Enjoy a winter warmer of a walk!
Thursday, 1 December 2011
The countryside doesn't shut down in the cooler months! In fact, autumn and winter can be the best seasons to enjoy the great British outdoors.
In autumn, of course, you get to see the countryside's glorious colours up close, while winter walking can range from the wild to the serene. So get togged up, get outside and enjoy it.
When planning a walk, consider how fit the members of your party are, and what terrain your route crosses. Remember that an easy scramble in summertime can become a graded climb when snow and ice are around.
You'll find plenty of guide books detailing interesting trails, but bear in mind that for the most part timings given are for exploring the walks during the summer months so beware of the distance you can cover/ daylight hours ratio and the relevant opening hours of any nature parks and private trails. In the winter, rucksacks tend to be heavier too, and if there's snow underfoot be prepared to travel slowly.
If you're not confident about solo winter walking, a course can teach you basic navigational skills. Or join a guided walk or hiking club. Luckily, for most of the UK, extensive expertise is not needed to enjoy all the spectacular countryside has to offer, from coastland and mountains to forests and moorland.
While it may sound obvious, the equipment you use during the winter will need to be warmer and more protective than the kit you use in summer.
Outer wear such as men's waterproof jackets and women's waterproofs are essential packing all year round. In fact all of your kit needs to be fully waterproof, and your rucksack big enough to take extra gear such as crampons if you are in the mountains. When it comes to boots, these need to be waterproof too, and stiffer and warmer than those you wear during the summer.
You'll find a wide selection of women's, children's and men's waterproof boots online and on the High Street. Look for a pair from an outdoor retailer, and beware of fashion boots which won't give you enough comfort or ankle support.
Wear your usual walking socks when trying boots on, and take your time making your choice. When laced, the boot should hold firmly around your whole foot, and should not feel cramped. Your heel shouldn't move, and your big toe should not press against the uppers. If you try your boots on in the morning, remember that feet expand during the day.
In a shop, use an incline board if it has one, so you can test boots for a downhill foot position, or stand with the heel on a small step and your toe on the floor. If your foot slips forward while going downhill, the boot isn't the right one. If you can't find boots which fit, ask your retailer about footbeds or insoles.
Of course, the great thing about buying boots online is you can try them on at home and exchange them with minimal fuss if the fit isn't right.
To keep your boots supple and waterproof, treat them according to the manufacturers' instructions.
As for clothing, fleece jackets intended for extended periods of cold outside should not be confused with fleeces which are essentially fashion items. You want something aimed at providing breathability, insulation and wind protection.
Fleeces are often worn as the second in a three-layer system, as a continuation of your base layer while also providing thermal insulation.
Go for a snug fit with a collar which fastens tightly to keep your neck warm. Adjustable, elastic hems and cuffs are also useful. For extra convenience, tagged zips can be used with gloved hands, and pockets should be accessible when wearing a day pack with a fastened belt.
Ask whether the fabric is breathable, and will wick moisture away, whether there is enough insulation for severe conditions and whether the wind blocking is enough to wear the fleece without an outer layer in milder weather.
Finally, it's more possible than you may have thought to camp, even in the depths of winter! When it comes to choosing a tent, a three-season model is fine in autumn and won't even collapse if you get a couple of inches of snow.
But a four-season one can be used year round, even in the harshest conditions. There will be extra poles protecting the structure against high winds and heavy snow, and these tents are often built in a dome style with steeper sidewalls for added protection.
You could also opt for a convertible, which can be changed from a four-season to a three-season tent, giving you the best of both worlds. You'll find some great deals online.
So get out and enjoy the UK's countryside and landscapes this winter. With the right kit, you can stay toasty, warm and dry, whatever the weather throws at you.
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