Best Trekking Umbrella UK 2025

8 Lightweight Options for Hiking

In This Article

• 1. Introduction: Why Carry an Umbrella on a UK Trail?
• 2. Top 8 Trekking Umbrellas: Quick Comparison
• 3. Detailed Product Reviews
• 4. Trekking Umbrella Buying Guide for the UK
• 5. How to Use a Trekking Umbrella Effectively
• 6. Frequently Asked Questions
• 7. Conclusion: The Final Verdict

1. Introduction: Why Carry an Umbrella on a UK Trail?

If there’s one constant on the British fells, it’s the weather’s glorious inconsistency. With the UK averaging over 150 rainy days a year, and regions like the Scottish Highlands and Lake District seeing significantly more, staying dry is a fundamental challenge for any hiker. For decades, the default solution has been the waterproof jacket. But as any seasoned trekker knows, after a few hours of strenuous uphill climbing, even the most advanced waterproof jackets can feel like a personal sauna. This is where the trekking umbrella UK, a once-niche item, strides confidently onto the trail.

The umbrella versus rain jacket debate is a passionate one in the hiking community. While a jacket offers full-body protection in driving wind and rain, an umbrella provides unparalleled ventilation. By allowing air to circulate freely, it prevents the clammy build-up of sweat that inevitably occurs inside a waterproof membrane. This means you stay drier from the inside out, a crucial factor for comfort and temperature regulation on long-distance walks. On a multi-day hike like the West Highland Way, where you might experience four seasons in one day, the ability to quickly deploy and stow an umbrella without stopping to delayer is a game-changer.

The benefits extend far beyond just rain. On those rare but glorious sunny days on exposed ridges in the Peak District or along the Welsh coast, a reflective umbrella can lower the perceived temperature by a staggering 5-10°C. It creates your own personal patch of shade, reducing water consumption and the risk of sunstroke. Furthermore, a trekking umbrella is a multi-tool. It can double as a rain cover for your pack, a windbreak for your stove, or an emergency extension to your tent’s vestibule, providing a sheltered space for cooking during a downpour.

To find the best trekking umbrella for UK conditions, we put eight leading models through their paces. Our methodology was rigorous, subjecting each umbrella to the fierce, unpredictable elements of Britain’s finest hiking destinations. We tested them in the gale-force winds (up to 40mph) of the Scottish Highlands, endured summer storms in the Lake District, relied on them for seven consecutive days of rain on the West Highland Way, and used them for general protection on day hikes in the Peak District. We evaluated wind resistance, rain coverage (for both hiker and pack), sun protection, durability over 50+ uses, and the crucial trade-off between weight and coverage. This guide presents our findings to help you choose the perfect trail companion for your UK adventures.

2. Top 8 Trekking Umbrellas: Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick overview of the top trekking umbrellas we tested. Each has been selected for its unique strengths, from featherlight construction to bombproof wind resistance, ensuring there’s an option for every type of UK hiker.

3. Detailed Product Reviews

We pushed these umbrellas to their limits on exposed ridgelines, boggy trails, and sun-scorched paths across the UK. Here’s our in-depth analysis of how each one performed.

Montbell Travel Umbrella Best Overall Lightest

The Montbell Travel Umbrella is a marvel of Japanese engineering and a dream for the ultralight community. Tipping the scales at an astonishing 86g for the lightest version (and 112g for the 55cm model we tested), it feels almost non-existent in your pack. This is achieved through a fanatical dedication to minimalism, using a 10-denier Ballistic Airlight polyester canopy and a frame constructed from 6 or 8 featherlight carbon ribs. During our summer storm tests in the Lake District, its packability was a huge asset; at just 25cm long when folded, it disappears into a side pocket, ready for instant deployment when the heavens open.

