Winter Walking With Wee Ones

The winter is a magical time of year to explore outside, and I say there is no need to limit your adventures to the summer months. Here are some top tips on getting out there - bring on the red cheeks!

---

Before we look at my winter advice for family hikes, a word of warning! There is no denying it, venturing into the mountains as part of any group has an element of risk. In the winter months these risks are increased due to the likelihood that it will be colder, wetter and darker, there may well be snow and ice on the ground too.

Never take on any mountain activity that is outside of your own capability or that of anyone in your group. The following advice is simply intended to inform your own judgement and decision making.

If you want to enjoy the high tops to the max at this time of year, and push yourself a bit further, or if you’re not sure what to expect from the hills in winter, why not look at employing the services of a Winter Mountain Leader? They can lead individuals or groups in the British mountains in winter and will ensure you get the most out of your day and remain safe.

---

Winter is all about preparation and planning - which is a bonus as that only extends the geekery.

Here are some additional things to consider if planning a winter walk with the family walks, or for any other group.

1) Get a weather forecast

There are those days, at any time of year, when it’s just a better idea to stay inside! This is especially true in winter. If you’re on holiday over Christmas in the Lakes for example, it can be tempting to push your luck to make the most of your short window of opportunity to make that big ascent! However, if the weather forecast is unfavourable, then little will be gained from dragging the family out to the hills.

You do, I’m afraid need to be a bit patient in the winter, and always have an indoor option.

A normal weather forecast is not very useful in determining what the weather will be like in the hills. For this you need a mountain weather forecast. There are many available such as the MWUK app. These apps are far superior to normal information that can be obtained from the TV or radio.

The key bits of knowledge you need in order to plan a walk are;

• Temperature - at the height you will be walking.

• Wind speed - bearing in mind that this will be exaggerated on cols and summits.

• Wind direction - can you stay on the leeward side of the hill?

• Wind chill - this will dramatically effect how the temperature impacts you.

• Precipitation - Will it rain / snow / sleet / hail?

Another important piece of information in the winter is the freezing level. This can be interpreted in various ways, but as a rule, with the kids along for the ride, stay below the freezing level to reduce the likelihood of coming across any icy paths.

The weather forecast is not always accurate, so you need to be flexible when on the hill, and always be prepared to turn around if the weather is not how you expected.

2) Pick the right objective

Its always better to set the bar a little lower and end the day with a win.

Getting out of the door and into the car with children (and all their stuff) is never a quick task, so you are not going to be setting off up the track towards your objective at 8:00am just as the sun rises! No matter how well organised you are the night before, and no matter (in my experience) how early the alarm goes off. It will be 10:00am if you’re lucky, and you need to be off the hill well ahead of dark. In the depths of winter this means a 4 hour walk, max, including snack stops and wee’s and nose blowing and lace re-tying! So that's actually a 3 hour walk. This will of course depend on the ages and ability in the family group, but the point is, set the bar low. Certainly for your first few winter walks.

The roads in our mountain areas are slow and winding, and in winter can often be impassable (think Kirkstone pass for example), so try and pick a start point close to home, or ideally walk straight from the door.

So, with all this in mind, picking the right route is crucial. It needs to suit the weather forecast and be achievable in a compressed amount of time.

There may well be winter days when ticking a Wainy is the right option, but more often than not its a better idea to think outside the box slightly. How about some of the following?

• Lakeshore route or circuit

• Corpse route / coffin route

• Go valley to valley over a low pass using public transport to return

• Explore some woodlands or forest

3) Keep moving & keep fuelled

Winter is not the time for picnics! Keep moving at a steady pace all day, trying not to work up a sweat. Taking long rests will result in a very quick loss of body heat. This is especially true for little people, who will get cold quicker than mum or dad. If you do have a breather or a snack stop, immediately put on any hats and gloves, or coats which may have been removed - this will conserve heat and make the rest more enjoyable.

Despite the lack of long rests, it is still very important to make sure everyone is eating and drinking plenty throughout the walk. This will keep energy levels up, which will in turn make it easier to keep moving, and also keep everyone's mood elevated - nothing leads to mountain grumpiness quicker than a lack of calories! With the kids in mind its a good idea to keep extra chocolate or sweets in your pocket so a quick treat can be deployed if heads start to drop! Hot chocolate is also a great idea.

One more thing to note here relates to baby carriers. If the smallest members of the group are being carried on mum or dad's back, its important to appreciate that they will be much colder than you are as you puff and pant your way along the path under the strain. It may look like a luxury being carried aloft like a little lady or lord - but it will be very cold as they are not generating any of their own body heat. Always try and break up carry's with a safe run around for 5 minutes if possible.

4) Final tips and ideas

Look after No.1.

If you're reading this, then its probably you who will "lead" this walk. That makes you pretty important. So, don't forget to look after yourself as well as the kids! Keep warm and dry, keep fed and hydrated. This will mean you're sharp and able to make decisions as the day progresses, which as we've highlighted is especially important in winter.

Take loads of stuff.

I'm not going to run through what should be in your pack for this type of walk, but generally speaking It's not a time to scrimp on weight and try out that new ultra-lightweight bit of gear. Take a big pack, take extra food, extra layers, extra hats and gloves, and keep it all dry in a stuff sack. Putting Dad's spare mountaineering gloves on a 7 year old's cold hands will put a smile on their face, and warm them up for the final stretch back to the car.

Don't forget an emergency shelter either, this could be crucial if there was an incident that meant you had to wait for help, but a shelter can also be a fun way to stop for that quick cup of coco out of the wind.

Plan, plan, plan... Then get out there and do it!