The UK is surrounded by beautiful lakes, forests full of greenery and nature spots that look as if they’re straight out of a fairy tale! Peter Storm ambassador and TV presenter Julia Bradbury has revealed her top tips for exploring in colder months, and shares some of the amazing benefits that getting outdoors can bring.
Julia says: “My Dad took me walking in the Peak District when I was a little dot, in the very same territory that he’d grown up in and explored when he walked as a boy [around Buxton, Stanage Edge and the Dovedale Valley]. I’ll never forget those days and years spent with him hiking across craggy landscapes, and it’s only now I’ve lived a little I understand what a gift he gave me - learning to love green spaces - and realising how much we all need them.
“There are so many benefits to spending time outdoors, from helping you get better sleep to clearing your mind. And with so many places to explore, there is arguably no better place to start than the walks right on our doorsteps. Here are some of my top tips on getting outdoors.”
- Meet up with a friend
Start with friends so you can share the sense of discovery and achievement together. It’s great for bonding too. I find that a long walk with a friend can make my day. A nice slice of cake (or a bit of dark chocolate for me) at the end of the walk is always better shared!
- Make sure you are wearing comfortable, reliable clothing.
Never go hiking in brand-new boots – as lovely as it is to unpack them – a good pair of walking boots is a worn-in pair. Wear them at home/to the shops/on the treadmill. You should also invest in a comfortable good-fitting backpack - nobody wants sore shoulders and back aches heading out. To maintain body temperature, I wear layers and pack a few more in my rucksack. You can always strip off or layer up.
- Tell a trusted family member or friend your planned route
Do not go on a long walk without telling a trusted friend or family member where you are going. This means that in the event of an emergency, they will know where you are. It is also a good idea to tell them how long you expect to take, meaning that if you take longer they can check up on you.
- Wear sunscreen or a good hat
The weather might be British but UV rays can still pass through clouds and cause damage to your skin. If you have sensitive skin wear a good quality SPF, or wear long sleeves and a protective hat.
- Take a tent if you plan to stay overnight
When going on overnight camping trips, I love having a warm place to rest while I take a break from the cold. When buying a tent, make sure you consider one that sleeps at least one person up from how many people will be sleeping in the tent. This will ensure you have plenty of space for all of you and your gear inside. A good quality water-resistant tent is recommended for rainier and colder weather, as well as a plug-in heater if you have the luxury of an electrical supply. Although I would say camping in winter probably isn’t the best time to start if you’re not experienced
There are many benefits of getting outdoors and going on walks, five of these being:
- Improved wellbeing
Step outside, breathe in the fresh air and revitalise your spirit. Walking outside has even been shown to lower rates of anxiety, depression and a negative mood when compared with time spent clocking up miles on an indoor treadmill. It can also boost self-esteem. ¹
- It helps you keep a healthy heart
Research has revealed that you can reduce your risk for coronary heart disease by about 19% simply by walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Your risk may be reduced even further if you decide to increase the duration and/or distance of your daily walks.
- You can meet new people
The UK is perfect for outdoor exploration. We recommend searching for local walking groups where you’ll find like-minded people to walk with. If you're a dog owner, there are lots of dog-walking groups to get involved with, some will even let you borrow a pooch for the day!
- It helps to save money
Walking is an ideal way to improve your fitness without spending a fortune on expensive gym memberships or home exercise equipment. We all know that easing money woes is good for mental wellbeing.
- It can help you live longer
Researchers have discovered that walking at a faster pace could actually extend your life. A recent study showed that walking at a 'brisk' or 'fast' pace (>4mph) reduces the risk by 24%, rather than an ‘average’ or ‘slow’ pace which can reduce your risk of death from cardiovascular conditions by up to 20%.
“So go on Walk Yourself Happy & Healthy!”
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