Despite its delicate appearance, the Montbell is surprisingly resilient. The “Ballistic Airframe” design is rated for winds up to 70km/h. In practice, we found it could handle moderate gusts, but its primary strength is its design to collapse in strong wind rather than break—a feature that saved it during an unexpected squall near Helvellyn. The canopy, while thin, is highly hydrophobic and sheds water instantly. The coverage (88-97cm diameter) is adequate for one person, but don’t expect it to keep your pack completely dry in a downpour. The tiny handle is a compromise for its packability and can be tricky to hold for long periods, but for those who prioritise weight above all else, it’s a trade-off worth making. It’s the ultimate “just in case” umbrella that you’ll never hesitate to pack.

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Note: Montbell products can be difficult to source in the UK and may require importing.

Euroschirm Swing Liteflex Trekking Umbrella Most Durable

When conditions are predictably foul, the Euroschirm Swing Liteflex is the umbrella you want in your hand. This German-engineered workhorse is built for durability, not for winning weight competitions. Its frame is constructed from high-density fiberglass, making it both incredibly strong and flexible. We tested this on a brutal day in the Cairngorms with 40mph gusts, and where other umbrellas threatened to invert, the Liteflex simply flexed and bounced back, living up to its name. It’s officially tested to 80km/h, and we believe it.

The attention to detail is superb. The EVA hard-foam handle is grooved and comfortable to hold for hours, even with wet hands, and it’s designed to fit snugly into the side pocket of most backpacks for hands-free use. The canopy is made from a Teflon-coated polyester that sheds water effectively, and the large 94cm version provides excellent coverage for both you and your pack. At 210-240g, it’s not the lightest, but the confidence it inspires in high winds is worth every gram. It also comes with a practical mesh sleeve that allows the umbrella to dry while packed away. For hikers who prioritise reliability over absolute minimum weight, especially in the notoriously windy conditions of the Scottish Highlands, the Swing Liteflex is an outstanding choice.

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Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella

The Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon is the thru-hiker’s choice for mixed-weather epics, excelling in both sun and rain. Its standout feature is the dual-layer canopy: a silver reflective outer coating that blocks UV rays (UPF 50+) and a black underside that absorbs reflected glare. During a surprisingly sunny stretch on the West Highland Way, we found it noticeably cooler underneath the Silver Shadow, reducing sweat and conserving energy. This makes it a top contender for exposed trails where sun protection is as critical as rain protection.

As the ‘Carbon’ name suggests, the shaft and ribs are made from carbon fibre, bringing the weight down to a very respectable 184g while maintaining a generous 94cm coverage area. This is 2oz lighter than its original fiberglass counterpart. The frame feels rigid and reliable, holding its shape well in the moderate winds we encountered. The simple, button-free design minimises potential failure points, a key consideration for long-distance reliability. The EVA foam handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip. While its fixed 63.5cm length isn’t as convenient as a collapsible model, it straps easily to the side of a pack. For UK hikers tackling long-distance trails with unpredictable sun and showers, the Silver Shadow Carbon offers a brilliant, lightweight, dual-purpose solution.

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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Trekking Umbrella Best Value

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Trekking Umbrella strikes an excellent balance between weight, packability, and price, making it a fantastic value proposition. Built with a waterproof 30D siliconised CORDURA® nylon canopy, the same durable fabric used in their popular dry sacks, it offers reliable rain protection. We tested this on several wet and wild sections of the Pennine Way, and the fabric shed water beautifully, with a quick shake being enough to dry it off before packing.

At 220g and collapsing to just 24cm, it’s light and compact enough to live in your daypack without a second thought. The aircraft-grade aluminium shaft and fiberglass frame provide a decent level of sturdiness, holding up to the 60km/h winds we encountered without issue, though it doesn’t feel as bombproof as the Euroschirm. The 92cm canopy is a great size, offering ample coverage for a hiker and their shoulders, even when using trekking poles. Some users find the handle a bit small, but we found it adequate for typical use. It comes with its own Ultra-Sil stuff sack for neat storage. For hikers looking for a reliable, lightweight, and compact umbrella from a trusted brand without breaking the bank, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil is arguably the best value option on the market.

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Helinox Umbrella One

Known for their premium, lightweight camping furniture, Helinox brings the same design ethos and material excellence to the Umbrella One. This is immediately apparent in the shaft, which is made from the same high-strength DAC aluminium alloy found in their renowned tent poles. This gives the umbrella a feeling of robust quality that belies its 280g weight. During wet weather camping trips and hikes between Scottish bothies, the Umbrella One proved to be a reliable shelter, with a sturdy frame that confidently handled gusts up to 70km/h.

