The Lake District in Winter
Most people know that the Lake District National Park is a lovely place to visit, and crowds flock to the area in the summer for some (hopefully!) nice weather, lakeside walking and hill climbing. However, not as many visit in winter, which makes it the ideal time to visit, with more accommodation choices, less people about and the amazing views blanketed by frost and snow.
Hill walking becomes a different sport, from wrapping up against the cold to walking on ice or through snow. Read on for some hints and tips for winter hiking, plus a selection of different routes for all abilities from one of Alfred Wainwright’s famous books.
Wainwright’s Northern Fells
Wainwright wrote seven books on seven areas of the Lake District, with detailed maps and descriptions of each fell within the area – each fell now being known as a Wainwright, with 214 of them to bag. Book six in the series, the North Western Fells, covers the area between Crummock Water and Buttermere to the west and Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water to the east.
This area nestles up the market town of Keswick, which makes an ideal base for your visit, and easy to access from the M6/A66 in winter. The views from Keswick itself are stunning, looking back to the looming Skiddaw peak to the north of the town (when it’s not topped with cloud), or across Derwentwater to the Newlands valley.
Winter Hiking in the Lake District North Western Fells
Below are three different distance hikes in the North Western Fells, all bagging at least one Wainwright, and taking into account winter conditions. In the Lake District there are a number of high passes which are either closed or not recommended when snowy conditions hit, so all routes are on main roads. Also see here (link to below) for some handy tips and advice on winter hiking. Timings listed below are for hikes without snow and ice, which can slow you down.
3 North Western Fells Routes To Try – Short, Medium and Long!
North Western Fells Short Walk – Castle Crag
It is pretty tiny in the grand scheme of things, standing at only 290m high, but Castle Crag is a fun hike, with plenty of interest along the way, and some lovely views of Derwentwater at the top. It’s an out and back route, with some flat walking to ease in before the short and sharp pull up the side of Castle Crag. You’ll soon find yourself at the base of the scree-like pile of rocks. Head up there on the good path (this might be icy in winter so remember your microspikes), take a look at the quarry then do the final little ascent to the summit.
⛰️ Castle Crag (290m)
⏱️ Approx. 1:25 hrs
📈 215m
🥾 2.5 miles
🚗 Park at Rosthwaite National Trust Car Park, paid for. Alternatively, get the 78 bus from Keswick and get off just before the Royal Oak Hotel.
North Western Fells Medium Walk – Catbells & Maiden Moor
Catbells is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake District, which makes it a great choice in winter when the crowds lessen. If you’re a more confident hiker, a sunrise hike up Catbells is a treat – and in winter you get a little lie in due to the sun rising later! The paths are generally good, with a steeper pull up from the start.
There’s a mini scramble half-way up, so make sure you have microspikes (link to below) with you, in case it’s icy. There is a path to the left which means you can avoid some of it. Once you’re at the top, the views over Derwentwater are lovely, especially with the sun rising more south east in winter, across the lake. Add on Maiden Moor, the next peak along (out and back) to extend the hike, and drop down between Maiden Moor and Catbells to skirt the base of the peaks on the path next to the road, back to the start.
⛰️ Catbells (451m) & Maiden Moor (576m)
⏱️ Approx. 3:15 hrs
📈 597m
🥾 5.2 miles
🚗 Small parking area at start of path, called ‘Catbells parking’ on Google Maps
North Western Fells Long Walk – The Coledale Horseshoe
The Coledale Horseshoe is one of my favourite horseshoe hikes in the Lake District. Stunning views, plenty of interesting hills, the ability to add more peaks (or remove them!), and you can do it in either direction to mix it up (clockwise or anti-clockwise).
In winter, it’s a landscape of rolling white hills and interesting snowy peaks. Causey Pike always looks great from a distance, with the distinguishable lumps of its summit. This horseshoe is the basic route (minimum peaks) but others can be added on to extend, such as Grasmoor, Wandope, Scar Crags, Causey Pike and Barrow. In winter, and especially in snowy conditions, hiking can take a lot longer though – so keep that in mind!
⛰️ Grisedale Pike (791m), Hopegill Head (770m), Crag Hill (839m), Sail (773m) & Outerside (568m)
⏱️ Approx. 6 hrs
📈 1185m
🥾 9.2 miles
🚗 Braithwaite village
Tips for Winter Hiking
Microspikes are always recommended for icy paths (or crampons and ice axe for full winter conditions), with the necessary skills to use them. Ensure you check weather carefully before you set off, and pack enough layers to keep warm (accounting for it being colder on higher ground) and food and drink. Make sure you’ve planned the route, downloaded it on the OS App and have a paper copy for reference.
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By Suze Haworth
Meet Suze Haworth – Hiker, Scrambler and Sunrise Hunter
I’ve been hiking for 16 years now, and I love being outdoors, exploring and being in the hills. I’m at my happiest spending a day (or longer!) out in the mountains, creating and following routes, and just enjoying being outside.
Read More About Suze on her OS Champion Profile Page – Suzanne Haworth
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