Hiking in the UK During Winter: A Complete Guide
Winter hiking in the UK is a magical experience. From snow-covered peaks in Scotland to frost-kissed moorlands in England, the colder months reveal a serene and untouched side of the country’s landscapes. However, winter hiking requires preparation, knowledge, and respect for the elements.
In my blog i’ll guide you through everything you need to know about winter hiking in the UK, from some of the best routes, to winter skills training, to essential safety tips.
Above Photo Credit: Benjamin Huggett @benjiblobs
Contents
Why Hike in Winter?
We all love hiking don’t we? Guess you wouldn’t be reading this blog otherwise! But I would wager that most people would describe themselves as ‘warm weather hikers’….and head out onto the trails during the peak months of Spring, Summer and Autumn. And why not? I mean…you can’t beat a hike on a warm Summer’s day…or can you?
But how many of us actually relish the opportunity to venture out during the Winter months, where the days are short, the temperatures drop dramatically, as we brace ourselves for months of freezing rain, sleet and snow?
For me, you can’t beat it! So here’s why you should be like me, and lace up your boots and embrace the chill…
Stunning Scenery: We are blessed in the UK with a huge variety of dramatic landscapes, that are transformed during Winter…From snow-covered mountains, to frost-glazed trees, and icy waterfalls, they all create postcard-perfect views.
Tranquility: Most hiking trails during Winter are far less crowded, offering solitude and a more intimate connection with nature.
Physical and Mental Challenge: Winter conditions test your fitness and resilience, making each destination or summit feel even more rewarding.
However, as i’ve said, Winter also brings its challenges, including shorter days, unpredictable weather, and icy trails, making preparation crucial!
Essential Gear for Winter Hiking
Check out the December issue of Trail Magazine to see their Essential Winter Gear Guide 2024
Winter hiking requires specialised gear to ensure safety and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need:
Clothing
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Insulating Layers: Fleece or down jackets for warmth.
Outer Layers: Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers.
Footwear
Boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
Crampons/Microspikes: Essential for icy terrain.
Accessories
Gloves, hats, and neck gaiters to retain warmth.
Gaiters to keep snow and mud out of your boots.
Sunglasses or goggles for glare from snow.
Safety Equipment
Ice axe for self-arrest on steep or icy slopes.
Headlamp with extra batteries (days are short).
Map, compass, and GPS device for navigation.
Avalanche safety equipment (in high-risk areas).
Winter Hiking Safety Tips
Check the Weather
Always consult weather forecasts, including mountain-specific forecasts like those from the Met Office or MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service).
Plan Your Route
Choose routes suitable for your experience level and allow extra time for winter conditions. Always carry a map and compass.
Start Early
With fewer daylight hours, begin your hike at sunrise to ensure you finish before dark.
Equip Yourself Properly
Ensure you have the right gear, including crampons, ice axes, and navigation tools.
Learn Winter Skills
Winter hiking, especially in snowy or icy conditions, requires additional skills for safety and enjoyment. If you plan to hike in areas with significant snow, ice, or altitude during winter, it’s essential to gain the proper training.
Why Winter Skills Training?
Winter hiking introduces challenges such as:
Navigation in low visibility.
Safe travel over snow and ice.
Avoiding and responding to avalanches.
Managing risks of hypothermia and extreme weather.
Investing in winter skills training not only boosts confidence but also ensures your safety and enhances your enjoyment of the UK’s beautiful winter landscapes.
Below are some reputable organisations offering winter skills courses across the UK:
Winter Skills Training in the UK
Photo credit: Active Outdoor Pursuits
1. Glenmore Lodge, Cairngorms, Scotland
Location: Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park
Website: Glenmore Lodge
What They Offer:
Winter skills courses for beginners to advanced hikers.
Topics include navigation in winter, using crampons and ice axes, avalanche awareness, and self-arrest techniques.
Mountaineering and winter climbing courses for those progressing beyond hiking.
Why Here?
The Cairngorms is a premier location for winter mountaineering, and Glenmore Lodge is renowned for its highly experienced instructors and comprehensive courses.
