YOU don’t need summer sun to enjoy the great outdoors.
For a cheap and cheerful day out over the festive period, why not go on a winter picnic? Here’s how . . .
WONDERFUL WANDERING: Rambling through wooded areas in winter is just as beautiful as it is in spring.
There are thousands of asccessible areas throughout the country, you can easily find a suitable area near you at woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods.
A scavenger hunt is a great way to make a walk a little more engaging for kids.
Challenge them to spot items from a list such as mistletoe, holly, squirrels, leaf skeletons, or strange-looking fungi growing from trees.
Or you could have a go at building a den with fallen branches and leaves.
Forestry England is also running Stick Man Christmas trails with £4 packs available all this month. Find one at for estryengland.uk/stickman-activity-trails.
SIP UP: Warm up on a walk with a nice hot drink. Invest in a couple of thermal drinks bottles or flasks, you can buy these for around £2-3 from Amazon, and make drinks at home before you leave.
Try warm Ribena or hot chocolate as a lovely affordable treat for kids. Tea and coffee is always a winner with adults.
Or for something more seasonal try mulled apple juice.
Simply simmer the juice in a pan with a cinnamon stick, three cloves and orange peel for around ten minutes.
Strain the juice before pouring into a flask to stay warm.
TUCK IN: After a walk in the fresh air, a hot lunch is exactly what is needed.
For a really easy meal, cook some tinned hot dog sausages at home and pop in a food flask with hot boiled water (you can buy these for around £8.50 from Argos and use again and again).
When outside, pat dry the sausages and serve in hot dog rolls. Or warm up some soup at home, put in a flask and serve in metal camping cups with some crusty bread for dipping.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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