The canopy is a Teflon-coated polyester offering UPF 25 sun protection, which is lower than dedicated sun umbrellas but still a useful feature. The 84cm canopy is on the smaller side for a trekking model, providing coverage for one person but leaving a larger backpack exposed. The design is minimalist and sleek, with a simple button-free operation to reduce failure points. However, it’s a fixed-length umbrella (64cm), making it less convenient to pack than collapsible models. The main drawback is the price; it’s one of the most expensive umbrellas on our list. But for those who already own and love Helinox gear, or for hikers who are notoriously hard on their equipment and are willing to pay a premium for top-tier materials and construction, the Umbrella One is a worthy, albeit expensive, investment.

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Decathlon Quechua Forclaz 500 Trekking Umbrella Best Budget

For the weekend warrior or budget-conscious hiker who needs reliable rain protection without the premium price tag, the Decathlon Forclaz 500 is an unbeatable choice. At around £25, it delivers performance that punches well above its weight. We used this on numerous wet day hikes in the Peak District, and it proved to be a dependable companion. Its most notable feature is the huge 100cm canopy, which provided ample coverage for a hiker and a medium-sized daypack, keeping everything dry during persistent showers.

Of course, there are trade-offs for the low price. At 350g, it’s one of the heavier umbrellas in our test, and its wind resistance is rated to a modest 50km/h. While it handled typical British breezes, we wouldn’t trust it on an exposed Scottish ridgeline in a gale. The frame is made of reinforced fiberglass, which offers good robustness for its class, and it’s designed to invert without breaking in stronger gusts. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection, adding to its versatility. While it lacks the ultralight materials and refined engineering of premium models, the Forclaz 500 offers incredible value, durability, and coverage for casual to moderate hiking. It’s the perfect entry-point into the world of trekking umbrellas.

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Blunt Metro Umbrella Best Wind Resistance

The Blunt Metro isn’t a dedicated trekking umbrella, but its legendary wind resistance makes it a compelling option for hikers who frequent exposed, blustery environments like the Welsh coast or UK moorlands. Its unique design features a Radial Tensioning System (RTS) that creates a taut, aerodynamic canopy, and its signature rounded tips eliminate sharp points. Blunt certifies the Metro to withstand winds of 115km/h (71mph), and while we didn’t face a hurricane, it was utterly unfazed by the strong coastal winds we tested it in. It simply refuses to invert.

This bombproof construction comes at a cost in weight and packability. At 380g, it’s the heaviest on our list, and its 37.5cm folded length is longer than other compact models. The 95cm canopy provides good coverage, and the auto-open button is a convenient feature for city-to-trail use. The build quality is exceptional, and every part is designed to be repairable, reflecting a “buy it for life” philosophy. While ultralight purists will scoff at the weight, for the hiker who has broken countless umbrellas and wants one that will survive almost any storm the UK can throw at it, the Blunt Metro is in a class of its own. It’s a stylish, robust, and incredibly windproof option that transitions seamlessly from the high street to the hilltop.

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Gossamer Gear LT5 Chrome Dome Trekking Umbrella Largest Coverage

A legend in the US thru-hiking community, the Gossamer Gear LT5 “Chrome Dome” is built for long days under an unforgiving sun, but its features translate well to the UK’s mixed conditions. Its defining characteristic is the massive 105cm canopy, the largest in our test, which provides a huge area of protection for both the hiker and ultralight backpack. The “Chrome Dome” name comes from its highly reflective silver coating, which, like the Six Moon Designs model, offers UPF 50+ protection and noticeably reduces the temperature underneath. This is a huge benefit for exposed routes like the Pennine Way or coastal paths on sunny days.

