Look sharp, soggy strollers! In Britain's rainiest spot, ramblers in Martinstown, Dorset, can now nab a "break glass in case of emergency" cagoule if they're caught in a downpour.
The clever installation offers a quick fix for those drenched by the notoriously wet weather of the area, which clinched the title of Englands wettest place on July 18, 1955.
That day, the heavens hacked up a record-breaking 279mm of rain in just 24 hours a record that still . The watery region braces itself for an average splashdown of 93mm daily throughout October.
Outdoor gear gurus, Regatta, outfitted the damp hotspot with the cagoule contraption last week. Their nifty move came hot on the heels of their research revealing that almost a quarter of Brits conjure up excuses to dodge a jaunt in the wild.
Half of those surveyed admitted they bail out when its pouring it down, and 38% give it a miss when there's a chill in the air.
A Regatta spokesperson pitched: "We're trying to get people out and about, whatever the weather. A phrase many people swear by is that there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad outfits and there's some truth to that."
"Use layers to deal with the cold, decent waterproofs to keep the rain out, and a sturdy pair of boots and you'll be good to tackle pretty much anything the UK's weather can throw at you."
Brits often come up with a range of excuses to avoid venturing outdoors, including needing to tidy the house (12%) or waiting in for a delivery (11%). A quarter (25%) will put off going for a walk until the next day.
Over a third (36%) of people admit to walking less for leisure and exercise during the winter months compared to other times of the year. Meanwhile, 16% will avoid going outside altogether when it's cold or wet.
On the other hand, for those who don't mind braving the cold, 51% enjoy the fresh air, and 34% believe it has a positive impact on their mental health. Having a walking companion would encourage 35% to venture out in bad weather.
Additionally, 30% would feel more confident about going out if they had better waterproof gear, according to a survey by OnePoll.com. For 28%, the promise of a hearty pub lunch after a walk is enough motivation to get them out the door.
A spokesperson for Regatta commented: "Thinking about the positives of going out for a walk, even in horrible weather, gives you the best chance of actually making it happen."
"Walking with someone else is a great way to catch up and bond, while getting a bit of fresh air at the same time."
"Take in new areas to keep things exciting, plot a route with a conveniently placed pub, and ensure you're wearing the right gear and you'll be right as rain, quite literally."
English (US) ·