How to enjoy the countryside as the weather gets colder

As the autumn season begins and the nights start to draw in, it can be tricky to find fun outdoor activities. But spending time outside is incredibly important; it promotes positive mental wellbeing and improves health and fitness. From enjoying a parkrun to taking part in geocaching, no matter what inspires you we have suggestions to get you out into the crisp autumn air.

Cycling

Getting on your bike doesn’t have to be just for summer sun. Cycling through the countryside as the leaves change colour makes for a beautiful bike ride. Alongside the physical benefits of this outdoor activity, cycling can help boost your overall wellbeing. In a study recently published by CyclingUK, 91% of people surveyed indicated that off-road cycling is important for their mental health. In Hampshire, we have over 750 miles of off-road cycle routes and urban cycle paths. So, no matter whether you’re looking for family fun rides or exciting mountain biking trails, we have a route for you.

Parkrun

If you’re looking for a fun way to make friends and improve your fitness, then head to your nearest parkrun. Not only will you be hitting your step count, but you’ll get to soak up the scenic countryside surroundings while you’re getting active. Every weekend, parkrun events are held at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Royal Victoria Country Park, and Staunton Country Park. For younger runners, there is also a junior parkrun!

Exercising in the cooler weather also acts as a wonderful mood boost as moving your body releases endorphins. It’s also a great way to get Vitamin D in during the darker months, which is used to produce and release serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’. If you don’t fancy running, feel free to walk, jog, spectate, or even volunteer and feel the crunch of leaves underfoot. You could even pop into a café afterwards and watch the wildlife from the warmth while enjoying a well-deserved hot drink.

Geocaching

Embrace your inner adventurer and give geocaching a go. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS either on your phone or another device. There are hundreds of caches to find in Hampshire, and is especially popular at Royal Victoria Country Park. Geocaching is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of nature, while having fun in a group or by yourself. You can even make and hide your own geocache for other explorers to find. What will you discover?

Cold water swimming

It may seem an unlikely choice for cooler weather, but outdoor swimming can be a year-round activity. While you might shudder at the thought of dipping a toe into in autumn and winter, there are many benefits of cold water swimming. When carried out safely, research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that cold water swimming can help boost your mood and increases resistance to certain illnesses.

Heading out for a dip a and enjoying the cool water is a great way to wake yourself up and shake off any autumnal blues. For top tips and information about how to stay safe while you’re enjoying your swim, head over to the RNLI’s website.

Story trails

Exploring a story trail is a great way to get kids out in nature enjoying all the changing seasons have to offer. Wrapping up warm and going on a wander is a good opportunity for children to learn about the beauty of the natural world and observe plants and flowers that only come out at this time of year. While you’re out and about, why not see if you can spot an autumn crocus, or crab apples growing on trees?

Trails also engage little ones’ imagination and makes spending time outside fun. For a spine-tingling seasonal walk, head to your local country park and see what they have to offer!

Get outside and have fun

There are many other ways to enjoy the cooler weather, from visiting your favourite farmyard animals to walking your dog. If you’re making the most of the season and respecting nature and others, there’s no wrong way to spend time outdoors.

We love to see people enjoying our beautiful nature spaces, so let us know your favourite ways to enjoy the changing seasons by tagging us in your posts on Facebook and Instagram.