The winter mountains are spectacular; a cloak of snow lends our modest UK hills a touch of Alpine grandeur. But it can also make them appear ferocious and impenetrable.
The truth is though, if you have the right kit, a well thought out plan, and the willingness to learn some extra skills, there’s no reason why your existing hill experience shouldn’t provide you with a solid base for extending your mountain adventures into the coldest season.
So we’ve teamed up with Trekitt – an outdoor retailer run by a passionate team of walkers, runners and climbers – to arm you with all the knowledge you need to keep exploring the hills all winter.
10 tips for new winter walkers
Know the kit
So long as it’s sturdy, much of your regular walking kit can continue to be used in winter. Bear in mind though that you may want more layers, or thicker, warmer clothing. But there is some specific kit you will definitely need. An ice axe and a pair of crampons are the two most important items. For mountains you’ll need proper crampons, not lightweight ice grippers.
Depending on your usual hiking footwear, you might also need a pair of stiffer winter boots capable of taking a crampon. And in the mountains in winter, a helmet is never a bad idea. You’ll also need to learn how to use some of this kit, but more about that later...
Rent and save
The need for, and subsequent cost of, winter gear often puts people off. But increasingly there’s the option to rent kit. Most of the UK outdoor hubs, like Fort William or Ambleside, have at least one equipment hire outlet where you can rent crampons or ice axes, and even winter boots and thicker down jackets. Making use of these services is a great way to test kit and dip your toes into winter hiking without spending a fortune up front.
Dress for the wait, not the walk
Although no one likes to think about things going wrong, you should be carrying enough kit to keep you alive (if not totally comfortable) in the event that an accident leads you to be immobile and waiting for Mountain Rescue. You’ll start to cool down as soon as you stop moving, so extra layers and a bothy bag or survival shelter should have a place in your pack.
Head to Scotland
If you really want to get stuck into UK mountain winters, Scotland is the place to go. Its mountains are higher than those in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Areas like the Cairngorms and the Nevis Range are veritable winter playgrounds. There are plenty of routes to be found that will introduce you to winter hiking without taking you too far out of your comfort zone.
Polish your navigation skills
Deep snow can hide paths and cairns, while thick clag can hide everything. Plus, with shorter days and longer nights, it’s not unusual to find your winter hiking adventures starting or ending in the dark. Making sure you’re confident with your navigation skills will give you a far better chance of enjoying your winter experience. (And less chance of getting lost.)
Adjust your expectations
You might be a hillwalking machine in summer months, but if you’re new to winter expect it to slow you down. The combination of underfoot conditions, trickier navigation, and heavier packs will all reduce your pace. And the shorter days give you less hours of light in which to get your route done. Plan your days accordingly to avoid taking on too much.
Do your research
Weather and ground conditions present two of the biggest hillwalking challenges. But there are forecast services available to help you prepare. The Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) provides a mountain-specific weather forecast for the various upland areas of the UK, and should be consulted prior to every trip.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) gives an indication of avalanche risk in the different Scottish ranges according to height and slope aspect, and is another essential planning tool. For all kinds of winter hillwalking advice, the British Mountaineering Council is an excellent resource.
Know your limits
There’s no shame whatsoever in admitting that you’re out of your depth. If conditions are worse than anticipated, your equipment is not quite up to the job, or the terrain is more challenging than your experience has equipped you for, then retreat is always the best option. Remember, the mountains will be there another time. Make sure you are.
Borrow an expert
As with many things, your first experience of winter is best enjoyed in the company of someone who knows what they’re doing. If you have an experienced hiking buddy, then make use of their skills. Alternatively, hire a Winter Mountain Leader, and allow an expert to introduce you to the winter mountains.
Expand your winter skills and take a course
If you’ve fallen in love with the winter mountains and want to become more independent, taking a winter skills course is a great idea. You’ll learn the skills you need to stay safe and enjoy the snow-covered hills, including the use of an ice axe and crampons, winter navigation, avalanche awareness, and much more. Head to the Plas y Brenin (Snowdonia) and Glenmore Lodge (Cairngorms) websites, or find a qualified instructor at Mountain Training. The BMC also runs a selection of winter skills and awareness courses.
