Winter gets a bad reputation when it comes to walking! It’s cold, wet and muddy! To some this is all part of the fun, and to others its best to hibernate until Spring! To those waiting for Spring you’re missing out on the advantages Winter walking brings.

Winter is the perfect time to explore your favourite walking trails and paths, so long as you’re prepared. 

Catch the Sunrise /Sunset

Shorter days means it is even easier to catch the beautiful haze of the day’s first glimpse of light at sunrise, or catch that lazy late afternoon sunset with a warm flask of tea or a cheeky hot chocolate (I know my preference)! 

Sunsets just seem to be that little bit more vibrant and magical in the Winter months.

Your favourite walks

Do you have a favourite walk or route? What better way to see it from a different point of view. Familiar paths take on new character with a simple dust of frost or a sparkling sprinkle of snow. The difference in light as the days get shorter give off a sense of mystery as you bring your walk to an end.

Health benefits 

Walking full stop offers great health benefits. As a slow cardiovascular exercise it is great for the body and mind! As well as strengthening your muscles and overall fitness. The colder Winter weather adds an additional challenge to your body trying to keep you warm and increases your calorie burning in the process.

Be happy! Walking has been linked to extensive studies that improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Especially in the winter when there is less daylight, the exposure to the natural daylight promotes the production of Vitamin D to aid bone health and boost your immune system.

Increase your energy levels. Physical exercise is known to increase energy levels and fight feelings of fatigue. If you find yourself experiencing winter lethargy, a quick walk can invigorate your body and mind.

Nature Lovers 

Winter walking enhances wildlife watching due to factors like reduced foliage, making it easier to spot animals, and the presence of snow, which reveals tracks and signs. The migration of certain bird species to warmer climates during winter increases opportunities for birdwatching, and the concentration of animals in search of food offers better chances of sightings. The distinct behaviours exhibited by wildlife in winter, such as increased activity or unique mating rituals, add to the fascination. The quiet atmosphere of winter landscapes reduces disturbances, creating an ideal environment for observing and appreciating nature. Additionally, the visibility of larger animals against wintery backdrops and the adaptation of certain species to winter conditions make it a rewarding season for wildlife enthusiasts.

Birdwatching 

In the winter, the UK sees an influx of several bird species migrating from colder northern regions. Some notable migratory birds that arrive in the UK during the winter months include:

• Bewick’s Swan: These elegant swans migrate to the UK from Arctic Russia.
• Fieldfare: A thrush species that travels from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe to the UK in search of milder winter conditions.
• Redwing: Another thrush species, the redwing migrates from Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia to the UK for the winter.
• Whooper Swan: These swans migrate from Iceland and Scandinavia, with some individuals also coming from Russia.
• Golden Plover: This migratory bird travels from the Arctic regions to the UK, particularly to wetland areas.
• Brambling: A finch species that migrates from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe to the UK for the winter.
• Short-eared Owl: Although present in the UK year-round, their numbers increase during the winter due to the arrival of migrants from northern Europe.
• Waxwing: Known for their distinctive crests and red wax-like tips on their wing feathers, waxwings migrate to the UK from Scandinavia and Russia in search of berries.

These migratory birds contribute to the rich birdlife in the UK during the winter months, offering birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to observe diverse species that are not present year-round.