Last updated on August 19th, 2022 at 03:25 pm
Winter is very much still upon us and it’s likely that we have at least a month left before we can really rejoice in Spring’s arrival.
We know how tough it can be to motivate yourself at this time of year but getting the exercise that your body needs is very important. Winter walking with your family is a great way to get your body back into the swing of things and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Beautiful winter landscapes will definitely make the process easier, too.
It’s great to have a handful of Winter walking ideas so the process doesn’t become boring and monotonous. Try out different locations, take another path or try walking at a different time of day to change up your winter walk. It’s great to have a bit of ‘me time’ too: try taking a walk on your own if you need to clear your head a bit. Make sure to let a loved one know where you’re going though: winter walks can be dangerous if the conditions are bad.
Aside from the paths that you take, have you thought about things such as safety and wearing the right clothing? We’ve collated some of our best tips for winter walking below. Stay safe, warm and most of all, enjoy the exercise!
What to Wear Winter Walking
Throughout Winter, the UK sees drastic changes in temperature and it’s not uncommon for people to wonder “what should I wear for Winter walking?” The sun is out but there’s snow on the ground, and you’ll get warm when you’re walking but it’s freezing outside, are the type of dilemmas that us Brits face during the colder months. Making sure you’re dressed suitably for your surroundings is the best way to get the most enjoyment out of your exercise.
What to Wear Walking Outside in Winter
It’s important to layer up your clothing in order to stay warm and protected whilst allowing you to remove a few items of clothing if you get hot. The best material for layering is wool as this keeps you warm and dry whilst steadily removing moisture away from the body.
For adults and children, start by wearing a woollen vest and t-shirt then add a jumper and a coat to finish off. If it’s extremely cold then layering a few vests and long-sleeved t-shirts is sure to add more warmth to your walking outfit than fewer, thicker layers.
Added extras need to be warm and practical, too. Beanie hats and thick wool scarves are perfect accessories to keep you wrapped up and warm. Gloves are also an essential item that’ll protect your fingers; again, wool would be a great material to use, but if you’re a snowball-thrower perhaps look into purchasing some heavy duty gloves that won’t get wet and cold from the snow.
For children who love to play in the snow, make sure they have heavy-duty gloves and thick socks to provide extra barriers against the wet and cold! If you don’t have thick socks, try and get them to wear multiple pairs of everyday socks, instead.
What Shoes to Wear Winter Walking
Winter shoes are one of the few items that you should invest in if you’re an avid walker. You need shoes that are durable, comfortable, warm, and preferably rain-proof.
The best Winter walking boots, for men and women, come from brands such as Skechers and Lilley. These top brands supply high-quality, heavy-duty and stylish walking boots, perfect for those days walking along the countryside. The weather-resistant material, lace-up fronts and durable, hi-tech soles will protect your feet from the elements whilst providing comfort and warm, as well as supporting the balls of the feet, arches, heels and ankles.
If you aren’t an avid walker but want to make the most of the snow days, try out some wellies. They’re made from high-quality and weather-resistant rubber to protect your feet and lower leg from rain, sleet and snow. Wellington boots aren’t as warm and supportive as walking boots but they’re great if you need something quick to throw on and enjoy the elements outside!
For children, walking boots, trainers and wellies are the best Winter walking shoes. Children love colourful footwear, making wellies the perfect go-to pair of shoes for a day outside. Ranges from Cotswold and Crocs are durable and warm enough to protect your little one’s feet whilst they’re playing in the snow. They also come in a range of different colours and patterns to suit your child. They’ll be dying to show them off to friends!
Winter Walking Ideas
Winter walking with kids is a great way to show them, and teach them about, the outdoors. Being outside can be a sensory overload, especially for younger kids, so it’s important it’s done in short and easy doses.
When it’s cold, the option to stay indoors, drinking hot chocolate, is a lot more appealing to youngsters than walking outside. If you have a park or hill nearby, tempt them into walking to that area with the promise of sledging down a hill or having a snowball fight. Making activities that seem boring to them, fun, is a great way to get them out and about!
A nature walk can be a fun experience for children. If you have been on walks before, try heading to the same place and get them to pick out the differences from the last time you went. Is the lake frozen? Are there icicles hanging from a barn? Do the trees have any leaves? Not only is it a fun way to get them outdoors, it’s also very educational to teach them about the weather and what causes these changes!
Winter walking with dogs can either be stressful or a lot of fun depending on how your pooch reacts to cold, and unusual weather. Stick to pathways and make sure your dog has protective clothing on, especially if you’re walking in the late afternoon.
To prevent any harm coming to your dog, trim the hair around the claws to prevent it turning into ice; this can be extremely painful for your dog. If your dog doesn’t mind clothing, try them out in dog boots. Dog boots are perfect for snow days when your dog needs to release energy outdoors as they keep their paws protected and warm.
Winter Walking Safety Tips
It’s important to keep safe when out walking during Winter. Black ice and snow covered holes are extremely dangerous so it’s important that you take a backpack and pack for every eventuality. Some winter walking essentials to include are:
Extra layers of clothing
First aid kit
Water and snacks
Battery pack for your phone
Torch
Staying safe is a priority when heading outside in the snow and it’s important that you have a plan for the route that you’re going to take. It’s a different world out there when the snow has settled, so researching some Winter safety tips for walking on snow and ice, could help you out of what could be a sticky situation.
A lot of people enjoy a stroll in the countryside, whether it’s for exercise, to walk the dog or to adore some breathtaking scenery. If you’re out and about this winter, make sure you dress for the occasion and pack enough resources to get you through any situations that you might encounter. Investing in high-quality footwear is a great place to start and is the only item that you need to splurge on if you’re an everyday walker!
Enjoying the outdoors in winter is always fun, but make sure you stay warm and safe. Happy walking!
