Winter fell running
Winter running on the fells is one of the best things you can do. It's also the most demanding. Here's what changes.
What changes in winter
Daylight is short. Ground is frozen, icy or snow-covered. Navigation is harder — paths disappear under snow, familiar landmarks look different. The consequences of a fall or getting lost are more serious. None of this means don't go. It means prepare properly.
Kit additions for winter
Microspikes for icy ground — they make a huge difference and weigh very little. Waterproof gloves, not just liner gloves. A hat that covers your ears. More food and water than summer — you burn more in cold. Head torch with spare batteries (or a spare torch). Full waterproofs, not just a jacket.
Traction
Microspikes (Kahtoola, Hillsound or similar) are the minimum for any route with potential ice or compacted snow. Full crampons are for mountaineering rather than running. Poles can help on descents but aren't essential.
Navigation in winter
Paths disappear under snow. Familiar landmarks look different. Know how to navigate by compass bearing, not just by following a path. Carry a physical map. Download the route offline before you go.
Know when to not go
A very hard grade route in summer may be genuinely dangerous in winter. Check the TRP grade note on each route — we flag seasonal caveats where they matter. When in doubt, pick a lower route. You can always come back.
In an emergency
- Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → then Mountain Rescue
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text "register" to 999
- Coastal routes: ask for Coastguard instead of Mountain Rescue