9 microadventures to have in January
Happy New Year! We’re kickstarting 2026 with our monthly microadventure list, to get you inspired to head out on some adventures this month. it’s 3 years since I made the resolution to go on a weekly microadventure, and it changed my life. Finding ways to get outside in nature, or a new way to explore every single week was a challenge, but one which brought me so much joy.
The beauty of a microadventure is that you can fit it into daily life. You don’t have to worry about using annual leave, you don’t have to worry about having no money, and you don’t have to worry about going to far.
I’m setting myself the goal to have a big adventure-ful year in 2026 (more on that next week!), so every month I’ll be sharing 10 ways you have go on an adventure yourself this month. Make sure to follow my substack for weekly postcards from my adventures, and I’ll also be sharing more in-depth guides here as well.
So, if one of your new years resolutions is to get out exploring more this year, this is just for you.
1. A “fresh start” walk with a flask of coffee
Lets kick off the new year my favourite way, with a gorgeous fresh start walk. Whether you go on this walk today, or over the weekend, it’s the perfect way to freshen up your energy and reset before truly getting stuck into 2026.
Bonus points for bringing your favourite hot drink with you!
Adaptation : if going on a walk is too much for you, see if you can find a way to sit outside for 10 minutes with a coffee and blanket. Leave the tech inside, and just listen, be present and breathe in that fresh air.
2. Do a frosty photography hour capturing winter textures
One of my favourite things to do on a frosty day in January is to take my camera out. The colours and textures that come with the frost are always so magical and can make some really interesting photos – especially if you find frozen cobwebs!
3. Take yourself on a cinema date on a gloomy evening
It’s dark, it’s cold, and lets be honest, here in the UK it can also just be damp and feel a bit miserable. Sometimes you don’t want to be heading outside, so why not escape to your local cinema and see a film.
You might be thinking how is this an adventure?? I always say that a microadventure is something that you choose to do to disrupt your usual routine. So if you’ve really been wanting to go to the cinema, but never make the time to do it, this can defintiely be classed as a microadventure. If you want to make it feel more like an adventure, pick a cinema that isn’t your local one, and explore the area at the same time!
Bonus points for going to an independent cinema!
4. Try a new-to-you woodland trail while everything feels still and crisp
Whatever time of year you head on a woodland walk, it feels magical in its own way. Is there a woodland walk near you that you’ve been meaning to try but just not got round to? Make some time this month to go! Or, if you’re not sure if there’s anywhere to explore, why not look at Forestry England/Scotland/Wales/Ireland to see where your local woodlands are.
5. Head to the beach
You might think that heading to the beach is a summertime activity but there’s something about the sound of the roaring waves and the salty wind which makes it a bracing but enjoyable day out in the winter.
6. A winter wild swim
If you’d told me a few years ago that I would be actively looking forward to a New Years Day Dip, I’d have laughed. But wild swimming has become such a staple of my life, and there’s nothing quite like a winter wild swim.
Whether you join a local swimming group or a New Years Day dip, make sure to stay safe when wild swimming, especially when it’s cold. If possible, wear a wetsuit if you’re not used to the cold, enter the water slowly, don’t stay in too long, and make sure you’ve got plenty of layers to keep you warm afterwards (and a nice hot drink with you!)
7. Hot chocolate tour – taste your way around the local cafes
(and bonus points for quirky toppings)
Is there anything better than a hot choccy on a cold winters day? Why not explore some of the local cafes and try out their hot chocolates (or other hot drinks – maybe mix it up if there’s a lot!)
This is a perfect way to embrace the winter season, and also a great way to catch up with friends.
8. Pick a new independent bookshop and explore for an hour
Is there anything better than browsing a bookshop? I love going to one of my fave independents in the lake district, grab a coffee and cake, and then head on a walk (or head for a browse after swimming in the lake!), and I just think it’s the perfect cosy season activity.
9. Do a 20-minute “awe walk” at lunchtime, noticing winter light
The days may still be short, but it doesn’t mean you can’t fit a microadventure in. A 20 minute awe walk is the perfect way to have a mini adventure in your lunch break. The joy of an awe walk is just taking in and being present in your walk.
And there are 9 microadventures to have in January to help you kick off the year in a adventure-ful way. If you’re looking for daily adventure inspo, make sure to follow along on instagram, and you can get a digital postcard sent directly from my weekly microadventures on Substack. And click here for more seasonal microadventure content.
