Coping with adverse weather conditions : Fog

Before writing this, I didn't quite realise just how many types of fog there are. Fog is essentially low lying warm, moist cloud that meets the cooler ground. Dense and thick fog severely limits visibility, valley fog can be stunningly beautiful, hill fog covers mountain tops and mist is obviously far less dense. As I'm not an expert I will deal, on a very basic level, with the types of fog I have encountered.

So how can you stay safe and comfortable when the fog comes down, or you set off in limited visibility?

Planning 

Fog can descend quickly and unexpectedly with changes in the weather, so planning is key. Check the weather forecasts, check mountain weather forecasts and if it looks as though it's going to be densely foggy, check your route to avoid precipitous drops or ridges, or perhaps change your plans altogether. If you're going to be in the mountains, this is especially key. Make sure you carry a paper map and compass, extra warm clothing, have a fully charged GPS with extra batteries and keep one phone turned off if there are two of you walking to save battery power. Have a look at a map, guidebook or online beforehand if you're unfamiliar with the area so you have an idea of what you might encounter, and make any necessary preparations or adjustments to your route. 

Wear bright colours

Black, navy blue, grey or white really aren’t suitable; wear yellow, orange or red to really stand out, both to each other, the rest of your party or if you get into difficulties and people need to look for you or if it’s starting to get darker. In the winter months, make sure you wear warm layers and waterproofs as it can be colder and damp in foggy conditions.

Getting caught in fog 

If you suddenly find yourself in thick fog when you’re already out, your pre-planning should come into effect so you have an idea of your route, any gnarly sections and/or alternative routes. We were up on Caw and Haycock in the middle of July when a sudden, dense fog engulfed us out of nowhere. We were going to try and cut a corner with a fairly substantial drop beside us, but instead followed the path back that we’d come on until the fog lifted. You should be able to make adjustments if necessary, or if you choose to, reading from your map and GPS. A lot of the time in the Lake District, there are cairns along paths to help keep you on track and on the popular fells, in our experience, there are usually people about to ask if you get stuck. We’ve been asked for help on several occasions when people have become disorientated in the mist and fog, and sadly on none of those occasions did they have a map or GPS that we could see…

Setting off in fog

Bro and I set off in very dense fog last November to climb four remote outlying fells from high on the Corney Fell Road in the Lake District. We walked and climbed for about four hours with only one, brief glimpse of the landscape in all that time. It was a little disconcerting to be honest, as we were completely unfamiliar with the area and for most of that time we could only probably see about 5-10 metres ahead. We had researched and planned the route and watched a couple of You Tube channels beforehand, so we at least knew the type of terrain we were going to be tackling. We walked in single file, kept conversation to a minimum, watched where we put our feet, had plenty of water, food, a flask of hot soup and spare warm clothes with us and wore waterproof jackets and over trousers. I always let Bro concentrate and I never, ever question his judgement or make my own (probably ill informed) suggestions as to which way to go, as I have full and complete confident in his abilities, which works well for us. I can then focus on noting any memorable or unusual features looming out of the gloom that Bro may not have seen when he was looking at the GPS or map. It's a good system which has never let us down in over two decades, and I'm proud to say we've never got lost or gone wrong. 

Navigation

Good navigation skills are crucial. As I mentioned, Bro is a very experienced navigator having been doing it for well over two decades, although I must add that I do know how to use the GPS and map and compass as well. On the walk cited above, we did take a few extra precautions as we really didn’t know the area and visibility was so poor. I took careful note of any memorable features such as unusual rock formations and broken dry stone walls and I called them out loud to make sure they lodged in our memories. This worked a treat as we came back a different way, but both recognised a dry stone wall built into an outcrop of rock we’d seen on the outward journey and so were able to follow that wall almost back to the car. We had a fully charged GPS with extra batteries, we kept my fully charged phone turned off and we took and noted grid references and direction every fifteen minutes or so with our paper map and compass and jotted them on Bro’s fully charged phone that we kept switched on. It all worked perfectly.

Be aware

You need to keep you wits about you and really take note of where you're walking, your foot placement and have an idea of where any drops or narrow paths might be. Keep together and walk slowly and carefully keeping to the paths. Don't break off and try to cut corners, and make sure you wait for anyone who stops for any reason. Sound is deadened in the hills and more so in the fog, so make sure you can see and hear each other all the time. It’s so easy to become disorientated when you’re turning this way and that. Always let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re walking, hiking, climbing, running or cycling alone. Know how to call for help and carry a whistle and head torch in case you start running out of daylight.

