This is the last mountain walk b4 I attempt Ben Nevis in Early March. We walked from Thirlmere up & over the Lower man to the summit of Helvelyn in the Lake District thus avoiding the Striding & Swirling edge ridges as visibility was very poor. It got wetter colder & windier on the higher slopes. A walk which was quite treacherous with compass bearings required to maintain the correct route. Melting snow turned the slopes into numerous 'streams' making it a difficult day.
Just how difficult was highlighted by one of my colleagues who slipped & fell awkwardly over some rocks hurting his ankle. He managed to hobble off the mountain but was told he'd damaged his ankle ligaments which will take 6 weeks to heal. Had he fell any higher up the slopes we would have had to call for the mountain rescue !! As it was he walked on it for over 2 miles back to safety.
The trig point Cairn Helvelyn Summit

The summit shelter still covered in snow /cloud

Cloud clearing on descent

Cold wet & tired
Just how difficult was highlighted by one of my colleagues who slipped & fell awkwardly over some rocks hurting his ankle. He managed to hobble off the mountain but was told he'd damaged his ankle ligaments which will take 6 weeks to heal. Had he fell any higher up the slopes we would have had to call for the mountain rescue !! As it was he walked on it for over 2 miles back to safety.
The trig point Cairn Helvelyn Summit

The summit shelter still covered in snow /cloud

Cloud clearing on descent

Cold wet & tired

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