Sorry if this is duplicative, I wasn't able to find any threads regarding the Keswick/Lake District area in December.
Is this area enjoyable in December, or have most of the services closed for the season? I do enjoy day hikes, but am not interested in primitive hiking conditions, i.e., exposure, poor trails due to the season and weather, etc. I will be in the UK and Ireland for approximately 6 weeks and will be visiting many other nature specific areas.
Thanks for your input!
Wear waterproof lowcuts and slog on. It's going to be hard to find anything primitive. You're not going to freeze to death. Rain jacket, under jacket, knit hat is all that you'll need.
Keswick--"Kessick", was my favorite place on a trip to England a few years ago. For England, this is a higher elevation, and with Catbells and other mountains there, this will attract storms. I don't know if you can rely on doing any hiking, but Castlerigg Stone Circle will be approachable as it is right off a road. There are some nice trails between farm properties around the circle which should be doable.
There is a great Facebook page called "I Love the Lake District" where residents, and a few travelers, post pictures from in and around the area. Most of the posters are residents and if you scroll through you can get an idea of the weather at various times of the year. Several people, including one National Trust ranger (and his dog Molly) who I think has THE best job in the world, post daily so you can really get a sense of weather, scenery, and the changing seasons.
Thanks everyone, your posts give me a better understanding of the area in December!
