Date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Start/Finish: Swirls Car Park, Thirlmere (what3words: ///salad.alternate.lifts)
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 5–7 hours (weather dependent)
Grade: 8/10 – challenging, suitable for confident hillwalkers
Price: £65 per person
Guide: Dougie Walker – Qualified Mountain LeaderAbout the Day
Prepare for winter adventures with this practical mountain skills day on Helvellyn, one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks.
Led by Dougie Walker, a highly experienced Mountain Leader with expedition experience in the Arctic and extensive UK mountain knowledge, this immersive training day is designed to help you move safely and confidently in cold, snowy, and icy conditions.
You’ll learn how to plan, prepare, and make good decisions in a winter environment while tackling one of the most spectacular ascents in the Lakes.
What You’ll Learn
Essential winter equipment and how to use it
Safe movement on snow and ice
Route planning and hazard awareness
Navigation in poor visibility
Risk management and emergency techniques
(Weather permitting) ice axe, crampon, and snow shelter skills
By the end of the day, you’ll have the tools and confidence to extend your hiking season safely into winter and beyond.
Who It’s For
This day is ideal for competent hillwalkers who want to:
Learn winter mountain skills in real conditions
Build confidence using crampons and an ice axe
Prepare for trips in alpine or arctic environments
Please note: the location may change on the day to make best use of snow and weather conditions.
What to Bring
Ice axe and crampons (hire available locally – please request in advance)
Mountaineering or stiff-soled walking boots (B1 or higher recommended)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm insulating layers, hat, gloves, and spare gloves
Goggles and headtorch
Rucksack (30–40 L)
Hot drink, packed lunch, and energy snacks
Map, compass, and whistle
Personal medication and emergency items
Booking
£65 per person – limited spaces.
Join us for a day that blends learning, challenge, and adventure on one of the UK’s most iconic winter mountains.
You may also like the following events from Guided Outdoor Adventures:
- This Saturday, 29th November, 09:00 am, NNAS Silver Navigator Course – 2-Day Map Reading & Navigation Training (Avebury & Marlborough Downs, in Marlborough
- This Sunday, 30th November, 09:30 am, Sunday Social – Crich & Matlock (Dog Friendly) | Guided Group Walk in Matlock
- Next Saturday, 6th December, 08:45 am, Tissington & Parwich (Dog Friendly) | Peak District Guided Walk in Ashbourne
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Keswick,
Workshops in Keswick.
