Hiking in the Lakes this Half-Term

Let HandiHikes point the way in the Lakes


With springtime just around the corner, it’s time to blow away the cobwebs and get some fresh air. The UK is blessed with amazing countryside and one of the most popular destinations has now become even more accessible thanks to the launch of HandiHikes.

HandiHikes is an innovative new range of 18 compact, waterproof hiking guides featuring 60 of the best walking routes in the Lake District.

Perfectly-portable and easy to use, HandiHikes mean that you don’t need to be a seasoned hill walker to enjoy the beautiful scenery and famous routes of the Lake District, safely. Each HandiHike guide combines Ordnance Survey® 1:25,000 Explorer mapping data with detailed guided routes and plenty of tips about how to navigate and stay safe in the hills, to create the ideal hiking companion.

No more struggling to fold a large map in a howling gale, each cleverly folded, pocket-sized guide features a carefully selected area of mapping with a number of the best routes, all clearly marked and annotated with advice on everything from where to catch the best view to where to go for a cup of tea at the end.

HandiHikes are the brainchild of keen walkers Kate Foley and Andy Lowe.

Fed up with carrying large maps and guidebooks, in order to experience the benefits of both, they came up with the idea of combining top quality mapping data and detailed guided routes on a single sheet of tough, waterproof plastic which effortlessly folds away to fit neatly in you pocket, making it fully weatherproof, and nice and easy to use on the hills.

Andy says: “We asked ourselves, what exactly do you need to enjoy a day in the great outdoors? A decent waterproof map, some good directions, an idea of what to carry with you, some tips on safety and navigation, like how to read a map and use a compass, and of course, a few recommendations for a pint or a good cup of tea at the end. We wanted to create a walking companion that provides all this in a modern, user-friendly format. The result was the HandiHikes product.”

“We believe that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the iconic walks of the Lake District. HandiHikes are easy to use, helping you to be safe in the hills, whether you’re an occasional walker or an experienced hiker.”

HandiHikes Lake District series covers 60 routes across 18 guides including walks from Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and Great Langdale, and climbs up famous peaks like Helvellyn, the Fairfield Horseshoe, Great Gable and Scafell Pike. Covering more than 400 miles in total, the routes range from gentle walks to more demanding mountain climbs and there is plenty of information to make sure you know what to expect.

HandiHikes cost £4.99 (RRP) and a proportion of every HandiHike sold is donated to Mountain Rescue.

HandiHikes are widely available from good walking shops in the Lake District and online at www.handihikes.co.uk or from Amazon www.amazon.co.uk. Visit the HandiHikes website www.handihikes.co.uk to see a full list of routes covered and to learn more about the products and about Kate and Andy.