2. Plas y Brenin, Snowdonia, Wales
Location: Capel Curig, Snowdonia
Website: Plas y Brenin
What They Offer:
Introductory winter skills courses covering ice axe and crampon use, navigation, and avalanche awareness.
Advanced courses for mountaineering and scrambling in winter conditions.
Why Here?
Located in the heart of Snowdonia, Plas y Brenin offers easy access to challenging terrain and winter conditions.
3. Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre (Sportscotland Cumbrae)
Location: Aviemore and Fort William, Scotland
Website: Sportscotland Training Courses
What They Offer:
Comprehensive winter skills and safety training.
Specialised courses in winter mountaineering and backcountry navigation.
Why Here?
These courses combine expert knowledge with a focus on the challenging Scottish Highlands environment.
4. Mountain Training UK & Ireland
Location: Various providers across the UK (searchable database).
Website: Mountain Training
What They Offer:
Mountain Training offers personal development courses such as Mountain Skills and Winter Mountain Leader training.
Accredited courses focus on navigation, crampons, ice axe use, and avalanche safety.
Why Here?
They work with local guides and instructors, making it easy to find courses tailored to your location.
5. West Coast Mountain Guides, Scottish Highlands
Location: Fort William, Scotland
Website: West Coast Mountain Guides
What They Offer:
Winter mountaineering courses for both beginners and advanced levels.
Topics include winter navigation, avalanche awareness, and self-rescue.
Why Here?
Based near Ben Nevis, the courses provide direct access to some of the UK’s most challenging winter terrain.
6. Lakeland Mountain Guides, Lake District, England
Location: Keswick, Lake District
Website: Lakeland Mountain Guides
What They Offer:
One-day or multi-day winter skills courses covering navigation, crampons, and safe route planning.
Guided winter hikes and scrambles.
Why Here?
For those exploring the Lake District in winter, this is a great way to gain confidence in less extreme conditions.
7. Peak Mountaineering, Peak District, England
Location: Castleton and surrounding areas
Website: Peak Mountaineering
What They Offer:
Introductory winter hiking and mountaineering courses.
Courses focus on crampon and ice axe skills, navigation, and winter weather interpretation.
Why Here?
Ideal for those in the south or midlands of England looking to gain winter skills without traveling far.
8. Ramblers’ Association Winter Navigation Workshops
Location: Nationwide (various locations)
Website: Ramblers UK
What They Offer:
Workshops on navigation in winter, including map reading, compass use, and GPS integration.
Guided winter hikes for practical experience.
Why Here?
Accessible for those new to hiking or looking for entry-level winter training.
9. Tiso and Ellis Brigham Mountain Equipment Stores (Workshops)
Location: Various UK cities and mountain hubs.
Website: Tiso | Ellis Brigham
What They Offer:
In-store workshops on winter gear use (e.g., crampons, ice axes) and avalanche safety.
Partnered events with local guides for field-based training.
Why Here?
Great for preparing with gear demonstrations and entry-level skills.
10. Avalanche Awareness Training (SAIS - Scottish Avalanche Information Service)
Location: Cairngorms and Glencoe (field-based courses)
Website: SAIS
What They Offer:
Practical workshops on recognizing avalanche risk and safe travel.
Essential for winter conditions in Scotland.
Why Here?
Avalanche awareness is crucial for anyone hiking in high-risk areas, and SAIS provides expert guidance.
Top Winter Hiking Destinations in the UK
So, if i’ve managed to whet your appetite to get outside and hit the Winter hiking trails…you might be asking…where should i go?
Here are some of the best winter hiking spots across the UK, each offering unique beauty and challenges:
1. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Why Visit in Winter? Snowdon, Glyder Fawr, and Tryfan are awe-inspiring under a blanket of snow. The rugged beauty of the park becomes even more dramatic in winter.
Recommended Trails:
• The Miners’ Track to Snowdon: A moderate route with alpine-like scenery.
• Tryfan via North Ridge: A challenging scramble for experienced hikers.
