7 Ways to Enjoy Winter Walking

by Catherine Sempill

Winter is around the corner, and some people may be putting their boots away until spring. For others, winter simply represents a different kind of opportunity to enjoy the UK’s landscapes on foot.

If you’re currently considering hibernation mode or are in need of some motivation to keep up your walking habit through winter, read on for simple tips and mindset shifts to help you truly enjoy walking throughout the chilly season.

1. Embrace Layered Clothing

Winter walking is a rollercoaster of outfit changes. You warm up as you move, then cool rapidly when you pause for tea. The key is to pack clothing you can easily take on and off.

A thermal base layer, a fleece mid layer and a windbreaker and/or rain jacket are considered the minimum. Plus, you’ll need waterproof shoes and trousers that are wind and even rain resistant. Read more about layering for your walk.

2. Take Care of Your Extremities

Never underestimate the value of a good pair of socks, not only for blister prevention but for warmth too. Same goes for hats, scarves and gloves. Keeping your core warm keeps you safe and comfortable, but taking care of your neck, hands, head and feet will level up your cosiness, especially as you sip a hot drink while sitting on a log at the edge of a muddy field. 

3. Hand and Toe Warmers

Speaking of your extremities, if you have poor circulation or the day is particularly bracing, hand and toe warmers are a great hack. You can even pop one in your beanie or at the base of your spine if you need an extra heat burst.

4. Adjust Your Snack Haul

While summer is the time for fresh cordials, biscuits and sandwiches, winter snack stops call for warming food. If you have a metal water bottle, fill it with hot water in the morning so you warm up each time you hydrate. Bring a flask of tea or coffee for your break, and if you plan on having lunch out in the countryside, opt for a warming soup instead of fresh fruit, for example.

5. Plan a Winter-Friendly Route

When planning a walk in winter, consider the trail conditions and the sure-footedness of your walking partners. Try to find out what the conditions may be like on the day of your walk, as some routes may become muddy or slippery after rain.

Another way to improve the winter-friendliness of your walks is to deliberately opt for a more demanding route — for example, one with elevation — to keep your heart rate up, which will keep you warmer in the process.

As you plan your route, consider our tips for winter walking.

6. Reframe Winter Walking

Yes, the weather can be cold and the trails can be muddy, but with the right attitude, winter walks really deliver. Think of the magic of early morning frosty landscapes, or how glorious it feels to step into a fire-warmed pub after a couple hours’ tramping over desolate moorland.

7. Embrace the Changing Landscape

Everything looks different in winter — routes you’ve trodden before look like they’ve had a change of clothes. The UK has so many routes and several of them pass through landscapes that really come into their own in winter. Get inspired by these winter wonderlands in the UK and these great trails for winter walking holidays.

When it comes to enjoying walking, winter is not bad, it’s just different. As with many things in life, by being prepared and learning to appreciate the little things, you can start looking forward to lacing up your walking shoes in winter, even if it’s a bit chilly out there.