5 THINGS TO DO NOW...

1 START A MOUNTAIN DIARY

Whether you’re a seasoned hillwalking expert or a complete novice who has just started out, there is always ways to expand your hillwalking CV. See how many of our mountain experiences you can tick off on page 40 and then start your own mountain résumé in the form of a diary. When Facebook is a thing of the past, it’ll be a real-life keepsake of your achievements and all those little details that you may just cherish in years to come when you’re reminiscing about that weekend in the Lakes, or a particular ascent of your favourite peak. Perhaps you could even include some photos and doodles, too?

2 TEST YOURSELF IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

During the summer months the Lake District is a much-trodden, familyfriendly destination, but once snow has descended the footfall becomes scarce and exciting summer scrambles, like Lord’s Rake on Scafell (page 26), are transformed into much more challenging, icy prospects. Equipped with the correct gear and know-how, you too can make the most of winter and discover the beauty of the Lake District intensified by a blanketing of snow and ice.

3 MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Could you leave a legacy to the mountains you love? John Muir Trust land manager, Pete Barron (page 64), has trodden in the conservation footsteps of the legendary John Muir and made a real difference in the Lake District. Think about what you could do to give something back – organise a litter pick for example, join the John Muir Trust, or get involved with the BMC’s Mend Our Mountains – a campaign to raise funds to repair upland paths.

4 VISIT FAIRIES IN SNOWDONIA

If you’re headed for the hilltops of north Wales any time soon, make sure that a trip to Betws-yCoed is part of your plans. This idyllic village (page 8) cannot be beaten for access to Snowdonia’s rugged mountains, and the hotspot is also the apparent home to mythical sprites that dwell at a beautiful nature site known as Fairy Glen.

5 MAKE A SUCCESS OF GETTING LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS

Gen up on your nav skills and the next time you get that sinking feeling that you’re not where you’re supposed to be, use the expert skills in our handy guide (page 60) to ensure you get back on track in next to no time at all. We give you six simple steps to follow for a quick fix to that brief lapse in navigational concentration!