Frilufsliv

I think we have a lot to thank the Scandinavians for; wonderful design, light, fresh clean lines, simplicity and stylish decor and of course cinnamon buns, but also Frilufsliv which is the Scandinavian concept of spending time outdoors in all weathers, and connecting with nature, something I am completely on board with.  

Being outdoors in bad weather, whether in the country or in a more urban setting, can actually make you feel really good. There's something primal about battling the elements, gritting your teeth in order to reach your objective and seeing the landscape around you in differing conditions in spite of what Mother Nature happens to be throwing at you. Whether it's rain, sleet, snow, fog or wind, it engenders a real feeling of exhilaration and wellbeing, with the added satisfaction of having achieved something that involved a little more mental and physical effort. This results in a feeling of relaxation, contentment and a warm, healthy glow afterwards.

We've done a huge amount of walking, hiking and climbing in less than perfect weather and as well as those walks being more memorable because of the conditions, it actually made us feel better.

Not convinced?

Let me explain.

For people who aren't wholly enamoured by hot weather, we always prefer a day that's a little cooler, a little more overcast perhaps, or the warmth of May and early June rather than the greater heat of July and August. We are by no means fair weather walkers and would rather not walk for hours in torrential rain or sleet, but it is those walks in adverse conditions that become some of the most memorable.

We did a very long day's hiking and climbing in the thickest fog we've experienced last November. From the moment we got out of the car, we could only see about ten feet ahead of us for the entire duration. However, I actually remember rubbing my hands with glee, simply because it was going to be a different walk and a lot more challenging. Thick fog and mist muffles sound, so everything was quiet, meaning we could really concentrate on our pace, our breathing, our conversation and small sounds around us. We relished the navigational challenge which made what could have been a fairly straightforward walk much more interesting. It was lovely to stop and enjoy a flask of hot soup and talk about a scalding bath and a meal by the fire when we got back, and we periodically laughed and asked ourselves what we on earth we were doing, but we got back to the car with a real feeling of accomplishment and thoroughly enjoyed the day. We still talk about it now, months later.

We tackled Longside Edge in the Lake District at the tail end of a named storm one January and the cold, fresh blasts of freezing air really cleared the cobwebs of Christmas and the sadness of losing a dog, leaving us feeling fresh, revitalised and invigorated. It was also good fun bracing against the strong gusts which added to the day. Sitting by the fire in the evening with rosy cheeks and the warm feeling that hard exercise brings was wonderful. 

I'll admit it's hard to find many positives about walking for hours in torrential rain, but there is still a feeling of achievement and testing your mental determination, especially if like us, you set off in late November at 7am when it was still dark and already raining. Seeing sheets of rain sweeping the valleys was wonderfully dramatic and we had a laughed conversation with another couple on one of the summits in a sleet shower, sharing the experience and asking each other if we really were all mad! Walking in light rain or showers is wonderfully refreshing as the air feels purer and is indeed cleaner as the rain clears any pollution particles. A woodland in spring rain is lovely and refreshing, and can calm and soothe stresses, worries or upsets. Simply listening to rain or a storm I find is soothing, especially in bed at night with the window open. You can’t beat a cosy pub with an open fire when you're warm, dry and totally relaxed while the rain beats against the windows. Walking through a pine wood when it's gently raining is one of our favourite things to do, breathing in that wonderful tangy, resinous scent. Going for a run in the rain is wonderfully invigorating and I’ve read that wet weather walking can actually make you feel happier and boost your mental health.

I'm sure we've all experienced that childlike joy a fresh snowfall brings. On the odd occasions we've had snow in the south, we always rush out very early before others are about and head to our local woods. Seeing bird and animal tracks makes you realise just how much life there is in the woods and if the sun's shining, can there be anything more beautiful and mood enhancing? We love walking in the hills in heavy frost and that feeling of wrapping up and getting out early in freezing air, crunching along admiring the delicate beauty of everything around us. An air frost is especially stunning, but all of it clears the head, refreshes and energises you.

Just being outside in winter in the daylight feels better than staying indoors, and weak winter sun feels good on your skin after days in centrally heated, stuffy houses and offices. We try not to have the heating on except in the evenings for an hour or two and rarely during the day, even in the depths of winter, as well as sleeping with a window open, and I think this has really prevented us getting lots of colds and helps to boost our immune systems and general wellbeing. 

You may find places are quieter as many people I imagine don’t care to be out in inclement weather, allowing you time to take note of sights, sounds and enhanced smells, especially when it rains after periods of dryness; that lovey rich earthy smell which, like pine woods and lavender, can be very calming and restful.

However, don't take my word for any of this, take a leaf out of Scandinavia’s book, wrap up well and try and walk in the rain for yourself!