"Don't forget the clocks go back on Sunday" is probably a phrase you've heard more times than you can remember recently along with "an extra hour in bed though!" But the reality is, the dark, early nights can really get to us and suddenly finishing work in the dark, losing those after-work daylight hours and realising our usual walk will now take place in the dark can be demotivating. However, Autumn and Winter can still be brilliant seasons for getting outside. With a little extra preparation, shorter days can be a great opportunity to create new routines, enjoy quieter trails and make the most of the daylight available. So if you need some inspiration for how to safely make the most of the dark nights and how to improve your preparation, take a read of our top tips below.

Why do the clocks go back? 

In the UK, the clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday in October, marking the end of British Summer Time (BST). The clocks go back to make better use of daylight throughout the year, giving us lighter evenings during the summer and more daylight in the mornings during winter. But this also means:

• Evenings become darker earlier
• After-work walks may start or finish in darkness
• Some paths, car parks and facilities may be quieter or closed
• Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset
• Rain, mist, wet leaves and muddy paths can make familiar routes more challenging
  

Planning ahead; how to stay safe in the dark when outdoors

Route planning and timings, navigation, the changes in weather, communication and clothing are all things we should be thinking about even more than normal when heading outdoors in the darker months. 

Route planning and navigation

• Check the sunset times before you leave and remember to leave time to get back to your start point or to factor in how long you could potentially be walking in the dark for
• Consider choosing a shorter walk if you know that most of your walk is going to take place in the dark
• Add on more time than you think it will take - bad weather, mud and poor visibility can really slow you down
• Have a backup plan and know where to shorten your walk if needed
• If you use hiking apps like OS, AllTrails or Komoot for your routes, download your route before you go 

It's worth noting that the advice from Mountain Rescue England and Wales is to plan around the season and terrain, check the conditions and to tell someone your route and expected return time.

Make yourself visible 

Wearing dark clothing in darkness seems like the obvious thing not to do but it's something we often overlook. Making yourself visible to others helps other people, especially drivers and cyclists, spot you sooner and gives them more time to react.

• Wear reflective details - accessories or clothing can help you be seen by other people, particularly near roads
• Always carry a torch or headtorch - don't rely on streetlights, your phone torch or the assumption that you'll be home before dark and always remember to check the battery is fully charged before you leave! 

What to wear for the darker, colder evenings

Thermals, fleeces, leggings, waterproof layers, gloves and a hat should always be in your bag for an Autumn walk. This time of year it's easy to set off feeling comfortable in less layers but standing still at a viewpoint or walking home after sunset can feel much colder when the tempertaure drops. Layering isn't about wearing as many clothes as possible. It's about adapting to the weather conditions, your activity level and how warm or cold you feel. The key is to wear layers you can easily add or remove and always pack a few extras in case the temperature drops or conditions change unexpectedly.

Mini-layering guide for Autumn and Winter:

• Start with a thermal baselayer to trap warmth close to your body keeping you comfortable
• Add a fleece as a midlayer and add or remove it as the temperature changes 
• A pair of leggings or thermal leggings will keep your legs warm and make a real difference on colder days
• Finish with a good waterproof coat that will keep you dry when the rain inevitably comes
• Choose footwear suitable for the terrain - your lightweight trainers you wore in summer might need to be swapped out for a good pair of boots to cope with the mud, rain and slippy rocks
• Remember to keep your feet warm and cosy too with a good pair of socks 

• Don't forget the extras! Gloves, a warm hat and an additional layer take up little space but can make all the difference if you get cold or your walk takes longer than planned.

Things we often forget about when heading outdoors in the darker months 

• Your phone and headtorch battery - colder weather will drain them much quicker than normal so make sure they are fully charged when you set off, carry a powerbank for your phone and maybe even a spare battery for your headtorch
  
• Tell someone where you are going and your expected finish time - remember to tell them when you get back safely
• Think about the journey home - check bus times, car park closures and whether the route back involves unlit roads if you are walking 
• Keep water, a warm drink and a snack handy - even short outings can take longer than expected.
• Watch your footing - wet leaves can hide uneven ground, roots and rocks. Slow down where visibility is poor
• Don't assume familiar means risk-free - paths, water levels, weather and visibility can all change without much warning

Rethinking when to head outdoors

When evenings become darker, you don't necessarily have to find ways to walk in darkness. You can also adapt your routine.

• Take a walk during your lunch break instead
• Head out before work for a short morning adventure
• Save longer hikes for the weekend
• Choose a local loop you can complete before sunset
• Join a walking group or arrange a regular walk with a friend

The clocks going back might mean saying goodbye to those long summer evenings but it doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to your time outdoors. Whether it's a lunchtime walk, a familiar route after work or a weekend adventure, a little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and confident as the days get shorter.