With Christmas and New year out of the way, we now have the months of January, February, and March to contend with, often cited as the most depressing moths of the year, despite each day benefiting from a few more minutes of day light each day.
One of the questions we get asked every year at DoggingBook HQ is “Do people still go dogging in the winter?”
The simple answer is yes, people do still go dogging in winter, albeit with a few caveats.
As winter evenings cast their spell across the car parks and rural dogging sites, some doggers might think the opportunity to indulge in their passion is limited, but just because the mercury drops it doesn’t mean the dogging stops!
Granted, there is always less activity during the colder months compared to the warmer ones, but it doesn’t grind to a halt. In fact, due to it getting darker earlier and fewer people out and about some areas actually see an increase in action at their local dogging sites!
As the winter sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the tarmac and gravel, a different world awakens in the hidden corners of car parks after dark. These concrete canyons, typically relegated to mundane daytime errands, morph into unrestricted playgrounds and urban havens under the celestial glow for all who venture there after dark.
For the adventurous souls, car parks in winter become wild dogging arenas surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Picture the snow-capped hilltops, cloaked in mist and moonlight, icy slopes beckoning winter warriors towards their ascent. Or envision the windswept coastline, waves crashing against them like liquid silver under the hypnotic gaze of the moon. The city fades away, replaced by the raw beauty of nature, a breathtaking escape from the urban humdrum.
But before you ditch your pyjamas and grab your car keys, it’s important to remember that winter dogging comes with its own inherent challenges that you should prepare for before you set off.
Remember the cold and darkness which shrouds and benefits these sites can bring their own set of hazards which should not be ignored, so it’s important to be prepared.
Rural roads are often not gritted, vehicle breakdowns are more likely, and it might be harder for breakdown vehicles to reach you. Fewer members of the public around might seem like a blessing, but if you need assistance, it might not come along for a long time, if at all.
You should take the same precautions as on any dogging adventure but be extra prepared.
Stick to well-lit areas or paths that you know well. If venturing off into unfamiliar areas or woodland in winter, you should make sure you are wearing suitable footwear and take a flashlight/headtorch and a phone with maps App.
Always take a fully charged phone but maybe take a power bank too as a backup? If you are planning on travelling to higher ground where snow and ice might be present would investing in some snow chains be a good idea too?
Don’t just rely on the light on your phone, firstly it might fail, secondly it could run the battery down when you really need it; take a separate flashlight or headtorch.
Wear, or at least take enough warm clothing, you will work up a sweat when the dogging action starts, but while you are waiting or after the action has finished you will feel the cold.
Make sure you have a full tank of fuel in your vehicle, you will probably keep the engine running to keep warm while you’re waiting for people to turn up, or to power your headlights to get a good view of the action. The last thing you want is to end up in the middle of nowhere in subzero temperatures with no gas in the tank!
Letting someone know where you’re going, when you’re going, and when you plan to come back is an excellent way to ensure you have a safe trip. You might not want to divulge all the details of trip, but activities like running or stargazing would seem legitimate enough.
Check car park/National Park/State Park closing times during the winter. Often the gates are locked early, or they close early; you don’t want to get stuck there all night!
Local amenities that you normally enjoy in summer like toilets, food vans/trucks, and stores are likely to be absent in the winter, so anything that you would normally ‘get on the way’ you should bring. Pack some snacks and water, you still need to stay hydrated, even in winter.
And remember that the occasional mischief-maker lurks in the shadows. Don’t leave valuables in your car or keep them out of sight.
The vast majority of dogging trips are exciting and rewarding, but if you are alone in the middle of nowhere with strangers, there is always the possibility that something could go wrong, or you could run into some people with bad intentions.
Always trust your gut if something feels off, make your excuses and leave.
Consider bringing a buddy for moral support, they don’t have to get involved in the action, of course unless they want to!
Winter’s icy grip demands respect. Dress like a polar bear (layers upon layers!), wear boots that wouldn’t make Bambi jealous, and consider a hand warmer or two. You don’t want to turn into a popsicle before finding that epic gangbang!
But here’s the thing: these challenges are the secret sauce that makes the adventure truly unique. Conquering the darkness, outsmarting the cold, and navigating the nighttime dogging hotspots – it’s all part of the thrill. And the rewards? Oh, they’re worth the chill!
So, this winter, ditch the tourist traps and embrace the asphalt archipelago. Pack your curiosity, your sense of adventure, an ample supply of condoms, and maybe a flask of something warm? The car parks await, ready to unveil their hidden wonders and secrets for those brave enough to venture into the night.
Just remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey – and the epic encounters, of course! Now go forth, asphalt explorer, and let the shadows guide you!
Remember, preparation is everything! Always be aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and let someone know where you’re going before you head out. With a little planning and precaution, your car park adventure will be one for the books (or at least a story to dine out on for years).
Happy dogging!