At 245g, it’s impressively light for its size, achieved through a simple design with an aluminium frame and high-density foam handle. The fixed-length shaft (63.5cm) is a common design for trekking umbrellas, strapping easily to a pack’s side. While we didn’t field test this model extensively in the UK (it’s a US import), its design is very similar to the original Euroschirm and Six Moon models, which have proven their worth. Its wind resistance is rated to 65km/h, which is adequate for most conditions, though the large canopy can act like a sail in strong gusts. For hikers who prioritise maximum coverage and sun protection, and don’t mind importing from the US, the Chrome Dome is a time-tested and highly regarded option.

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Performance Ratings

We rated each umbrella across five key metrics to give you a clear picture of its overall performance. Weight is paramount for ultralight hike, while durability and wind resistance are critical for the harsh UK environment. Coverage determines how dry you and your pack stay, and value considers the price-to-performance ratio.

4. Trekking Umbrella Buying Guide for the UK

Choosing the right trekking umbrella for the UK’s unique conditions requires balancing weight, durability, and weather resistance. A model that excels in the dry deserts of the US might not survive a winter gale in the Scottish Highlands. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider. When selecting a trekking umbrella, it’s essential to consider its ability to withstand sudden changes in weather, especially when navigating wild camping locations in the UK. Additionally, the umbrella’s weight should be manageable for long hikes while ensuring it remains robust enough to provide adequate protection against rain and wind. Opting for a versatile design will make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable and secure.

Weight Classes

Weight is a critical factor in any hiking gear decision. We categorise trekking umbrellas into three main classes:

• Ultralight (<150g): These are for the minimalist hiker who counts every gram. Models like the Montbell Travel Umbrella (from 86g) are champions in this category. They are incredibly packable but often sacrifice some durability and coverage. They are perfect for “just in case” scenarios or for trips where rain is possible but not constant.
• Lightweight (150-250g): This is the sweet spot for most UK hikers, offering a great balance of performance and weight. Models like the Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow (184g), Euroschirm Swing Liteflex (210g), and Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil (220g) fall into this category. They are robust enough for most conditions without adding significant bulk to your pack.
• Standard (250-400g): These umbrellas prioritise durability and coverage over weight. The Decathlon Forclaz 500 (350g) and Blunt Metro (380g) are prime examples. They are excellent for day hikes, less weight-critical trips, or for those who are notoriously hard on their gear and want something bombproof.

Wind Resistance: A Non-Negotiable for the UK

Wind is an umbrella’s greatest enemy, and the UK has it in abundance. From coastal gusts in Wales to the ferocious winds that funnel through Scottish glens, your umbrella needs to be up to the task. Look for models with a wind resistance rating of at least 60 km/h (approx. 37 mph). For hiking in the Highlands or on exposed mountain ridges, a rating of 80 km/h or higher, like that of the Euroschirm Swing Liteflex, provides essential peace of mind. The Blunt Metro, with its incredible 115 km/h rating, is overkill for most but a worthy consideration for the most extreme conditions.

Canopy Size and Materials

Canopy size is a trade-off. A larger canopy offers more protection for you and your pack, but it also catches more wind. For solo UK hiking, a diameter of 84cm to 94cm is the ideal balance. This provides enough coverage to keep your torso and shoulders dry without becoming an unmanageable sail. Models like the Gossamer Gear LT5 (105cm) offer palatial coverage but require more careful handling in the wind.

Frame materials dictate both weight and strength:

• Carbon Fibre: The premium choice. It offers the best strength-to-weight ratio, as seen in the Six Moon Designs and Montbell models. It’s light, strong, and rigid, but also the most expensive.
• Fiberglass: An excellent, durable, and more affordable option. It’s highly flexible, allowing it to bend in strong winds without breaking, a key feature of the Euroschirm and Sea to Summit umbrellas.
• Aluminium: Often used in shafts for its lightness and strength (e.g., Helinox’s DAC alloy). It’s a solid mid-range choice, though less flexible than fiberglass.

