Candles, berry lips, family traditions, party dresses, silver frost, roaring fires, furs and wraps, rosy complexions, sparkle and glitter – all words that we associate with the winter season and Christmas in particular. Combine that with your wedding vows surrounded by friends and family, and you have something very special indeed. (more…)

Whilst not at work in his role as Low Wood Bay Maintenance Engineer, Raf has been out and about capturing some stunning Lake District winter images. We think you will agree it was worth wrapping up warm and braving the temperatures to share some of his favourite views with us. (more…)

Lancaster-based Tim Bell, shares one of his favourite Winter Walks.

Personally, I’ve always preferred the winter for heading up into the Cumbrian fells. Before heading out the door with the courteous “see you later, I’m off for a walk”. As the front door closes behind me, the inevitable “OK, But Be Careful” advice is offered emphatically from upstairs.
I am prepared. I’ve done the right courses, listened to the instructors, bought the right equipment and am now able to confidently and safely reap the benefits of a Lakeland Winter.
Before I tempt you further, be sure to read my previous blog: 3 Essentials to remember when winter walking in the Lake District. (more…)

Keen fell-walker Tim Bell, explains why there’s plenty to consider before heading up the Lake District Mountains this winter.
Personally, I’ve always preferred the colder months for heading up into the Cumbrian fells. My friends and family still look at me in a baffled way when, on a cold, bleak winters morning, I’m up before the day breaks, preparing a big flask of soup, before heading out the door with the courteous “see you later, I’m off for a walk”. As I close the front door behind me, the inevitable “OK, But Be Careful” advice is offered emphatically from upstairs.

And “Careful” I will be. For I know all too well the dangers that those picture-perfect, snow-capped mountains can hide. They might be beautiful and hugely alluring with a crisp, white coat, but head into them without the right preparation and your day might not turn out as planned!
Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not my intention to paint a picture of danger and inevitable doom. By following a few simple pointers, you can achieve the right balance of a safe and rewarding day out in the fells. (more…)

To be honest, I prefer toasting my toes in front of a roaring fire, but there are those with a passion for all things cold.

Last Saturday Wim Hoff, aka ‘The Iceman’ broke his own record by standing engulfed in 1,550 lbs of ice for an hour and 12 minutes! He also holds the world record for the longest swim whilst holding one’s breath under ice (188 feet, 6 inches).
For those of you who have a culinary interest in ‘cold’, the fastest time to make one gallon of slushie using a home made slushie machine currently stands at 3 minutes, 9.5 seconds. And if you ever have to rescue hot dogs from icy water using only your feet (what’s that about!), Hannah Mansour currently holds the record - 30 hot dogs from a bucket of ice water in only 54.64 seconds! (more…)