Preparing for Fell Walking in the Lake District

Phones and walking apps are useful, but they should not be your only navigation method on longer or higher walks. Mobile signal can be unreliable around Borrowdale, while batteries can fail or drain quickly. Carry a paper OS map and compass and know how to use them. Download your route offline, take a fully charged phone and power bank, and keep navigation equipment protected from the weather. 

• Paper OS map
• Compass
• Downloaded offline route
• Fully charged phone
• Portable power bank
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• Route notes or guidebook
• Watch or reliable way to check the time 

Layering is more effective than relying on one thick coat, particularly when conditions in the fells change with height. Start with a breathable base layer, add a fleece or softshell mid layer and carry lightweight insulation on colder days. Waterproof outer layers should always be close to hand. Walking trousers, a warm hat and gloves complete the basics, with spare gloves for wet conditions and a sun hat during warmer weather. 

• Breathable base layer
• Fleece or softshell mid layer
• Lightweight insulated layer
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Walking trousers
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Spare gloves
• Sun hat 

On the fells of the Lake District, footwear should suit the walk you are planning. Casual trainers may be adequate for some short village strolls, but they are not suitable for wet, rocky or higher fell routes. For walks such as Scafell Pike, Eagle Crag and Sergeant’s Crag, we highly advise wearing walking boots or suitable walking shoes with good grip. Comfortable walking socks, spare socks, blister plasters and spare laces are also useful additions for longer days. 

• Walking boots or suitable walking shoes
• Good grip for wet, rocky and uneven paths
• Breathable walking socks
• Spare socks
• Blister plasters
• Spare laces 

Weather protection is about more than just rain. Wind, cold, low cloud, strong sun and sudden temperature changes can all affect a day on the fells. Carry a waterproof jacket and overtrousers, while a rucksack cover, pack liner or dry bags help keep equipment protected. A waterproof map case and phone pouch are also useful. In warmer weather, carry suncream, sunglasses, a sun hat and insect repellent. 

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Rucksack rain cover
• Pack liner or dry bags
• Waterproof map case
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Suncream
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Insect repellent

Carry enough food and water for your planned route, with a little extra in case the walk takes longer than expected. A water bottle or hydration bladder, high-energy snacks and a proper lunch are ideal for longer fell days. Guests staying at The Royal Oak can also order a packed lunch for £12 per person. Keep an emergency snack separate and consider a hot flask or electrolytes depending on conditions. 

• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Enough water for the route
• High-energy snacks
• Lunch or packed lunch
• Separate emergency snack
• Flask with a hot drink
• Electrolytes for longer or hotter walks 

A twisted ankle, fading daylight or sudden change in weather can turn even a familiar walk into a problem. Carry a small first aid kit, blister plasters, personal medication, a whistle and a head torch with sufficient charge. A foil blanket, survival bag or lightweight emergency bivvy offers useful protection if someone cannot continue. Keep emergency contact details with you, alongside spare laces and a small amount of cash or a payment card. 

• First aid kit
• Blister plasters 
• Emergency whistle 
• Head torch or torch 
• Spare batteries or charge 
• Foil blanket, survival bag or emergency
• Bivvy 
• Personal medication 
• Spare laces 
• Emergency contact details 
• Cash or payment card 

Choose a rucksack that remains comfortable throughout the day. For most full-day Lake District fell walks, around 20–35 litres provides enough space for waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and safety equipment. Use a pack liner or dry bags to keep contents protected and position frequently needed items where they are easy to reach. Pack enough to deal with changing conditions, but avoid carrying unnecessary weight that makes walking uncomfortable. 

• Comfortable daypack 
• Around 20–35L for most full-day walks 
• Pack liner or dry bags 
• Keep waterproofs easy to reach 
• Keep food and water accessible 
• Avoid unnecessary overpacking