Lake District Christmas hikes to bring people together

Starting with just seven hikers in 2019 following an open invite on social media, Jay Mistry's event has grown organically and even saw 76 take to Keswick last year. 

The hiking enthusiast from Huddersfield first started the event with the hope of bringing together people who might be away from family during the holiday season whilst aiming to promote the mental health benefits of the outdoors. 

Since then, the event has become much more than with hikers even saying it has 'made their Christmas'. 

Last year's group of 76 outside Moot Hall (Image: Jay Mistry)

Speaking after the success of the 2023 hike, Jay said: "When I first started this, it was for loneliness and mental health, but now it's families, couples on holiday—it's a Christmas walk with a community that keeps growing."

With the help of a few volunteers, Jay’s tradition has continued to grow each year, with only a brief hiatus during Covid, when he hiked Mam Tor solo in what has become his signature if slightly weather-beaten, Santa suit.

Celebrations during the 2021 hike (Image: Jay Mistry)

 To keep the festive spirit alive, a series of holiday hikes will accompany the popular Christmas Day event, each beginning at Keswick’s Moot Hall.

The hikes start on Christmas Eve at 10 am with a 6-8 mile trek up Walla Crag via the Cats Ghyll trail, followed by drinks at Wetherspoons at 7pm.

On Christmas Day, hikers will gather at 10am for a walk along the railway track to Latrigg, with an option for those with mobility challenges to join for the first section, and drinks afterward at Oddfellows.

The Boxing Day hike covers a 10-mile route around the lake and up Catbells, with a social gathering at Wetherspoons that evening.

Finally, on New Year’s Day, the group will meet at 10am for an ascent of Skiddaw, with a backup route in case of poor weather.

Everyone is invited to join the free-to-attend hikes.