Despite the weather being more challenging for an outdoor walk at this time of year, the winter season is often the time when we most need to get outside and blow away the cobwebs! It’s all too easy to stay indoors with the comforts of home, but making the most of the shortened daylight hours with a walk in the crisp, fresh air can work wonders for our mental and physical health. In fact, there are 10k Google searches for ‘Winter walks’ during the winter months1.
Luckily, the UK has an abundance of wonderful walks to explore, from easy routes to more challenging hikes. However, there is some preparation required to ensure you stay safe and stress-free whilst out exploring this winter.
The walking boot experts at Fitflop have compiled five tips to follow to stay safe whilst hiking:
1) Plan Your Route Beforehand
This may seem obvious, but the first step is to research your route beforehand so that you understand the terrain types you will encounter, difficulty level and time expected to complete the trail, so you can assess if you are physically capable.
If you are new to hiking and unfamiliar with using a map, select a route with a simple, well-marked path and you might also wish to opt for one with public toilets and a cafe or shop on the route, for food and drinks.
2) Look Up The Time Of Sunset
The winter daylight hours are getting shorter and the sunsets can happen quickly – as early as 4pm! In most cases, walking and hiking trails will not be lit and so can be quite treacherous in darkness, even with torchlight. The last thing you’d want is to gain an injury which would make walking back painful and dangerous.
Always look up the sunset time when planning your route, allowing plenty of time to complete the trail well before sunset, so you don’t get caught out.
3) Consider The Weather And Pack Layers
Us Brits are well aware of just how unpredictable the UK weather can be and, according to Alfred Wainwright, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing.” But dressing for such unpredictability can be difficult. With hiking, you’ll be carrying all clothing and accessories for the entire trail so will want to pack light.
However, if your clothing gets wet, you’ll be uncomfortable along the whole route, as well as lugging extra weight from your clothing. Check the forecast in advance, choose comfortable walking shoesand ensure you pack lightweight layers that can wick away moisture but are easy to build up keeping you warm and dry (a base layer, a mid-layer and an outer layer). Don’t be ashamed to head back if the weather takes a turn for the worst!
4) Pack The Essentials
An essentials kit will help you stay safe if you are out for longer than expected, or attempting a long hike. Ensure you pack water, any personal medication, snacks, a torch with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a survival blanket and a power bank – as your phone battery depletes faster in cooler temperatures and areas with poor signal areas. To save phone battery, you can pop it in aeroplane mode when not in use. It’s also a good idea to write down your emergency contact numbers, just in case.
Hiking poles can be a handy addition if you need support for balance, grip and stability, or to lessen pressure on your joints when going downhill.
5) Tell Others Of Your Plans
It’s safest to hike in pairs or groups but, if going solo, it is crucial that you tell others of your plans in advance, including your planned route, expected return time and agreed schedule for when you’ll share text updates with them. Apple AirTags and similar geo-trackers are also a helpful way for friends and family to track your hike progression. As a contingency plan, agree on what they should do if they can’t get in contact with you.
Preparation will help you to ensure a safe and stress-free experience, so you can be prepared for the UK winter whilst still enjoying the stunning landscapes!
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