Start point: Wythburn (NY 324 136)
Wythburn – Birk Side – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Nethermost Pike –Helvellyn – Wythburn
Distance: 7.2 miles Total Ascent: 1018 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 06:45
Weather: Freezing, some cloud and a strong cold wind. 0ºC
Today seemed to be the best bet for some decent wintry weather with the forecast showing wet and windy for pretty much the remainder of the week. It is always a bit of a leap of faith setting off up to the fells in the dark and hoping that the weather will be okay when you get to the top. Perhaps it wasn’t as fabulous as I hoped it may have been but still it was a great walk along the frozen Helvellyn ridge. That wind was bitingly cold up there yet at valley level it was as still as could be, especially to the south as you will see in the photos. There wasn’t a soul around this early and on such a day and it was quite special to have a sunrise and Helvellyn all to myself.
Helvellyn Map
In the twilight on Nethermost Pike. All the way on the journey and then on the climb I was intrigued by the crescent moon and close by Venus shining brightly. The indications were good that this was to be a clear day but as I approached Helvellyn I could see the cloud was already forming on the top so I cut straight across to get here, hoping it would remain clear.
Witnessing the sunrise from up on high is always a great moment and fantastic sight.
The mist was constantly swirling in and out now with a strong and cold wind blowing it.
Despite the cold it was still a beautiful sight to witness and gave some interesting perspectives on the daybreak.
To the south the low lying valleys were under a nice temperature inversion, here lit up by the rising sun. I think that makes High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike look even colder.
Looking back to frozen Nethermost Pike from High Crag.
As above, so below - there was plenty of cloud forming around us now.
Fletcher and Dougal are ready to go, they certainly don't want to be sitting around in this weather.
Frozen Grisedale, Ullswater beyond.
A similar view from The Tongue on Dollywaggon Pike.
In the mist - the ridge just walked.
It is looking quite clear over to the east now.
Wow, what a winter's view looking back to Dollywaggon.
High and mighty Striding Edge.
On my own - the frozen summit of Helvellyn.
Fletcher looking pensive.
Follow the path...but which one?
The view across to Coniston.
...and closer up. Looks like Great Langdale and Coniston Water are beneath the clouds today.
Frozen Steel Fell to Harrison Stickle.
Thirlmere to Skiddaw from the descent.