The start of another circuit of some of the central Lakeland fells and valleys. Legburthwaite to Wythburn 

via Sticks Pass, Raise, Whiteside, Lower Man & Helvellyn

8.5 miles 3250ft

Starting the climb up Stanah Gill to Sticks Pass with Blencathra behind 

Stanah Gill

Looking back to the north end of Thirlmere.....

....and Skiddaw to the north west

 Raise summit 2897ft with Lower Man and Helvellyn now in sight....

The path to Whiteside (right) leading on to Lower Man

Zooming in on the path rising up Lower Man....

....and then on to Helvellyn

Looking down Swirral edge with Red Tarn at the start of the summit plateau....

....and cloud rising behind Striding edge 

Arriving at the Helvellyn summit Trig Point 3117ft.....

.....and the summit shelter

Who's this having their photo taken?

Striding edge again

Starting the descent to Wythburn.

....and again with Helm crag on the other side of Dunmail Raise

Thirlmere....

....from the steep descent from Birks down Comb gill

Passing through the Thirlmere plantation....

....to Wythburn church. The church is the only remaining building of the villages of Wythburn and Armboth which were both covered when two smaller lakes were flooded to construct the Thirlmere reservoir supplying water to Manchester

A final view of Thirlmere whilst waiting for my lift back to Legburthwaite.

This walk was a fabulous day out at the start of  some winter walking conditions in the magnificent Lakeland fells. There's no better place to start than Helvellyn!

Just remember to make sure you're well equipped as conditions can deteriorate in minutes!!!!