Walking Help

Make sure you are fully prepared when you are going out walking for a gentle stroll or a challenging walk up Helvellyn. This page has all the information you need and key contacts to make sure you are fully prepared.

Before you set off

Check the weather forecast and conditions: Weather conditions on the fell tops can change very quickly so it pays to go well prepared when walking on them.

Check the weather forecast and conditions before you set off.

Consider the time of year and terrain and choose your route accordingly.

• Visit the Met Office website for a 5 day forecast
• Visit the Lake District Weatherline website for an up to date forecast and fell top conditions
  
  

Charge your mobile phone before you set off: Many accidents occur towards the end of the day when both you and your phone are low on energy.  You can also check your mobile phone reception coverage before your trip on the fells.

Leave your route plan: Let people know your planned route and stick to it as far as you can.

Prepare yourself for the walk

Wear suitable clothing and footwear: Make sure you are wearing the correct walking boots with adequate tread and support.

Wear warm, waterproof and windproof clothing - layers work best.  Always carry a spare set of clothes, gloves and hat - even in Summer.

If you are in doubt what to wear, seek advice from an Eden Outdoor Shop. 

Take plenty of food and drink with you: High energy food such as chocolate and dried fruit are ideal.  Hi-energy bars can be bought from Outdoor Shops in Eden.    

Essential Kit to take

It's a good idea to leave details of your route at wherever you are staying or with friends. Include start and finish points, when you expect to return and your contact details.

• Map and Compass
• A mobile phone - fully charged. But don't rely on your mobile as in many areas of the mountains there is no signal 
• Whistle - the signal for rescue is: Six good long blasts in a minute. Stop for one minute. Repeat
  Carry on the whistle blasts until someone reaches you.  Don't stop because you've heard a reply - rescuers may be using your blasts as a direction finder
• Torch - with spare batteries and bulbs
• Watch - make sure at least one person in your group has one
• In Winter conditions take an ice-axe and crampons - be sure you know how to use them; as well as a survival bag and spare clothes
  
  

Safety on the Fells

Keep an eye on the weather: If conditions deteriorate be prepared to turn back.

Keep an eye on the rest of your party: If you are walking with a group, keep together and allow the slowest member to set the pace.  Take care of the youngest and weakest members of the group when walking in dangerous places.

Watch out for signs of hypothermia: The weather can change quickly.  Children and older people are especially susceptible to hypothermia.  Look out for signs of shivering, disorientation, tiredness and loss of circulation in toes and hands.

If you are walking alone: Be particularly aware of additional risks.  Let people know your planned route and stick to it as far as you can.

The Mountain Rescue website also gives advice for fell and mountain users on how to stay safe on the fells.

Be AdventureSmart

Be AdventureSmart by asking three questions before heading out:

1. Do I have the right gear?
2. Do I know what the weather will be like?
3. Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?

More information on how to be AdventureSmart and lots of helpful safety tips and advice can be found on the AdventureSmart website.

Follow the Countryside Code

Help us all to respect, protect and enjoy our countryside by following the Countryside Code when you are out walking:

Respect other people

• Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
• Be nice, say hello, share the space
• Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Protect the natural environment

• Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home. Remember there are very few bins away from towns
• Take care with BBQs and do not light fires
• Remember that wild camping and fly camping is not allowed without landowner permission
• Go to the toilet responsibly, do not leave poo on the ground
• Always keep dogs under close control, and always on a lead around farm animals.
• Care for nature - do not cause damage or disturbance
• Dog poo - bag it and bin it!

Enjoy the outdoors

• Plan ahead and check what facilities are open.  You can check which car parks and areas are busy on the Lake District National Park website
• Check your route and local conditions
• Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures
• Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory!

Look after the Fells

There are millions of pairs of feet walking the Lake District paths every year and every single footstep causes wear and tear to the environment.  The mission of Fix the Fells is to protect our spectacular Lakeland fells from erosion by repairing and maintaining the upland paths.  You can find out more about the work being done by Fix the Fells on their website.

Dog owners are very welcome in Eden

To help make your visit enjoyable and relaxed, please keep your dog on a lead.  Pick up your dog fouling in all of our towns and villages. Bags of dog waste can be disposed of in any council litter bin, dog waste bin, or in the dustbin at your accommodation. 

Also, please refrain from walking your dog in any dog exclusion zones, which should be clearly marked.

Guidance on the Dog Control in public spaces can be found on the Westmorland and Furness Council website.

The National Trust has a useful webpage on visiting the Lake District with your dog.