I can think of nothing better than wandering the Fells of the English Lakes
in snow, ice, wind and any other elements, although its far better for
photos without low clouds! So, seeing as there was a good snow covering on
the Helvellyn range, and a promising weather forecast for the weekend, last
Friday was the ideal time for a 330mile drive north from Hampshire. I was
heading north by 4am up the A34, M40, M42 and finally the M6. Passed
through a 'mean' snowstorm on the M6 Toll, which soon turned to rain on the
M6 proper. Good speed after the snow, and I was parking in Glenridding car
park by 10am.
My first aim was Helvellyn via Mires Beck, Red Tarn Beck and Swirral Edge.
Swirral Edge has beaten me the last two winters through wind, snow and lack
of confidence, but I was determined this year would be successful. Reached
Red Tarn after a pleasant walk, and made my way up to the ridge. More
exposed to the strong wind on the ridge, which certainly kept me focussed on
my footing. Plenty of snow, but gritting my teeth I eventually made it to
the final col below the top. A final push saw me standing at the top of the
ridge, exhilarated and excited. After a conquering look at Swirral, I made
my way to the wind break just south of the Trig point. Very quiet, only a
couple of climbers who had just ice-climbed up the east face from Red Tarn.
Coffee and sandwich over, I set off south tracking the ridge-edge over
Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike down to Grisedale Tarn. Extreme
easterly wind too, which at times made walking rather lopped-side, but still
fantastic views. A Steady plod from the Tarn and I was back at the car 6
hours after setting out. Slept well that night, especially after a couple
of Old Peculiars in the D&G, Keswick that evening. 11 miles, 3700ft
Slideshow:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/Lake_District/2006/240206/slide/index.htm
Day 2 - Saturday
Wasn't sure about snow conditions on the Central Fells, but decided today I
would have a visit to Scafell Pike. I wasn't disappointed! On my way from
Seathwaite Farm by 7.45am up to Styhead Tarn, then joined the Corridor Route
above the Tarn. From the Stretcher Box, the snow looked good on Scafell
Pike, and plenty of blue sky. (The Park Authority weather report had
forecast bright weather for AM, but strong wind with a wind-chill of -15C -
the day was looking good.) Easy going up to Lingmell Col with a little snow
and ice, then turned left up to Scafell Pike. Wasn't long before I decided
to put my crampons on. Wasn't too bad, but felt safer with more secure
footing. (No point carrying them and not using them.) Started to get
exposed to the wind as I neared the summit, and boy was it strong.
Certainly made me falter a few times. Anyway, once behind the round stone
tower, I was sheltered and settled down to enjoy the views down to Morecambe
Bay with coffee and a sandwich. Very quiet too, with only a handful of
other walkers arriving while I was there. Eventually, I made an effort and
packed up and set off back to Esk Hause. Turned left at Esk Hause, then
dropped down Ruddy Gill/Grains Gill path back to Seathwaite farm. Another
cracking day out on the fells. 9.2 miles, 3500ft.
Slideshow:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/Lake_District/2006/250206/slide/index.htm
Day 3 - Sunday
Today I had planned another visit to Helvellyn, although this time
approaching from the Thirlmere side, with a walk along the ridge edge from
Grisedale Tarn north to Stick Pass. Was on my way from Swirls car park by
7:30am heading south along the path through the woods to above Wythburn car
park. Continued south to opposite Dunmail Raise, then up the path alongside
Raised Beck to Grisedale Tarn. Steady plod up to above [censored] Cove, at which
point I decided it was time for more clothing, crampons and ice-axe.
(Strong wind, compact snow and ice) Back under way, I made my way to
Dollywagon Pike summit, then north tracking the ridge edge over Nethermost
Pike to Helvellyn summit. (Excellent views today, with the cloud base
higher than Friday.) (Got talking to a couple of guys on the way up to the
top of Striding Edge, and the conversation turned to walking website. It
turned out one was Andrew Leaney, who's website I often visit, and when I
told him my web address, he said 'Its Sandy isn't it?' Amazing meeting.)
Coffee stop at the wind break, then continued north over Helvellyn Lower
Man, White Side and Raise, soon dropping down to Sticks Pass. Went left
here, down to above Stanah, then followed the footpath south to Thirlspot
Farm, then back to the car park. 13 miles, 4787ft.
Slideshow:
http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/Lake_District/2006/260206/slide/index.htm
What a finish to a cracking winter-walking long weekend.
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills .....
summiting still brings the
same excitement'