Five Ways to Embrace the Cornish Winter by Kate Whittington

If this is your first year in Cornwall, you may not be fully prepared for the bleak mid-winter that can often come as a shock after the balmy summer days of turquoise waters and cerulean skies. It can be long, wild, and wet. But fear not, here are 5 tips for embracing it:

1. Beach walks

With so many indoor activities off the cards this winter, embracing the outdoors is going to be more important than ever, and living in Cornwall you’ll be no stranger to the joys of a good beach walk. This activity really comes into its own after the sparkle of the Christmas festivities have worn off. There’s nothing better than a bracing walk on a stormy beach under Turner-esque skies followed by a drink in a cosy beach cafe or pub. Granted cosy pubs with friends could be off the cards this year but why not get creative and invest in a Kelly Kettle or a good flask and start perfecting the winter beach picnic.

2. Forest-bathing

Known in Japan as ‘shinrin yoku’, forest bathing is the simple practice of being quiet amongst the trees and observing the nature around you. It has long been proven to have positive health benefits and increase wellbeing. There are lots of impressive woodlands to explore in Cornwall, my favourites are Kennall Vale in Ponsanooth, featuring mossy waterfalls and an old gunpowder factory, and Idless woods near Truro for its towering mature pine and larch trees.

3. Sea swimming

Ok, I know it’s the middle of winter but hear me out. Nothing makes you feel more alive than a dip in cold water; it boosts your immune system, helps with anxiety, and aids a good night’s sleep. I’m a newbie to cold water swimming and a total convert. I’ve never regretted getting in because the afterglow is always worth it, and once it becomes a regular habit it’s kind of addictive. If you fancy giving it a try do some research on how to ease yourself in and build up your tolerance to the cold temperatures. Wild Swimming Cornwall is a good place to start for resources and support and I would recommend wetsuit socks and a flask for this time of year.

4. Get Hygge

As described by Meik Wiking in ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ , Hygge is “like a hug without touching”. Now more than ever, is a perfect time to embrace the art of ‘Hygge’. Simply put, Hygge can make us feel safe, happy, and calm. It is lighting a candle on your desk, enjoying a coffee and biscuits with a friend, or putting on some sweat pants and turning up the heating when there’s a storm raging outside. What’s not to love?

5. The art of wintering

Often the winter, particularly January and February, can feel long, unrelenting, and stagnant, but what if we think of it as a space to reflect, regroup and rest. My last tip is a recommendation for a book. Wintering by Katherine May is a study on how to embrace and flourish in the periods of stillness in our lives, and how to take pleasure in our fallow seasons by looking to nature. I can’t think of a more apt book to enjoy this winter.

Written by Kate Whittington

Edited by Caitlin Lydon