What to wear in the great outdoors

As the mercury drops ever-lower and the sun shines for just a few hours a day, heading into the wild may seem far from desirable. But while winter's darkness can cue low-mood, anxiety and fatigue, the great outdoors has a wonderful impact on both our psychological and physiological wellbeing. Whether scaling hilly landscapes or brushing off the cobwebs with a long walk in a London park, we shouldn't deny ourselves a chance to reconnect with the frosted world around us.

In turn, when it comes to dressing for an al fresco jaunt, outdoor brands have upped the sartorial ante of late. Wellington boots and waxed jackets still reign supreme, but now they come with high-fashion collaborations and smart-tech base layers in tow.

From lounging by the fire at Soho Farmhouse to traversing wet fields on a shooting weekend, we round up how to enjoy the great outdoors - and how to dress for it - below.

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For the inner-city Londoner:





For city-dwellers who don't want to travel for nature's hit, there are a number of exceptional pockets of nature nestled inside our urban jungle.


The walk:

Hampstead Circular Walk 4 ½ miles. Start point Hampstead High Street: Hampstead tube

Start on Hampstead High Street and walk down the Hill, turning left into Willoughby Road towards Burgh House, a 300 year old Museum and Art Centre. After frisking Burgh House, which is, of course, optional, stride out onto Hampstead Heath. You will stumble almost immediately upon the famous Hampstead ponds, where for centuries intrepid bathers have trumpeted the benefits of year round al fresco swimming.

From here, start the climb up Parliament Hill, stopping at the crest to admire another ‘protected view’ across London to St Paul’s Cathedral. Continue towards Kenwood House, renowned for its impressive collection of Reynolds and Gainsborough portraits and landscaped gardens designed by Sir Humphrey Repton. The gardens host daytime and evening events year round, so do check in advance if of interest. Head to the Stable Field east of Kenwood House where you will find another impressive ‘protected view’ across London. Continue the walk back through Hampstead Heath via the Vale of Health to finish back at the High Street.

Explore:

Post walk, warm up with a sweet or savoury hot crepe from the La Creperie de Hampstead, or a steaming mug of coffee at The Coffee Cup which opened in the fifties. If you're in the mood for something lighter, Jin Kichi is the authentic Japanese bolthole serving unbeatable sushi just a stone's throw from Hampstead station, frequented by Kate Moss and in-the-know locals. Be sure to pop into Aesop, Zadig et Voltaire and Space NK for a spot of shopping if you have the time.

Wear:





Rains Check Coated Trench Coat, £140.
Click here to buy




Raey Press Straight-Leg Jeans, £140
Click here to buy





Timberland Authentics Teddy Fleece Boot, £96
Click here to buy


For men:

Men's Oliver Spencer Brockwell fleece-lined corduroy jacket, £400
Click here to buy



Men's Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Hat, £90
Click here to buy

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For the happy hiker: The South Downs – The Seven Sisters and Birling Gap circular walk




For experienced hikers looking for sweeping downland views and rugged cliff-top scenery, look no further than this South Downs Trail. Be sure to wear sensible hiking boots and waterproof rain-gear to battle ocean-spray and rough winds.

The walk:

The trail is a circular five-and-a-half mile walk, which starts at a quaint 15th century pub, the Tiger Inn in East Dean. Begin the hike either in a clockwise direction taking a footpath leading south over Went Hill towards Birling Gap, or in an anti-clockwise direction taking a path leading west towards Crowlink and Flagstaff Point. In both cases, the sweeping views over fields towards the coast are enormously rewarding. Walk towards the coast and along the pathway towards the well-trodden but spectacular stretch of coastline known as the Seven Sisters. Distance: 5.5 miles (2.5 to 3 hours)


Explore: To make the most of the chalk cliff view, walk beyond Birling Gap and past the lonely Belle Tout Lighthouse, before returning inland and looping back north to the little village of East Dean.The Tiger Inn offers terrific home cooked food, log fires, and a welcome pint after your hike.


Wear:




Lululemon x Roksanda Face Forward Cape, £348
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Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX Shoes, £139.35
Click here to buy




24 Bottler Urban Bottle, £18
Click here to buy

For men:

Men's Salomon XA Striped Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
Click here to buy, £45



Men's Phipps Hiking Cotton-Twill Trousers, £225 (from £450)
Click here to buy

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For a refined country weekend






If you've been invited to stay at a grand country house for a weekend of shooting or fishing, or are just keen to adopt the emblematic foundations of traditional English country dress, you'll want the classics. Think Campbell’s of Beauty for the smartest made-to-measure tweed, Dubarry boots for wading through dewy grass, and waxed Barbour jackets to blend in with the scenery. Don't forget to bring a hardy thermos of hot coffee (or a handy hip-flask filled with something strong to warm your cockles) when you head out into the elements.

Wear:





Barbour X Alexachung Patch colour-block waxed cotton jacket, £430
Click here to buy





Maison Margiela Henrietta Showerproof Hat, £450
Click here to buy

Dubarry of Ireland Galway Boots, £329
Click here to buy




The Conran Shop Sol & Luna leather-covered Thermos flask, £90
Click here to buy



Men's Holland & Holland Long Jacket Purple, £475 (From £975)
Click here to buy




Men's Purdey's Shooting Socks with Garters, £125
Click here to buy

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Country retreat: Soho Farmhouse




The space: For when London's icy streets and central heating just doesn't cut it, lounge fireside a olds country-hotel with a good book and a warm hug of a cashmere throw. It's a setting that's made for relaxation: think rooms filled with Cowshed products, indoor and outdoor pools, farmyard animals, country trails, a spa, and more fireplaces than you can count.


Shop: Daylesford Organic Farm Shop is just a twenty minute drive from Soho Farmhouse, serving produce grown on its Cotswolds farm – where a commitment to sustainable, organic farming is nurtured. The farmshop sells handmade food from the farm including cheeses, freshly baked goods and wholesome meals to take away. Stop in and take a little bit of the idyllic countryside home with you.

Wear:



Ganni V-neck Ribbed Cardigan, £132
Click here to buy




Topshop 70s tiered skirt, £35
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Commes Des Garçons x Dr. Martens Chelsea Boots, £325
Click here to buy



Unwind with Cowshed Sleepy Calming Pillow Mist
Buy it here for £16