by The temperature is dropping, the days are looking so brutal, the news is grimmer than ever… With winter coming, you might be forgiven for going into winter; simply pulling the curtains and hunting down with a cocoa flag under a mountain of blankets until March. But don’t! There are so many ways to enjoy – really enjoy – the UK’s darker and colder climates.
There are active adventures that will warm you up nicely (no need for expensive central heating). There are escapades that are really more fun when there is frost and snow on the ground. And seasonal glasses are so amazing that they will forget that it is a little nippy.
Also, with fewer people wanting to get out and about, the experiences will be much more exclusive, and they will be lighter. And you will totally deserve that cocoa flag at the end. See below for some adventurous ideas to get you started.
Scotland
Hit the surf in Galloway
The beaches in this part of Scotland are some of the cleanest, wildest, emptiest and liveliest in the country. They are also hit by the UK’s most northerly surf break, best from autumn to spring. North Coast Watersports offers lessons at Dunnet Beach, near the excellent surfing hub of Thurso, and at Strath, Sea and Durness Beach, on request. Group lessons from £40 pp, private lessons from £120 (07982 649635; northcoastwatersports.com).
Ice climbing in the Highlands
If you’re going to try something as extreme as ice climbing, you definitely want an expert on hand to show you the literal ropes. Highland Ascents offers private guidance by experienced mountaineers from Glencoe, Germany and Cathray. They can help the brave tick off classics like Ben Nevis’ Tower Ridge (the UK’s only true alpine ridge) and the famous Point Five Gully. One-day guided ice and winter climbing from £260pp for one, £145pp for two (07702 942980; highlandsascents.co.uk).
Build a snow hole in Montroy
Scot Mountain Holidays claims its tours are “unconstrained by season or weather”. Which is not entirely true of his snow hole trip, which requires not only a spirit of adventure but a dump of the white stuff. Fortunately, that’s not a problem in Monadh Ruach. So join outdoor expert Andy Scot to walk the icy wilderness, learn mountain skills and dig your own shelter. Four-night snowhole trip from £635pp, including meals and accommodation (01479 831331; scotmountainholidays.com).
England
Mountain biking in the Peak District
After winter, mountain bikers will need well-drained trails, places with natural shelter and routes that avoid putting too much litter on the soil. The Peak District has plenty of options. But if you’re not sure, join Pure Outdoor on a taster day of mountain biking. They are small groups, and in addition to learning skills and bike control skills, you will go off-road in the national park, looking for the best trails for the conditions. One taster day of mountain biking from £89pp (01433 424164; pureoutdoor.co.uk).
Stargaze in North Yorkshire
Reflect on the mental nature of your own significance by staring up at the officially recommended dark skies of the North York Moors. Astro Dog holds regular astronomy events at its cozy stargazing hub in Dalby Forest, using a large-aperture telescope to view the planets, galaxies and nebulae. For maximum astronomical activity, visit during the Dark Skies Festival (February; darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk). Evening stargazing in Dalby Forest £25 adult/£20 child (07540 131077; astro-dog.co.uk).
Learn the trades in the Chilterns
It’s good for the soul to spend time among the trees, whatever the weather. David Willis runs bush and wilderness life courses throughout the year, helping people learn useful skills and connect with nature. His day pursuits in the Chilterns include spoon whistling and campfire bread baking. Or book their bushcraft 101 weekend to learn the basics and then put them to the test on a night in the woods. Bushcraft 101 weekend from £185pp; day courses from £95pp (07956 650404; davidwillis.info).
The Cotswolds Walk
Multi-day hikes don’t have to be successful in the winter. Holiday Contours recommends its 48-mile Cotswold Round. The southern climate is rarely extreme, and the hills and villages look magical with frost or snow. Contours also offer the circuit over four, six or eight days – the longest version, covering five-10 miles a day, means you won’t be out in bad weather for long. Four-day/eight-day self-guided Cotswold tour from £630pp/£1,110pp, including B&B accommodation (01629 821900; contours.co.uk).
See birds in Somerset
As most of the country heads into winter mode, the mystical Somerset Levels burst into life. Naturetrek short winter breaks here seek out unique species, such as warblers and marsh hummingbirds, and many wintering waders and wildfowl. In addition, they put you in prime position to watch millions of starling murmurations, one of the best natural sights in the country. Three-day Somerset Levels guided tour from £475pp, including half-board accommodation; from December to February (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk).
Wales
Master mountains in Snowdonia
Wales’ highest peaks are still beckoning in winter, but you’ll need more nous to tackle them. Play Y Brenin National Outdoor Center runs courses in Snowdonia, including a two-day Welsh Winter Skills course covering everything from choosing the right winter gear to reading conditions, using crampons, basic sailing and flats awareness . Two-day course from £280pp non-resident, £382pp including full-board accommodation (01690 720214; mountain-hill-courses.co.uk).
Whitewater SUP in North Wales
The Nith flows happily during the winter months, which means that with the right thickness of wetsuit and a bit of expert instruction, there’s no reason not to have fun on it, whatever the weather. Stand Up Paddle Board UK specializes in whitewater SUPing. On an introductory course, you’ll work on posture, paddling technique and safe fast running, all within the dramatic surroundings of Glenna Nith and Knokcleath. Intro to whitewater SUP from £59pp (07722 833667; standuppaddleboarduk.com).