Key Features and UK-Specific Considerations

• Reflective Coating (UPF): While it might seem optimistic for the UK, a silver-coated umbrella (like the Six Moon Designs or Gossamer Gear models) is invaluable on exposed moorland or ridge walks. It can significantly reduce heat build-up, making summer hikes more comfortable. A UPF 50+ rating is the gold standard.
• Comfort Grip: You could be holding the umbrella for hours. An ergonomic handle made from non-absorbent EVA foam, like that on the Euroschirm, is far more comfortable than a small, hard plastic nub.
• Attachment Points: Look for loops or grooves on the handle that facilitate hands-free attachment to your backpack straps. This is essential for using trekking poles simultaneously.
• Packability: Consider whether you prefer a fixed-length “stick” umbrella or a telescopic, collapsible model. Stick umbrellas (Euroschirm, Six Moon) are simpler and arguably more durable, but less convenient to pack. Collapsible models (Montbell, Sea to Summit) fit inside your pack but have more potential failure points.

Budget

Your budget will largely determine the materials and weight of your umbrella.

• Budget (<£35): Expect heavier weights and lower wind resistance, but excellent value. The Decathlon Forclaz 500 is the clear winner here.
• Mid-Range (£40-£65): This is the sweet spot for most serious hikers, offering great performance from brands like Sea to Summit and Euroschirm.
• Premium (£70+): Here you’re paying for cutting-edge materials (carbon fibre) and top-tier construction, with brands like Montbell, Helinox, and Blunt leading the charge.

5. How to Use a Trekking Umbrella Effectively

A trekking umbrella is more than just a rain shield; it’s a versatile tool. Using it correctly enhances comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail.

Hands-Free Hiking

The true magic of a trekking umbrella is realised when used hands-free, allowing you to keep your hands on trekking poles for stability or for scrambling. Most dedicated hikers devise a system to attach the umbrella to their backpack’s shoulder strap.

• Dedicated Clamps: Brands like Six Moon Designs and Gossamer Gear sell simple, lightweight clamp and bungee systems that clip onto your shoulder strap and hold the umbrella shaft securely.
• DIY Methods: A common DIY solution involves using two bungee cords or elastic loops with cord locks. One loop goes around the upper part of the shaft and attaches to the top of your shoulder strap (near your collarbone). The second loop secures the handle lower down on the strap, often to a sternum strap webbing loop. The grooved EVA foam handles on umbrellas like the Euroschirm are perfect for this, as the cords bite into the foam and prevent slipping.

Wind Management and Trail Etiquette

In the gusty UK hills, proper wind management is crucial. Always angle the umbrella into the wind to let it glance off the canopy rather than catching underneath it. In very strong gusts (over 45-50mph), it’s often wise to collapse the umbrella temporarily to prevent damage or losing your balance, especially on an exposed ridge. On narrow paths, be courteous to other hikers. Collapse your umbrella when passing to avoid poking someone or blocking the trail. On windy ridges, be mindful of the space you’re taking up and the potential for a gust to push your umbrella into someone else’s path.

Dual-Purpose Protection and Camp Use

Don’t stow your umbrella when the sun comes out. On exposed trails with no tree cover, a reflective model like the Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow can feel like a portable oasis, reducing the ambient temperature by 5-10°C. This reduces sun fatigue and the amount of water you need to carry.

In camp, the umbrella becomes an invaluable utility item. It can be used as:

• A Cooking Shelter: Prop it up with a trekking pole to create a small, dry space to operate your backpacking stove in the rain.
• Vestibule Extension: Angle it over your tent door to create an extended dry area for taking off wet boots before getting inside.
• Emergency Tarp: In a pinch, it can provide a small patch of overhead shelter. This is particularly useful for those who enjoy wild camping and need versatile gear.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are trekking umbrellas really worth it in the UK?

Absolutely. While they aren’t for every situation (like gale-force storms on a summit), their superior breathability makes them far more comfortable than a rain jacket during sustained effort in mild to moderate rain. For the notoriously damp and humid conditions of a British trail, staying dry from sweat is as important as staying dry from rain. Their added value as a sunshade makes them a year-round piece of kit.

Q2: What’s the best lightweight trekking umbrella?

The Montbell Travel Umbrella is the undisputed champion of lightweight design, with versions starting at a mere 86g. It’s the best choice for ultralight purists who want effective protection for the absolute minimum weight penalty.

