In today's @GuardianTravel I've written about the joys of walking in the rain, and how, with a bit of prep, we can all keep enjoying the outdoors this winter: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/nov/14/dreading-a-winter-lockdown-go-walking-in-the-rain-melissa-harrison

There wasn't room to say everything I wanted to say about RAINWEAR, so in short: forget umbrellas: their one aim in life is to blow inside-out and they tie up one of your hands, which on a walk – as opposed to a lunchtime dash for sandwiches – becomes either tired or cold.

Instead, seek out a proper waterproof coat, one designed to move in: not a fold-up poncho (too flappy for walking), a trenchcoat (restrictive) or a puffa jacket (too hot). It should be marked as breathable or it’ll fill up with condensation, which isn’t pleasant... (cont)

It should also have a proper hood with a peak that extends a little in front of your face, especially if you wear glasses. Unless it’s windy – and nobody likes wind and rain together – you’ll be fine.

Dry feet are ESSENTIAL, so don’t go out in your Converse or even DMs. Brands like @MuckBootEU, @Timberland_UK and @clarksshoes do lined, waterproof footwear, as do some of the big trainer brands; many hiking boots and approach shoes keep the rain out, but not all, so do check.

Tall boots save your calves from splashback, but if you’re a welly person, consider long, thick socks, as they’re not always comfortable (or warm enough) on longer walks. Thermal or supportive insoles can help. @Joulesclothing do a great range of wellies.

Waterproof overtrousers: you can pay loads for fancy schmancy ones, but in my experience you don't need to. Mine were £20 new, I seem to recall. @blacks_online do them, as does @CotswoldOutdoor. Or have a look at good old Peter Storm: https://www.peterstorm.com/ 

But, just as with coats and wellies, there’s NO NEED TO BUY NEW; eBay's full of perfectly good second-hand rainwear, either outgrown, traded up or the result of a short-lived enthusiasm for the outdoors (we call those people ‘quitters’)... (cont)

Finally, the waterproofing on older rainwear can easily be refreshed in the washing machine with a product like @nikwax, and Shoe Goo is magic for fixing minor leaks. Now get out there and enjoy your daily lockdown exercise!