Now that all the Christmas and New Years fuss is over, we can get back to the proper business of being in the hills!
Why not try something different this year and head out after dark? January and February offer some of the best opportunities for a moonlight hike, as this time of year is at its brightest. The Lakeland moors take on a completely different character once the sun goes down and look absolutely mesmerizing in the moonlight, it really is a sight to behold. You can even take your trusty dog with you, apparently most of them have pretty good vision in the dark. Unfortunately, my dog Moss is afraid of the dark, so I’ll probably have to keep him home this time.
Pick a drop you are familiar with and one that doesn’t have steep edges for you to walk on! Latrigg, Barrow, Binsey and Dodd make great starting hills and are easily accessible from several dog-friendly Lake District cottages in the area. With the right conditions you could even try Skiddaw or the gentle western flanks of Helvellyn, both of which have summit huts to enjoy a hot drink!
For a moonlight hike, you’ll need your usual mountain hiking gear, plus extra warm layers, a hot flask, and delicious chocolate. A map, compass, and first aid kit are essential, as are your headlamp and spare batteries. On a clear night, you should be able to walk by moonlight; however, it is imperative to carry a headlamp for emergencies or if the weather changes. Use the red light feature to read maps or anything else that requires extra light. This will not affect your night vision when you start walking again.
Familiarize yourself with the route in daylight and take note of the key features to look out for. Leave a route plan with a person in charge and, when possible, notify your plans to the local mountain rescue team. It’s not uncommon for well-meaning people to report lights on the wastelands, leading rescue teams to scramble, only to discover that the lights belong to people who don’t need rescuing!
Once you’re done and back off, you can kick back and relax in the warmth of one of the many Lake District cottages in the area or head to the nearest pub for a well earned pint of ale.
