The Long Winter Ahead: Why the Adventures Don't Need to Stop
As the leaves keep falling and blanket the Somerset ground, the autumn chill truly takes hold and the landscape around our home base in Wiveliscombe undergoes a dramatic shift. The summer visitors have thinned, and the air carries that crisp, unmistakable scent of winter.
The school run this morning had that true wet and wintery feel to it - still full of smiles thankfully but we are only about a week into that big temperature drop. The fires are roaring all the time now.
While our personal open-water swims might be paused for the season, our love for the great outdoors doesn’t hibernate. For us, late autumn and winter mark the beginning of a completely different breed of exploration: the era of van adventures, misty moorland tracks, and the incomparable cosy comfort of a second home on wheels.
There is something entirely magical about parking up the campervan as daylight fades, watching the rain lash against the windows, and eating a hot dinner inside while completely surrounded by the wild elements. That undeniable feeling of total freedom—of having a little home on wheels that can transport you to the edge of the wilderness at a moment's notice (for as long as it starts)—is the exact heartbeat behind the birth of WaveMe.
The Meaning Behind the Wave
Many people ask where our brand name came from. Originally, it was born at the intersection of two worlds: the classic, friendly wave shared between campervans passing each other on narrow country lanes, and the rolling wave of the open ocean.
Most of you will know that my husband came up with the idea of having a bumper sticker which encouraged that wave in the van (it’s a dying thing in some areas). The 70s were full of freedom signs between VW drivers and waves and now there is a new breed, a bumper sticker would do tje talking instead - it would remind you that we are ‘wavers’. However, a bumper sticker wasn’t enough for me - that wasn’t the way to build a brand in my mind.
The designs started for what I had already personally been looking for and just could not find….
The idea was to expand that wave into something much deeper. It represents the silent wave of connection between like-minded people. When you spot someone wearing WaveMe fashion out in the wild, you instantly know their values. You know that person deeply loves and appreciates the great outdoors, demands true sustainability, and lives for adventure. It’s a badge of honour for a community that refuses to let the weather dictate their day.
Exploring the Wild History of Exmoor
One of our absolute favorite winter escapes is right on our doorstep: the breathtaking expanse of Exmoor National Park. Spanning across Somerset and Devon, Exmoor is a living tapestry of ancient oak woodlands, sweeping moorlands, and dramatic coastal cliffs that plunge into the Bristol Channel.
Exmoor’s history is as wild as its landscapes. For centuries, it was designated as a Royal Forest—a vast, protected hunting ground established by the Norman kings after 1066. For generations, only the monarch and selected nobles were legally permitted to hunt the majestic red deer that still roam the moors today. It wasn't until the early 19th century that the royal forest was officially disafforested and sold, paving the way for the historic hill farming and open-access wilderness we are so lucky to enjoy today.
Lately, we’ve noticed a wonderful increase in motorhomes and campervans parking up responsibly around the fringes of the moors. We absolutely love seeing so many fellow adventurers out here, zipping up their layers, walking the ancient trails, and taking in the jaw-dropping, misty views. The outdoor community is growing, and the mutual respect for these ancient lands is beautiful to witness.
Engineered for the Elements: Your Winter Gear Guide…
The British winters may be long, but your adventures don't need to stop. The secret to surviving—and thriving—in the colder months comes down to intelligent, high-quality layering. We designed our collections specifically to solve the unique challenges of active outdoor life:
The Hybrid Pro (The Boater’s Essential): Originally engineered for ultimate flexibility, our Hybrid Pro has become an absolute favorite for the boating and sailing community. Our customers constantly rave about how lightweight and ultra-flexible it is. It offers superb core insulation while remaining streamlined enough to fit comfortably directly underneath a buoyancy aid, allowing for total freedom of movement on the water.
The StayDri Collection (The Ultimate Warmth): When you step out of the van into a biting wind, our signature StayDri garments provide the ultimate internal comfort. Designed with next-generation quick-dry fabrics, they work instantly to dry your skin and
The Waterproof Fest Coat (The Element-Proof Shell): When the heavens inevitably open, our newly arrived Waterproof Fest Coats act as your light-weight, protective outer shell. They are 100% waterproof, designed with a classy, tailored silhouette that keeps you bone-dry during torrential rainy day adventures without the awkward, comically oversized bulk of a traditional changing robe.
Embrace the Season…
Don't let the dark evenings lock you indoors this winter. Throw the boots in the back, pack the van, or the boit of your car, layer up in your WaveMe gear, and head out into the great outdoors. The wild is waiting, the heat is on at home waiting for your return and the best views are completely free.
See you out there—don't forget to wave!
