WINTER WALKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Admire the sparkling summits of the Lakeland fells in winter on these five low-level walks offering stunning views of the snow-capped higher peaks. By Mark Sutcliffe
Easy routes on which to enjoy fine views of the frosty fells and meres.
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One of the delicious uncertainties of walking in the Lake District during the winter months is the role the weather can play in torpedoing the best-laid plans.
While a light dusting of snow makes the tops look all the more spectacular, freeze-thaw action can transform what are straightforward ridge walks in the summer months into perilously icy scrambles in winter. There may only be a couple of inches in the valley bottom, but until you actually get up on the tops it’s difficult to ascertain exactly what the conditions are going to be like – by which time the weather has a nasty habit of deteriorating.
High winds can push the snow into deep drifts and dangerous corniches and while south-facing slopes may be fine, north-facing gradients can remain treacherous. Make no mistake, winter conditions above the 2,000ft contour make the Lake District fells an authentically extreme environment and only those with knowledge and experience of winter hill-walking and the appropriate gear should consider venturing up there.
But this doesn’t mean the Lake District is out of bounds to casual hikers in winter. There are plenty of lower and mid-level routes in the valleys that afford breathtaking views of the fells in their glorious wintry garb. At this time of year, it’s wise to concede that discretion is the better part of valour and acknowledge that the best views of snow-capped mountains aren’t necessarily from their summits. So here are five easy walks to enjoy...