Ten Things You Need To Make Winter Good.

BY CHARLIE GLADSTONE

Photo by Department Two

Our thoughts this winter, across our businesses, are focused on getting our guests and customers outdoors. I believe that winter is every bit as good as summer and that our relationship with the colder and darker months has become weirdly soured.

Autumn and winter last for about half the year, so we might as well try to make the best of them.

So here’s a short piece on my favourite kit -indoor and outdoor- for winter.

A SAD light box.

I don’t like dark winter mornings, especially Mondays after a good weekend. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many people in many different ways and for me this lamp really helps. It ain’t pretty but…

Proper Shoes.

I know, I sound like a grandpa (tough, I am one). I am amazed when I see people wearing Converse in winter. Come on Guys, get some proper shoes! The best I have ever owned is the Blundstone 1477 boot which have sheepskin inner soles and are completely waterproof. You don’t need walking boots, these do everything.

Muck Boots.

The best value, best lasting, warmest wellies ever. Hands down!

Open Windows.

As often as possible. At night, always. During the day, as much as you can. I can’t live without open windows, in cars, in the office, wherever. Simple and game changing.

Snow Peak Boa Neck Warmer.

I love Japanese outdoor mega brand Snow Peak and this neck warmer -though not cheap at £60- is a game changer, especially if you’re prone to cricking your neck, as I am.

Trousers That Aren’t Jeans.

I love jeans as much as the next ageing hipster, but they are completely useless in winter. If you like tightish jeans (I don’t but lots of people do) then they are also lethal in wet weather as they shrink onto your skin. My favourite alternatives are cords by OrSlow.

Proper Tires.

Right, I know, I am really coming on like Captain Sensible but this is something we’ve really learned after living at Glen Dye. If you live anywhere where roads are wet and snowy get some good tires. Even if you have the best Land Rover in the world the wrong tires will render it next to useless.

Hoka Men’s Kaha Low Trainers.

I love Hoka trainers. These are completely waterproof and absolutely fantastic whether walking to work or scaling a Munro. And they are the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear.

Sheepskin Half Gloves.

I don’t like gloves; I think they’re stupid, but won’t waste your time by explaining why. My dad gave me a pair of these about 40 years ago. They cover your wrists and the back of your hands and they keep you properly warm as well as allowing you to use your hands as God intended. I just bought some from a company called Nursery Sheepskin. Honestly…brilliant.

My FitBit.

My children gave me this for Father’s Day because they knew I had become obsessed with walking (I am always obsessed with multiple things). It has endless functions but I just use it for measuring my step count and it’s great. Getting outside will be made more necessary this winter by needing to keep to 20,000 steps a day.