Happy New Year! If you have booked a Caribbean cruise or a week’s skiing in Val d’Isère, Gloucestershire’s May Hill probably won’t tick the winter travel box in quite the same way.

But if January means regrouping after the seasonal festivities and planning the year’s travels in a stimulating local environment, visiting this well-loved landmark could be perfect.

After decades in Gloucestershire I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve passed May Hill’s unmistakable skyline clump of Corsican pines when heading to Wales. Yet I’d never visited the National Trust site until a chilly, overcast January day in 2022.

Perfect for picnics

Our energetic walk started near the small – get there early – May Hill Car Park on Clifford’s Mesne. Then, led by an enthusiastic wife who’d already visited the hill, we made the first steep climb out of the woods. After sharing a kiss at the kissing gate, we continued over rising common land towards the distinctive clump of trees dominating the 296 m (971 ft) summit.

Defining the skyline since the eighteenth century, the pines were replenished in 1877 and 1977 to mark the Golden and Silver Jubilees of Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II, respectively. Even on a cold winter’s day, it’s perfect for a picnic.

The hill’s beguiling magic was clear

In summer, I’m assured, the views of the Malverns, Cotswolds and Welsh mountains are sublime. Depending on who you talk to – and the weather – you can see up to 12 counties! On our midwinter day, milky grey haze swathed the landscapes of the 360-degree panorama. Despite this, the hill’s beguiling magic was clear.

It’s a special place, steeped in legend – a landmark where locals once danced on May Day. Though we didn’t see any, May Hill folklore tells of fairies living here too. Maybe you’ll be luckier!

Huntley Estate’s romantic woods

Beyond the summit, the walk continues down the bracken-swathed southern slopes before circling northeast through the Huntley Estate’s romantic woods. While descending – and again, season dependent – look for the National Trust’s herd of gorgeous belted Galloway cattle.

With its impressive timber stands, including massive coast redwoods, the walk’s second part, mainly on forestry tracks, delivers wonderful contrast to the hill’s openness. All being well (OS Explorer OL14 covers the route), around three miles after starting you’ll leave Newent Woods, cross May Hill Common and return to your car.

From pubs to cafés, there are a variety of nearby eateries where you can refuel – the perfect way to end your day and make 2024’s travel plans, whether for home or abroad