Steven’s winter walking story

“No matter the weather, walking and wheeling in winter does wonders for wellbeing, and to weather off those woes.”

Steven, our Digital Engagement Officer, shares why he enjoys walking the winter months…

Winter time brings stark and exceptional change. We see shorter days, early onset of darkness and colder or wetter weather. That’s why it’s important to steal precious moments in the day to enjoy a walk.

During the work day at this time of year, given the shorter days, I make good use nearby walks around the local parks, a nature reserve and rock garden, or right along the National Cycle Network Route 1 and esplanade. It’s accessible to families, those living with disabilities, wheelchair users and cyclists.

With limited daylight hours, I gravitate to nature trails when I can. I prefer woodland paths, or coastal routes. They offer me such invaluable solitude, space and distance from the excitement and noise of life. It’s in nature I find much of my creative inspiration, time for reflection and planning for the coming year.

With the changing seasons, nature trails change too. And it’s wonderful to watch the seasons come full circle. The natural world starts to quieten, and wildlife settles down for the long hibernation. Those beasts and birds that don’t sleep give a wonderful glimpse into winter wanderings.

During a recent winter walk around Backmuir Woods outside of Dundee, just as the sun had set over the Carse of Gowrie, a huge “murder of crows” took wing. I could hear them from across the woodland. A thick pall of mist had fallen over the nearby fields, and the sky air had fallen still. As they started their nightly flight to a communal roost, they filled the sky with their call, circling in gentle waves above. I stood in awe for several moments watching and listening. It’s moments like that where you really connect with, and find a love for nature.

Whether I’m walking with family, friends or by myself the most magical moments are sunrises, and sunsets. They are short-lived but beautiful at this time of the year. I plan my walks around spots where I can watch them in all their glory.

Steven’s top tips for winter walking?

Take time to research new walking routes close to your home – those you can walk to or use public transport to reach. Create a small bank of paths you can rotate through, to offer variety. No matter where you live, there will be routes you’ve yet to explore. It could be your local park, nature reserve or a circuit along shared walking and cycle paths.