A Perfect Winter's Day on the 

High Fells 

Swirls (Thirlmere) to Grasmere via

Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, High Crag

& Grisedale Tarn, 9miles 3100ft

Waiting near Grasmere for the bus to Swirls

Before starting the climb to Helvellyn I took a short walk to the Thirlmere lakeside and met Tommy & Callum pictured here. They were camping last night in the extreme cold and had lit this fire to warm themselves! Good Luck lads nice to meet you.

Thirlmere lake reservoir

Starting the climb to Browncove Crags

Thirlmere again as I gained height....

....and again with the Newland and Skiddaw fells 

After passing Browncove Crags the gradient eases as Helvellyn Lower Man is approached

Looking back from Lower Man with the Cumbria coast on the horizon

Swirral Edge leading to Catstye Cam

Standing at the exit from Swirral Edge with Red Tarn below

Helvellyn summit Trig Point 3117ft.... 

....and summit shelter

Standing here at the exit from Striding Edge I met these two intrepid & experienced winter walkers who were just finishing their crossing of Striding Edge.... Nice to meet Brian & Max rather you than me in these conditions 

Crossing Nethermost Pike 

Looking back to Helvellyn and Catstye cam

Approaching High Crag keeping well clear of the snow Cornice

Beginning the descent to Grisedale Tarn

Grisedale Tarn

The final descent through Tongue Gill to Grasmere

A spectacular day's walking that will live long in the memory!