Top tips to help motivate yourself for a Winter Walk
In winter it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get out of bed in the morning some days, let alone go for a walk.
However you can now find inspiration in the new series of Winter Walks that returns to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four and iPlayer on 29th November. A new set of guest walkers reflect on life experiences as they explore beautiful landscapes.
We asked them for their top tips for getting outside and doing some glorious winter walking.
Alastair Campbell
Political veteran and mental health campaigner
"There is no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothes."
"Always have waterproofs. Wear layers so you can strip down when, as is inevitable, you warm up. Carry a backpack."
"If the mood takes you, keep walking. Don’t be so rigid that you only walk as far as you set out to. If you think you can go longer and want to - just do it."
Nihal Arthanayake
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ presenter and radio host
"Making a great music playlist really helps to motivate me to actually get out the door, but once I’m out there I try and tune in to what is going on around me and let nature be my playlist."
"There’s no rush! Winter walking is all about recalibrating from city time to village time."
"It’s impossible to enjoy nature if we are rushing around on city time, force yourself to slow down and you’ll be amazed at what you start noticing."
Kate Bottley
Reverend and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ presenter
"We sometimes fool ourselves that there is not a lot to see when there is snow on the ground but it’s a different sort of beauty."
"As long as you’ve got your thermal vest on, woolly hat, and good socks then you’re good to go."
"There is something special about walking in a stripped back environment that reminds us of things that matter. Don’t be afraid to do things at your own pace."
"But, be aware that you can get sunburned so wear protection. Also, a runny nose is sometimes unavoidable so have tissues to hand."
Amanda Owen
Writer and 'The Yorkshire Shepherdess'
"You need to look at wearing lots of layers, perhaps a light waterproof overcoat just in case the weather turns because, at the end of the day, we are in Great Britain. Always wear two pairs of socks - there is nothing worse than having cold feet. Now, mittens. These actually keep your hands warmer than gloves because all of your fingers are together.
"A flask to put hot water in is also crucial. You could make yourself a coffee or a tea to take with you to lift your spirits and to keep you warm."
"A mobile phone is vital. When you go for your walk you do not want to be texting and want to have that space and time as a digital detox, but it’s also a safety device. If you get lost or get into trouble it’s a good idea to have your phone with you.
"What you can do is switch it over into airplane mode so it extends the battery life and it’s not always popping up with notifications. You have it there if you need it but nobody is going to disturb you while you’re taking your moment out in the countryside."
