Topping out on a bluebird day - Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
Having returned home early from Spain it was time to dig out the winter gear. Boots, spikes, crampons, ice axes, big gloves, and thick socks. Super excited to be back in the Lakes and see snow on the hills. I simply couldn’t wait to play out.
Thankfully the opportunities have been coming thick and fast. With the first proper taste of winter being on Tuesday of last week, I had a guided walk booked in and the objective was Helvellyn.
Now for sure there was snow, but not so much that it would be necessary to carry axe and crampons, but micro-spikes would be handy, so we all had a set of those.
Setting off from Swirls on the western side of the mountain, the day was chilly and breezy, but overall the weather was due to behave reasonably well, and for the most part it did.
Where the path steepens alongside Brown Cove Crags, there was some build up of hard packed snow, but we were able to avoid it with little detours, so kept the spikes in our bags. As the terrain levelled off and aimed for the summit, so the snow and ice became trickier to avoid, but still it was perfectly fine to continue unaided.
Visibility was poor and even though I know this mountain incredibly well, the compass was out and I was working to keep us on track for the summit trig point. We hit this spot on. By now the wind was making itself known, so we veered off towards the windbreak and enjoyed a quick snack before putting on our micro-spikes. We were the only people on the summit, in fact we had only passed one other walker so far.
Sadly no views of the Edges today, but we did go and have a look at the beginnings of Swirral Edge, before aiming for Lower Man, still in full pea soup weather. The spikes on our feet were making for easier progress and I was certainly thankful for them. The wind was now continually trying to make us fly and from previous experience I knew this would get worse before better, it did and definitely added some excitement to the day.
Nearing the summit of Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
Brown Cove Crags last week! Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
We turned off the path and headed along the base of Brown Cove Crags, this offered shelter from the wind and made the remainder of the walk more pleasant. Snow cover was pretty minimal on the crags and none of the gullies were complete.
For the final hour or thereabouts we were well below the now rising cloud base and were afforded the most spectacular views of the northern fells. Oh it is such a joy to be home and out in the mountains.
Today I found myself back on the Helvellyn massif. This time with good friend, climbing partner, and fellow climbing instructor Sam. The plan was to climb a route on Brown Cove Crags, with our first choice being Right Buttress Crack. Thankfully this route was unoccupied, so it was ours. Now it has been a few years since I climbed in winter, so I felt a little rusty. The route we were climbing was a mid-grade offering so I had no concerns about the difficulties (although some of it did feel a bit tricky). Sam now guides winter climbs both in the Lakes and Scotland, so I knew he would look after things…..he did.
Right Buttress Crack: Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
Pitch one was short and delicious. With a fine build of solid water ice there were ice screws being placed on more than one occasion.
Pitch two provided the meat of the climb, with a very tricky chockstone to navigate passed and only sugary snow for support! Sam kept a cool head on lead, I used slightly less elegant techniques, but all was well.
Another three pitches (i think) followed, all being fairly straightforward but always feeling somewhat insecure due to the sugary nature of the snow today.
We topped out into glorious sunshine and a return to some semblance of warmth - we had both become quite cold. The views in all directions were outstanding and once again I was reminded how much I love this place I call home.
A glorious day in the mountains: Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
We could now pack the climbing gear away and begin our descent back to Swirls. All the while enjoying views towards the Northern Fells. There were a few folk out without spikes on their feet today and this was causing them problems. Lots of slipping and even some sliding. Precarious!! But from what I saw, most people did have spikes on and many were carrying an ice axe. All very good to see. For the latest snow / mountain report check out Lake District Weatherline
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Thanks for reading
MarkÂ
The central fells: Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
Helvellyn trig point: Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs
Brown Cove Crags: Helvellyn - Walks and Winter Climbs