were there and back in 30 minutes. Quite a steep gradient to get to the top, but this is mainly on stone steps, so walking up is very safe. Once at the top, the views are spectacular and worth the effort to get there.”

Among the most favoured routes is the full circular walk, typically beginning from the National Trust car park at Mam Nick and continuing all the way to the summit. Walkers can traverse the ridge of the imposing hill and enjoy breathtaking views throughout their entire ascent.

Following the trek, one hiker described the vistas as nothing short of “breathtaking”. They did note, however, that most of the path is uphill, demanding a moderately challenging effort, though walkers are treated to glimpses of cattle and sheep grazing in the surrounding fields.

Another visitor shared: “I’ve been to Mam Tor on a number of occasions, and it’s one of the best hikes for me. The views are stunning, and there are routes for all types of walkers. Parking is easy to find, and it’s always a great experience to get out and get some fresh air. I’d definitely recommend getting out there if you can.”

During the winter months, walkers can anticipate stunning snow-blanketed scenery, especially along the Great Ridge. However, it’s wise to verify conditions beforehand, as ice and frost can make the terrain treacherous and necessitate proper winter hiking equipment.

Nestled conveniently at the foot of the hill lies the picturesque village of Castleton, brimming with pubs and cafés ideal for refuelling before or after a day’s ramble. For the perfect warm retreat, ramblers often pop in for a pint at establishments such as Ye Olde Nags Head, The George, The Bulls Head and the Old Club House.

It’s also the perfect base for tackling the Cheviot Hills walking trails in Northumberland National Park

Hidden away in Northumberland lies a treasured town, providing the perfect stopping point for those tackling this beloved UK walking route.

Wooler is positioned right on the edge of Northumberland’s stunning National Park, consequently welcoming numerous visitors seeking essential rest between their outdoor pursuits. This market town boasts various traditional shops, pubs and cafés providing ideal sanctuary for walkers, whilst still maintaining that immersive countryside atmosphere. The structures forming this charming town originate from the 1700s and 1800s, lending it that warm, distinctly English character. These include historic establishments such as The Black Bull Inn, The Anchor Inn and The Angel Inn, all earning excellent customer feedback.

One TripAdvisor reviewer declared the Black Bull as “the place to stay” in Wooler, whilst another said: “A great place to stay, a friendly locals’ pub. Excellent food and drink, and the rooms are clean. All the staff are very friendly. Lots to see in the area.” Part of its appeal stems from the region’s commitment to preserving its heritage and traditions, demonstrated through their yearly Glendale Show, an occasion that has occurred for the past 130 years.

Featuring fairground attractions, live entertainment, regional cuisine and numerous activities, the community genuinely unites to create an enjoyable, welcoming day out for families. What makes the town so handy is its brilliant position, nestled right next to the dramatic Cheviot Hills, which draws walkers and cyclists from far and wide.

The route features babbling brooks and deep gorges that provide breathtaking panoramas of Northumberland, including massive cascading waterfalls. The Cheviot rises majestically as the loftiest peak across the entire Northumberland National Park, reaching 815 metres, and presents quite a demanding climb.

On clear days, it’s believed you can gaze out towards vistas stretching as far as the Lake District, with some even claiming Edinburgh comes into view. One walker shared their experience, writing “Wooler provides wonderful views of, and open access to, the Cheviot Hills. Overlapping the border between England and Scotland, you are provided with mile upon mile of open moorland together with the general ability to roam across the countryside. Truly, the Cheviots are made for walking, and boy, we did.”

Another said it was “perhaps England’s loveliest place”. They added: “There are plenty of beautiful places in our country, but the Cheviots have something special. On a walk up the hills or along the valleys, you can find yourselves alone for much of the day to enjoy the fabulous, peaceful scenery. It’s a place to lose yourself and take in the sweetest of air.”

Adding to its appeal for your adventures, Wooler is connected to the links of Morpeth and Coldstream along the Scottish Borders via the A697. It can take a mere 25 minutes to travel from the town over to Scotland.

It has been named the most beautiful spot in the UK for a winter stroll by a new study – and it’s a real gem worth visiting.

If you’re feeling the sting of the January blues, you’re not alone. This time of year can be a real struggle, with not a lot of sunlight and gloomy weather – but one pick-me-up is wrapping up warm and heading out for a brisk walk.

Us Brits are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic strolls right on our doorstep. And there’s one trail that’s been crowned the most picturesque in all the land.

Nestled in Balloch, a quaint village perched on the stunning shores of Loch Lomond in Scotland, lies this gem. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has bagged the title of the UK’s most gorgeous spot for a winter wander.

It comes from a study by CEWE, which scoured the UK for the best walks using desk research and Google review data, reports the Express.

Each location was examined for star ratings, number of reviews and winter-related keywords such as ‘winter’, ‘cold’, ‘scenery’, and ‘peaceful’ to pinpoint the ones boasting the most captivating views.

