FREEZING Blizzard Conditions On Helvellyn

Lake District - Dollywagon Pike, Helvellyn and Swirrel Edge - I'd been watching the weather and planning this route all week. Winter was back in the Lake District and I wanted to make the most of it. My intention was to head up The Tongue, a ridge route heading directly to the summit of Dollywaggon Pike, and on to the Helvellyn range. Due the the ever changing conditions (and being on my own) I was somewhat cautious as I had ever taken this route to the summit, and avalanches and large ridge cornices been reported the day before. Wish me luck.
Thanks for watching - Dave
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[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks for watching. If you enjoyed this video you might want to check out another video I did in this area - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5i0p2x6gqmSrZY

[@beardedwarrior7023]

What a fantastic video! Those conditions will certainly test the merit of any man. A level head, steadfast composure, and the ability to make the correct call all came in to play on this one.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Aye. What a day that was 🥶👍

[@alwaysforwardyt]

9:51 The guy in the 'emergency bothy' just chilling out, texting the wife he'll be back in time for lunch... l found that image hilarious 😅 Last time l encountered such conditions l was in the north of Sweden walking the "Arctic Trail." I was also alone at 1150m, but wearing running shoes and no goggles or even sun glasses (and l was pitching the tent time after). A bit bitter, but one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks for the video 😊

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha😁. Nice one AF. Appreciate your comments 😎👍. ATB - Dave

[@michaelfk2548]

Not too shabby !..

[@coops1964]

Marvellous video, thank you for filming it as there’s no way I’d be tackling the hill in that weather with my knees!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Coops 👍

[@bobfor4868]

Absolutely amazing video.

[@grahamhaines9931]

Good hard conditions! Well done.

[@johnnybear9400]

Outstanding video mate, a real pleasure to watch. 👍

[@CragScrambler]

Not seen a person, and that's why I love winter camping especially down my local Ennerdale valley. Great videos, subbed.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Glad you enjoyed it. Big thanks 😎👍

[@Algux]

Some amazing footage on the descent.

[@simonchristie4117]

Sign of a good mountaineer who is always prepared to turn back! How many make the mistake of not doing this and regret it! The mountain will always be there another day, great vid 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you Simon. Not worth taking unnecessary risks, especially as I’m on my own. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@waynemellor8609]

And the mountain will always win great vid

[@southern428]

nice day for it.

[@mcoppock214]

Cracking video, hard conditions.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Malcolm. It was a tough one. Glad you enjoyed it - ATB Dave

[@ajcoops5919]

Great video

[@davidian107]

Loved this one also. It’s a great experience dining it. I once camped one night on Ben Nevis in very deep snow at the side of the shelter. A very bad windy snowy night. I didn’t get much sleep and the tent froze up. In the morning I had to come off on a compass bearing and in a white out. Great memories for me now. Love what you do. Keep grabbing every moment.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Sounds awesome David. Would love to do that. Fantastic memories 🙏🏻

[@kennybrydges2429]

Great Video, looks bloody cold ha ha. ATB Dave..Kenny.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Glad you enjoyed it Kenny. Was a cold one for sure 🥶

[@steve5361]

Good winter skills there mate.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Steve😎👍. It was a wild one - ATB Dave

[@wildhypnotist]

Wow. Just wow. That was seriously impressive. I am speechless how you calmly coped with the Helvellyn summit. I loved every minute of it!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Lee👍. It’s was and exciting day out on my own in challenging conditions. Loved it though 😎

[@stevem7250]

Mate u are the boss. Fail to prepare prepare to fail. Kudos brilliant 👏

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Steve😎👍. You’re right. Certainly a day of two halves. ATB - Dave

[@mrtnpope]

Subscribed after seeing that!

