One of the greatest joys that winter can bring is a dazzling snowfall, transforming landscapes, and of course - bringing ammunition for snowball fights.

But where are Cumbrians most likely to find their own winter wonderlands across this festive period?

As is often the case, it might have to involve a trek to higher ground - though there is a chance it may land on more people's doorsteps.

The Met Office's long-range forecast, covering a period from tomorrow until Tuesday January 5, predicts "below average" temperatures, resulting in likely snowfall over hills.

However, "this is also likely to fall to lower levels at times", the Met Office is predicting.

To be as sure as possible of finding snow, higher altitudes are more likely to deliver the goods, as places further from sea level are likely to experience colder temperatures than lower altitudes.

"The occurrence of snow is linked closely with temperature, with falls rarely occurring if the temperature is higher than four degrees Celsius," according to the Met Office.

"For snow to lie for any length of time, the temperature normally has to be lower than this."

In the Carlisle area for example, the higher altitude of the fells around Caldbeck make the area area a much more likely candidate to see plenty of snow than the city itself, which is far closer to sea level.

But distance from the sea also plays a role in determining the likelihood of experiencing snowfall.

Large bodies of water such as the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean take a much longer time to cool down than areas of land.

Oceans and seas hold onto the heat absorbed through the summer for much longer than the land, meaning that when winds blow over them and then hit the land, they have a warming effect.

This helps to explain why Cumbrian communities in the north Pennines, such as Alston and Nenthead, which are both further from the sea and from sea level, experience some of the most regular snowfalls in the county, whereas the more low-lying areas of the west Cumbrian coast see much less snow.

According to the Met Office, on average the number of days with snow falling along the Cumbrian coast is between three and seven.

As such, communities along the west coast in towns such as Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport are among the least likely to see snow fall on their doorstep in the coming weeks.

Instead, they may have to head east - though they probably will not have to travel far.

Met Office figures show that the average number of days in which snow falls in the upland areas of the Pennines and the Lake District jumps to more than 30.

In the Lake District itself there is a lot of variation when it comes to snowfall, linked most closely to altitude.

According to the Lake District National Park Authority, Lake District valleys see about 20 days per year when snow falls.

But this number climbs as high as 67 days per year on top of the Lake District's highest mountains, such as Helvellyn.

"The general rule to follow is that as the temperature falls by one degree C per 100m above sea level", according to the authority, "so the number of snow-covered days increases by about five per 100 metres.

Before setting out however, it is vital to prepare, particularly when heading to particularly mountainous areas.

The Lake District National Park Authority recommends that anyone planning a walk or a climb in wintry conditions makes sure they have the correct clothing and equipment before setting off, "such as waterproofs, boots, ice axes, crampons, bivouac shelters, spare clothing, spare food and water".

It is also important to remember the dangers that come when driving in snowy or icy conditions.

Inspector Steve Minnikin, from Cumbria Police's mobile support group, recently advised drivers to "amend their driving style" to changing weather and lighting conditions.

“When on the road drive slower and prepare for possible hazards such as black ice which isn’t always visible, and a low sun can present visibility issues," he said.