After a mild and lingering autumn, it feels like winter is now well and truly here, and with December, January and February to get through it can feel like a long season! The dark days and sometimes gloomy weather may take a toll on the spirits, but there are things to enjoy in the colder weather that can help make it much more positive and cosy experience. Here’s a few suggestions: 

Brisk walks

It’s especially important to make the most of bright and clear weather whenever we get it during the winter — who knows when we’ll get it again? Chilly but sunny January days in themselves have a certain brightness and clarity best enjoyed by taking a brisk walk and taking in sparkling nature.  Wrap up warm and be prepared to notice little details, such as spikes of grass or a crispy hawthorn twigs coated in glistening frost.

Hot chocolate bar

As a general rule I’m not really a hot chocolate drinker. I’d certainly never choose one in the summer, and in autumn or early spring I’m much more likely to ask for a chai latte or even a simple cup of tea. But there’s something about the depths of winter that seems to call for a rich, sweet beverage topped with marshmallows and whipped cream. It’s so deeply comforting and capable of adding some joy to the dullest day. Setting up a hot chocolate ‘bar’ is a fun idea for having a few friends over. Simply put out a selection of toppings and stirrers (mini marshmallows, Malteasers, crunchy honeycomb, candy canes, etc.) and let everyone make their own.

Craft activities

Long dark evenings are a perfect opportunity to take up a new craft or hobby. You could learn to knit, read a book you’ve been meaning to tick off your list, make cardamom shortbread, start a junk journal, arrange a whisky tasting, or paint a picture. Really, anything that makes you happy!   You could invite a few friends to join you and start your own crafting circle, book group, baking party or art club if you wanted. 

Museums and art galleries

Winter weekends offer a chance to soak up some culture, often when the museums and galleries have quietened down from summer visitors. Both Perth Art Gallery and Perth museum have new exhibitions this winter — William Gillies: Modernism and Nation at Perth Art Gallery presents a new perspective on one of Scotland’s greatest twentieth-century painters, while Waters Rising at Perth Museum traces stories and objects connected to flooding from Scotland and abroad. Both exhibitions run until early March. Birnam Arts also has a new winter exhibition, featuring Perthshire Artisans.

Winter Sports

Could you take up skiing, snowboarding or another winter sport this year? Perthshire is a great central location for a day trip to Scotland’s winter resorts at Glenshee, Glencoe and the Cairngorms. Of course, if you’d rather stick to sledging or building snowmen when the snow arrives then that’s fine too! The main thing is to enjoy the experience. 

I hope this article sparks some ideas for winter activities to enjoy in Perthshire!