The best winter walking boots at Trekitt
Trekitt’s in-house expert Harry Bradbury has picked out some key bits of footwear Trekitt will be stocking over winter. This selection of footwear includes an alpine workhouse from La Sportiva for high mountain use in snow and ice, plus a round-up of boots and shoes that suit lower-level trails and walks below the snowline. Harry's also got some practical advice on how to prepare better for winter walks in the next section.
La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX
Lightweight and durable, the Aequilibrium LT GTX offers the ideal balance of technical performance and comfort. They're perfect for the challenges of modern mountaineering and alpine use.
Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX
A lightweight, flexible hiking boot for serious outdoor adventures. Featuring a graphene-grip rubber outsole and a Schoeller ceramic-coated fabric upper, the Roclite Pro G 400 GTX delivers unprecedented strength and durability over any terrain in all weather conditions.
Hanwag Banks GTX
The Banks GTX from Hanwag is a fully waterproof, comfortable walking boot designed to be worn all day on a variety of trails in the mountains, woodlands and coastal paths. The Banks family are available in a range of fit options including Low, Mid and Straight Fit Extra.
Scarpa Rush Trail GTX
Whether you’re heading out for a short walk in the mountains or a multi-day trek, the Rush TRK GTX boots from Scarpa will be your go-to! They’re exceptionally comfortable, lightweight and stable – perfect for hiking in the UK!
Keen Ridge Flex Mid WP
The Ridge Flex Mid WP boots keep your feet happy during long trail and mountain hikes. They’re fully waterproof, durable and, thanks to their Keen Bellows Flex technology, flexible, to provide maximum comfort in rugged terrain.
Dynafit Feline SL GTX
Waterproof, breathable and super grippy in wet conditions…what more could you want? The Feline SL GTX is perfect for trail running, ultrarunning, fastpacking or even jogging in any weather, thanks to its reliable Gore-Tex membrane.
Expert winter hiking tips from Trekitt
1. Technical socks
"Your feet are very sweaty. In fact, there are roughly 250,000 sweat glands in them, producing around half a pint of sweat on an average day. Luckily, during normal activity levels, most of that moisture evaporates as part of your body’s natural evaporative cooling system.
"However, when you’re out hiking, the amount of sweat produced significantly increases. Darn Tough’s socks, for example, are made using high merino wool content, allowing them to consistently move moisture vapour away from your feet, without becoming waterlogged. Merino wool can absorb around 30% of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch, keeping you comfortable and blister-free.
“Another benefit of merino wool is that it has soft and curly fibres, so it’s able to trap air to provide insulation in the cold. The bacteria that feeds on your skin and sweat can’t cling to the fine fibres of merino wool, meaning you can wear a pair of socks for days on end before washing them.”
2. Jackets
“People often mention their disappointment with the breathability of a jacket. Generally speaking, most of those people are starting out on their walks far too warm. ‘Be bold, start cold’ is drilled into us all at Trekitt. The last thing you want to do is overload your layers with too much sweat as you walk and generate more body heat. When you stop for a brew, or to admire the view, that is the time to chuck on your additional layers of insulation.”
3. Drying boots
"Walking boots and shoes use heat-sensitive glues to fasten various bits together. Drying your boots with a hairdryer, radiator, wood burner or campfire melts the glue and results in the boot falling apart at the seams. If your footwear is also made of leather, it will dry the leather out, resulting in cracks and splits."
4. Trekking poles
"Using a pair of trekking poles is like having another set of feet. They provide extra footing on uneven terrain, on river and stream crossings, and support your weight on steep ascents and descents.
“Using poles dramatically reduces the stress on joints, tendons and muscles, as the simple act of pushing down on them reduces your body weight. Try standing on a set of scales with poles held in your hands, placed on the floor, to see how much lighter you become.
“Now imagine that weight reduction from every stride taken on every mile walked, and the benefit is clear. By developing a good technique, your posture will improve, your breathing will be easier, and perceived exertion will be reduced. A good technique is particularly beneficial when carrying a heavy pack in winter. You will feel fresher at the end of your walk and you’ll ache less the following day.”
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