Autumnal.

The forecast suggested that east would be best today so we headed for Helvellyn. There were only 4 cars in the car park beyond Thirlspot on the A591 when we arrived and we were to see very few people out on the hill. The sun was just above the Helvellyn range as we headed off at a steady pace and it was pleasantly cool. Looking west we had certainly made the right choice as the cloud base was much lower over the western fells.

We passed two parties at about 700m and as we climbed above Browncove Crags the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. By the time we reached the summit hats and gloves were needed and there was a real autumnal feel to the day. The visibility to the east was excellent and we took in the views before dropping to the summit shelter for a drink and some food.

From Helvellyn we headed north over Lower Man and White Side to Raise, where we had an early lunch, before climbing Stybarrow Dodd and then dropping down Sticks Pass to the car.

It was great to snatch and excellent day out in another spell of very mixed weather in Cumbria.

On the ascent above Browncove Crags.

Looking towards Raise on a beautiful autumnal morning.

The view down Swirral Edge to Catstye Cam from Helvellyn summit.

Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam.

Red Tarn between Swirral and Striding Edges.

Heading down from Lower Man to White Side and Raise.

On the summit of Raise.

The long descent down Sticks Pass with Skiddaw beyond.