Braving the Cold: Lake District Winter Magic

Winter in the Lake District: A Different World

Summer crowds disappear. The fells wear snowy crowns. Stone walls emerge from morning mist like ancient guardians. Winter transforms the Lake District into a quieter, more contemplative realm—and it's spectacular.

The Lakeland winter isn't for everyone. It's wet, it's cold, and it's frequently snowing above 2,000 feet. But for those who brave it, the rewards are extraordinary: frozen waterfalls, snow-dusted peaks, empty trails, and that profound silence you only find in mountains in winter.

Great Winter Walks

Catbells: The Classic Winter Fell (5 miles, 3 hours)

Perhaps the Lake District's most loved "small" mountain (1,480 ft), Catbells offers stunning Derwentwater views with manageable winter ascent.

Route: Start at Hawse End (parking available), ascend the ridge to summit, return same way or via Hause Gate
Distance: 5 miles circular
Difficulty: Moderate. Can be icy near summit—microspikes recommended in snow
Highlights: 360° views of Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and Skiddaw. Often above the cloud layer in winter
Parking: Hawse End (£6/day), or take the Keswick Launch from town
Pub: Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley (19th-century coaching inn, real ales, roaring fire)

Tarn Hows: Fairy-Tale Woodland Walk (1.5 miles, 1 hour)

National Trust's most photographed location. When frozen, it's pure magic.

Route: Easy loop around the tarn from main car park
Distance: 1.5 miles, mostly flat
Accessibility: Partially wheelchair accessible (packed gravel paths)
Best Time: Early morning for mist over frozen tarn, or sunset for alpenglow on surrounding fells
Wildlife: Red squirrels (look for feeding stations), winter birds
Parking: National Trust car park (free for members, £5 non-members)
Warm-up: Drunken Duck Inn (2 miles away)—gastropub with own brewery

Grasmere to Rydal: Wordsworth's Winter Route (4 miles, 2 hours)

Follow in the Romantic poet's footsteps through woodland and by lakeside.

Route: Grasmere village → Rydal Water → Rydal Mount → return via Rydal Cave
Distance: 4 miles circular
Highlights: Rydal Water reflections, Wordsworth's homes (Dove Cottage & Rydal Mount open in winter), Rydal Cave
Literary: This was Wordsworth's daily constitutional—"I wandered lonely as a cloud" country
Parking: Grasmere village car parks (££), or public transport from Windermere
Tea Room: Sam Read's Bookshop Cafe (warm gingerbread, local books)

Aira Force Waterfall (3 miles, 1.5 hours)

70-foot spectacular waterfall, magical when partially frozen.

Route: National Trust Aira Force car park, loop via upper and lower viewpoints
Distance: 3 miles with elevation
Winter Spectacle: Ice formations on rocks, roaring winter flow, occasional full freeze
Facilities: National Trust tearoom, toilets at car park
Photography: Best morning light, tripod useful for long-exposure water shots

Buttermere Lake Circuit (4.5 miles, 2.5 hours)

One of the Lake District's most beautiful valley walks, stunning year-round.

Route: Complete loop of Buttermere Lake from village
Distance: 4.5 miles, mostly flat
Dramatic: High Stile ridge towers above, reflections in still water, tunnel section for drama
Winter Challenge: Can be muddy—waterproof boots essential
Parking: Buttermere village (limited, £8/day)
Refreshments: Bridge Hotel or Fish Inn (both serving lunch, log fires)

Winter Essentials for Lake District

Weather Check: Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) for fell conditions—changes rapidly
Gear: Waterproofs (guaranteed rain), warm layers, gaiters, microspikes for ice, head torch (dark by 4pm)
Navigation: Map & compass essential—mist descends quickly, phone signal unreliable
Emergency: Tell someone your route, carry whistle & emergency shelter

Warm-Up Destinations

Legendary Lake District Pubs

The Old Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale: Climbers' pub since 1860s, basic but atmospheric, real ales, walker-friendly
Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater: 16th century, own brewery, hearty food, log fires
The Britannia Inn, Elterwater: Heart of walking community, excellent bar meals, local beers

Cozy Cafes & Tea Rooms

Lucy's on a Plate, Ambleside: Famous cakes, local produce, busy but worth the wait
Herdy Café, Kentmere: Windermere jetty location, stunning views, locally-made Herdy products
Bluebird Café, Coniston: Lakeside location, excellent coffee, views of Coniston Water

Winter Events & Activities

Keswick Victorian Winter Fair (February): Traditional market, street entertainment
Winter Fell Running: Local clubs welcome visitors (Ambleside AC, Keswick AC)
Indoor Climbing: Keswick Climbing Wall for wet days
Swimming: Wild swimming clubs (Chill Swim, Lake District Swim)

References & Resources

Getting There

Train: Direct from London Euston to Windermere (3.5 hours)
Buses: Excellent public transport network connects main villages
Car: M6 to Junction 36 or 40, but parking limited in winter (use park-and-ride)