Coping with adverse weather conditions : Cold
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grasmere
Walking in winter can be hugely enjoyable and stunningly beautiful, but it can also be more challenging, so a little more preparation and care is needed.
SKIDDaw from longside edge
Degrees of cold: I once spent a night in the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland, well inside the Arctic Circle, when it was -27. That temperature didn't actually feel any different to -2, but the wind chill is brutal. If it's cold down in the valley, it'll be degrees colder on the tops, and if it's windy, then much more so.
Help yourself: Your body works much harder to keep you warm in the cold, so you tire more easily. Keep your core warm, take on plenty of fluids, have regular snacks and don't hang around too long to eat, drink or admire the view.
Wear windproof over-trousers: We walked up to Raise and on to Stybarrow Dodd last November and I thought I was fine in my 'windstopper' trousers until it started snowing, with a freezing wind which hurled itself at us the minute we stepped onto Stybarrow's summit, until I couldn't feel my legs. Bro kindly let me wear his over-trousers on the descent to warm up, and it really made a difference. I never walk without them in my pack now, even in summer.
Wear spikes: They really will help you grip on slippery, slushy, icy or snowy paths and will be especially invaluable on the descents.
Have a contingency plan: Be prepared to change and adapt your plans according to the conditions, your abilities or how you’re feeling. After coming down from Wetherlam one winter to Swirl Hause, we were planning to carry on up the Prison Band to Swirl How but we were cold, a little tired, it was very foggy and the climb up was very icy, so we decided against it. Much better to enjoy it as another walk, feeling fresh and with a view.
Tell someone: Let someone know where you're going, leave a note or at least know how to call Mountain Rescue - call 999 and ask for Police who will transfer you.
Enjoy it: Be prepared to absolutely love the crisp air, the magical scenery and crunching along in the snow. Even if the conditions are less than perfect, think of a hot chocolate, a hearty meal and a roaring fire at the end of your day.
yes, still enjoying it!