Wait

If possible and you’re not confident or unsure, sit and wait for the fog to clear. Even a glimpse of the landscape can give you a reference point to get you back on track.

However….

A cloud inversion, where fog lies in the valley and you’re above it, is the most staggeringly beautiful sight. Being up above the cloud in bright sun seeing a sea of white below you with only the mountain peaks visible like islands is totally magical. Walking in dense fog allows you to concentrate completely on your pace, your breathing and the path ahead. It’s quiet, sounds are muffled, there are usually fewer people around - especially in winter - and there are no distractions, so summits feel as though they’re gained much more quickly. Early morning mists in winter with diffused sunlight make everything ethereally beautiful.

Coping with adverse weather conditions : Heat

sunrise over kirk fell after a 3.30am start

Now that the days are lengthening and warming, this is the third blog in a mini series focusing on how to cope in adverse weather conditions, this time hiking in the heat. 

Plan your day

A little bit of forward planning will help you to enjoy, rather than suffer through, your day. Check the general weather forecast and the mountain forecast if you're hiking in the hills. It can still be very warm outside the summer months and if it looks as though it's going to be hot, then think about what it is you're planning to do and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. The hottest part of the day is usually from about noon to 3pm, so plan to set off early and be back before the heat of the day starts to build. If you do find yourself out in the heat of the afternoon, perhaps rest in the shade for an hour or two. We've started walking at 3am in the heat of summer on a couple of big mountain days which was lovely and meant we were back by 10.30/11am just as people were starting their walks. Try to plan a walk which has plenty of shade or woodland or is even near water if possible.

Choose your clothing

Do wear appropriate, loose fitting clothing. Wicking Tshirts are great for 'wicking,' or taking sweat away from your body as I've found a cotton Tshirt tends to stay damp and sticky which isn't very comfortable. Wear shorts or very lightweight trousers, summer weight walking socks and always wear a hat. Mine has a brim all the way round and my hair protects the back of my  neck, but Bro wears a baseball cap which he either turns round to cover his neck, or wears a Buff. A light, long sleeve top will protect you if you are prone to burning rather than tanning and you can also get wicking underwear, although we tend to stick to plain cotton. Make sure your socks are wool and cushioned, as cotton socks can rub and do make sure they fit properly or the chafing and rubbing will be intensely painful. You could take a spare pair of socks as it's lovely to take your boots and socks off, let your feet air and dry out, then put fresh socks on. That should help prevent blisters too. We don't tend to wear trail shoes as our boots are fairly lightweight anyway, but avoid waterproof or leather footwear as your poor feet will sweat profusely which can, again, lead to blisters. Tie hair back, don't wear lots of make up or jewellery, always wear sunglasses and use plenty of high factor, regularly applied sunscreen and lip balm. 

​Consider your abilities

​Make sure what you are choosing to do is suitable for your, and your companions,' abilities and fitness levels. Walking in the heat is draining and tiring and it isn't sensible to try and overextend a walk, hike, cycle ride or climb. Temper it to the conditions, the area and the time of day, and if you're not keen on setting off very early, consider making it a shorter day, or choosing somewhere shaded and more suitable. Avoid alcohol and overly excessive exercise.

​Hydrate

This has got to be one of, if not the, most crucial elements of any warm or hot day in the outdoors. I've said it before on this site, but if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. You must ensure you take more than enough water for the length of day. In the hills, there aren't always available water sources, so you should plan to take your own supply. You can filter water if there are sources to top you up, but it must be filtered or purified before drinking, however crystal clear and tempting a stream might look. Take small regular sips rather than huge gulps every so often. Electrolyte tablets dissolved in your water will help with replacing lost salts and minerals and make it taste better. However, over hydration is just as bad as dehydration. The colour of your pee will give you an indication on how hydrated you are; dark is not good, pale yellow is. For more information on recognising the symptoms of, and how to deal with, sun related conditions, visit the NHS website or talk to your doctor or health provider.

Cool down

Your body will need time to cool down as it will be working extremely hard and muscles can cramp with excessive sweating, so stay out of the sun as much as possible, rest, snack and cover up. Soak your hat or Buff in any cold water you find and it will cool your head nicely, or dip your hands and feet in. Filling your hat or cap and tipping it over your head is especially refreshing. You could even soak a Tshirt in the same way, but perhaps that's more for the men!

