Whatever the weather, winter in the Lake District is a magical time. With snow-capped peaks, frosty fields, icy lakes and golden hour all day long, you won’t be disappointed with a winter getaway in the Lake District. There’s plenty to experience, whether that’s a wild adventure up transformed fells or settling into a cosy cafe or pub – simply pick whatever takes your fancy. Here are just 8 of our favourite ways to do winter in the Lakes.
1. Appreciate the stunning views
As soon as you get to the Lake District in winter, you know something special is in the air. The mountains could be covered in snow, or there could just be a dusting on the tops, but either way, summer’s green and autumn’s browns are replaced with a scattering of white and soft winter light. Easy walks are transformed into something even more memorable, as well as scenic drives. Take a little road trip around to soak it all in – just make sure you check the forecast for ice and snow conditions if you’re heading over the high passes.
2. Get out winter walking
Any experienced walker looking to test their mettle will get a kick out of taking on the fells in winter. You’ll want to make sure your nav is up to scratch, and that you’ve got all the right gear – and know how to use it. If you don’t, check out any variety of winter walking courses, as the Lakes has plenty of excellent providers around. Try a winter skills course Lakeland Ascents or Lake District Weatherline, which will teach you loads and probably take you up a magnificent ridge to Helvellyn along the way. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, don’t be put off by the snow. Simply wrap up warm and pick from a range of low-level walks such as around Derwentwater or Easedale Tarn, which will still have enough magic to take your breath away.
3. Learn winter climbing
If you like climbing, trying your hand at mixed winter climbing is a must. Sure, it’s extremely challenging, requiring you to be outside in the cold for long stretches where you’ll want to get your layering exactly right. But really, there’s no more extreme type of wild adventure in the UK than hacking your way up a frozen route. Go with a guide – Chris Ensoll has been running trips for years. It’s best to chat to a guide and be flexible on times so you can wait for the best conditions to come in.
4. Try winter wild swimming
There’s a reason the UK has seen a wild swimming boom. More and more of us are finding it an incredible way to boost our wellbeing and be immersed in nature, and its positive effects are felt all the more in winter when the water is coolest. You’ll want to be careful when approaching temperatures of under 5 degrees of course, so it’s worth reading an expert guide such as these cold water swimming tips from Swim the Lakes. But with just a few precautions you’ll be able to explore and enjoy it as much as you are drawn to doing. We recommend low-level dips in Derwentwater, or the river near the Chinese Bridge in Borrowdale to start – and then go looking for a mountain tarn if you want to break some ice!
5. Enjoy sunrises and sunsets
Normally experiencing the beauty of golden hour requires getting up silly early or staying out silly late. Whilst we all love longer days in the summer, the big upside to shorter days in winter is that you’ll probably start your days with inspiring sunrises and finish them with fiery sunsets. Lots of walkers and runners love to spend the whole day out from golden hour to golden hour – often you’ll be treated to gorgeous light all day long. If you’re really lucky, you might even see a fantastic weather inversion to accompany it, letting you stand above a sea of misty clouds.
6. Wrap up on a boat cruise
Even through winter the boat cruises run, just with a less frequent schedule – the Windermere Lake Cruise run every day except Christmas. Put some layers on and relax as it takes you across beautiful scenes of England’s largest lake – catch an early one for misty waters, frosted trees and hazy mountains. Derwentwater launches also operate throughout winter, offering a great way to cut long walks around the lake and its encompassing hills short if you’ve had enough of been out in the cold.
Find Keswick Launch times here
7. Taste a range of winter menus
As many pubs around the Lake District thrive on seasonal produce, you’ll want to make sure you sample some of these menus whilst you’re here. Expect hearty stews with local veg, warming puddings and locally-sourced game. With a number of excellent cocktail bars and trendy coffee shops emerging across Cumbria, keep an eye out for winter specials too. You’ll be able to warm up after a long day with spiced winter warmers and boozy hot chocolates.
8. Warm by roaring fires
Is there anything better than finding a pub with a roaring fire after a long day out on wild and wet fells? There are very few pubs in the Lake District which wouldn’t welcome in a collection of muddy boots and soggy paws in on a cold day in winter. To be honest, even if you haven’t been out walking, it’s often cold enough that a warm hearth will be more than welcome anyway. Some of our favourites local to Keswick include The Pheasant Inn at Bassenthwaite Lake or the Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater.
