How to be Adventure Smart in The Lake District

One of the biggest reasons our customers love to book a cottage in the Lake District is that it is the adventure capital of the UK and has a huge range of great adventure activities for you to try. The Lake District is an amazing place if you love hiking and there are lots of routes to enjoy. With spectacular fells and picturesque lakes, there are hundreds of walks of all degrees of difficulty to keep you busy during your visit.

Adventure Smart Lake District

Making sure that you have the right kit and are ‘adventure smart’ is essential when hiking in the Lake District, however. By adventure smart, we mean ensuring you appropriately pack for your walk and don’t take risks where you don’t need to.

While the views are amazing, the weather can also be very changeable, even during spring and summer. Here’s our quick guide to staying safe and enjoying your next hike in the Lake District.

Invest in the Right Walking Kit

Newbie walkers think that a good pair of boots and a coat are all you need. For many routes, this is true. But if you’re serious about your fell walking or want to take your hiking to the next level, it’s time to invest in some serious kit.

This should include a backpack that is big enough to hold your equipment but light enough that it doesn’t make walking difficult. You will want to invest in some waterproofs in case you get caught out in the rain, a hat to protect you from the sun and some sunscreen to ensure you don’t come down looking like a lobster. If you want to start walking during the winter months when there is often snow on the ground, you may also need to invest in specific kit such as crampons and cold-weather clothing.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Whatever time of year you are going for a hike in the Lake District, paying attention to the weather is critical as it is anywhere else.

Even on a bright, sunny day, the conditions can change quickly. Most people who get into trouble on the fells do so because the weather has suddenly worsened. This is certainly important if you are walking during the colder winter months.

Is This the Right Walk for You?

Another reason for people getting into difficulty is choosing a walk that is not suitable for them and is far too challenging. Some of the routes around the Lake District are pretty hard and should only be tackled by those who have the right level of fitness and hiking experience. Check online what the route involves, how long it is and be honest about whether you can achieve it or not. In most areas, there is a mix of easy and harder trails to follow.

Don’t Forget Your Waterproofs

It’s amazing the number of people who don’t take waterproofs with them when out on a walk. A lightweight cagoule doesn’t add much to your backpack and is indispensable if there is a short, sharp shower.

Getting wet out in the open is uncomfortable and can put you at risk if you get lost or have an accident because it leads to heat loss and potential hypothermia.

Avoid Dehydration

Finally, water is another simple thing to add to your backpack. Especially on strenuous walks, dehydration is likely to quickly sap your energy. If you get lost or are unlucky enough to have an accident, water is essential. Regular sips should keep you hydrated and in good spirits if you are out on a hot day. And, if you are on a long walk, adding a simple energy-boosting trail mix can also make a difference.