Britain may not always be basking in warm sunshine, but there’s little more invigorating than going for a walk on a crisp, winter’s day in the country’s gorgeous landscapes. From the hills and valleys that glisten with morning frost to the vibrant pink and orange sunsets, our nation can be magical in the colder weather.
Of course, the shorter days and chilly conditions mean it can be trickier to walk safely during the colder months. The Ramblers is there to help everyone explore Britain’s countryside, whatever it takes. Whether it’s practical advice like the tips on winter walking below, or working on a national level to preserve our world-class walking network, they’re always working to ensure we can enjoy the many benefits of walking in nature all year round.
The Ramblers believes every single person in Britain should be able to enjoy walking in nature, and is working to ensure just that. So while you’re finding your warmest socks and packing snacks, you can be sure they’ll be working to provide people with tried and tested walking routes, organising weekly group walks in which you can meet new people, and maintaining paths across the country.
The Ramblers offers a huge range of short, manageable routes across both rural and urban settings that are well researched and easy to follow. Whatever kind of walk you’re planning, read on to find out how to have as fulfilling a time as possible...
1. Layer up
Wearing multiple layers of clothing can help keep you insulated by allowing heat to circulate without your body getting too warm. Ideally, your first layer should be moisture-wicking, followed with a light fleece. Make sure you don’t forget about the vulnerable areas of your body that are most susceptible to the cold, such as your hands and ears. Hats and gloves will never go amiss on a winter walk.
2. Do your research
One of the most important things you can do before you even begin your walk is plan ahead. By picking a route you’re familiar with, you’ll be lessening your risk of running into trouble. Or, if you’re keen to explore somewhere new, make sure to prepare by researching your route beforehand. Look out for steep ground and river crossings, which may be trickier to traverse in the winter.
3. Be contactable
Always make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave the house, even if you’re walking with other people. You never know when you may need help, and your phone could be a vital lifeline. Even better, leave the details of your planned route with a friend or family member, so they’re aware of where you are should you run into any trouble.
4. Anticipate the unexpected
It pays off to plan, so before your walk, make sure you’ve picked out spots along your route where you’ll be able to seek shelter, should the weather take a turn for the worse. What’s more, it’s a good idea to pack additional supplies in your rucksack, such as water, snacks, chap-stick, a map and compass, headtorch and a first aid kit, just in case you or another member of your party needs it.
5. Practice makes perfect
If you don’t have much experience of walking in the winter, it’s a good idea to build up your confidence and stamina by choosing shorter, easier trails initially, before you tackle the more challenging ones. That’s especially true if you’re planning on hiking hills and mountains. If you live in Scotland or Wales, you can join one of the many training courses run by the Ramblers to help you build your skills.
As a member of the Ramblers, for just £3.05 per month, you’ll get unlimited access to the Ramblers’ library of tried and tested walking routes, plus its 50,000 fun and friendly group walks. But that’s far from all there is to the Ramblers. Your membership will help increase access to green spaces, open up more places to walk and boost Britain’s wellbeing one step at a time. After all, there’s plenty to do.
With its members’ support, the Ramblers...
• Helps thousands more people every year broaden their horizons on foot because walking in nature makes us happier and healthier.
• Maintains paths to prevent them being blocked or becoming overgrown, provides advice to walkers, and helps individuals overcome more personal obstacles, like a lack of confidence to explore or knowledge of where they can walk, because the Ramblers is committed to removing all barriers to walking.
• Helps protect walking access rights. As a result of over 85 years of hard work by the Ramblers, we are now free to roam across millions of acres of land, including national parks and national trails.
Find out more about the vital work the Ramblers does and pledge your walking miles in 2022 for the chance to win some amazing prizes.
The Ramblers is generously supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, as part of the lottery’s Climate Challenge initiative. People’s Postcode Lottery manages lotteries on behalf of 20 Postcode Trusts.
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