With spring just around the corner, walking season is almost officially back.

We've had a torrid time of it lately, with the rain, wind and temperatures all acting up, but the arrival of spring signals better (and more importantly, warmer) weather.

Despite this, the British weather is notoriously unpredictable, especially if you're up high on a hike.

We know that if you get cold when walking or hiking, then it’s not particularly pleasant, so we’ve put together some top tips and highlighted the outdoor clothing you need to stay warm on your walks during spring.

Layering

The key to staying warm is layering, and it’s quite simple – the more layers you put on, the warmer you’ll be. This is because air gets trapped between each layer, acting as insulation.

Baselayers

Base layers are usually made from stretchy, figure-hugging material that should also be breathable to allow material to escape your body.

Midlayers

As the name suggests, a mid-layer is the layer that goes in the middle, over the top of the base layer and underneath the outer layer. 

Fleeces and softshells make excellent mid-layers, especially if they’re breathable to wick away moisture. On milder days, these can be worn as an outer layer. 

Need some inspiration? Well, why not take a leaf out of our colonial cousins' book and go for an NFL-themed look after the Super Bowl? BERSHKA.com has a limited range currently out that we highly recommend!

Outer layers

A waterproof jacket is perfect as an outer layer, as it’ll keep you warm and stop water soaking through to your other layers.


Recommended reading:

Jeremy Clarkson among fancy dress outfits for World Book Day

When and how often should I walk my dog as spring arrives?

I tried walking workouts and now I have no excuse to be lazy


Hats

Your head is one of the most important body parts to keep warm when the weather is miserable and cold.

If it's been raining, you'll have a miserable time of it and might get a headache or possibly brain freeze. So, you'll want a good hat.

Check the weather forecast

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable at the best of times. Despite spring promising a warmer climate, you just never know.

Plan what clothing to wear and what to take with you based on the weather, and keep checking as often as possible as it can quickly change.

Footwear

If your feet get wet, then they’re going to get cold, so waterproof walking boots should be a priority.

Most are waterproof these days, especially if you go for a synthetic material, but you can also treat them with a waterproofing spray to double down.

Spare clothing

Take as much spare clothing as you can comfortably carry. You can add it as extra layers if you get cold, but more importantly, you can replace wet clothes if you’re caught in bad weather.

Wet clothing on a cold day is a one-way ticket to hypothermia, so some dry clothes could save your life.

Take a hot drink

Nothing more needs to be said. Take a brew with you and you'll warm up with every sip.