It might be blowing a gale outside… but that doesn’t mean the UK should give up hope of an Indian summer. And even if we have had it for sunshine this year, there are still some great outdoors events to look forward to this month. Instead of looking out the window and bemoaning the weather, make sure you're dressed to stay warm and dry, whatever the conditions.

What we’re saying is that being outdoors is still a great option, so long as you’re wearing the right outdoor clothing!

This month you should be doing a little “winterising” of your outdoor clothing and kit. No longer are waterproof trousers an option to be stuffed inside your rucksack, they are now a necessity and there is a high chance you’ll need to wear them for most or some of your outdoor activities. Choose a pair that fit comfortably over your normal walking trousers.

Make sure your waterproof jacket is up to the job of keeping you dry – and warm – in torrential rain and winds. If you haven’t updated your jacket for a while then consider buying a new one.

You’ll also need a waterproof rucksack or a backpack with a waterproof cover for stowing all your clothing while out and about. Also throw in a warm pair of gloves, a hat, a change of socks, a couple of extra baselayers, a snack and a hot drink in a flask.

These are the basic items for easy-going, low-level walking. If you’re heading off the beaten track then you’ll also need a map and compass (and you should know how to use both of them!).

And now that you’re ready for any kind of weather, why not make the most of your new enthusiasm by heading along to one of a number of walking festivals that are set to take place across the UK in the next four weeks?

Walking festivals are a great way to discover new routes, meet like-minded people and take your hiking to the next level. Most walks are guided so you do not need to worry so much about navigation, just about taking in the scenery and chatting to other people.

A guided walk will also offer a wealth of extra find-out-more-anout-the-locality information. Most guides know their local area very well and will show you some of the best-kept secrets, include scenery, wildlife and hisotry, of each route or trail.

Four walking festivals for September

September 16 to 19: Isle of Arran Mountain Festival   

September 17 to 26: The Barmouth Walking Festival

September 23 to October 2: Richmond Walking and Book Festival

September 30 to October 3: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival

Or tell us where you'll be wallking in September.