--- title: "Safety on the fells | Visit Keswick, Lake District" url: https://visitkeswick.com/visitor-info/safety-on-the-fells description: "Getting onto the Lakeland fells safely — what to ask yourself before you set off, what to take, and who to call in an emergency." --- ## #beadventuresmart and ask yourself these 3 questions - Am I confident I have the knowledge & skills for the day? Choosing an adventure that you know that is within your skillset is part of the fun – and if you want to do something that pushes beyond this, there are many ways to find a guide or instructor to help you. [Develop your skills](https://www.adventuresmart.uk/develop-your-skills/) Do I know what the weather will be like? As we are all used to in the UK, the weather has the potential to make or spoil your day. This doesn’t have to mean that a spot of drizzle or even a howling gale has to stop us in our tracks. Like a good Scout, being prepared and adapting your plans is the key to being in control of your day. Check the weather forecast – the Met Office is a good places to start. [Watch the weather](https://visitkeswick.com/weather) Do I have the right gear? If that has prompted you to ask ‘what is the right gear?’ then you need help! Kit doesn’t need to be expensive but does need to keep you warm and dry and, in the case of boots, needs to fit well; there is nothing like a blister to ruin a good day’s walking! If your adventure involves heading out on the water then a well fitted and well-maintained buoyancy aid is essential. [Think about gear](https://www.adventuresmart.uk/think-about-gear/) ## Hiking checklist ### Clothing essentials Waterproof jacket Can always be kept in the rucksack until needed, don’t leave home without it Insulating mid layer Fleeces, soft-shell jackets, down jackets, dependent on the weather Breathable base layer Look for technical materials, avoid cotton t-shirts Walking trousers Quick drying trousers with a good range of movement, avoid denim Waterproof over-trousers A great option for over your walking trousers in a downpour Hats & gloves Include sun hat Watch or any reliable method of telling the time Rucksack well fitted, adjusted correctly and comfortable A family paddling two kayaks together on open water with the fells beyond ## Safety on the water The water can look appealing but even in summer it can be particularly cold. Follow these swimming do’s and don’t’s to have fun and stay safe. [Open water swimming](https://www.adventuresmart.uk/open-water-swimming/) ## In an emergency **Call 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue teams in the Lake District, staffed by unpaid volunteers, attend many call outs each year. As registered charities they rely on voluntary contributions to continue their great work. Visit the websites of the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team to see how you can help. ## Start your trip here Plan your perfect escape with our Keswick guide. From places to stay and things to do, where to eat, explore and unwind. ## Stories from our blog [See all blog posts](https://visitkeswick.com/blog) The Moot Hall and Keswick main street lit with Christmas lights Blog ### Keswick Victorian Fayre Keswick's Christmas fayre returns to the Market Square on Sunday 6 December 2026, with free entertainment, charity stalls and a children's funfair. 30 October 2026 derwentwater keswick ### Planning Your Stay In Keswick Keswick is a vibrant and lively town nestled in a stunning part of the Lake District and theres something for everyone here. Read on for some inspiration and ideas for where to stay and what to do whe Original publication date not recorded ### Festive Walks to do over the Christmas Period If you are staying in Keswick or the North Lakes over the Christmas period, you are probably planning on going for a walk? ## For AI agents - API catalogue: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/api-catalog - Guide for AI agents: https://visitkeswick.com/llms.txt - A2A agent card: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/agent-card.json - MCP server card: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json - Personal Agent Protocol: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/poppy.json - Live availability and booking: the site's tools above (MCP connector at https://visitkeswick.com/mcp).