2. Lake District, England
Why Visit in Winter? With snow-capped peaks reflecting on frozen lakes, the Lake District is a winter wonderland.
Recommended Trails:
• Helvellyn via Striding Edge: A thrilling ridge walk with panoramic views.
• Old Man of Coniston: A classic route with moderate difficulty, perfect for frosty mornings.
3. Scottish Highlands
Why Visit in Winter? The Highlands boast the UK’s most dramatic landscapes, with snow-draped peaks and remote valleys.
Recommended Trails:
• Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track: The tallest peak in the UK is a bucket-list challenge in winter.
• The Cairngorm Plateau: A high-altitude hike with expansive snowy vistas.
4. Peak District, England
Why Visit in Winter? Rolling hills and ridges are often dusted with frost, offering accessible winter hikes.
Recommended Trails:
• Mam Tor and the Great Ridge: A straightforward but rewarding walk.
• Kinder Scout: Ideal for a winter adventure with its moorland plateau and frozen streams.
5. Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
Why Visit in Winter? Slieve Donard and the surrounding peaks transform into snowy escapes, offering views of the Irish Sea.
Recommended Trails:
• Slieve Donard via the Glen River Path: A manageable yet rewarding hike.
Here’s a list of some additional Winter hiking trails across the UK, offering a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes for adventurers seeking some variety;
England
6. Hadrian’s Wall Path (Housesteads to Steel Rigg)
Distance: 6 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? The rolling hills of Northumberland are quiet and atmospheric during winter, with frost adding a magical touch to the historic Roman Wall.
Highlights: Well-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall and views of the North Pennines.
7. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales
Distance: 8 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? Limestone cliffs and waterfalls like Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar often freeze, creating stunning natural ice sculptures.
Highlights: Dramatic Malham Cove and the peaceful moors surrounding it.
8. The Roaches, Staffordshire
Distance: 5 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? Frost-covered gritstone ridges and sweeping views over the Peak District offer a tranquil winter experience.
Highlights: Hen Cloud, the mysterious Doxey Pool, and panoramic views from The Roaches ridge.
Scotland
9. The Pap of Glencoe, Glencoe
Distance: 5 miles (round trip)
Why Go in Winter? This iconic peak offers incredible views of Loch Leven and the surrounding snowy mountains. A manageable hike for those with winter gear.
Highlights: A short, sharp ascent with breathtaking Highland scenery.
10. Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms
Distance: 4 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? A tranquil, family-friendly walk around a frozen loch with views of a 13th-century island castle.
Highlights: Reflections of snow-covered trees and mountain backdrops on the loch.
11. Beinn a’Chrùlaiste, Glencoe
Distance: 7 miles (round trip)
Why Go in Winter? A lesser-visited peak offering stunning views of Buachaille Etive Mòr and Glencoe.
Highlights: A quieter alternative to busier routes like Ben Nevis, but equally rewarding.
Wales
12. Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia
Distance: 3 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? This glacial valley surrounded by craggy peaks is stunning in snowy conditions. The trail is short and relatively safe, even in winter.
Highlights: Frozen waterfalls and reflections of snow-dusted Glyderau mountains in the lake.
13. Pen y Fan via the Storey Arms, Brecon Beacons
Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
Why Go in Winter? Pen y Fan is Wales’ highest peak south of Snowdonia, and its broad, ridged summit is even more dramatic in snow.
Highlights: A relatively straightforward hike with panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons.
Northern Ireland
14. Binnian-Lamagan Loop, Mourne Mountains
Distance: 7 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? A stunning circuit of two iconic Mourne peaks with views of Silent Valley and Carlingford Lough.
Highlights: Snow-covered peaks and icy rivers in a remote and peaceful setting.
15. Divis and Black Mountain, Belfast
Distance: 4 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? Overlooking Belfast, this easy trail offers crisp views of the city and beyond, including snowy peaks of the Mournes.
Highlights: The perfect mix of urban proximity and scenic isolation.
