Top 5 differences between Winter and Summer Hiking

Matthew Reynolds
Oct 11
6 min read

Updated: 17 hours ago

Top 5 differences between Winter and Summer Hiking

I often get asked, “What’s the difference between winter and summer hiking?”

It’s a great question—in the UK the contrast can be quite dramatic. The rolling hills and blooming heather of summer are replaced by a stark, snow-dusted landscape that can feel like a completely different world. Winter hiking can be absolutely magical—but it also brings a new set of challenges that demand more caution, preparation, and skill.

If you’re confident on the trails during the warmer months but have wondered what it takes to get out there in winter, this blog is for you. I’ve broken down five key differences between summer and winter hiking to help you understand what’s involved, where your current skills fit in, and what you’ll need to think about before heading out on a cold-weather adventure.

A hiker walking across a steep icy slope using crampons. — A hiker walking across icy terrain in the Cairngorms.

Unpredictable Weather

One of the biggest differences between hiking in the UK during winter and summer is how unpredictable the weather can be. While the British climate is famously changeable all year round, winter hikes tend to bring far greater extremes — sudden snow showers, icy rain, and strong winds can arrive with little warning, even after a clear start to the day. In contrast, summer weather, though still capable of surprising you with a quick downpour or misty morning, is generally milder and more manageable to prepare for.

The severity of cold weather can quickly turn a pleasant hike into a dangerous situation. Temperatures will regularly be below freezing, especially high-up, and wind chill can make it feel significantly colder. Even a light breeze combined with damp clothing or sweat from exertion can lead to a rapid drop in body temperature. What starts as a minor delay or wrong turn can escalate quickly. Hypothermia is a real risk, and it can set in faster than many people expect. Unlike summer, when mistakes are more forgiving, winter hiking in the UK demands greater preparation, as the margin for error is much smaller and things can go wrong much quicker when the cold takes hold.

Shorter Days

A hiker in the dark getting blasted by sideways snow on a icy uk mountain. — A hiker in the dark getting blasted by sideways snow.

Another key difference is the significantly shorter daylight hours in winter, which can catch out even experienced summer hikers. In some parts of the UK, particularly in Scotland, daylight can be limited to just six or seven hours in the depths of December, with the sun setting as early as 15:30. This reduced window means there’s far less time to complete a route safely, and delays—whether from tough terrain, bad weather, or navigation errors—can easily result in being caught out after dark. Unlike in summer, when long evenings provide a buffer for late finishes, winter demands precise planning and early starts. Carrying a reliable head torch (and a spare) is essential, as is knowing your route well enough to adjust or cut it short if needed. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop sharply, visibility plummets, and even familiar paths can become difficult to follow, dramatically increasing the risk of accidents.

Continue reading to discover the remaining top 5 differences between winter and summer hiking...

Hidden Hazards

Winter hiking in the UK also brings a range of hidden hazards. Trails that are normally well-trodden can be obscured by snow or ice, hiding uneven ground, rocks, or even deep bogs and rivers underneath. Frozen puddles can turn paths into skating rinks, increasing the risk of slips and falls, especially on steep or rocky sections. Snow-covered terrain can be deceptive, masking holes, unstable ground, or stream crossings that would be obvious in warmer months. In mountainous areas, there's also the added risk of avalanches or cornices—real dangers that require experience and proper knowledge to assess. These hidden threats mean that winter hiking often requires more than just physical fitness—it demands a higher level of awareness, navigation skills, and the right equipment.

A hiker walking across a hidden stream in the deep snow in Scotland. — A hiker stepping across a hidden stream.

Avalanche risk, while not always in the mind of hikers in the UK, are a significant but not necessarily obvious hazard. Avalanches occur regularly in the UK's hills during the winter. These aren't just risks for climbers or off-piste skiers; hikers traversing steep slopes, gullies, or corrie rims may unknowingly trigger a slide, especially after fresh snowfall, rapid thaws, or high winds. Understanding avalanche forecasts and precise planning are vital skills for safe travel in these environments.

Navigational Challenges

A close up of a map and compass being used by a hiker to navigate across a winter mountain. — Map and compass skills are essential.

Navigating in winter presents a unique set of challenges that can make even familiar routes difficult to follow. Snow and ice can completely obscure paths, cairns, and waymarks, making it hard to stay on track without strong map and compass skills. Whiteout conditions, where the ground and sky blend into one in low visibility, can disorient even the most experienced hikers, especially in open terrain or featureless plateaus like those found in the Scottish Highlands.

GPS devices and apps can be helpful, but they shouldn't be relied upon alone, as batteries drain faster in cold temperatures and signals can be unreliable in remote areas. In contrast to summer, when trails are often clear and daylight more forgiving, winter navigation requires greater precision, preparation, and a solid understanding of contours, bearings, and pacing. It’s crucial to be able to navigate without relying on visual cues, and to have a backup plan in case conditions deteriorate or a route becomes impassable.

Different technical skills required

A winter hiker using an ice axe to do a successful self-belay. — A successful self-belay.

Winter hiking in the UK demands a distinct and more advanced set of skills compared to summer hillwalking, especially when venturing into snowy or icy terrain. Good, deliberate footwork is one of the most important skills for winter hiking in the UK. When snow and ice cover the trails, every step requires more care and attention—rushing or being careless can quickly lead to a slip or fall. Moving with purpose, keeping your balance, and reading the terrain underfoot all help to reduce the risk of accidents, especially on steep or exposed ground.

Knowing how to use an ice axe's many different functions is also vital for winter hiking. From cutting steps, building anchors and even digging, there is a reason a good ice axe is known as a tool. They are also essential not just for support but for preventing a simple stumble from turning into a dangerous slide on hard snow. Learning how to use your axe effectively takes time and practice.

Additionally using crampons is a crucial skill for efficient travel in the winter hills. They provide much-needed traction on icy and hard-packed snow surfaces where regular boots have zero grip. Crampons also demand controlled, precise movements; poor technique can cause them to catch on rocks or your own boots, increasing the risk of tripping. Combining confident footwork with crampon use allows you to move safely over challenging terrain.

Practical Tips to Get Started Safely

Okay, now that you've read about the top 5 differences between winter and summer hiking, you may well be thinking, how on earth do I get started?! Well, here's a few suggestions and things that helped me get into hiking during the winter.

Join a hiking group – Clubs often run winter walks where you can learn from more experienced members.
Get someone to check your route - Find a more experienced hiker (perhaps through a hiking group) to look over your route plan. This is a great way to chat through any potential hazards on the route, but also to better understand what hazards might look like on a map.
Check the weather and avalanche forecast – Sites like the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) are must-checks. If it doesn't make sense, ask someone.
Pack smart – Always carry extra layers, a head-torch, high-energy snacks, and emergency gear.
Start small – Choose easier winter hikes before attempting big mountain days.
Have a backup plan – Shorter routes, escape paths, or lower-level alternatives keep you flexible if conditions aren't right. Be willing to change the plan!

Hikers walking across a steep firm slope using crampons.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need Training for Winter Hiking in the UK?

You don’t need a formal qualification to hike in winter—but to do it safely and really get the most out of the stunning landscapes the UK has to offer, building winter-specific skills is essential. Whether it's through a winter skills course or hiking with experienced friends, gaining that knowledge will boost your confidence and help you make safer decisions in challenging conditions.

What I love most about taking people into the hills is sharing those bits of knowledge that give them the confidence to head out on their own adventures. I hope this blog has helped shed some light on the key differences between summer and winter hiking, and given you a solid foothold for stepping into magical world of winter hiking.