Top Tips for Getting Outdoors in the Winter

I’m starting this site with school about to start and nights drawing in, so and I’m very aware that of all the seasons, it’s probably the one where getting outdoors feels most difficult, or at least less appealing. Cold weather, grey skies and rain don’t exactly make you want to leap off the sofa and rush outside. That said, it can also be one of the most beautiful times of year. Here are some top reasons to get yourself and your friends, family, kids and anyone else out into the fresh, winter air.

Catch the sunrise or sunset

I feel pretty confident saying that sunrises and sunsets are one of the most beautiful things to happen on a daily basis. But, here in the UK at least, we don’t really catch them in the summertime. Unless you’re up at 4am or have the time to sit out late, they just don’t fit in with the daily schedule. But this time of year that all changes. The sun is still rising on the morning trip to work or school and is going down by teatime. Make a point of finding somewhere to see it – your back yard, a park, an east facing street you walk past on the school run. Take a minute to stand and enjoy it.

Colourful leaves

As an adult autumn leaves often become more of a nuisance than a wonder – something to be swept up and the cause of many a train delay. But recently my daughter has become obsessed with collecting what she sees as the most beautiful leaves – really anything in a bright red or orange hue. And to be fair it’s got me noticing that they are really quite pretty as well. So why not take the kids out on a leaf hunt? Just be prepared for pockets full of leaves that you’ll need to quietly dispose of later…

Jumping up and down in muddy puddles

OK, so probably another one more focused towards the kids, but why can’t we embrace our inner child and have a good splash? I don’t think any young child can escape Peppa Pig’s relentless propaganda for jumping up and down in muddy puddles, but it’s an easy way to bring joy to an otherwise miserable day. It can seem like an annoyance, but if you embrace it from the start then it’s really nothing that can’t be overcome with a few towels ready by the door for when you get home.

Frosty mornings

Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something a little bit magical about a dusting of frost sparkling on everything, especially when you mix in the early morning light. I know it’s a pain when the car needs de-icing, but maybe try to take a nice, cold breath and enjoy the beauty of it all.

Winter outdoor cooking

It might be tempting to pack the bbq away as soon as the nights begin to draw in, but cooking outdoors in the winter isn’t just for bonfire night. If you’ve got the space then maybe think about getting a firepit, get everyone snuggled round with some blankets and hot chocolate (or mulled wine) and it’ll feel like you’re camping in your own back garden. Failing that move the bbq closer to the back door and take the nip-in-and-out approach. I’ll probably come back to this on its own at a later date, but I’ve often had a bbq or fired up the pizza over for my birthday in February, sometimes with snow still on the ground. The fact most people don’t do it as often just makes the event feel all the more special.

Wonderful waterfalls

There’s nothing more disappointing than going on a summer trip to see a beautiful waterfall only to find nothing but a disappointing trickle. OK, that’s not been the case so much this year, but full force after winter rain is the time they’re most spectacular. Pistyll Rhaeadr is a personal favourite, but see what’s around near you. Bonus points if you can catch one iced up and even more spectacular.

Winter wildlife

Carrying on the theme of things you can only see at this time of year, winter brings with it a whole host of visitors we wouldn’t see at other times of year. I’ve already spotted flocks of geese overhead as they make their annual trip south. It’s also breeding time for seal colonies in several parts of the UK. Seeing dozens of seals and their pups laid out on the beach and frolicking in the surf can be a pretty memorable day out in the depths of winter.

Stargazing

The night sky is a magical place, but the time of year most of us are getting outside – the long, sunny summer days – the tars just aren’t out until too late. If you can find somewhere away from the lights, there’s nothing more magical than laying back and looking up at the stars, whether it’s to get some headspace on your own or to share the magic with your family. There are plenty of free apps out there that can help if you want to pick out what’s what – constellation, planets and even satellites are all visible with the naked eye.