Why Winter Might Be the Best Month to Get Outdoors
As we approach the winter equinox, attitudes to getting outdoors can sometimes shift. Our favourite walks seem less exciting and comforting, and more dark and wet. But we’re here to try and shift that mindset and encourage outdoor recreation in the winter. Read on!
When winter arrives, it’s easy to assume outdoor adventures should be put on hold. Shorter days, colder temperatures and unpredictable weather can all understandably act as barriers.
But winter in Northern Ireland also has its advantages. The trails are quieter, the landscapes that bit more dramatic and there’s also a certain appreciation for the outdoors that can only be gained in the rain.
At OutmoreNI, our goal is to inspire you to want to get outside all year round. Listing hundreds of walking trails, cycle routes, mountain bike trails, as well as our recent addition of waterside trails even horse riding trails, makes it easier than ever to plan an outdoor experience that suits you when you pluck up the courage to get out into winter.
One of the biggest advantages at this time of the year is space.
Popular routes that typically feel overcrowded in summer become calm and contemplative, offering a chance to reconnect with nature without hundreds of others coming and going at the same time. Forest trails in winter are especially atmospheric as the falling of leaves often reveals wider views, while coastal and waterside paths take on a rugged beauty as winter seas roll in. For walkers, cyclists and riders alike, winter often reveals familiar places in a completely new light.
Winter is also a great time to try something different. Cooler conditions can make longer walks or a mucky mountain bike experience more enjoyable. Using OutmoreNI to find longer trails or pump tracks and beginner mountain bike trails opens up all of those opportunities. With the website also now showcasing waterside trails and horse riding routes alongside its existing trail types, there are more options than ever to find something that fits your confidence level, time constraints and interests.
Of course, enjoying the outdoors in winter means being prepared. The Right Side of Outside principles become as much about personal safety as about environmental impact. Ensure to check the weather in advance – nobody thinks they’ll be the one to get caught out, until it happens. Bring the right equipment and knowing your limits also helps to ensure every outing is safe and enjoyable.
That extra planning for winter excursions can actually add to the experience! The logistics side of things can be exciting, and has the benefit of allowing, when you get out, to focus on the benefits of being outdoors rather than worrying about the conditions.
Winter doesn’t need to be a season of staying in. With the right mindset and the right information, it can be one of the most rewarding times to explore Northern Ireland’s outdoors.
If you’ve enjoyed discovering new trails or rediscovering old favourites, why not share the inspiration? Tell a friend about OutmoreNI.com and help more people find their reason to get outside, even in winter.
