Why visit the Lakes in Winter?
The Lake District, often known simply as ‘the Lakes’ is a beautiful region of Cumbria in the North West of England. Home to England’s largest National Park, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from all over the UK and abroad who come to explore the stunning landscapes, pretty slate villages, and expansive lakes.
The latest surveys estimate that around 18 million visitors travel to the Lake District every year, which can lead to large crowds at popular destinations during peak periods.
That’s the main reason we recommend visiting in winter, as you can avoid the majority of the crowds, especially if you can avoid weekends and holidays.
Winter weather in the Lake District
Admittedly, the weather can be a bit unpredictable at this time of year. Last week started with overnight temperatures around freezing, but clear skies and milder days. By the end of the week the temperature had risen to double digits (Celsius) and we had a fair amount of rain!
It is also not uncommon to have snow in the lakes at this point of the season, and there was a light dusting on the fell (hill) tops this year.
As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing”!
What to pack for winter in the Lakes
Winter clothing in the Lakes is all about layers, as the temperature or your activity levels fluctuate it’s great to be able to quickly add or remove a layer and regulate your body temperature. This is where a small daysack / backpack comes in handy!
Base layers – thermal base layers are a great addition to your outdoor wardrobe. We’re massive fans of merino wool for base layers; they’re warm, comfortable, and naturally odour resistant! Icebreaker make a great range of thermals in various weights.
Mid layer – depending on your level of activity, and the weather on the day, you may need more or less mid-layers. Quite often Innes and I don’t bother with a mid layer, but Struan and Sarah almost always do. An extra thermal, a shirt, or a lightweight fleece or hoodie, will work just fine.
Outer Layers – a wind and waterproof jacket is essential, and we highly recommend a pair of waterproof over-trousers too.
Hiking Boots – a decent pair of hiking boots or approach shoes is important.
Wooly Hat (Toque) – a warm hat is handy for the evenings, although you can just re-purpose your Buff.
Sunglasses – the winter sun is often low in the sky, so a pair of sunglasses can be handy!
Backpack – not essential, but really handy for carrying extra layers, snacks for the kids, water etc. I’d recommend a waterproof bag if possible – we really like our Seal Line Skylake Dry Backpack.
RUX – we love our RUXs, they’re perfect for carrying all of this kit!
Go Pro – if you don’t have video for your favourite social site did your Lake District trip even happen?
Radios – we find our Rocky Talkies to be invaluable for keeping in touch on the mountain without digging around in your pockets for your phone. We generally give one to Struan, so when he bombs off without us we can find him again!
Re-usable Water Bottle – we’re all about reducing unnecessary plastic waste and if you’ve read any of our other posts, you’ll know it has to be Yeti!
Apres Adventure – Most places in the Lakes are pretty relaxed, and are set up for muddy boots, and muddy dogs, so you don’t need much in the way of extra clothing, you may just stay in your outdoor gear, in fact i think a lot of people in the Lakes just dress like that to fit in, even if they haven’t been out on the Fells! Don’t forget to pack your swim shorts/suit if you’re lucky enough to have a pool or hot tub for some apres adventure relaxing.
Where to Stay
Cathedral Cave
Both the campsite and Langdale are perfectly placed for a hike to the Cathedral Cavern. This former slate quarry in the Little Langdale Valley consists of a number of interconnected slate mines, including a very impressive central cave.
Take a head-torch and see if you can find the tunnel through the mountain.
Don’t miss Slater’s Bridge while you’re there.