And the lochside trail, which begins in Balloch, clinched the top spot, with a flurry of reviews raving about its wintery allure.

As Scotland’s first national park, established back in 2002, it’s home to over 22 lochs and 21 Munros.

Winter might not be the best time for tackling the more challenging peaks, but there are plenty of gentler routes to explore within the park.

Balloch Castle country park stands out as a real gem. As the only country park situated within the national park boundaries, visitors can explore plenty including a walled garden, enchanting fairy glen, and naturally the historic castle.

The Three Lochs Way represents another fantastic trail starting from Balloch, though at 34 miles in length, tackling it in manageable stages is highly recommended.

Visitors to the national park have showered it with glowing praise, with Google reviews brimming with enthusiasm. One delighted tourist said: “Love visiting Loch Lomond, regardless of the weather the views and scenes are absolutely stunning.”

A second reviewer wrote: “One of the most beautiful locations anywhere. Mountains, forests, lochs abound in a well managed national park. Great facilities across the region and second to none for hiking, cycling and camping.”

Meanwhile, a third visitor commented: “This place has something for everyone. From lochs, hills, waterfalls and mountains to quiet little villages and spa resorts.

“Massive areas of beautiful and unspoiled wilderness to explore, perfect for walking, cycling or even driving if you prefer the less strenuous approach.”

Beyond serving as the gateway to Loch Lomond, Balloch boasts a brilliant selection of exciting attractions suitable for all ages.

The Sea Life centre is worth a visit, being amongst Scotland’s rare aquariums, housing thousands of fascinating marine creatures waiting to be explored.

If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, Loch Lomond Shores is a stylish shopping destination featuring shops like Frasers and Mountain Warehouse, along with eateries, cafes and a farmers market held every first and third Sunday of the month.

Deep in the heartland of rural Cheshire, there’s a wind-scoured ridge of sandstone that hides a two-storey cave known as Mad Allen’s Hole. Here, on the flanks of Bickerton Hill, it is said that in the 18th century a heartbroken man called John Harris of Handley lived as a hermit for several decades.

As locations to weather the storm of romantic trauma go, this – I mused as I stood above it on a crisp winter’s day – certainly takes some beating. Offering a panorama of nine counties of England and Wales from its entrance, I could spy the white disc of Jodrell Bank Observatory glistening in the sunlight, while the peaks and troughs of the Clwydian range appeared like a watermark in the distance.

I’d come here, not seeking solitude, but to meet up with Jose, an old friend I’d not seen for nine years, and to try a new walking package dreamed up by two Cheshire pubs along a prime section of the 34-mile (55km) Sandstone Trail between the villages of Tarporley and Malpas. The route follows the Sandstone Ridge, an ancient landscape of escarpments and rolling hills, rising from the Cheshire Plain.

The idea for the walk is simple: just because it’s winter doesn’t mean it has to be hard. Daylight hours are limited, the weather is less predictable, so why not stick to one 14-mile stretch, bookended with a comfy, warm room in each inn, and good food and drink – dinner on both nights and a cooked breakfast are included, as is an optional packed lunch. The pubs arrange the luggage transfer and a taxi when you finish to take you back to the start.

We met in the Swan in Tarporley – a 16th-century coaching inn, where, in front of a roaring open fire, we caught up on old times, studied the walk map and enjoyed food made from ingredients farmed practically on the doorstep. As we tucked into the cheeseboard (Tarporley blue comes highly recommended), owner Woody Barlow told us how the idea was born in the summer when they held a charity fun run between the two pubs in memory of the late owner Si Lees-Jones.

“It was so successful, we began to think – these two pubs have always been popular with walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those doing the Sandstone Trail in sections,” he said. “Many were trying to organise accommodation night by night, but we realised we could offer something much more streamlined. Plus at this time of year, the trail has a lovely stillness about it – the woods and ridgelines look magical in the winter light.”

I woke the next morning to the sound of rain on my window, but as I met Jose for breakfast – a hearty helping of eggs – the sky unexpectedly began to clear. Leaving the town, we followed country lanes, where the hedges bloomed with sloes. Acorns cracked under our boots. These nuts would once have been used for nourishing pigs before the start of medieval feasts – like those once held in Beeston Castle, the former royal fort built by the Earl of Cheshire on his return from the crusades in the 1220s, which filled the horizon.

We cut through a muddy field, making a beeline for this landmark, then followed the Sandstone Trail waymarks over the Shropshire Union Canal at Wharton’s Lock. We reached the tall red walls of rubble-filled sandstone blocks and huge wooden doors of the castle, said to house treasure from Richard II.

It was a tempting prospect, but with miles still to cover we made our way instead through the network of weaving pathways on Peckforton Hills, topped with towering red pines that give shelter from the icy wind but allow light to drop to the forest floor in dazzling spindles. Here we came across a Victorian castle folly built in the 1840s and now a hotel popular with wedding parties, but we were more taken with nature’s treasures in the form of sweet chestnuts on neighbouring Bulkeley Hill. The bark of these old trees would have once been used by passing Romans to tan leather and the nuts were essential rations for legionnaires.

