Welcome

As the days get shorter and the fells start to take on their winter character, it’s the perfect time to reflect on another great year of walks, adventures and good company. Whether you’ve joined us on a local evening hike, tackled a challenging summit, or simply followed along online, thank you for being part of the Summit Good Walking Group community.

As always, our events programme remains flexible whilst we work around work schedules, family commitments and the ever-unpredictable British weather. Keep an eye on your inbox and the website for the latest walks, social events and announcements.

Ben
2026 Chair

2026 AGM Day Walk and Social

Why not join us for a scenic walk before the AGM?

We’ll be heading out on a linear walk from Watendlath to Keswick, taking in some of the area’s beautiful autumn and early winter scenery before finishing in time for the AGM and refreshments at Fellside Bistro & Café.

Our Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to help shape the future of the group, hear updates on how things are progressing, and share your ideas for 2027.

📅 Date: Saturday 5 December 2026
🕝 Time: 14:30
📍 Venue: Fellside Bistro & Café, Braithwaite
🐕 Dog Friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Everyone is encouraged to attend, whether you’re a regular on our walks or have only recently joined. We’ll keep the formal business concise and leave plenty of time for socialising over coffee and cake afterwards.

AGM Agenda

1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
3. Reports from Officers
4. Election of Officers for 2027
5. Membership Update
6. Website Update
7. Winter Programme
8. Any Other Business

If there is anything you’d like added to the agenda, please contact the committee before the meeting.

Winter Walking Tips

Food Ideas for the Cold

Cold‑weather walking demands foods that deliver steady energy, easy digestion, and warmth. Aim for calorie‑dense snacks that won’t freeze solid—nuts, trail mix, oat bars, cheese, nut‑butter wraps, and dried fruit all work well. Warm meals or drinks make a huge difference: a flask of soup, instant noodles, porridge, or hot chocolate provides both fuel and morale. Prioritise carbohydrates for quick energy and add fats for longer burn—cold temperatures increase metabolic demand, so most people need more calories than on mild‑weather walks. Avoid foods that become brittle or unpalatable when frozen (e.g., some protein bars), and pack items you can eat without removing gloves.

Keeping Warm During Breaks

Staying warm during rest stops is one of the biggest challenges in winter walking. As soon as you pause, your body stops generating heat through movement, so layering strategy becomes crucial. Put on an insulated jacket immediately—before you feel cold—to trap warmth. A sit‑pad or backpack foam insert prevents heat loss through contact with cold ground or rocks. Keep a windproof layer accessible, as wind chill can drop perceived temperature dramatically. Short, frequent breaks are better than long ones, and warm drinks help maintain core temperature. Finally, avoid sweating before you stop: damp base layers cool rapidly, so regulate pace and ventilation to stay dry.

Microspikes vs. Crampons: When to Use Each

Microspikes and crampons both improve traction, but they’re designed for very different terrain. Microspikes are best for low‑angle winter trails, packed snow, icy paths, and mixed conditions where you need extra grip but not full climbing hardware. They’re lightweight, easy to put on, and ideal for fast, efficient movement on rolling terrain. Crampons, by contrast, are built for steep, technical ground—think hard ice, frozen scree, and mountain routes where a slip could be serious. Their longer, sharper points bite into ice and firm snow, making them essential for mountaineering or any hike involving sustained inclines. A simple rule: if you’re walking on icy trails, choose microspikes; if you’re front‑pointing or tackling steep winter routes, crampons are the safer choice.

Upcoming Events

We’re already putting together ideas for winter walks, social meet-ups and plans for 2027.

Events will continue to be a little ad hoc as we work around personal commitments and weather windows, so please keep checking your inbox and the website for the latest news and walk announcements.

We look forward to seeing you on the hills and at the AGM.

Share Your Favourite Route

One of the best things about SuMMit Good is the variety of walks our members organise. From local fell favourites to hidden gems further afield, many of our best days out have started with one member saying, “I’ve got a route I’d like to share.”

You don’t need to be a mountain expert, navigation guru or seasoned expedition leader to lead a SuMMit Good walk.

If you’ve got:

• A route you’ve enjoyed before
• A walk you’ve been meaning to revisit
• An idea for a social walk, waterfall wander or fell day
• Enthusiasm for getting outdoors with others

…then we’d love to hear from you.

Happy Walking!

The Summit Good Walking Group Committee