8 Questions about Winter Hiking in the UK - Weather and Conditions

Winter hiking in the UK can be a truly unforgettable experience, for both the right and wrong reasons. Snow-dusted summits, fresh mountain air, and quieter trails offer a different perspective on some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. But rapidly changing weather and harsh conditions can turn a peaceful outing into an absolute epic

in a matter of minutes. So, before getting your winter boots on and heading into the hills this winter, it's important to understand how the UK weather will influence your hike.

After the past few seasons of taking people hiking in a variety of wintery conditions; from wonder-land to windy-land and everything in between, I thought it would be worth compiling together a few of the most frequently asked questions that I get. This blog answers those relating to winter weather in the UK's incredible variety of mountains.

1) One of the most frequently asked questions about winter hiking in the UK is of course 'what is the weather like?'

Well to sum that up in three words:

Unpredictable, harsh and variable.

British winter weather is famously changeable, especially in upland areas like the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands. One minute you might enjoy clear blue skies with views for miles, and the next you could be caught in a white-out, driving rain and a snowstorm. We do love talking about the weather in Britain, but that is because our small Island certainly takes a battering from all sides. In the winter, this is certainly taken up a notch and none more so than up on the high ground in the Cairngorm National Park or on the western highland hills around Ben Nevis.

Temperatures can drop well below freezing at higher elevations, and wind chill can make it feel significantly colder. This can result in a mild day down at sea level feeling as though you've turned up in the artic once on exposed ground 1000m up. Snow and ice are common in the mountains from late November through to March, though lowland areas may only see frost and rain. That's not to say that wintery conditions won't occur during any month of the year in the Scottish Highlands. I've been standing on the summit of Ben MacDui, the UK's second highest hill, in the middle of August in a complete whiteout and heavy snow.

Key point: It's an acronym that's been used over and over again but I'm going to drop it here. Sorry. The five P's. PPPPP.

Prior preparation prevents poor performance.

Be prepared for the cold! Be prepared for the weather to change suddenly. Be prepared to be surprised. Even if you're going out on a beautiful forecast, bring some spare layers.

2) I've done a bit of summer hiking, now can I go hiking in the UK mountains in winter?

Yes, of course you can - but with care, preparation, experience and the appropriate kit!

The UK's mountains turn into a much more serious place to be during the winter months. You are given a far smaller margin for error than during summer hikes, and things can go wrong a whole lot quicker. Snow-covered paths, icy slopes, and reduced visibility can turn an easy summer route into a challenging and potentially dangerous winter hike that requires careful route planning, pin point navigation and a whole load of grit to complete safely.

If you're new to winter hiking, a frequently asked questions is 'where do I start'? A goo place to begin is with low-level walks. Leave the higher peaks to days with good visibility, low avalanche risk and longer day light hours. Be sure to get confident using winter gear like crampons and an ice axe, as even on a beautiful day this can be the difference between getting across a slope safely or having the scariest slip'n'slide of your life.

3) How quickly can weather change in the UK mountains during winter?

Really flippin' quickly!

You may well start your hike getting a sweat on walking up slope on a beautiful blue bird day. You've perhaps started envisaging yourself creating a snow angel at the top of your favourite munro and getting your pout ready for that famous summit selfie. All is calm. But then you get over the next crest and its like Armageddon. You're hit in the face with some kung-fu hail. You realise it's not just eating ice cream too fast that produces brain freeze. And you can't see beyond the end of your own nose.

Okay, I'm maybe exaggerating the contrast slightly. But only slightly. Honestly, I hope you get the picture. The weather changes quickly! Being influenced by the Atlantic ocean, with our prevailing wind from the west, it's often highly volatile and fast-moving - especially through high areas such as North Wales and the Scottish Highlands.

Key Point: Don't just check the forecast for your starting point. Be sure to check the weather due at higher altitudes. There will be a significant difference in temperature, wind speed and visibility.

4) Where can I find reliable mountain weather forecasts? What do you use Matt?

The two main forecasters that I use are Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) and the Met office mountain forecasts. It's also very important to mention here, get familiar with the Be Avalanche Aware (BAA) app and website. It is vital that you also get an avalanche forecast, you are aware of how to read it and how it will influence the route choice and plan for your hike.

MWIS gives a fantastic overview of the key mountain areas across the UK. I love the headings that it provides to build a great picture of what to expect. Headings include 'chance of a cloud free munro' and 'effect of the wind on you'. You have take into consideration that these forecasts are covering a massive area geographically and as such, should not be taken as law for the mountain that you intend to visit.

