Tis the season to be indulgent.
Over Christmas all of us, myself included, are likely to be inclined to reach for that extra mince pie, that tempting slice of Stilton or the last (or so we may promise ourselves) chocolate of the day.
What’s wrong with that? you may reasonably ask and, to be honest, I don’t know if anything really is.
However, although eating is a big part of Yuletide, for lots of us a chilly walk will be as much a tradition as the Queen’s speech, eggnog, and an afternoon nap in a stupid hat.
Any hiker will tell you the eternal truth that even a Cup-a-Soup and a smashed up Digestive – let alone turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings – can taste positively sublime after a wintery ramble in the fells. Constitutionals complement consumption.
Top locations for a ramble
So, where to go at a time where the weather window may only be open a mere crack between downpours and daylight is in short supply?
Near where I live, the obvious choices are places like Loughrigg, probably one of the best view-to-effort ratio fells in the Lake District, with a spectacular outlook in every direction.
The hike up to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere has a few steep sections for those who really want to earn their pigs in blankets and a walk around Rydal Water with a stop off at the Rydal Caves never disappoints.
The circuit at Tarn Hows – with wide, well-kept paths all the way and no stiles – is perfect for a full family outing.
Fellside feasts
When it comes to food, it’s probably only an absolute devotee who’d be cooking in the mountains at this time of year.
However, you can still prepare plenty of delicious dishes to take with you. Christmas is a time when there are lots of leftovers around and these are perfect for turning into stock and then soups to put in a flask for a walk.
Food flasks are also becoming more and more popular.
You won’t quite be able to put Christmas dinner in a food flask, but they are great for dishes like curries or chilli.
One of my favourite mountain meals at any time of the year is a spicy three bean chilli, but it works particularly well as a winter warmer.
Spicy meatballs in a tomato sauce are also a winner when it comes to warming the cockles.
Wherever you go and whatever you eat, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, stay safe in the hills and roll on 2022!
