Outside in all weathers, I know a thing or two about battling the cold weather.
In this short series I'm sharing my winter weather tips with my lovely London Walkers, a hardy bunch who join me rain or sleet in the winter months.
Jumping Jacks
Keeping warm on a winter walking tour? Two words: Jumping Jacks.
This is my tried-and-tested method of keeping my walkers warm on winter walking tours. I have been working this into my winter walks for six years now.
Admittedly the walkers with whom I have been jumping have all been under the age of 7 on schools walking tours – a demographic that can really take Jumping Jacks in their stride.
Last Saturday I led a group of adults and children celebrating a 40th birthday with a walking tour of Bankside. A very jolly bunch despite the perishing cold.
One-and-a-quarter hours in to the tour, with a stiff easterly punching at us, there was only one thing for it. I gave a short explanation and launched in to a demonstration. My group needed NO encouragement and within seconds we were all jumping up and down on the spot between the site of the old Rose and Globe theatres.
It was a lot more successful than my previous attempt – two weeks ago on the Rock'n'Roll London Walk – where a group of London Walkers simply stood and watched while I did jumping jacks on my own in Frith Street. Luckily for my dignity's sake, it was Soho and my behavior was the least outlandish thing on display.
I will no doubt be busting this move again before the winter is out. So if you're unsure how to do Jumping Jacks, here's an instructional video (costume and false moustache optional)…
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