Walking Through Winter: Finding Light in the Darker Months

For years I have suffered in the winter months, feeling low, tired and unmotivated. I’ve wanted to hibernate, stay indoors, ignore the world.

Last winter was different because I was walking.

This time last year, I didn’t want to go into another winter like I always had done, and it was exactly a year ago that I decided I needed to find some other women who felt like me – women who wanted to get out and walk together.

I also needed to get fitter, having always put on weight over the winter months. I was already two stone heavier than I had been two years before, and I didn’t want it to get worse.

Last winter was better. I kept walking and lost some weight, but more importantly, I didn’t feel as sad, unmotivated or lonely as I had before.

Walking won’t change your life. It won’t magically make everything ok. But it helps. Getting out in the colder months, wrapping up warm and feeling the cold on your face – it all makes a difference. And of course, there’s the amazing women to chat to, the friendships to make, and the laughs and stories to share.

It helps to get out regularly and just walk and chat with others, keep up the connections, and stay motivated. Not everyone feels low through the colder months, but if you do, finding a walk that suits you could make all the difference.

The Benefits of Walking in Winter

Winter can be tough. Shorter days, less sunlight and colder weather often leave us feeling sluggish, isolated or low in mood. But walking – especially with others – can be a powerful antidote.

1. A natural mood booster
Walking increases endorphins, the body’s “feel good” hormones, which help reduce stress and improve mood. It also encourages better sleep, which is often disrupted during the darker months.

2. Vitamin D and daylight
Even in winter, natural daylight is vital. Getting outside helps regulate your body clock and provides much-needed Vitamin D, which supports bone health and strengthens your immune system. Just 20–30 minutes of outdoor activity can make a big difference.

3. Physical health
Regular walking supports heart health, helps manage weight, and improves overall fitness. Staying active through winter can prevent the cycle of weight gain and inactivity that many of us fall into.

4. Social connection
Perhaps one of the most important benefits is connection. Loneliness and isolation often increase in winter, but walking with others offers a chance to talk, laugh, and share experiences. These connections not only lift spirits but can also help build lasting friendships.

A Gentle Invitation

If winter leaves you feeling low, tired or withdrawn, you’re not alone. Many women feel the same way. But a small step – quite literally – can make a big difference.

So wrap up warm, put on your walking shoes, and join us on a walk. It might not change everything, but it could change how you feel today – and that’s a very good place to start.