The rain is something that us Brits are famous for world-wide. But do you know what? We’re proud to be a gloriously soggy country. Our resident writer Jenny highlights eight ways to not let rain ruin a British adventure and dampen your spirit of getting outside.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast in Britain then it’s inevitable that at some point you will have been faced head-on with the elements. In particular – the rain!
There’s a reason why the country is so green and beautiful though – it’s drenched with the good stuff. But don’t let the fear of getting soggy and wading through mud put you off getting outside to start with.
With a few small changes to how you adventure, a bit of drizzle can be easily transformed from a hindrance to dare we say it – an enhancement. It’s easy to go on all season-round hikes and expeditions regardless of the weather when you know how.
I’m all for embracing the outdoors in all different types of weather. So here are my top tips on how to not let rain spoil your great British outdoor adventure.
Shift Your Mindset
I know, it’s a big ask. But there’s no better guarantee of hating your time outside in the rain than by thinking “I hate being outside in the rain”. As stupid as it sounds, I’m a big believer that a more positive mindset has a powerful impact on your life and what you can achieve.
Embrace the challenge of getting yourself out and make an effort to notice the small things rain brings. Enjoy the squelch of the mud, the emptiness of the footpaths, the smell of the damp earth and reflect on seeing familiar locations in a different atmospheric and moody perspective.
Invest in Good Gear
All being said in point one, there’s only so much a positive mindset can do. If you head out into the rain in a t-shirt and jeans, well then you’re likely to get pretty miserable after a while.
The use of good quality basic protective gear can be all the difference between a delightful drizzly mooch and a dismal soggy slog.
If the outdoors is something you are passionate about, it can really be worth the investment to buy effective outdoor gear that is going to last for years to come.
Good gear doesn’t always have to break the bank either. I’m a huge advocate of second hand. Keep checking places such as Facebook Marketplace for some great pre-loved deals and look after items well, like washing with waterproofing tech wash.
Change the Way You Adventure
Maybe a long mountainous hike in the rain isn’t the best idea if your low visibility navigation skills are a bit rusty, or you are feeling under-equipped.
Take it easy when there’s bad weather. Instead of going somewhere too challenging, perhaps consider opting for a lowland walk, a quick wet run on a good grippy path, or exploring a nearby town or village that you’ve never been to before.
Plan a Treat for After
There is nothing like a cup of tea and a cake in a cute tea shop, a hot bath or a cosy film night after you’ve been out in the cold and wet all day.
Not only does everything taste and feel SO much better after you’ve earned it, but it’s a great motivator and helps keep spirits up during your actual outdoor adventure when things seem a bit tough.
Repeat after me: “Soon I will be warm and dry. Soon I will be warm and dry…”
Select Your Company Carefully
If you’re game enough to face the wet, I’d strongly advise choosing an adventure buddy who is as equally crazy as you are (failing that – go solo!).
No matter how damp you are, good company can really make the situation you’re in seem fun; even hilarious. There’s nothing like a mate to have a laugh with when things aren’t all peachy.
Just make sure they’re actually the kind of person who’s up for a laugh though. A whiney misery guts is the last thing you want!
Train Yourself for the Weather
This might be a bit of a strange one, but if you’re serious about getting out in all weathers, building up your resilience to the cold over time can be a good place to start.
Try finishing your shower with a cold blast, wearing fewer layers indoors, lowering the heating and make sure you’re eating enough.
You could also get involved in the trend that has been sweeping the nation these past few years (though it’s by no means a new thing!) – ‘wild swimming’. I.e. swimming in freezing cold lakes, ponds, pools and the sea, no matter what the time of year.
There’s studied proving that wild swimming has many health benefits, especially for your mental wellbeing.
Use the Hours in your Day to Your Advantage
Using weather forecasting websites such as BBC weather, the Met office and Mountain weather, means you can plan your day to avoid the worst of the weather.
Even if that means getting up early before work, or making some shifts to your social calendar, you’re more likely to embrace the rain if you know it’s a break, or you’re past the worst of it.
If All Else Fails… Use Rainy Days for Recovery
If the rain really is beating down too hard and you’re not sure about going out, don’t be ashamed to use this time for some well needed rest and recovery.
Taking the time to get cosy, rest, eat good food, plan trips, take care of gear, and do boring tasks that would otherwise eat into your adventure time, means that when the weather does clear, you will be ready and raring to go!
Sometimes, taking an occasional literal ‘rain check’ is worth it.
These 8 tips are just some of the ways you can ensure you don’t let rain spoil an outdoor adventure. How do you embrace nature when it’s raining?