Winter Walking Guide

Take it easy and walk at a moderate or slow pace
It’s no secret that winter roads and paths can be icy, so it’s important to set a gentle pace that will reduce your risk of slipping. We recommend avoiding walking with your hands in your pockets, as you may need to use your arms for balance or to catch yourself if you do slip.

Stay safe and make sure that you can be seen
Whilst we suggest going for a stroll during the day, we know how early it begins to get dark during the Winter months. If you are walking in low-visibility and bad weather conditions, opt for safe paths and routes in parks or residential streets where traffic is limited and always wear reflective gear.

Drink plenty of water
It’s a common misconception that you are more likely to dehydrate in the summertime, but it’s important to remember that cold winter air evaporates sweat more rapidly. This, coupled with respiratory water loss that occurs when you can see your breath outside, means you are more likely to dehydrate without even realising it. Be sure to grab a water bottle and drink plenty of fluids if you are heading out on a winter walk.

Be sure to layer up
Just because you will be exercising doesn’t mean you should scrimp on the layers! It’s much better to bring extra layers and remove these if necessary. We recommend a good quality sweat-wicking base layer, paired with insulating mid-layer fleeces and a waterproof outer layer. When it comes to footwear, opt for a thick pair of wool socks and walking boots with good grip to provide extra traction when tackling slippy paths. When exposed to the cold, your head will lose heat the most rapidly, so ensure that you wear a warm hat, ear muffs or headband as well as gloves. You may also wish to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes on a bright winter morning or from any snow glare.

Keep warm if you stop for a break

Your body will start to cool down immediately if you stop for a break whilst on your winter stroll. Even if it is just a brief stop to check your map or take a sip from you flask, it’s important to remember that staying warm is a lot easier than allowing yourself to cool down, then trying to warm up again. A great tip is throw on an extra layer before you stop to combat the loss of heat, or find a place where you can take a break indoors.

We hope you follow these tips to have some great outdoor adventures and winter walks over the Christmas period!