Met office mountain forecasts is another brilliant resource. Again, they provide information for the weather at higher altitudes including wind speed, direction and how that will effect the temperature. The met office also have a great app which you can type in a wide range of hills across the UK to get a specific forecast for that mountain summit.

Be Avalanche Aware is the place to go for your avalanche forecast. There are volunteers from Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) going out every day of the winter season to analyse the snow pack and conditions across a range of mountain areas in the Scottish Highlands. This information is then used to put together a forecast for the avalanche risk for that day. This has to be a vital part of your planning. Get familiar and understand what it all means.

Key Point: Always check the weather forecast and avalanche forecast in the weeks and days before your hike. Check again the day before and the morning of your hike. And continue being aware of how the weather is changing during your hike. Be prepared to change your plans if the weather is not playing ball.

5) Is snow common on UK mountains in winter?

Yes! - particularly on high ground throughout the Cairngorms National Park and many other areas of the Scottish Highlands.

However, snow coverage can vary dramatically year to year and even week to week. Snow can be deep and persistent in Scottish mountains, often staying into April or May. In England and Wales, it tends to be more sporadic and melts faster. The key thing to mention is it changes quickly. The last few years we have had fluctuating temperatures and high wind speeds throughout the winter season, resulting in large amounts of snow melting quickly and increased avalanche risk.

Remember when snow is present, paths will be hidden, slopes can be slippery or avalanche-prone, and navigation becomes significantly harder.

6) Do avalanches occur in the UK mountains?

Surprisingly this is another FAQ about winter hiking in the UK.

Yes - heartbreakingly people lose their lives every year in the UK mountains during the winter months. Avalanches play a big part in this figure. Often due to a lack of awareness, ability/ desire to change plans, and poor decision making.

A great resource to learn about avalanche awareness is the Be Avalanche Aware app and website. They talk about the 3 key times for making decisions and the 3 key factors to consider.

Key Time = Before - During - At Key Moments

Key Factors = Terrain - People - Weather, conditions and Avalanche Forecast

There is only so much you can learn from reading online material. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting out with an experienced winter hiker or can help you to understand avalanche risks further.

7) What about daylight hours? How long can I hike for in the winter in the UK?

Much shorter days than in the summer. In mid-winter (December–January), the sun sets as early as 3:30–4:00 PM in many parts of the UK.

That means you should aim for an early start — ideally on the trail by sunrise (around 8:00 AM) — and unless you are hoping to get some stars, or prepared to navigate in the dark plan your route to ensure you're back before that sun goes down.

Key Point: Always take a head torch with fresh batteries, just in case. A mobile phone torch will not do the job, even if the torch is okay, your phone battery is not going to last.

8) Is fog and low visibility common?

Ohh yeah, you bet it is! (Stunning views are sometimes available too, though).

Mist, low cloud, and fog can appear suddenly, especially in hilly or coastal regions. This can make it easy to become disoriented, even on well-marked trails.Have you ever been in a white-out? This is when you literally cannot tell what is up, down, left, or right, because the white of the mist merges with the white of the snow. White-out's can leave people so disoriented that they end up feeling nauseous.

In these conditions top navigational skills are essential. Your phone and GPS can certainly be helpful, however, in thick cloud GPS signal can be weakened and in cold temperatures batteries will not last very long. Therefore, having the ability to use a map and compass and navigate accurately in poor conditions can be a life saver.

So why go hiking in the winter at all, if its all 'crap weather and hard-work'?

Well that's the simplest question to answer of the lot! Winter hiking in the UK is incredibly rewarding, but one of the reasons it is so great is because it is also challenging and demands respect for the elements. With the right knowledge, gear, experience and preparation, you can safely enjoy one of the most exhilarating and life-giving adventures to be had in the British Isles.

Plan well. Dress appropriately. Check the weather. Be willing to adjust your plans. Gain experience with people with experience.

Looking for more winter hiking advice? Stay tuned for my upcoming posts on essential winter gear, safety tips, and the best beginner-friendly winter routes in the UK.

Happy hiking — and stay safe out there!

For more info on the differences between winter and summer hiking check out my latest blog.

Read Here

Ready to take your first steps into the world of winter hiking?

Why not join me for a fun, informative and unforgettable introduction to winter hiking?