THE National Trust has swung into 2017 with the launch of a series of downloadable walks. After the indulgences of Christmas and the New Year, there’s nothing better on a crisp winter’s morning than venturing outdoors to explore frosty landscapes and spot winter wildlife.

From scented gardens and ancient parklands to tranquil woods and glorious open countryside, the National Trust cares for some enchanting places just waiting to be discovered across Hampshire during the cold winter months.

The message is: “Grab your coats and hats, wrap up warm, and explore the county’s best winter wonderlands.”

Here is a selection of some of the best winter wonderlands cared for by the National Trust in Hampshire:

Hinton Ampner

(Bramdean, near Alresford)

With its far-reaching South Downs views, Hinton Ampner is a great place to shake off the post-Christmas ‘fuzz’ and the ancient parkland and magnificent beech woodland are easy to navigate using downloadable trails.

There are four trails to choose from, of varying lengths and terrains, including the 1.9-mile Stewkeley trail, which takes you on a gentle stroll across the estate toward the picturesque village of Kilmeston, before looping back to Hinton Ampner. The five-and-a-half mile Battle of Cheriton walk follows in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, and takes you past an old memorial stone commemorating the men who fought on both sides. This battle marked a major turning point in the Civil War and resulted in a Parliamentary victory that helped shaped the future of England.

The gardens, parkland, tea room and shop, are currently open, as is the entrance hall of the house which is hosting an exhibition by artist-led group the Hampshire Artists’ Co-operative, featuring art, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery and textiles. The rest of the house re-opens on February 12.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner or call 01962 771305.

The Vyne

(near Basingstoke)

The Vyne’s exciting roof conservation project is now well under way, but although the house and nearby sections of the garden are affected by scaffolding, the wider country estate makes a great place to blow away the cobwebs over the winter season.

Self-guided estate trails: a series of way-marked circular walking routes criss-cross The Vyne estate, taking in fields, woodland and wetland. These trails are also available as downloadable woodland walks map. Plus, for a winter challenge, set out on an adventure with The Vyne’s free geocaching trail using the OpenCaching app on your smartphone.

After your walk, nip into the Brewhouse tea room for warming savoury and sweet treats. The gift shop is also open, and stocks locally sourced gifts alongside others, including freshly ground flour from the Trust’s Winchester City Mill.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne or call 01256 883858.

Mottisfont Abbey

(near Romsey)

Mottisfont’s winter garden has matured into a beautiful and unique landscape, full of horticultural treasures. Stroll along paths through winter-flowering shrubs and perennials, rich in colour and scent. There’s brilliantly coloured bark from dogwood and silvery ornamental bramble, while berries, fruit and late and early-flowering perennials also provide colour during the shortest days of the year.

Gullies of foliage plants appear to wind through the banks of willow like water and spill into the stream, and as winter continues, the garden becomes a refuge for other late-flowering shrubs such as mahonia, sweet-smelling winter honeysuckle and daphne.

Historic estate walks: this former 13th Century priory sits in 1,600 acres of garden, woods and meadows. Enjoy Mottisfont at your own pace and choose from several downloadable walks, including the six-mile estate walk, taking in historic farmland, 400-year-old woodland and the crystal clear waters of the famous river Test. It’s the perfect way to see some of Hampshire’s stunning countryside glistening in the winter frost.

There’s nothing like a winter walk to build up a bit of an appetite, so visit Mottisfont’s Kitchen Cafe for a warming seasonal meal, or the Coach House Café for lighter bites. Mottisfont’s large gift shop and the second-hand book shop are open every day, so there’s plenty to browse through and look at.

The garden, shop, café, house and grounds are all open and the art gallery re-opens on January 14, when Mottisfont unveils its Rex Whistler art exhibition.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont or call 01794 340757.

New Forest Northern Commons

For those wanting to stretch their legs further afield, the beautiful wilderness of the New Forest Northern Commons offer adventure seekers an inspirational landscape, with gently worn paths through heathland, woodland, mire and grassland. Conservation work at Half Moon common has opened up some breathtaking views and created a vast sense of space. Wild landscapes and spectacular vistas can also be enjoyed at Rockford, Ibsley and Hale Purlieu commons.

New downloadable walks include Rockford and Ibsley commons which takes you across wild expanses of heathland fringed by trees. Home to the rare Dartford warbler and herds of ponies, you’ll also come across the Huff Duff – the remains of a Second World War direction-finding station that kept track of Allied aircraft. Find out about the Huff Duff’s ginger cat when you get there.

A figure-of-eight trail winds through Hale Purlieu, crossing streams and taking in great views across the common’s valleys and mires. Look out for stonechats flying between the gorse bushes.

A short stroll around Hightown – our smallest heathland site in the New Forest – is perfect for those wanting to experience the mosaic of habitats but are a little short of time. Walk across grazed lawns and through ancient woods. If you wander slightly off the route you’ll find rare bogs and mires packed with varieties of colourful moss and lichens.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/new-forest-northern-commons/trails or call 01425 650035.