Embrace the winter and Friluftsliv lifestyle in Lincolnshire. Discover how 'Fresh Air Living' could help conquer the dark winter days.
Scandinavian countries are often cited as the happiest nations on the planet, yet their winters are notoriously harsh and long. So, to help conquer what must seem like endless months of snow and dark winter days, they simply embrace it and enjoy the outdoors.
Norway, the northernmost Scandinavian country, experiences an average of just four hours of daylight per day during winter. Rather than enduring the discomfort of the short winter days and the cold, they celebrate it and practice a new lifestyle of ‘Friluftsliv’ or ‘Fresh Air Living’.
So, could Friluftsliv be the answer to how we conquer the seemingly inevitable threat of more restrictions during the bleak winter months? By changing our mindset as we settle in to the cold dark days of January and February, it could have a significant boost on our mental and physical wellbeing.
Whereas the popular Danish philosophy of Hygge adopts the joys of turning your home into a cosy sanctuary, the Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv encourages us to get out into the great outdoors. Outdoor living is engrained within Nordic cultures and ‘there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing’.
Friluftsliv reflects an intrinsic understanding of the basic human need to connect with the natural world. Rather than seeking to conquer nature it is about simply spending time with nature and finding harmony with its rhythms.
Lincolnshire is perfectly poised to embrace this Nordic way of thinking. With miles of coastline and wide-open countryside, we are more equipped than most to embrace this philosophy. Here are 9 autumn & winter walks in Lincoln and Lincolnshire for inspiration.
Amid the varying lockdowns and need for social distancing, this could just be the perfect antidote once the ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions are lifted . It’s not all about extreme outdoor sports or wild adventures; it’s OK to take a gentler approach.
Embracing Friluftsliv could be as simple as a brisk walk on a winter’s day through Lincolnshire’s parks, waterways and open spaces to get your daily exercise outdoors.
Put on your warmest knitwear, waterproofs and wellies and look at the winter as an opportunity to reconnect with nature and celebrate the seasons whatever the weather.
Stamford – Burghley Park & the Bottle Lodges Walk
If you’re near Stamford, Burghley Park offers one of the most picturesque winter walks in the region. Starting in the town, this circular route takes you through the magnificent parkland surrounding Burghley House. In winter, mist lingers over the lake, deer roam the frosty fields, and the stately house provides a breathtaking backdrop. Follow the trail past the grand Bottle Lodges and enjoy the crisp air as you loop back towards Stamford’s cosy cafés – perfect for a post-walk warm-up with a hot chocolate.
Louth – Hubbard’s Hills & The Round Louth Walk
For a winter wander with a touch of enchantment, Hubbard’s Hills is the place to go. Just outside Louth, this scenic valley is stunning in colder months, with its winding river, ancient trees, and gentle slopes dusted with frost. If you’re up for a longer walk, connect to the Round Louth Walk, a circular 14-mile route that takes in surrounding countryside, charming villages, and historic landmarks – but shorter sections are just as rewarding! The stillness of winter makes it a peaceful escape, ideal for clearing the mind and enjoying nature’s quiet beauty.
Horncastle – The Spa Trail
For a winter walk with history and wildlife, The Spa Trail between Horncastle and Woodhall Spa is hard to beat. This easy, flat route follows a disused railway line, making it a great option even when the ground is muddy elsewhere. The path is lined with fascinating sculptures, old railway bridges, and glimpses of deer or birds in the hedgerows. The open stretches can feel wonderfully atmospheric in the colder months, especially with a dusting of frost or an early morning mist rolling across the fields.
Woodhall Spa – Ostler’s Plantation & the Pinewoods
There’s nothing like a walk through towering pines on a crisp winter’s day, and Ostler’s Plantation offers just that. Located near Woodhall Spa, this woodland walk is perfect for a peaceful, sheltered stroll among tall trees, winding paths, and soft forest floors. For something closer to town, The Pinewoods is a lovely short loop right in Woodhall Spa itself, with gentle trails and a visit to the iconic Kinema in the Woods nearby. It’s the ideal spot for a slow, mindful walk, soaking in the fresh, earthy scent of the trees and the crunch of leaves underfoot.
After a long winter stroll or rainy woodland walk, there is nothing better than coming home to a warm cosy house, relaxing in a hot bath, and enjoying some simple home-cooked food. Discover Lincoln’s essential retailers where you can buy locally sourced produce and find the perfect Lincolnshire winter recipe.
Nesting in a home surrounding by ‘Hygge’– cosy knits, throws, candles, and log fires. The idea is to relax and do what you love while staying warm indoors.
Staying positive during the cold months of winter isn’t always easy, but shifting into a Scandinavian state of mind can help. Think of it as an opportunity to indulge in some serious self-care. Winter under lockdown or Tiers is not the time to deprive yourself; taking care of you and loved ones need to be top of your list. And don’t forget to light candles – lots and lots of candles. Light is a great mood enhancer.
In fact, after the festive sparkle of Christmas, many homes feel quite sparse and empty and January is often a hard month for many. So, before you pack away all those festive lights consider turning them into ‘winter lights’, keeping them up around the house and bring a bit of light to the darkness.
Visit Lincoln has an array of outdoor activities, walks and beautiful open spaces to visit. Keep visiting our website for more ideas and activities to nurture the soul this winter.
