The temperature is dropping, the days seem so brutally short, the news is bleaker than ever... As winter approaches, you could be forgiven for going into hibernation; just draw the curtains and crouch under a mountain of blankets with a bottle of cocoa until March. But don't do it! There are so many ways to enjoy - really enjoy - the darker, colder climes of Britain.
There are active adventures that will warm you up (no expensive central heating required). There are escapades that are actually more fun when there is frost and snow on the ground. And there are seasonal spectacles that are so amazing that you forget that it's a bit close.
Moreover, now that fewer people dare to go out, the experiences will feel all the more exclusive and exciting. And at the end, you will fully deserve that bottle of cocoa. See below for some adventurous ideas to get you started.
Scotland
Hit the surf in Caithness
The beaches in this part of Scotland are some of the cleanest, wildest, emptiest and most rejuvenating in the country. They are also hit by Britain's most northerly surfing spot, which is best from autumn to spring. North Coast Watersports offers lessons on request at Dunnet Beach, close to the world-class surfing center Thurso, and at Strathy Beach, Farr Beach and Durness. Group lessons from £40pp, private lessons from £120 (07982 649635; northcoastwatersports.com).
Ice climbing in the Highlands
If you want to try something as extreme as ice climbing, you definitely want an expert on hand to literally teach you the tricks of the trade. The experienced mountaineers at Highland Ascents offer private guides from Glencoe, Fort William and in the Cairngorms. They can help the brave tick off classics like Ben Nevis's Tower Ridge (Britain's one and only Alpine ridge) and the infamous Point Five Gully. One-day guided ice and winter climbing from £260pp for one, £145pp for two (07702 942980; highlandascents.co.uk).
Build a snow hole in the Cairngorms
Scot Mountain Holidays claims its trips are "not limited by season or weather". That doesn't quite apply to the snow hole expedition, which requires not only an adventurous spirit but also a dump of the white stuff. Fortunately, that's not a problem in the mighty Cairngorms. So join outdoor expert Andy Scot to hike the icy wilderness, learn mountain skills and dig your own shelter. Four-night Snow Hole Expedition from £635pp, including meals and accommodation (01479 831331; scotmountainholidays.com).
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England
Mountain biking in the Peak District
This coming winter, mountain bikers want well-drained trails, places with natural shelter and routes that prevent the ground from being destroyed too much. The Peak District has plenty of options. But if you're not sure, join Pure Outdoor on a mountain bike trial day. The groups are small, and in addition to learning bike control and skills, you'll go off-road in the national park, looking for the best routes for the conditions. One-day mountain bike trial day from £89pp (01433 424164; pureoutdoor.co.uk).
Stargazing in North Yorkshire
Contemplate the bewildering nature of your own insignificance by gazing up at the officially acclaimed dark sky of the North York Moors. Astro Dog regularly hosts astronomy events at his cozy stargazing center in Dalby Forest, using a large aperture telescope to view the planets, galaxies and nebulae. For maximum astronomical action, visit during the Dark Skies Festival (February; darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk). Dalby Forest stargazing evenings £25 adult/£20 child (07540 131077; astro-dog.co.uk).
Learn bushcraft in the Chilterns
Spending time among the trees is good for the soul, whatever the weather. David Willis runs bushcraft and wilderness living courses throughout the year, helping people gain useful skills and connect with nature. His day courses in the Chilterns included spoon making and campfire bread baking. Or book his bushcraft 101 weekend to learn the basics and then put them to the test with a night in the woods. Bushcraft 101 weekend from £185pp; day courses from £95pp (07956 650404; davidwillis.info).
Walk through the Cotswolds
Multi-day walks do not have to be ruled out in winter. Contours Holidays proposes the 48 mile Cotswold Round. The southern climate is rarely extreme, while the hills and villages look magical in frost or snow. Contours also offers the circuit in four, six or eight days. The longest version, covering eight to ten kilometers a day, means you won't be outside for long in bad weather. Four/eight day self-guided Cotswold tour from £630pp/£1,110pp, including B&B accommodation (01629 821900; contours.co.uk).
Birdwatching in Somerset
As most of the country heads into hibernation, the mystical Somerset levels come to life. During Naturetrek's short winter holidays you will look for specific species, such as bitterns and marsh harriers, and masses of wintering waders and wild birds. They also put you in a prime position to witness the million-strong starling call, one of the country's greatest natural attractions. Three-day guided Somerset Levels trip from £475pp, including half-board accommodation; from December-February (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk).
Wales
Master Mountains in Snowdonia
Wales' highest peaks are still tempting in winter, but you'll need more courage to climb them. The Play Y Brenin National Outdoor Center runs courses in Snowdonia, including a two-day Welsh Winter Skills course that covers everything from selecting the right winter equipment to reading conditions, using crampons, basic navigation and avalanche awareness. Two-day course from £280pp non-resident, £382pp including full board (01690 720214; mountain-hill-courses.co.uk).
Whitewater SUP in North Wales
The River Dee babbles happily along during the winter months, meaning that, with the right wetsuit thickness and a little expert guidance, there's no reason not to have fun whatever the weather. Stand Up Paddle Board UK specializes in whitewater SUPing. On an introductory course you'll work on your posture, paddling technique and running rapids safely, all in the dramatic surroundings of the Dee Valley and Clwydian hills. Intro to whitewater SUP from £59pp (07722 833667; standuppaddleboarduk.com).