Rest

Try to find a shady spot, take your pack off and lie down, or sit down at the very least and take more breaks than you might do ordinarily. This will make your day longer and possibly slower, but you may well feel better for it. An umbrella may look a little odd in the hills, but it could provide vital shade for when you sit and have a break if there are no other options. We did this once on a very, very hot day on Harter Fell in Eskdale feeling a little foolish, but it proved to be utterly invaluable. 

And finally..

Always let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re walking, hiking, climbing, running or cycling alone. Know how to call for help and carry a whistle and head torch in case you start running out of daylight. Be prepared to simply not go if you feel it's going to be too hot, too far, too high, too exposed or too much for you and/or your companions. Much better to wait for a cooler day and enjoy it properly.

dawn on hardknott on what was a very hot day

a perfect swimming spot

Climbing Kinder

the true summit of kinder scout

Our first trip of 2025 was to the beautiful Peak District, somewhere we have really grown to love. Our objective was to climb the region's highest summit, Kinder Scout, standing at 2088 feet and dominating the Vale of Edale. We booked into what turned out to be the most delightfully cosy and comfortable old stone cottage at the top end of Castleton which was very convenient for Winnats Pass as well as places to eat in the village. 

We were out early on the first day, driving over the Pass and parking at Barber Booth before following a pretty lane to Upper Booth and briefly joining the Pennine Way. There was then a very steep but fairly short climb up onto the Kinder plateau where the wind was strong, but it was clear and thankfully not particularly cold. The bulk of Grindslow Knoll lay ahead of us, and from its rocky, exposed and much cooler summit were wonderful panoramic views.

From there, we dropped down slightly and followed Grindsbrook Clough on a wonderful high level path to the head of the valley, before heading roughly north east to Crowden Tower. Taking a well worn path from the Tower led us to the Wool Pack Stones, an area of gritstone rocks eroded into the most unusual and unique shapes, and in an area of heavy peat which was clearly being restored. We continued on to the Pym Stones, all of which made this section of the walk really different and interesting.

From the stones, we diverted across a large expanse of rough grass and bilberry, simply following the GPS as there was no discernible path. We soon reached the true summit of Kinder Scout, which was a fairly underwhelming small pile of stones on a grass mound, but the views were expansive. A narrow but well defined path from there brought us to the prominent trig point of Kinder Low before we headed steeply back down Jacob's Ladder to the beautiful old packhorse bridge over the River Noe. We then simply picked up the lane to Upper Booth again and followed it back to the car. It had been a windy and exhilarating walk, full of interest and thoroughly enjoyable.

The next day dawned wonderfully bright, sunny and warm. We had a leisurely, early walk around Castleton exploring every lane and path and quick wander up a deserted and much cooler Cavedale, before deciding it would be lovely to be up on Curbar Edge in the sun. It was absolutely glorious. We almost had the entire edge to ourselves and whilst it was breezy, it was wonderfully warm. Meandering along, we enjoyed the wonderful views before choosing a sheltered spot for an early lunch, carrying on to the end of Curbar then back again which was beautiful. Not really wanting to go back to the cottage, we crossed the road and went up onto Baslow Edge and walked from there to the Eagle Stone and on to the Wellington Memorial. Just stunning.

Our final full day found us up above Winnats Pass early, parking in a layby opposite the Mam Tor car park. There was a large group of paragliders in the field setting up and making their preparations before they headed up Mam Tor to launch. It was beautiful in the sun, and we had set our sights on climbing an Ethel (one of the 95 peaks over 400m), so we set off towards the interestingly named Slitherstone Hill. It was a gentle, easy walk over three permissible farm fields basking in the sun. It isn't possible to access the actual summit as it’s on private land, so we sat on a wall for a drink and to take in the views which was lovely and very quiet. We meandered slowly back again, stopping at the top of a small hill and watching the paragliders soaring over Mam Tor.

That afternoon, we relaxed a little in our sunny courtyard garden and had a final evening wander around Castleton before packing our things as we had a very early departure the next morning in order for Bro to attend a funeral in Hertfordshire. It had been a wonderful few days away and we were so lucky with the weather, but it was a shame we couldn't have stayed longer!

