It’s not always true to say that it’s a pleasure to be in the fells during the winter.
All too often it seems our colder months are filled with dreary rainstorms and high winds, rendering a mountain hike ‘type two’ fun – if indeed it’s really any fun at all!
However, for two weeks at the beginning of December we were blessed with proper winter weather; thick frosts, clear skies and cheeks as red as the sunset over the Solway.
It has been a great privilege that this run of pristinely piercing climatic conditions coincided with my mission to gather photography for my new book, Cook Out.
As well as being a great opportunity for myself and photographer Kenny Block to head into the hills to get some shots for the book, it has been a great reminder of just how special the Lake District can look in the wintertime.
Our daily missions have taken us up fells including Clough Head and into the Helvellyn Range, as well as Wetherlam, Blencathra and the Langdale Pikes, while in the evenings I’ve been busy prepping ingredients to cook on the mountainside.
Over Christmas, many of us will be looking forward to heading out for a chilly ramble or two to burn off some of the extra festive helpings, but you don’t have to get up really high to enjoy the glory of winter in the Lake District.
In fact, there is a lot to be said for staying down low, especially if you want to involve the whole family and conditions are less than ideal.
Here’s a quick guide to some of my favourite low level festive wanders. However, please remember that no matter how short or easy a walk may seem, you must always go prepared and be sure you have the fitness, equipment and skills required to get back safely.
Grasmere to Rydal via Lakeside and the Coffin Route
This is a beautiful and popular loop which can be then either clockwise or anticlockwise starting in Rydal or Grasmere.
The route follows minor roads and well-trodden paths to circumnavigate Grasmere and Rydal Water, including the beautiful lakeshore path on the western side of Grasmere and the Coffin Route on the hillside to the north of Rydal Water.
The Coffin Route was the traditional path used to take the dead from Rydal to be buried at the church in Grasmere. It has quite an atmosphere – especially on a dull winter’s day!
Carrock Fell
Carrock Fell may be a relatively small Lakeland top at only 661m but it makes up for its relatively diminutive size with beautiful views across to Blencathra.
One of the best routes is a loop taking in Carrock Beck, to its north, and the River Caldew to the south, with a detour to get to the summit.
Gummers How
Short, but always sweet, an ascent of Gummers How may be the perfect Boxing Day hike. From parking on Fell Foot Brow, above Fell Foot Park, a steep ascent brings you to an incredible outlook across Lake Windermere. A great place to sit and enjoy a turkey sandwich or two.
Great Borne from Ennerdale
Another smallish fell with a big view, Great Borne is reached from the western end of the ever-attractive Ennerdale.
A steep pull is required to reach the top, whichever way you attack it, but the views towards Great Gable, Starling Dodd, Pillar and Steeple are well worth the effort.
Crummock Water
There is a special feeling of peace at the lesser visited lakes of West Cumbria and Crummock Water is one of my all time favourites.
You can make a circuit of the whole water via a series of low-level paths and a short section on the road, taking in the pretty village of Buttermere on the way.
