Scandi Hygge Weekend On The Salt (East Sussex)
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Hallo, hyggelig and welcome to a Scandinavian cozy weekend on the south coast in East Sussex!
From warming bowls of porridge to candlelit dinners and cinnamon pastries, we will explore how to achieve the Danes' coveted hygge. (pronounced "hoo-gah")
Hygge is all about creating a heart-warming mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment that you simply want to melt away with warm fuzziness. An atmosphere where you will enjoy the good things in life with good people, and cherish oneself during the winter months, keeping cozy and snug.
We will be placed just a stone's throw away from the famed beauty spot Beachy Head and the stunning coastal walks along the Seven Sisters and the South Downs Way. We will likely have a stunning day out in the cold, before we return to the cozy Hygge.
So, put your phone away and find your warmest pair of socks, slanket or woolly jumper and slippers (really, anything knitted) and delight in some indulgent marshmallow adorned hot chocolate and æbleskiver (spherical apple slice treats). Wind down with comforting food and laze away the evenings until your cozy beds call.... (all rooms have en-suite facilities and a reading light!)
Yes, sweatpants count as hygge. There's even a word in Danish for them. Hyggebukser are that pair of pants you'd never be caught dead wearing in public, but practically live in when you're at home on the weekends.
Hygge also encourages people to live a little and say yes to that extra slice of cake - perhaps this explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world? :)
What to bring
Please bring your hill walking kit. It will be winter, so be sure to layer up!
For walking:
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and although a personal choice are often essential in bad weather for keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should be a light to mid-weight fleece or wool jumper. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof softshell or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth. You can wear your waterproof as your outer layer and many do come with removable insulation layers as well.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-Tex or eVent are often the best choices.
Hat: The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being a good alternative.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
Friday night: Please bring at least one item for the buffet. Please don't go overboard. This should be something that can be shared by 2 to 3 people, and if it is homemade then brilliant, but that's not essential! You could also add to our Hygge weekend theme by bringing something Danish if you like.
Saturday breakfast: Included in the event cost.
Saturday lunch: Please bring a packed lunch.
Saturday dinner: Included in the event cost
Sunday breakfast: Included in the event cost.
Optional Cocktails: I will be preparing some cozy cocktails during the weekend for those of you who wish to participate. Details of this will follow.