How to stay warm on a winter walk

Visitors at the peak of Dale head, looking out over Newlands Valley. Borrowdale and Derwent Water, Cumbria. | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Winter has a beauty of its own, with the landscape transformed by dustings of frost, blankets of snow and the golden glow of low sunlight. Don’t let the cold weather put you off – read our tips for the best clothes and strategies to keep you warm on your next winter walk.

The benefits of winter walking

Brave the cold and you’ll be rewarded with a walk to remember. Through leafless trees, you’ll see new views and distant horizons. Wildlife is easier to spot in the stillness of a winter woodland and, after a long walk on a chilly day, there’s the promise of a cosy pub with a crackling fire.

Two people in winter clothes exploring the snowy landscape around a tarn, one on foot and one on a tramper mobility vehicle — Exploring Blea Tarn at Little Langdale in the Lake District | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Warm your base layers

What better way to stay warm than to start off toasty? Heat your base layers, gloves and hat on the radiator before you wear them and you’ll be cosy all day.

Avoid overheating

It can seem strange to think about overheating in winter, but sweating is one of the easiest ways to get cold when out walking. So breathable layers are crucial in helping you cope with this. Merino wool or synthetic wicking fabric layers are the best as they naturally take sweat away from your skin.

Beat the wind at its own game

A strong wind can often make it feel colder than it actually is. The best way to beat windchill is with a wind-stopper. A lightweight windshell or softshell jacket can be the perfect solution.

Walkers on Corn Du mountain, south west of Pen y Fan in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Stay warm when you stop

The moment you stop for a rest or to soak up a spectacular view, you start cooling down. Take a tip from the pros and cover up before you get cold. Carry a lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket with you in your bag, great for whipping out when you stop. They pack up small and weigh next to nothing – perfect additional winter warmth.

The big switch – from gloves to mitts

Unlike with gloves, when you wear mitts the heat from all your fingers will work together, like a little pack of penguins sharing the warmth between them. When you stop for that hot drink, simply stash your mittens inside your jacket to keep them warm. That way, when you’re heading back out on the trail, you’ll be warm and toasty.

Inspiring the nation to explore

As our official outdoor retail partner, Cotswold Outdoor supports our care of the country’s coast and countryside.

Discount for National Trust supporters

National Trust supporters receive a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, in store and online when you sign up to Cotswold Outdoor’s free Explore More benefits scheme. This offer expires on 30 September 2026 but may be extended. Details on how to claim the offer are below.

What is the discount?

National Trust supporters receive a 15 per cent discount* off full priced items at Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow+Rock, in store and online when you sign up to Explore More.

To redeem your membership discount in store, you will need to show a current National Trust membership card or proof that you are a National Trust supporter, for example, your handbook, magazine or a receipt from a National Trust place within the last 12 months.

To access your discount online, email enquiries@cotswoldoutdoor.com and attach a copy of your supporter proof, which may include your membership card, a magazine or handbook, letter from the National Trust or a receipt from a National Trust place.

(* excludes electronics and selected lines).

Increasing support for National Trust

When new customers use their discount, a percentage of the purchase price is returned to the National Trust to help look after the places you love to explore. In some circumstances, up to 7 per cent of the purchase price may be payable.

Cotswold Outdoor has committed to funding the work of our Paths and Trails Programme over the next three years and is also helping us to break down social barriers and improve access to the outdoors across National Trust places.

Terms and conditions apply, please visit the Cotswold Outdoor website for more information.