Sunday 5th January 2025. The predicted snowfall turned out to be far less dramatic than anticipated, but with temperatures hovering at -2°C and a biting windchill of -6°C, we knew we were in for a chilly adventure. Undeterred, we bundled up in our warmest layers, pulled on hats, gloves and waterproofs, and decided to take a local walk to enjoy the snowy countryside with our neighbours. I wish it had been like this on our New Year’s Day walk!
From the moment we stepped outside, the world felt like a winter wonderland. What a shame it had arrived a week or so too late for the Christmas feels this was giving us! The views were limited but still enjoyable: rolling fields dusted with white, and Snowdon and the Shropshire Hills glowing white in the distance. Despite the beauty, the fields were far too soggy for any proper exploration, so once we had the opportunity, we kept mostly to the roads and well-trodden paths to keep our feet dry.
The cold didn’t deter our spirits. The fresh air was invigorating, and the children seemed to delight in crunching through patches of snow and spotting frozen puddles along the way. As we walked, we soaked in the winter scenery, chatting and enjoying the chance to slow down and embrace the season.
Around the halfway mark, the weather turned on us. A sharp wind picked up, and moments later, the heavens opened with a relentless sleet storm. The icy pellets stung our faces and we were all grateful that we’d dressed properly as we managed to remain dry! Realising we were fighting a losing battle, we decided to cut our walk short and head back home at the first available short cut.
Despite the abrupt end, we still managed a respectable 4 miles – a decent stretch considering the conditions! It certainly seemed like we had travelled further, especially when we were trudging through the first couple of miles of sodden fields! Thanks to our layers, we stayed relatively warm throughout and returned home rosy-cheeked, but happy with our efforts. We enjoyed warming up by the fire with more hot chocolate!
The walk may not have gone entirely as planned, but it served as a reminder that even in less-than-ideal weather, there’s joy to be found in stepping outside, exploring as a family, and embracing the unpredictability of winter! ❄️
Walk Facts:
- Distance covered: 4 miles
- Terrain: Mix of roads and sodden fields
- Weather: -2°C with a windchill of -6°C, snowy views, and a surprise sleet storm!
- Top Tip: Layer up with thermals, waterproofs and hats/gloves for winter walks – you never know when the weather might change! If you’re not sure, check out my helpful post here on what to wear on winter walks!
Here’s to more winter adventures, even when they don’t go exactly to plan. 😉
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Nothing like this sort of cold down here, 3 degrees is as low as its gone and up as high as 13 on the days after New Year. Still hoping we will get snow at a weekend so I can see it on Dartmoor but nothing as yet
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Fingers crossed! My family in Somerset have reported snow this evening, so you may be in luck 😀 We had a lovely walk on Christmas Eve in temperatures not far off what had during this miserable summer, the temps all over the place! One day we’re seeing double figures, and the next day we were in minus!
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We had a decent dump of white fluffy snow on Saturday night but it was all slush and a very grey and dreary day by Sunday. We had a very soggy short walk around the fields and then stayed snug and warm indoors
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The snow doesn’t appear to have lasted long anywhere! Fingers crossed for another dump soon 😀 Staying snug and warm indoors is also great though on days like that 🙂
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Nice that you still managed to go out. We did some short ones as well during the holidays as it is too cold for a baby who doesn’t want to wear any gloves 🤣.
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😂 Yes been there, with babies who don’t like gloves and socks! Great times though hehe 🙂 At least you managed to do some short walks, just getting into the fresh air and stretching legs, even for short walks, is so good for everyone 🙂
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