Wild Weather Walks: How to Enjoy (Almost) Any Forecast
Estimated reading time 2 minutes
If you wait for perfect weather in the UK, you’ll walk maybe four times a year. But with the right layers, kit, and attitude sometimes you'' discover that wild weather walks are the most memorable of all. Remember there's no bad weather just not the right clothing!
Walking in the Rain
There’s a special kind of peace that comes from woodland walking in the rain. The leaves glisten, the forest smells better, and you might just get the trail to yourself.
Invest in a Proper Waterproof: Look for Gore-Tex or similar breathable waterproofs. Choose one with a decent hood and long enough to cover your hips.
Waterproof Trousers: Unsexy but essential — especially for routes like Perry Wood or Knole Park, where undergrowth can soak your legs.
Pack a Dry Bag: Inside your rucksack, stash spare socks, gloves, and your phone in dry bags or ziplocks.
Windy Days
On exposed ridgelines like Wye Downs or White Cliffs, wind can quickly take the joy out of a walk if you’re not dressed right.
Layer Up: A windproof outer layer and a fleece mid-layer work wonders.
Protect Extremities: A buff around your neck and a beanie or headband keep the chill off.
Hot and Sunny
Surprise heatwave? It happens — even in Kent.
Walk early or later in the day for cooler temps.
Reapply SPF often, especially if you’re walking along the coast at Herne Bay or Sandwich Bay, where reflection from water intensifies exposure.
Freeze a water bottle the night before and sip it as it melts.
So don’t cancel — adapt. We have so many people cancel walks on the day due to weather and oftentimes it turns out just fine! Kent’s weather is part of the story. And when you return from a walk through rain or wind, cheeks flushed and boots muddy, you’ll never regret going.
