I know the feeling. This year we are trying to get prepared early in anticipation. I bought a pair of these crampons from Finches but you can get them a lot cheaper on line. I have twins and needed extra grip to push a double buggy around. I have to say that with these on I really enjoyed getting out and about compared to previous times and never slipped at all. The studs do wear down though so I'm buying another pair as a back up.
The Guardian were advertising them recently too. I can recommend them on the hills but the only time they won't work is when water is melting over ice- but I think nothing will work then so you just have to watch out. I have also a pair of mountain walking sticks which I carry with me which also helps- these are retractable and fit nicely into a rucksack. Probably looks silly but I didnt notice anyone laughing last year.