I'm lucky enough to be heading up to the Lake District at the start of February next year. While there I thought that I'd dip my toes into the world of winter walking by treating myself to a one day course. My question, therefore, is would anyone be able to provide any feedback or opinions on the shortlist of course providers below; or provide suggestions of other ones.
I can recommend Lakeland Mountain Guides. They are local to the Lakes so have good knowledge of where to get the best conditions, as well as backup options to try and salvage a day when the weather is really not playing ball! They have also run expeditions to Nepal, so a very organised and competent outfit I think.
The lake district walker were honest enough to cancel my course when there was clearly not going to be enough snow to run it. They did this in plenty of time so I didn't have a wasted journey. Whichever one you go with I would strongly advise you check what the policy is if there is no snow, I know some providers still run the courses which personally I think would be a bit rubbish
Grayham Uney, the weather assessor on Helvellyn does guided days out and I hear they are pretty good. I don't know him personally but walked back off with him on his first season assessing and seemed like a really likeable guy. Asking for hiking partners on here could work.