With over 214 fells and close to 200 tarns to explore, Cumbria lends itself perfectly to walking and hiking. Year round, hikers are drawn to the rugged beauty of the fells, peaceful ambience of the lakes and diverse terrain of Cumbria’s landscape that offers both leisurely walks and strenuous hikes.
When thinking about what to pack for a day out in the Lake District fells, we think about what to wear, whether we’ve got everything we need to navigate and whether we’ve packed enough basic emergency equipment but it’s also important to pack plenty to eat and drink. Eating the right sorts of foods will keep your energy up and drinking enough fluid will keep you hydrated whilst you are working hard.
If you go out on a long walk, it’s important to take adequate provisions with you. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best hiking snacks and offer you a guide on what foods to take hiking while exploring the stunning landscapes of Cumbria and the Lake District National Park.
When going on a walk in the fells, you use up a lot more energy than if you are sitting at a desk all day or lying on the sofa watching TV. While you may get away with eating just three large meals in a normal day, on a trek this will most likely leave you hungry and low on energy.
Since you’re always moving during a trek, you’re better off having a constant level of energy rather than one with big peaks and dips. A good rule to follow is that you probably need something to eat around every hour.
What you eat prior to stepping out into the fells is just as important as the food you take with you. A high-fibre carbohydrate will ensure your glucose levels are optimally balanced, so you don’t get a sugar crash and adding protein ensures fullness for longer, as do healthy fats.
Some of the best breakfast foods to eat before a hike include a bowl of porridge, milk, yoghurt and peanut butter. Equally good is eggs on toast with avocado, or muesli with yoghurt and mixed nuts.
There are several important factors to consider when finding the best food to take on a hike.
A bad hiking snack is one that you regret carrying, don’t want to eat, gets so destroyed that you can’t eat it or something with a huge amount of packaging that’s a faff to carry and dispose of. The best hiking snacks are ones that are convenient to carry, offer a good mix of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats and can keep you energised throughout the hike.
When searching for the best snacks for hiking, consider their nutritional value, taste, how easy it is to prepare and eat on the go, whether you need a camping stove, how well it keeps (for multi-day hikes), size and compactness, weight and price. Be sure to opt for hiking snacks that are lightweight, non-perishable and provide sustained energy.
Though sugar is often demonised, quick-release sugary snacks deserve a place in your backpack, too. Ultimately, it’s important to take food you love and will keep you satisfied on a walk. Sweets or homemade bakes are fantastic for a fast-acting sugar hit on long hill walks, and they will motivate you to keep going until the next eating point!
Don’t forget to stay hydrated by carrying plenty of water or electrolyte-packed beverages.
How many hiking snacks you take with you really depends on the type of person you are, how far you are walking, over how long and how much ascent is involved. Once you’re walking, you should snack regularly to ensure your body has sufficient supplies of glycogen.
On a standard day hike you’ll likely need to consumer around 200-300 calories per hour, but you needn’t get hung up on the numbers for shorter hikes. For hikes more than three hours, we suggest packing a substantial amount of food in a lunchbox.
On longer multi-day hikes you’ll find you want more snacks because you will use up most, or all of the energy reserves you had when you started. You’ll also need to consider how well the snack will cope with travelling and whether it will survive being crammed in a side pocket of your rucksack.
Ultimately, it’s your choice, but remember you have to carry it all!
Not only is Cumbria a region recognised for its stunning landscapes and iconic walking routes, but it is also home to many incredible food and drink suppliers. From award-winning meats and cheeses to delicious jams and relishes, Cumbria is brimming with choice when it comes to tasty food. So, when it comes to packing for your adventures in the Lake District, check out these locally sourced and lovingly produced food ideas for hiking:
First baked in 1854 by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson at her home in Grasmere, Grasmere Gingerbread is a unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake. Grasmere Gingerbread is the ultimate snack for a trek in the Lake District. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in your backpack and the satisfying crunch paired with its sweetness is perfect for a quick pick-me-up on the fells.
Kendal Mint Cake from the Kendal Mint Co. is a classic choice for trekking in the Lake District. This minty, sweet treat has been a favourite among hikers for generations, providing a refreshing burst of energy during long walks in the stunning Cumbrian countryside and beyond. It’s compact size and high sugar content make it a convenient and quick source of fuel to keep you going.
Why not bring a flask of tea or coffee along for a hike in the Lake District? Even better, why not bring a flask of Penningtons’ tea or coffee, an award-winning tea and coffee roastery based in Kendal? The convenience of having your favourite brew on hand is sure to make your hiking experience even more enjoyable and it is guaranteed to warm you up in the cold winter months.
Designed in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, VOOM Nutrition is a world class sports nutrition brand working with specialist outdoor retailers, clubs, events and athletes. With products ranging from energy and protein bars to hydration gels and energy drinks, VOOM is the ideal partner to help you get the most out of your day in the fells.
Let’s not forget about our four-legged friends. Sir Woofchester’s was created by a team drawing experience from the pet sector and the hospitality sector, with the goal of helping dogs to live their best lives. They supply a range of dog treats with the highest quality ingredients including snack bars, treat pots, bowls and flavoured drinks perfect for treating your little companion on a hike.
Whether you’re embarking on a leisurely walk around one of Cumbria’s nature trails or setting out on a strenuous hike in the Lake District fells, you’ll need plenty of energy so it’s important to pack enough to eat and drink. At Made In Cumbria, we showcase some of the best and tastiest of the region’s locally sourced produce and locally made quality foods. As well as the businesses listed above, take a look at some of Cumbria’s most talented food suppliers to get the most out of your visit to this beautiful corner of the world.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
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Broadacre House
16-20 Lowther Street
Carlisle
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0845 226 00 40
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