My February Favourites: Hikes, Dips, Books and Gear

Hikes

I feel so incredibly lucky to have so much on my doorstep now that I’m in the Lakes. Travel times are massively reduced, petrol costs are lower and nearly all of the car parks around here are National Trust, so included in my membership. I’ve thoroughly been enjoying the start of my Wainwrights journey and I’m excited for more sunrise and sunset hikes when the days start to get a bit longer.

Wetherlam: Approx 12.2km/3h

This has been one of my favourite hikes that I’ve done since moving, and the first of my Wainwrights journey (you can read more about this here). I was lucky enough to catch a pretty beautiful sunrise and cloud inversion after setting off in the cloud at 6am. It was a pretty steep start, but the views from the top were well worth it! It was quite icy when I got to the top, so there were some very interesting bum shuffle moves in places to get down. One thing I do find when I am out on my own, is that I’m very aware of the risk. This means that I usually take it a lot steadier than if I was with others.

Coniston Coppermines Butterfly: Approx 5.2km/1h

This was a lovely lower level hike that I did between split shifts, starting from the YHA. I feel so lucky to have places like this on the doorstep. I used the komoot app to plan something that I knew wouldn’t take too long, but still gave me an opportunity to explore a bit more of what was around me. I definitely need to check out some of the waterfalls that I passed, it looks like there are a few great dipping spots.

The Langdale Pikes: Approx 11.7km/4h30

Another hike to try and tick off a few more of the Wainwrights. I’ve been enjoying doing some bigger solo hikes since moving up to the Lakes, After a pretty intense evening shift the night before, meaning I didn’t manage to get to sleep until around 2am, I didn’t think I was going to make it out. But after a coffee and a slower morning, I got myself sorted and out the door. I decided not to rush, partly because I was trying to film some bits, but also because I just wanted to enjoy being out. I had no time pressures, so kept stopping to just take in the views, or for a snack and a coffee. The route was number 14 from the Peak Bagging Wainwrights book, and incorporated seven of the fells (Loft Crag, Pike O’ Stickle, Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark, High Raise and Sergeant Man).

The climb up at the start was pretty long and steep, but from the top it’s quite steady and plateaus, until the descent back down. It was a nice mix of different terrains, with a few little scrambly bits thrown in for good measure.

Dips

I haven’t been for anywhere near as many dips as I thought I would have since moving. Having the lake so nearby, I’d assumed I would have been in pretty much every day. Unfortunately, that hasn’t quite been the case, but I’ve still had some lovely dips so far.

Rydal Water:

I’ve dipped in the waterfalls above Rydal Water before, but never actually in it itself. It was such a beautifully calm morning and the perfect way to start a Sunday. I’m absolutely loving discovering new little spots close by that are easily accessible, making them perfect for squeezing in around work shifts.

Cold Pod:

Cold Pod recently sent me one of their dippings pods to test out and I managed to make the most of it at my parents before making my move to the Lakes. I love being able to dip in the back garden. It’s going to be ideal for those days when I’m rushed for time and unable to get out, but still feel the need for that cold water fix. Now I’ve moved, I need to find some time to clear a space in the very overgrown garden here to set it up. You can use the code ‘Lisaoutdoors’ to get 10% off.

Windermere Fell Foot:

I have dipped here a few times and there are some great entry points, photo opportunities and a cafe to grab a coffee after. There are changing rooms on site for a small fee, if that’s your thing, and there is also currently a pop up sauna available to book Fri – Sun, you can check it out at La’al Sauna. The Sunday morning I spent here earlier this week was pretty idyllic!

Books

I’ve barely found the time to read anything this month, though managed to squeeze in a little when away with my family in Ambleside. One of my aims for next month is definitely to set aside more time for reading and get back to turning my phone off at a reasonable time before going to bed.

Four Thousand Weeks – Oliver Burkeman:

Did you know that the average person lives for around 4000 weeks? I’m currently only part way through this, but so far I’m finding it fascinating. It looks at tools to help your construct a meaningful life, by embracing the fact that it’s impossible to ‘get everything done’. Burkeman draws on the works of philosophers, psychologists and spiritual leaders to both reframe life and our limits – I highly recommend checking it out.

Peak Bagging Wainwrights – Karen & Dan Parker:

I’ve mentioned this book a lot recently, but I’ve found it really useful for getting a better understanding of the Lakes geography, and getting my head around where each of the different fells are. It also includes gpx files for all 45 routes which makes it super easy to download them onto your phone and use with your app of choice. So far, I’ve only done one of the routes, but I will definitely be doing more as I work my way through all the Wainwrights.

Gear

Seashell Changing Robe:

The Seashell team recently sent me their new and upgraded changing robe, in the most gorgeous shade of blue. The new robe is made from 100% recycled fabrics, and they have adjusted the shape and sizings to make it easier to get changed in. I went for the small/medium and it’s just the right size for me. The outer shell is waterproof and windproof, and the fleece lining is so soft. This now lives in my car so it’s ready and waiting for any last minute dips!

ACAI Skinny Outdoor Jeans:

These have quickly become my go to trousers for pretty much everything. They are so comfy and versatile, but also look great. I’ve been wearing them out walking, for work or just when meeting up with friends. They’re much more flexible than regular jeans, are also shower resistant and their high waisted fit is great for my shape.

ACAI have quickly become one of the most popular female outdoor brands around and it’s easy to see why. They’ve filled a big gap in the market for gear that’s both practical, but also looks good and fits well. In the past, I’ve always reverted to wearing leggings when out hiking, because I’d found it so difficult to find trousers that fit me properly. This winter I’ve loved having several pairs of ACAI’s to rotate between depending on the weather.

Next on the list is some shorts – it’s definitely nearly shorts season!

Happy adventuring x

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