How cold weather walking boosts your health. Plus, the gear to stride in

Why we should all brave the chilled air and hit the hills this winter, according to outdoor journalist Damian Hall

In winter, sunlight throws a kinder, softer light across the land, crisp frost crunches underfoot, and the pub’s roaring open fire awaits your wind-brushed cheeks. Scientists talk of the biophilia effect – our innate desire to be in green and lumpy places – and hill-walking is a great way to keep the winter blues away. Plus it’s a sensational cardiovascular activity.

The UK has 15 National Parks ( nationalparks.gov.uk), such as the Lake District, Peak District and South Downs, which, being the most handsome, are the logical places to escape to. But also look into our National Trails ( nationaltrail.co.uk), which can be wondrous.

For kit, consider SKIINCore’s (£TBC, skiin. com) self-heating, wire-free base clothing, controllable via your smartphone. It only heats areas most sensitive to cold and learns your optimal temperature. Salomon’s new Outline Mid GTX (£130, salomon.com) offers running shoe-like comfort with robustness. Thanks to a waterproof-breathable ArtexTM membrane, Shower Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves (£34, showerspass.co.uk) are a must. Their socks (£27) effectively make any shoe rainproof. An inov-8 Thermoshell Pro Insulated Jacket (£170, inov-8.com) is lightweight while PrimaLoft Black Insulation ThermoPlume keeps you warm even when wet.