Feeling alive in 2025

Well, these last couple of months have been a little different for us. Have completed our Wainwright challenge and after 15 years or so of winter evenings spent planning routes, plotting which fells or mountains to climb, working out the best places to stay, booking accommodation, upgrading, updating, cleaning and repairing kit and gear, we have suddenly found ourselves with a little more spare time on our hands.

It's a slightly strange and mildly unsettling feeling. After so many years of knowing where we would be holidaying and what we would be doing on those holidays, we wondered how we going to fill that Wainwright shaped hole in our lives and keep fit, active, interested and motivated in 2025, so to that end, we’ve made some decisions and thought about some simple alternatives.

Decision One : We’re not going to start a second round of the Wainwrights.

The Reason : We know a lot of people do and we really can see the attraction, but anything we do climb in the Lakes will be specifically selected to get the views we missed the first time round, or simply because we want to revisit it. I can’t imagine visiting and not climbing something!

But then…. Setting yourself a challenge can be a good way of motivating yourself throughout the year to keep fit and active and keep getting you outdoors.

Decision Two: We're not going to tackle another long term challenge.

The Reason : People ask us what’s next and whether we’re going to start on the Munros, but we feel we had the perfect challenge for us which we thoroughly enjoyed. I admire those who climb the Munros tremendously, but I don’t think it is something we’ll undertake. Instead, we will try a few things in a much looser way. We have signed up to Country Walking's Walk 1000 miles this year which will give us purpose and impetus on our daily walks from home. We have done this several times before, and to be honest we walk over 1000 miles most years anyway, but it will still be fun to do in a slightly more official way.

But then…. A challenge doesn’t have to be anything huge or long term, it could simply be aiming to walk 10 miles by the end of the year, swim 50 lengths without stopping, or seeing if you can go for a short walk every single Sunday of the year. We’ve done lots of the Conqueror Virtual Challenges which are fun, or you could sign up to a Park Run or charity event.

Decision Three: We would like to start visiting the Peak District a little more often.

The Reason : We have a slightly half formed plan to climb some of the 95 Ethel tops of which we've already done 10. It would be lovely to see some different parts of this beautiful area, just as the Outlying fells afforded us differing views of Lakeland.

But then…. Getting out and about wherever you live is the important thing, not necessarily always visiting a National Park. We only spend our annual leave in those beautiful places; the rest of the year is spent walking within a 10-15 mile radius of home, and that’s Berkshire with no national parks!

Decision Four: We would like to visit other areas.

The Reason : As much as we adore the Lake District, there’s still a lot of the beautiful UK to explore. Scotland, Northumberland, Wales and more of the Yorkshire Dales are top of our list and, whilst we have been to all these areas before, it would be lovely to know them in more depth. Other ports of call such as the Isles of Scilly, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are on our list, as are one or two foreign destinations.

But then…. The New Forest is our nearest national park at just an hour and a half’s distance, yet we visit perhaps once a decade, so it would be lovely to get to know it a little better. Exploring your local area can be just as interesting and exciting. We made it our mission to visit all the National Trust properties, gardens and parks within about a 20 mile radius of home which has been lovely, and we’ll extend that range this year.

Decision Five: Inject some culture.

The Reason : I feel it can’t (or perhaps shouldn’t) be lakes and mountains all the time, and we need some mental stimulation and interest as well, so we plan to visit London more often. It’s a mere 40 minutes away by train away and we used to go more regularly, but rarely go these days. Museums, exhibitions and galleries are always of interest. It’s good to have a range and balance of interests I think.

But then…. London doesn’t have the monopoly on culture, interest and history, so we will also try and visit some of our other fascinating towns and cities.

Decision Six: Increase our cross training.

The Reason : We have started running again, but this is in addition to our daily walks and there's no real target to aim for, other than to increase our distance gradually and comfortably. I do regular yoga and Bro cycles using Zwift, both just to try and keep supple and build strength. We plan on getting out on our mountain bikes more and are hoping to get another dog towards the end of the year. 

But then…. Any form of gentle, differing exercise has to be a good thing on a regular basis. Even if you can’t get out, there are lots of exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home, or sitting at your desk.

In Summary: I think and hope this year will be just as invigorating despite us not having a long term challenge or a specific set of targets and goals to aim for. By balancing out our physical activity with some mental stimulation, we hope to have an equally interesting, active and enjoyable 2025, and hope you do too!