Walking Help

Make sure you are fully prepared when you are going out walking for a gentle stroll or a challenging walk up Helvellyn. This page has all the information you need and key contacts to make sure you are fully prepared.

• Safety on the Fells
• Information Booklets
• Outdoors Shops
• Weather Forecast
• Countryside Code

Safety on the fells

Weather conditions on the fell tops can change very quickly so it pays to go well prepared when walking on them. Also check the weather forecast before you set off.

We're fortunate to have mountain rescue teams based at Kirkby Stephen, Patterdale and Penrith; please make a donation to their voluntary work whenever you can.

Richard Warren, Chairman of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association recommends that you "have a map and compass, plan the route and carry a mobile phone, some spare clothes and a whistle and torch." It's a good idea to leave details of your route at wherever you are staying or with friends.

The Mountain Rescue website also gives advice for fell and mountain users on how to stay safe on the fells.

You can also check your mobile phone reception coverage before your trip on the fells, by visiting http://ukmobilecoverage.co.uk/

Information Booklets

Outdoor shops

• Alston
  Hi Pennine Outdoor Shop, Market Place, Alston, CA9 3QN
  Telephone: 01434 381389
  
• Appleby
  Penrith Survival Equipment, Sandale, Coupland Beck, Appleby, CA16 6LN
  Telephone: 017683 51666
  
• Glenridding
  Catstycam Outdoor Shop, Glenridding Post Office, Glenridding, Penrith CA11 0PA
  Telephone: 017684 82351
  
• Kirkby Stephen
  Eden Outdoors, 43 Market Street, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4QN
  Telephone: 017683 72431
  
• Penrith
  Penrith Outdoor Pursuits, 37 Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PT
  Telephone: 01768 891383
  
  Rheged Centre, Mountain Life, Redhills, Penrith, CA10 0DQ
  Telephone: 01768 868000
  
• Pooley Bridge
  Catstycam Outdoor Shop, Chestnut House, Finkle Street, Pooley Bridge CA10 2NW
  Telephone: 017684 86401

Weather forecast

• Visit the www.metoffice.gov.uk website for a 5-day forecast (select North West England then Penrith)
• Call Weathercall on 09068 500 419 (enter the Penrith code 1904 when prompted)
• Call Weatherline for the Lake District's weather forecast on 0870 055 0575.

Countryside Code

Help us all to respect, protect and enjoy our countryside:

• Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people

Find out more from the www.naturalengland.org.uk website