Q3: How do you carry a trekking umbrella while hiking?

When not in use, most hikers strap it to the side of their pack using compression straps, much like a trekking pole. For hands-free use while walking, it’s attached to a backpack shoulder strap using either a dedicated clamp system or a DIY setup with bungee cords. See our “How to Use” section above for more details.

Q4: Can trekking umbrellas handle UK wind?

High-quality ones can. Models like the Euroschirm Swing Liteflex and Blunt Metro are specifically designed for high winds. Look for flexible fiberglass or strong carbon fibre frames and avoid cheap, flimsy models. However, in winds over 45-50mph on an exposed ridge, it’s always safer to collapse any umbrella.

Q5: Umbrella vs. rain jacket for UK hiking?

It’s not an either/or question; they are part of a system. An umbrella is for breathability during active hiking in the rain. A waterproof jacket is for warmth, severe wind, and when you’re stationary. Many hikers carry both, using the umbrella while moving and putting on the jacket during breaks or when the wind becomes too strong.

Q6: Do trekking umbrellas work in the Scottish Highlands?

Yes, and they are increasingly popular there. They are perfect for the typical Highland weather of persistent, drizzly rain without extreme wind. They allow you to keep hiking comfortably without sweating out your layers. However, you must be prepared to stow it and rely on your hard shell jacket when the wind picks up, which it frequently does on the Munros.

Q7: What size trekking umbrella do I need?

A canopy diameter between 90cm and 95cm is the sweet spot for solo hikers. It provides good coverage for your upper body and backpack without being so large that it becomes an unmanageable sail in the wind. Larger umbrellas over 100cm offer more protection but are more difficult to control.

Q8: Are cheap trekking umbrellas any good?

They can be, with caveats. The Decathlon Forclaz 500 is an excellent budget option that is durable and offers great coverage. However, it is heavier and less wind-resistant than premium models. Very cheap, unbranded umbrellas are generally a false economy; they will likely fail in the first serious gust of wind, leaving you wet and frustrated.

7. Conclusion: The Final Verdict

After extensive testing across the varied and challenging terrain of the UK, it’s clear that a high-quality trekking umbrella is a transformative piece of gear for any serious hiker. It offers a level of breathable comfort in the rain that no jacket can match, and its utility as a sunshade and camp tool makes it a worthy addition to your pack.

Our testing revealed three clear standouts for different needs:

• Best Overall & Lightest: Montbell Travel Umbrella. For the ultralight enthusiast, its incredible low weight and packability are unmatched. It’s a beautifully engineered piece of kit that you’ll forget is in your pack until you need it.
• Most Durable: Euroschirm Swing Liteflex. For hikers who prioritise bombproof reliability, especially in the wind-battered Highlands, this is the one. Its robust fiberglass frame inspires confidence when the weather turns nasty.
• Best Budget: Decathlon Forclaz 500. Offering fantastic coverage and solid durability for a fraction of the price of premium models, this is the perfect entry point for hikers curious about the benefits of an umbrella.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. However, our final piece of advice for UK hikers is to prioritise wind resistance. The lightest umbrella in the world is useless if it breaks in the first gust on a Welsh ridgeline. Invest in a model with a proven, durable frame, and you’ll be rewarded with a more comfortable, drier, and enjoyable experience on the trail, come rain or shine.Check Prices and Upgrade Your Rain Protection In addition to a reliable umbrella, consider investing in the best trekking poles in the UK. These poles can increase stability and reduce the strain on your joints while navigating uneven terrain or slippery pathways. By equipping yourself with quality gear, you’ll enhance both your safety and enjoyment on every hike, regardless of the weather conditions.

About the Author

Alex Hesp-Gollins is the Head of Gear Testing at Trail & Summit UK. With over a decade of experience hiking and wild camping across Britain, from the boggy expanses of Dartmoor to the remote Munros of Scotland, Alex has a passion for gear that is practical, durable, and genuinely suited to the unique challenges of UK weather. He believes in rigorous, real-world testing and has a particular fondness for any kit that makes a wet day on the fells more enjoyable.