Why Winter Walking in the Lake District is Amazing

There is no doubt that the Lake District is one of the most amazing places to visit if you like walking. The great news is it’s the perfect hiking location even during the winter. There are plenty of spectacular views and the odd welcoming hostelry where you can warm yourself in front of the fire.

Winter Walking in the Lake District

Winter walking can sometimes be a bit of a lottery and you’ll have to keep an eye on the weather at all times, which is why it’s great to have a cosy holiday cottage to retreat to if the weather is too bad. It’s also important to be well-prepared, have the right equipment and make sure you carry your phone with you. One of the best reasons to go winter walking in the Lake District is that there are far fewer people. If the busy tourist summer season don’t get you excited and you prefer being alone, then this will be perfect for you.

While some cafes and tourist strongholds do close for the winter months, there are many visitor centres, bars and restaurants and the like along some iconic walks that are open – these are less busy too so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a seat.

If you fancy the challenge, there’s solitude and drama aplenty during the winter in the Lake District. Here are just some of the locations you can enjoy.

Grizedale Forest – Grizedale Forest is a great one for all the family, young and old, and it’s spectacular during the winter. There are a mix of easy and slightly harder routes and something to suit all activity levels.

It’s a really good place if you like photography as the light often creates fantastic patterns through the trees early in the morning and late in the day. Located just east of Coniston Water, the visitor facilities stay open all year round and there are often exhibitions to enjoy.

Coppermines Valley – If you’re looking for something more strenuous and truly dramatic views over the Lake District, the Coppermines Valley route takes you up and above Coniston Water. The walk takes a couple of hours, and you may need some basic map reading skills to get you to the top.

Along the way, you’ll find wonderful panoramas and historic sites such as the foundations of old buildings that were occupied by local miners. The route starts and finishes at the Black Bull Inn, which is also a great place to warm yourself once you get back.

Castle Crag – Head further east to Windermere and you’ll find the Castle Crag route, another favourite with winter walkers who visit the Lake District. Covering about 5 miles, this should take you 3 to 4 hours and includes some notable landmarks such as Tongue Gill and a stunning view of Derwent Water.

Weather permitting that you manage to reach the summit of Castle Crag, there are more majestic views to take in – winter is really the best time to see these, especially if there is some snow on the hills.

Derwent Water – If you don’t fancy getting up into the hills around the Lake District, there are also quite a few lakeside hikes that are less of a challenge. Derwent Water is probably one of the prettiest and takes just an hour and a half – perfect for a Sunday morning stroll. This is a fairly sheltered area in parts and the main attractions are the haunting trees and the stunning hand sculpture that celebrates 100 years of the National Trust in the Lake District.

After a great day of winter walking in the Lake District fells, relax in your own holiday cottage. Find a great range of cottages in beautiful places in and around Coniston with the Coppermines.