UKC

Hello wondered if I could get some advice on the Lakes. I've been to scotland in winter many times in the past for easy grade climbs and walking/scrambling.

This time I'm going to the Lakes(more accessible from London!), was going to go november and take one axe and crampons, for various reasons it's been delayed until next week.

So I'm wondering is there any chance any of the easier winter routes might be doable at all and I should take clumpy boots and two axes? Or just stick with original plan.

Thanks

Oh and don't show me the Kinder Downfall video

In reply to Daniel Caola:

Might be a better plan to take rock shoes.

Was out in Langdale today, here's a couple of photos to shed light on current conditions: http://www.mountain-journeys.co.uk/blog

If you're looking for snow, i'm afraid there isn't any yet!

Mark

In reply to Daniel Caola:
There's a pretty much zero chance that you'll be wanting winter gear in the lakes next week. It's currently very mild - there was about 15 teams rock climbing on Dow Crag today!

In reply to Daniel Caola:

Ok that answers that one then!

Thank you all

In reply to Daniel Caola:

Saturday 29th Nov - sun rock is on cards again for today

https://www.facebook.com/NTLakescampsites/photos/a.211203592234751.54016.21...

if you need up to date weather for Langdale valley ring 015394 37668 (campsite office)

Cheers John

In reply to Daniel Caola:

Ha ha, love it. Guy from London heading North so automatically assumes we are plastered in snow.

It will be a shock when he gets to Keswick and realises they have electricity too.

In all seriousness, the Lakes is much better at this time of year than in the summer, so enjoy!

In reply to DefenderKen:

.....except not quite enough daylight....

In reply to DefenderKen:


His name's Daniel.


It's a perfectly reasonable question at this time of year, and he got perfectly reasonable answers. Why be snippy about it?

In reply to Rob Parsons:

Because it's a forum...

How likely is it to have snow and ice in mid January?

In reply to nutme:


Er, not sure if that's entirely serious but anyway the forecast(BBC) is getting pretty nippy for the next week so I expect some of the north facing gills will have a bit of ice in, especially now when they get no sun at all, though whether this makes them a winter climb is something else!

Now I know it takes a lot to freeze moving water unless it's cold already(that man Hitler explained it to me on youtube- he does go on a bit though doesn't he?) but I've noticed (from the forecast at least) there's not been much rain over the last week meaning there will be less water in them to freeze.

Knowing my record with conditions this will probably produce just enough ice to make gill scrambling impossible but not quite enough for climbing on

In reply to nutme:

You'd be better off going to Scotland for a better chance of snow and ice
You'd have more luck predicting the lottery than conditions in the Lakes

It can change daily

In reply to Rob Parsons:

You a southerner as well Rob? its all in jest just chill..lol

In reply to boots:

Oi, I was born in Preston!

In reply to Daniel Caola:

Yes, I was serious. Thanks for the answer.

I am new to UK and for me natural choice is to go to Europe's mainland for winter conditions. But after living here for past 4 years I think it's worth to at least give it a try. But not entirely sure about Lakes in January..

In reply to nutme:

You just have to check at the time. Good luck!

In reply to Daniel Caola:

Probably the only time I've seen someone being proud of beign born in Preston

In reply to nutme:

Lakes last Winter was a no-go.
Previous 3 to 4 Winters were all good.
Prior to that - a run of poor years.
It all depends on quite random weather patterns.
It can change quickly, but at least one week of very cold weather +/- snow and freeze/thaw cycles is necessary to produce proper conditions.
DC

In reply to goose299:


More of a statement of fact to be honest...