Single Friendly Festive Walking

Whether you’re single or just find yourself on your own during the long festive break, winter walking in a group or ‘walking solo’ can be an enjoyable and invigorating activity. Not only does it offer a unique opportunity to grab some peace it’s also a  chance to get reacquainted with the amazing beauty of winter landscapes and the world around us.

So whether your you’re looking to get some exercise, find peace in nature, or just escape the confines of home, winter walking is a good, inexpensive way to top up your vitamin D and look after your vitally important ‘well-being tank” to stay healthy and well.

Winter Walking: 5 very good reasons to give it a go

  • Time Out and Reflection: Winter’s quieter environment can be perfect for reflection. Whatever the winter weather where you live, the crisp air, frost and snow with fewer people around can create a peaceful atmosphere where you can reflect, think, or simply enjoy your own company.

  • Physical Health: Walking in the winter, especially when the weather’s chilly, can boost your metabolism and improve cardiovascular health. It’s a great way to keep active even when outdoor activities are less frequent during colder months

  • Mental Well-being: Spending time outdoors, particularly in winter, can really lift your spirits. Fresh air and exposure to natural light help combat feelings of isolation or seasonal blues. The vitamin D that we all get from daylight also acts as a natural mood booster that reduces stress.

  • Sense of Accomplishment: Braving the winter elements and completing a walk can give you a sense of achievement. It can be empowering, especially if you’re new to outdoor winter activities.

  • Connecting with Nature: Winter landscapes often feel magical and different to other seasons. The sight of snow-covered trees, or the quiet crunch of a snow-covered path can be deeply fulfilling.

Getting Started Finding Winter Walking Groups or Events

While winter walking can be a solo activity, there are opportunities to join walking groups or events tailored for those who enjoy companionship. Many communities host winter walking events, which can be a fun way to meet people or simply enjoy the walk with others.

RAMBLERS UK: BRITAINS WALKING CHARITY   

With around 125,000 members & 500 different groups in England, Scotland and Wales at the last count, there’s plenty of opportunity to meet new people and get involved wherever you live.

There’s a countrywide network of walking groups for people in their 20 to 30s, groups for people in their 40’s and groups open to ALL ages around the country. There’s also different degrees of walks available, from short easy well-being walks through to long treks. All walks are graded, so you can pick the ones best suited to you.

Individual Annual Membership Fees around £36.60 or £25.60 with concessions which gives you absolutely unlimited access to all club walks and activities right across the UK. The Ramblers Association have also recently introduced new monthly memberships fees at great value at just £3.05 a month/£2.15 for concessions, but normally let you ‘try before you buy’  so you can go on a couple of  FREE TASTER WALKS from your nearest walking groups first to see how it goes.

Is the Ramblers Association single friendly? Joint memberships are cheaper so although more expensive for single members, with access to so many walks still represents amazing value.

FIND OUT MORE:
RAMBLERS UK EMBERSHIP INFORMATION
FIND YOUR NEAREST WALKING GROUP – AREAS & AGE GROUPS

CANAL & RIVER TRUSTS

If  you’re fortunate to live anywhere near the 4,700 miles of the UK’s vast canal networks, many of which have level tow paths along some of the best waterside scenery the UK has to offer,  then the England & Wales, Scottish and Northern Ireland Canal & River Trusts are a good place to start. Working hard to ensure their towpaths are open and accessible so you can enjoy a waterside ramble whatever the time of the year, aside from lock flights, the level walking paths means less chance of getting lost.

Each Trust publishes a list of up-and-coming organised walks (some of them circular) as well as providing access to route maps to point you in the right direction if you’re planning to go it alone.

FIND OUT MORE:
ENGLAND & WALES CANAL & RIVER TRUST – ‘making life better by water’
SCOTTISH CANALS 
NORTHERN IRELAND RIVERS TRUST 

THE NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

Many of the National Parks right across the UK also host an organised programme of group walks throughout the year, giving walkers a chance to recharge their batteries amongst  incredible landscapes & wildlife.
FIND YOUR NEAREST NATIONAL PARK HERE