[@jamieb741]

Wow !! I've never seen such footage , I've only done Helvellyn in the summer - via Striding Edge then Swirral Edge. Fantastic day out ( but with all the crowds ) But this puts it into a different league 👏👏👏 Serious mountaineering.👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Jamie, many thanks 🙏🏻

[@michaelhornby2961]

Such a benign plateau summit in good weather, always incredible how inclement weather ramps the danger up 100 fold. Some cracking gear used on that climb, and quite rightly so. Never underestimate hellvellyn.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Just goes to show how quickly things can change Michael. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, I say. Cheers - Dave

[@michaelhornby2961]

@@TheSoloSummiteer what boots did you use during this? was thinking of getting a decent pair in the boxing day sales, not entirely sure if im better with a decent B2 rated boot like my old demon boots or a more flexible B1 option, its been a while lol.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

@@michaelhornby2961 the boots are Scarpa Charmoz, Michael. I really like them. B2s give you the option of a crampon and I prefer the stiffer soles in winter.

[@LorraineG123]

Dave i thought my husband was mad with his mountaineering,ha ha i think you have topped him. What a scary journey to watch, its great you have them catalogued. Well done that was not easy, you deserve so many more subscribers.Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha. Thanks again Lorraine 😊

[@mikelazure7462]

A pretty good illustration of what every guide book ever says - be prepared for extreme weather changes. Even the Australian Alpine regions can do this to you and they are piddling little hills compared to proper mountains. Thanks for filming during the 'dramatic' bit, that was inspiring and beautiful and something we usually only see on big budget docos. Top job. Again.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Really appreciate that Mikel. Big thanks 🙏🏻

[@bluenose495]

that descent was awesome, from snow blizzard to grazing sheep in a calm pasture. taking my youngest up Helvellyn this summer, after watching this i will give winter a miss.thanks for the great vid

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Yeah. It can be another world up there. Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@MrDunk66]

Awesome. My wife and walked up to the summit around 2000, top conditions were very similar!. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

It was a wild one Dunk 🥶😁👍

[@censoredbyyoutube4291]

Bizzare how it changes so quickly.first part looks like a nice stroll. Second part looks like everest!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

I know. Crazy, but something to be aware of before you set off 🤔👍

[@bobfor4868]

I'm watching this again (cos it's worth it!)...I reckon 7:49 to 8:18 looks like you're walking through a Wainwright drawing.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

😎👍

[@commecicommeca4489]

This is the most impressive so far for me 👌

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thanks Paul, appreciate that 👍

[@ScotsWildcamper]

Great stuff Dave there's something special about being on the mountains on a proper wild winter day. You know what I mean you know your alive but you feel abit vulnerable. Youve just started this channel, your natural on camera some people abit forced or trying to come across as experts after a few vids lol. ATB.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks Eddie. I totally agree about that special feeling. It’s exhilarating but a little scary too, especially when you’re on your own. There are many experts out there but I’m not one of them. I only started mountain walking 5 yrs ago and camping 4yrs ago, so it’s all still quite new and I consider myself a novice. Just an idiot with a phone 😜. Appreciate your kind words - Dave

[@philipwilliams4065]

another great video of your clinb to the summit of helvellyn weather at the top was awful have been in conditions like that myself thanks for showing people out there that conditions on the mountains can change in an instant keep the videos coming they are brilliant 👍

[@doughobbs7706]

fantastic stuff - love your decision making and constant reviewing approach with the readiness to change or turn back/adapt... excellent mountain mindset

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thanks Doug, really appreciate that👍. I still consider myself a novice, but always learning. ATB - Dave

[@outdoorsummiteer399]

Wow , like watching the film Everest lol. Amazed by watching that. 👏👏

[@tman5634]

Excellent & brought back memories to my ascent as a 16yr old with my very experienced father. Just the same conditions & crampons were essential. Unfortunately a fellow climber fell to their death on that day & others were in great difficulty due to their inexperience & the weather. Please be very careful. Striding Edge & Swirral Edge command respect, especially in challenging weather. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Wow, TM. That’s a sobering tale 😕. Like you say, it can be another world up there in winter. It’s not the place for the ill prepared. Many thanks and stay safe - Dave

