Three thousand feet of ascent in Cumbria is equivalent to six thousand feet of ascent in larger mountain ranges as far as the experienced (rather than theoretical) rate of change of temperature and wind goes. In large ranges such as the Alps and the Himalayas, the massive hills all around dampen down the cooling and increased wind speed. On top of the Lake District fells, all that dampens down the cold is the Atlantic ocean, suppressing the extreme wintery conditions that are experienced for example in eastern Scotland. To go from Keswick on a sunny morning to the top of Scafell Pike in the mist and snow is to experience summer and winter on the same day.

There have been deaths in recent years of very fit and healthy people who were on the fells with few clothes because they were taking part in a race. If an accident befalls such a competitor, and they are not found very quickly, they die as soon as their body temperature drops a few degrees. Always carry warm clothes and waterproofs (and umbrellas on calm wet days are no longer made fun of). Carry food for an unexpected delay on the exposed hillside. Carry a water container in hot weather. Never go into the mountains clutching just a route description or a route diagram from a book or magazine. These are intended to be transposed to the map or a route card with a map. Always take a map and compass; and learn how to use that compass!

For more advice visit the Mountain Rescue's Website.

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"... if you are going into the hills, don't rush, gain experience slowly, come back if conditions aren't right, but most of all enjoy today, and a great many after." Nick Owen - Langdale & Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.