It may be getting colder and wetter in the Lake District and across the country, but that doesn’t mean the outdoors has gone away! There’s still gorgeous scenery to be seen and amazing adventures to be had.

We temporarily closed our doors in November when the second lockdown started, and it’s been a great opportunity for our team to relax after a busy summer. Lee, the owner of Keswick Adventures, and Becca, who’s in charge of bookings, took the opportunity to appreciate the finer things in life: mountains, forests, and the water!

Having a little more time on their hands, they spent many days out and about in the Lake District, around Keswick and further afield. It was a great reminder that the national park is full of adventure opportunities even in the colder months.

Now that lockdown has come to an end and the Lake District is once again able to welcome visitors (we’re currently in Tier 2), you might be thinking of a winter getaway and wondering what adventures you can get up to. If you’re coming in December when we’re still closed, there’s plenty you can get up to on your own. Or, if you’re planning a trip in the new year, why not book an adventure and we’ll show you the (literal) ropes!

Either way, take a look at what Becca and Lee have been up to in the great outdoors this November!

Walks by the Lake

This is the most simple of things to do on a trip to the Lake District! Pick a lake, mere, tarn or any body of water and set out along the shores. You can have a simple amble for a short distance, or take on a longer hike.

We’re a bit biased when recommending our favourite lake: Derwentwater in Keswick is where we spend a lot of time, both on outdoor activities and in our own spare time. Between the calm waters, the ease of access, and the stunning scenery of Borrowdale and Newlands, we don’t think there’s a much better place in the world!

Remember when walking that you should be adequately prepared.

Kayaking

In the quieter seasons and the cooler weather, there’s nothing quite like hopping into a kayak and setting sail on one of the lakes. It’s often so silent that there’s nothing else to be heard but the lapping of your paddle in the water and the sounds of local wildlife. If you need to rest your mind, then you could hardly find a better activity.

Lee took to the waters of Bassenthwaite Lake during November. This is a particularly peaceful lake because no motor boats are allowed. Permits are required and can be obtained from the Lake District National Park website for just a few pounds. By doing this, they can make sure that the tranquillity of the lake is maintained, and that there is minimal disturbance to the wildlife at the nature reserves on either end of the lake.

You can book a kayaking experience with us online.

Forest Walks & Mountain Biking

The Lake District really is blessed with all sorts of incredible scenery, so you have your pick of the type of walks you’d like to take on. Whinlatter is England’s only true mountain forest: it’s just outside Keswick and close to Bassenthwaite Lake and is amazing for a wintery walk. On a crisp cold day, the sun shining through the tall pine trees is magical.

Whinlatter Forest is also famous for its exciting mountain biking. The Altura trail is for experienced bikers and is the longest mountain biking trail in the Lakes. Alternatively, there’s mountain bike orienteering, the Quercus trail (good for intermediate riders) and the Gorse trail (suitable for cyclists in good health). Bring your own bike or hire one from Cyclewise in the park.

Canoeing and a Picnic

You may think of picnicking as solely a summertime activity, but we’d disagree! If you’re making the most of the shorter days, you don’t want to have to cut them up by heading home for lunch. So pack yourself a picnic, including a good hot drink, and enjoy a full day out with an al fresco meal in between.

Becca and Lee combined a canoe adventure on Crummock Water with a tasty picnic. This lake is often skipped over in favour of its twin, Buttermere. But if you have any kind of hand-powered boat, then you’re missing a trick if you don’t get out on Crummock. Paddle out to the centre of the lake and then just sit back, float around, and take in the scenery. The bulks of Mellbreak, Grasmoor and Fleetwith Pike dominate the view.

Book a canoeing adventure during your stay.

Take in a Sunrise

An early morning may not be your ideal for a day off, but its worth it in the Lake District! The world stands still as the sun gradually rises above the mountains, giving a crisp clarity to a winter day.

This one doesn’t have to take long: you can brew a cuppa and sit in the garden while the sun rises. Or, if you really want to make the most of it, enjoy a gentle walk as the rest of the world awakens around you.

Abseil Down a Waterfall

This one might not be for everyone, but if you’re an experienced adventurer, then this could be on your list! Lee (pictured) has been running adventure activities for lots of years, so knows exactly what he’s doing.

If you think this looks amazing, then book yourself on to one of our canyoning adventures, where you’ll abseil down waterfalls, zip-wire through gorges, and splash through deep pools.

Hike a Mountain

There are plenty of mountains to choose from in the Lake District, so you can pick one that suits your ability, fitness, and preference! Lee and Becca, both outdoor enthusiasts, took on Helvellyn, which is a great adventures for experienced mountain walkers. The imposing and terrifying Striding Edge is famous for its narrow and rocky ridge.

Always make sure you are fully prepared and appropriately experienced for any mountain walks. The Mountain Rescue website has lots of great advice for staying safe on the fells.

Go Cycling

A true adventurer knows that outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop just because the warmer days have passed! Book your perfect adventure with us for your next Lake District visit or buy a gift voucher: the perfect present for the adventure lover in your life!

You might also enjoy:

• Why an Outdoor Adventure is the Best Thing To Do in Keswick
• Top 5 Adventure Activities When it’s Raining in the Lake District
• The Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in the Lake District