The
Lake District mountains had been snow covered for weeks but my first visit of
the winter was not until 30 January. There'd been a thaw low down but the higher
peaks were all still covered and the weather was cold and sunny.
This
is setting of from Stanah
heading up to Sticks Pass looking north to Skiddaw.
Alongside Stannah Gill approaching the snowline with Stybarrow Dodd on the right. There were still patches of snow lower down with some deep solid frozen drifts lying across the path in places.
Looking back west to various snow covered peaks.
The view north from Stybarrow Dodd to Great Dodd, Blencathra and Skiddaw.
And the view south - as can be seen it was very icy underfoot. The midday temperature on nearby Helvellyn today was minus 6.
The way ahead to Green Side and, further on to the left, Hart Side.
Skiers on the slopes of Raise.
Another photo of the icy conditions. Snow depths varied from thin windblown areas to very deep drifted sections but all was frozen solid and crampons or spikes were essential. Helvellyn and Catstycam are the backdrop.
On Green Side, with Ullswater below and the north Pennines in the distance. Visibility was excellent but it was bitterly cold on the tops in a north breeze.
A zoomed in photo to Cross Fell, Little & Great Dunn Fells in the North Pennines.
On Hart Side looking to Blencathra.
Great Dodd from Hart Side.
At the top of Sticks Pass looking to Raise, the ski tow is on the left and my route back down is to the right.
A look back to Raise while on my way down, can you spot the two paragliders?
Skiddaw again.
Watson's & Stybarrow Dodds.
Back
down at Stanah and a last look at Blencathra.