More Trails in the UK
16. Seven Sisters Cliffs, Sussex
Distance: 9 miles (one way from Seaford to Eastbourne)
Why Go in Winter? The chalk cliffs take on a stark beauty against a winter sky, and the bracing coastal winds add to the adventure.
Highlights: Panoramic views of the English Channel and quiet, windswept paths.
17. Kinder Downfall, Peak District
Distance: 8 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? The famous Kinder Downfall waterfall often freezes, creating a dramatic ice wall.
Highlights: Scenic views over the Edale Valley and the frosty moorland of Kinder Scout.
18. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Distance: 4 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? The UK’s largest gorge is quieter and atmospheric in winter, with icy rock formations adding to its charm.
Highlights: Stunning cliffside views and a chance to spot winter wildlife.
19. Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere, Lake District
Distance: 6 miles (loop)
Why Go in Winter? The trail combines a ridge walk with views of Buttermere Lake, which is often frozen or surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Highlights: Sweeping views of the Lake District fells.
20. Blencathra via Sharp Edge, Lake District
Distance: 7 miles (round trip)
Why Go in Winter? A challenging hike with a knife-edged ridge, offering thrill-seekers an exhilarating winter adventure.
Highlights: Incredible views over Keswick and Skiddaw.
Trail Magazine
For those that aren’t familiar with Trail Magazine, every month they highlight some awesome walks in the UK. Check out the December 2024 edition, and you’ll find another 12 great Winter walks in the UK, including…
Eyri (Snowdonia)
Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) - Distance: 12km, Ascent: 830m
Lake District
Glamara (Mountain Horseshoe) - Distance: 12.2km, Ascent: 905m
Deepdale Horseshoe (Circular Walk) - Distance: 15.6km, Ascent: 1,080m
Northumberland
Deadwater Fell and Peel Fell (Forest and Moorland)- Distance: 20km, Ascent: 561m
West Highlands
Schoolhouse Ridge in Winter: Beinn a’ Bheithir (Winter Ridge Scrambling) - Distance: 14.5km, Ascent: 1,630m
Ultimate Weekend (3 Routes): Glen Coe Winter Weekend
Beinn a’ Chrulaiste (Glen Coe’s Outlier with Great Views) - Distance: 7.2km, Ascent: 590m
Meall a’ Bhuiridh (Munro with optional Cheat Start) - Distance: 7km, Ascent: 750m
Stob an Fhuarain (Isolated Mountain Walking) - Distance: 13.2km, Ascent: 975m
Yorkshire Dales
Ingleborough (Car Free Linear Walk) - Distance: 13km, Ascent: 662m
Peak District
Ultimate Weekend (3 Routes): Macclesfield Weekender
Cheeks Hill & Axe Edge (Peak District Moorland Loop) - Distance: 14.9km, Ascent: 385m
Kerridge and Tegg’s Nose (A Pair of Local Favourites) - Distance: 20km, Ascent: 530m
Shutlingsloe (The Cheshire Matterhorn) - Distance: 7.6km, Ascent: 340m
Trail Magazine requires a subscription
Best Practices for Winter Hiking
Leave No Trace
Snow may cover the ground, but it doesn’t mean we can ignore our environmental impact. Carry out all litter and avoid damaging fragile winter ecosystems.
Respect Wildlife
Winter is a challenging time for wildlife. Avoid disturbing animals and birds, especially in remote areas.
Go with a Partner
Winter conditions can quickly become dangerous. Hiking with a companion ensures added safety.
Me with my son Jack, taken on the Kinder Scout hike in the Peak District
The Joy of Winter Hiking in the UK
Winter hiking in the UK is a unique and rewarding experience. From the quiet serenity of the Peak District to the challenging peaks of the Scottish Highlands, there’s a trail for every adventurer.
With the right preparation, training, and respect for nature, you can enjoy the magical transformation that winter brings to the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
As ever, i wish you Happy Winter Hiking!
Please send me some of your awesome Winter hiking pics, and i’ll give you a shout out on my blog!
Cheers
Marc