Name of walk | Helvellyn, Blue Skies and Snow |
Date of walk | 2007-12-10 |
Distance walked (miles) | 7 |
Duration of walk | 3 hours 45 minutes |
Weather | Blue skies and sunshine |
Peaks on walk | Helvellyn |
Walked with | On own |
Parking | Wythburn car park |

Once a bit of height was gained the route became very icy and slippery. I was glad to reach the snow line. The photo below is from the start of the snow looking down Thirlmere towards Skiddaw.

The view up to the summit.

Across to Ullscarf.

Once out of the crags and on to the weaving path the going was much better, until you disappear down a snow covered hole!

Looking back towards Coniston Water..

Ullscarf with Great Gable and Pillar peeking out behind.


The snow drifts were quite deep at times, up to knee height.

Striding Edge.

It took me an hour and three quarters to reach the summit. It was now lunch time, there were quite a few people in the shelter. Looking out towards Fairfield and St. Sunday Crag.

Ordnance Survey Trig Point. Wonderful colours!

Looking across to Coniston.

Clouds had started to float over the summit. Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake can be seen.

Red Tarn nestles inbetween Striding Edge and Swirral Edge.

Swirral Edge with Ulswater behind.

Drifting cloud.

Whiteside to Raise with Blencathra in the distance.

The summit was cold and I finally needed to put my gloves on, but it was soon time to return and attempt not to spend too much time on my backside! The deepest snow that I had to walk through was 32 inches, I know that because I stood in it up to my bum, 32 being my inside leg measurement!

Looking out to St. Sunday Crag.

Not much grass available for the poor sheep.

Path back to the crags.

The very slippery path down to Wythburn.

I managed to get up and down in 3 hours 45 mins without mishap, so I had 15 mins left to look again at Wythburn Church.



