Great Outdoors - Being Active Over Winter

Being active over the winter season can be quite challenging. If you can’t stand the thought of going to the gym (me) but would prefer a gentle form of exercise that you can fit into your day or at the weekend (me again) - Walking is the perfect answer and, wherever you live, you can get started straight away. Winter walks are the perfect way to get to know your local area, exploring the countryside and taking in the scenery. Avoid the worst of the weather, and you could enjoy the amazing scenes of the changing seasons, from the shafts of sunlight breaking through the bare trees to the crunch of frost on the grassy fields. Hopefully not too much frost though. Not a fan of the old ice myself...

If you’ve never done this sort of walking before, how do you get started? It’s easy: you can go by yourself, rope in a couple of friends, or join a regular walking group. There are thousands of walking routes available online, or you could ask at your local tourist information office, which will have details of the most popular walks in your area. You could also buy an Ordnance Survey map of your area which will show you where all the public footpaths are so that you can plan your own walk.

During the winter, you obviously want to walk during the daylight hours. If you’re an early riser, you can be out before the rush hour, sharing the countryside with the natural wildlife and perhaps a few dog-walkers or madly energetic runners. During the middle of the day, make a pub lunch your final destination, or challenge yourself to go a bit further, higher or wilder, depending on how confident you feel.

You’ll need to be properly dressed for a good walk. The more comfortable and protected you are, the better the walk will be. Sturdy boots, comfortable walking trousers like chinos, good quality, soft cotton womens or mens polo shirts, fleeces and waterproof jackets like this fleece lined jacket from Cotton Traders will allow you to layer up and down depending on the weather. Add a good quality pair of walking boots, and you’re ready to go. Take a small rucksack with water and a snack, and make sure you know where you’re going. What more do you need?

So, what are you waiting for? There are miles of unexplored streets, parks and countryside outside your front door, and a short walk every day, or a longer walk when you have the time is a great way to keep fit, get to know your surroundings and even make some new friends! Note to self - practice what you preach.

In partnership with Cotton Traders