Wythburn – Helvellyn – Nethermost Pike – High Crag – Dollywaggon Pike – Wythburn
Distance: 6.5 miles Total Ascent: 880 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 06:55
Firstly, today is a celebration as it is 20 years today that the first walk was published on this website – 20 years! The first walks were actually in 2003 when I started recording summits on camera to keep a record of Wainwrights I had walked, as previously they were walked randomly and without any record. In January 2004 I got my act together, got a suitable domain name and published a few walks on 12th January 2004 (mainly looked at by me, it has to be said).The memory card on that camera could hold 6 photos hence the reason why there are so few photos on the early walk plus of course they took hours to upload via dial up!
Anyway, it has been a great journey, thanks for all the support over the years (including the lean years when the rest of life got in the way of fell walking) I have made some great friendships far and wide and I hope that plenty of you – the viewer – have too.
On with today’s walk – conditions appeared to look favourable for an inversion today but as you all know, you never can tell…
When I set off from Wythburn it was snowing. The snow got progressively worse as I climbed in the dark with a head torch on. I must admit, I did wonder whether it was worth carrying on as it didn't look very likely to get above the cloud today and perhaps I should turn back. Anyway, I persevered and plodded on...until suddenly the sky was lit up as in this photo!
A little bit further on and I knew it was going to be okay today...
...in fact more than okay.
The highest fells were indeed above the clouds - this is looking across to Bowfell and the Scafells, Great Gable on the right.
The path to Helvellyn, I think we have timed this right to get to the summit just before sunrise (08:30 sunrise time today).
First glimpse of dawn to the east.
Striding Edge.
Helvellyn sunrise.
I was surprised at how many people were up there today, I am more used to it being one man and his dog! Clearly everyone had heard how spectacular it was going to be today.
What a fantastic view to the north - this is my personal favourite of the day, I think the colours are fabulous. Can you spot the climber on Swirral Edge?
Catstycam.
Striding Edge sunrise.
There are 'wow' views every way.
Just stunning.
Striding Edge again.
Although it all looks frozen, it was surprisingly warm up here today and I ended up in shirt sleeves.
The sun has risen now, looking to the 'isle' of Blencathra
The Helvellyn ridge.
Helvellyn summit plateau and you can just make out Helvellyn's own Brocken Spectre in the distance. Two lads were sat at the trig column throughout the morning and never moved - call me old fashioned but I thought it was fell etiquette not to sit at the summit and to allow others their moment of topping out and to take photos etc - any thoughts?
Swirral Edge and Catstycam.
Some great morning colours today.
The shadow of Helvellyn and its Brocken Spectre.
Heading back along the summit plateau.
Great Gable to Pillar across the sea of cloud.
Bowfell and the Scafells.
Fletcher - a star!
The sun has fully risen now and it is a beautiful day.
You can just see someone on the highest point of Striding Edge.
Clouds below in Grisedale Valley.
What is he thinking?
Down below.
Heading for Nethermost Pike.
Helvellyn from the climb to Nethermost.
Nethermost Pike.
High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike next.
Frozen cairn.
High Crag.
Runners descending into the mist.
Dollywaggon Pike.
We had a coffee stop on Dollywaggon - I think we could have sat there all day it was so utterly beautiful.
Just one little biscuit?
A fog bow on the descent.
Ian Hanley says
Just out of curiosity, was Skiddaw summit above the cloud as I pondered a trip up but contented myself with lowly Latrigg below the cloud base.
100% agree re selfish summit hoggers.
Incidentally, picked up my mug today . Thanks again
Ian Hanley says
Oops. Now I see Skiddaw in one of your pics. Missed opportunity for me. Next time. Happy anniversary
Ian
Scott Myers says
Breathtaking Sean.
Well done on 20 years. I’ve enjoyed following your adventures.
Thanks for all the pleasure you bring. I hope there’s more to come!
Scott
Angela Clarke says
Congrats on the 20 year anniversary, loved following your walks over the years, you have been an inspiration.
Totally with you on the summit hoggers.
Glenn Pike says
2006 when I found your site at the start of my Wainwright bagging, stunning photos and great walks over the years. I am with you, get to summit, take a photo and if others are around move for them, if not enjoy,
Darren Davies says
Congratulations on 20 years work Sean!
Fantastic photos as always!
Been following your website for years and years now and I’m always impressed but you have cost me a small fortune on new cameras haha!
Keep up the good work.
Neil Dyson says
Totally agree regarding the summit.
We have (jokingly) formed a vigilante group
S.H.A.G
Summit Hoggers Assassination Group.
Free to join. All welcome.
Paul Zepler says
These are amazing Sean. Showed them to loads of people who were astonished.
Andy says
Congratulations on the 20th Anniversary Sean! I’ve followed you from the beginning. I was living in Devon (where I grew up) and would share your walks with you via your updates online until I came up on holidays. Now I live in South Lakes and still have a love affair with the place. Thanks for the inspiration that you provided! What a stunning day up on the summit. I headed off to walk the Fairfield horseshoe on the same day, but given how high the cloud looked from Rydal, I opted for a shorter walk. If only I had continued up higher! All the best, Andy.