BIG North Christmas - Silver How & Elterwater Half Day Walk
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This is an 8km walk that takes in stunning views over Langdale and Grasmere. And if the views aren't enough to tempt you out of the Hostel, then how about a drink or two along the way (more specifically - after the hilly bit).
Leaving the hostel we head up Huntingstile Crag. Passing a number of cairns we hit our highest point of 391m after 3km - Silver How Cairn. The path down is a tad steep, but the reward is the pub at the bottom! After a short drink stop, we head along the River Brathay and into Elterwater where there is the option for a second drink break. The last 2km back to the hostel are relatively flat with a slight hill towards the end through a forest. In all it should take around 4 hours including the pub, a tad longer if we stop for a second. Sunset on the 14th of December is around 3:45pm. For that reason we will set off at 11am, allowing for that well deserved lie in, but giving us plenty of time to get around safely.
Photos:
Silver How summit cairn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Anthony Foster - geograph.org.uk/p/5771253
Silver How summit cairn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Anthony Foster - geograph.org.uk/p/5771240
Grasmere from Silver How
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Struthers - geograph.org.uk/p/5785695
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Food for lunch along the way Hot drinks for a cold day