Wellbeing

How to become a Winter Weekend Warrior!

By Hilary Pullen

Published on December 3, 2024 5 min read

Do you dread the shorter days and the cold weather that our UK winter months bring? You don’t need to let the winter blues set in when you can use those dark nights to plan some fantastic weekend adventures. Having some winter treats in your calendar can really help to lift your mood. Make a decision today to become a Winter Weekend Warrior and banish the winter blues!

How to become a Winter Weekend Warrior

With an average of 12 weekends during the darkest winter months, fill your calendar with fun activities – it’s all about planning. This may seem obvious, but scheduling these plans can really lift your spirits during the winter weeks and on stressful days. Read our guide to Why Getting into Nature is So Important for Your Wellbeing to learn about the proven health benefits.

By adding events to your calendar that fit with your with your budget, you’ll avoid wasting weekends on mundane chores. Instead, you’ll create exciting memories that make the winter months feel brighter and more enjoyable. If your budget or time is tight you can still find fun free adventures in your local area that you can plan in. We’d love your ideas for more budget friendly adventures where you live tag us #ordnancesurvey

Nature Walks and Wildlife Spotting
Use the OS Maps App to find local nature reserves or parks you haven’t visited before, many have websites with details of good bus routes too if transport is an issue. Bundle up and enjoy a winter walk, keeping an eye out for wildlife. If you have kids coming along you can create a list of animals or plants to spot. Download our winter bingo sheet before you go or take a look to see if the nature reserve has any fun trails to try.

Captain Cook Monument

Winter Photography Challenge
Organise a photography walk where everyone in the group captures the beauty of winter landscapes. Use the OS Maps App to discover scenic routes in your area. Pick a theme to make it a fun artistic challenge. If you have family in other parts of the country this can be a fun way to catch up ‘virtually’ with a fun slideshow of your best pics.

Historical Trails and Ancient Monument Exploration
Research historical trails or landmarks nearby. Our app can guide you to fascinating sites, look out for the historical monument symbols. A great tip for really appreciating a historical monument or landmark is to read up before you go. It’s a great excuse to get some new books and spend your evenings prior with some peaceful reading (fictional novels and Netflix films based on the area count too of course!)

Star Gazing Nights
Plan a night under the stars! Find dark sky locations away from city lights. Bring blankets, hot chocolate, and a telescope if you have one. Do a little advance research to find yourself a few options for a safe parking spot and enjoy the night sky. Many newer smart phones have ‘night sky’ modes so you can capture some amazing images. You don’t have to stay all night.

Book a weekend in a National Park
Have you visited all of the stunning National Parks in the UK yet? This winter why not look at visiting one of the less well known of our 17 National Parks or one you’ve never been to before. Use OS Maps to find a few good lakes to take a chilly dip in, circular hikes and walks or off road cycle paths before you go.

OS Champion Elizabeth Asad acclimatising to the cold water of a winter swim

Have a walking adventure by train
Give yourself a budget and book a return day trip. Use OS Maps to explore local routes you can walk once you get there. By using the train you force yourself to explore areas you may never have thought of before. Use the time on the train for fun too, take delicious snacks, books and puzzles and make it into something extra special.

Walk a long distance trail (or a part of it)
Camping in winter might be too chilly for most people (and it’s not recommended for beginners!), but there are plenty of off-season accommodations available, often at great prices while others stay home. By using two cars or public transport, you can walk a linear route and enjoy longer hikes, with a cozy night at a local pub or a remote cottage with a warm fire as a halfway point. With a little planning, you can enjoy the satisfaction of completing a lovely long-distance hike. Give yourself a few options so you can make last minute changes if the weather does close in.

The blue water and dramatic cliffs at North Stack in Holyhead

Find your nearest ‘Hidden Gem’
Using OS Maps, hunt out some Hidden Gems that you have yet to explore. This is a great way to get to know your local area better and you could find some really beautiful locations you never knew existed.

Even if you live in the heart of the city there may be some unexplored green spaces you have yet to find. Learning about map symbols will help you spot waterfalls, viewpoints and historical monuments to name just a few. Find a full list of map symbols here – List of Map Symbols

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By Hilary Pullen

Meet Hilary, Editor of OS Maps Discover. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales.

If you would like to be a featured OS Author and write an article or route guide find out more here – how to submit an article idea