We stopped here a while, enjoying our sandwiches from the pub on our first exposure to some of the tor-like sandstone that the ridge is named for, before soldiering on to our next summit – Raw Head on Bickerton Hill. At 227 metres (745ft), it’s not huge, but it is the highest point on the trail. We wandered through the forest talking about its history (its rocks were formed about 250m years ago in the Triassic period, and iron oxide has caused them to become banded in hues of red, terracotta and ochre, which cement the sand together) and our own past lives, discussing friends we once shared.

As the sun hung ever lower in the sky, we still had some climbing to do on Bickerton Hill, home to the hermit’s cave. The area is replete with lowland heath, once used for grazing, thatching, and foraging. Bilberries still grow there.

We traced the edges of Maiden Castle – the remains of an iron age hill fort built between 500 and 600BC and still occupied when the Romans arrived in Britain – before descending to country lanes, where someone had kindly left a wheelbarrow of apples for hikers.

The light emanating from the windows of the 300-year-old Lion pub welcomed us to our big finish nearly as warmly as the staff, who were suitably impressed with the distance we’d walked, making us feel like we’d had a proper adventure.

Before we retired to bed we raised a glass – to the views, the hearty food and, of course, to heartbroken John Harris – in short, to our perfect winter walk. We promised not to leave it another nine years before we walked together again.

The trip was provided by The Swan in Tarporley and The Lion in Malpas, with travel from visitengland.com. The Walk, Dine & Unwind on Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail package is from £199pp, including dinner, B&B at both inns, luggage transfer, one packed lunch and a taxi back to start, plus one dog stays free

The forest features the spectacular Cascades Walk boardwalk along the river, with visitors comparing the scenic beauty to the Canadian wilderness

Tucked away in the heart of Wales, one remarkable forest brimming with thousands of pine and spruce trees has left visitors so spellbound they struggle to believe they’re still in the UK. Boasting around 15 square miles of stunning scenery and rich wildlife, Hafren Forest possesses an enchanting quality, where you can wander beneath the leafy canopy on various trails that encounter streams and waterfalls en route.

Situated just a brief drive from the Welsh town of Llanidloes, this makes an ideal spot for winter rambles, witnessing the seasonal transformation up close.

One of the forest’s crown jewels is the Cascades Walk, a scenic half-mile boardwalk that meanders alongside the River Severn. When TikTok explorers going by @tomharbourne stumbled upon the forest, they hailed it as “the best boardwalk in the country.”

The adventurers, who have a knack for uncovering hidden gems across the UK, ventured to Hafren Forest. They posted a TikTok clip, simply titled “This is not Canada” featuring the boardwalk stroll, bordered by flowing water and tree-lined paths on both sides.

They continue: “This walk showcases some of the most amazing scenery Wales has to offer and the views you get on this stunning walk immediately will have your thoughts drifting away to pine forests of Canada or Alaska.”

The Cascades Walk offers a breathtaking viewpoint with cascading waterfalls, providing the ideal spot to take a breather and soak up the splendour of nature.

The boardwalk is easily navigable and even includes ramps for wheelchair users and mobility scooters, ensuring it’s a welcoming spot for everyone.

You’ll also find the Source of the Severn Trail within the forest, leading intrepid explorers to the river’s origin on the slopes of Pumlumon, the loftiest peak in the Cambrian Mountains.

This hour-long trail takes visitors along the river, through a vibrant wildflower meadow, before crossing a footbridge where the River Severn roars down a gully to create the renowned Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall.

The forest itself was established in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission, with the river’s source located on the slopes of Pumlumon (Plynlimon), the tallest mountain in mid-Wales. It’s also a paradise for wildlife lovers.

It’s home to an array of rare bird species, such as buzzards, goshawks, red kites, and merlins.

Plus, almost all of the UK’s native freshwater fish species inhabit its waters, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Forest walks can range from a quick 30-minute stroll to a more challenging 4.5-hour hike, with terrain varying from a man-made boardwalk to loose stone and steep inclines, depending on your chosen route.

With picnic areas conveniently situated near the car park and at the end of the boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to pause and appreciate the otherworldly beauty of the surroundings.

The forest is a perfect spot for families, couples, and large groups, offering ample room for all to roam and relish.

Whether you’re after a tranquil escape or a fun-filled family day out, Hafren Forest has got you covered.

What’s more, entry won’t cost you a penny, making it a wallet-friendly choice for nature enthusiasts keen to soak up the breathtaking Welsh scenery without splashing the cash.

Whether it’s the picturesque vistas, the abundant wildlife, or the serene trails that catch your eye, Hafren Forest is an essential stop-off for anyone touring Wales.