[@tman5634]

@@TheSoloSummiteer Agree Dave, I feel in most cases people come unstuck because they planned the climb thinking it was just another walk, another hike. No consideration to the few difficult sections. Sections were i've seen many people 'freeze' unable to continue or go back...then having to be very gingerly coaxed one way on another. Also how quickly the weather can turn up there. It's my favourite ascent in the Lakes but I feel respect must be given to it & being prepared correctly. Lets hope the UK lockdown can ease asap & we can get back up there soon. All the very best & keep safe.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Absolutely right TM👍. Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best.

[@tuttobicci]

Making the right decisions is vital. Those two ridges in those winter conditions need respect, and the right equipment. Some of the stuff I've seen in winter beggars belief!

[@cumbrianrider8903]

I’ve been up there too many times to remember on good weather days but it looks like a totally different world in those conditions, great to see👍👌

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers CR 😎👍. Just shows how quickly things can change. I was up there a few days later and the conditions were stunning and it felt totally different. Thanks for watching - ATB Dave

[@scottrobertson5554]

Amazing how easy it would be to vastly underestimate the conditions up towards the summit. So many people are ill prepared and quickly get into difficulties. Great video. You captured the conditions perfectly.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Scott, glad you enjoyed it 😎👍. Some folks don’t realise how bad it can be up there and how quickly things can change - ATB Dave

[@martinmcmcdonald4783]

GOAT 🐐

[@davidnyeste7282]

An absolutely amazing video, the contrast between the peaks and the valley was incredible.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks David. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@alexdokic5567]

I was a little scared when you were coming down on the summit and I'm sure you was too, I don't think I could do that in winter especially when the days are short and I would want a companion with me with high navigational and survival skills!! The music added to the adventure, thanks for sharing.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Alex👍. It was a wild one 😳

[@brianmorrison9168]

Wow ! A great video. @10:40 Anybody could imagine you were on K2 .. quite a difference by the time you get to 13:34 Just goes to show how altitude affects the weather, even here in the UK .. How often do you hear stories of folk trying to climb Scafell Pyke or even Ben Nevis in a cheap pair of trainers and some 'normal clothing' only to be surprised to find the summit much much different. Regards from Whitley Bay

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Brian😎👍. You’re absolutely right. Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best, I say. ATB - Dave

[@garrygreen3210]

Epic stuff! Long time sin I were out in them sorta conditions, nice to reminisce on winter in the Lakes. Thanks for posting mate.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Garry. Big thanks 😎👍

[@garrygreen3210]

@@TheSoloSummiteer Quick question if I may, what software do you use to edit all your video footage ... add music, captions etc?

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Sure, Garry. I just use iMovie. Nowt fancy.

[@garrygreen3210]

@@TheSoloSummiteer cool, thanks for the info.

[@DjJDtech]

That decent down swirral edge looked crazy. I camped up there last night and woke up to crazy blizzard conditions and descended down the thirlmere side, couldn't imagine doing swirral edge in that! Fair play!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Jules👍. It was a wild one that. Fortunately I was well prepared. I’ve never camped on the summit. Nice one 😎👍

[@juliecasey5196]

The contrast between the top of the mountain and the valley is vast.

[@jmcdowall15]

What a fantastic video. I absolutely loved watching this as it really brought back memories of one of my winters on Helvellyn. We descending down Swirral edge in the exact same conditions. A great day I'll always remember.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

That’s lovely Jodie and thank you for your comment its really appreciated. It’s funny that the toughest days are always the most memorable. It can be another world on a day like that in the mountains. Take care - Dave

[@gary1164]

Fantastic footage and thanks for sharing.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Gary. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@ultimateoutdoors4659]

The contrast in conditions is fascinating. Just goes to show you have to be prepared for all eventualities in winter in the higher U.K. peaks!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Absolutely, Bernard👍. Mountains should never be underestimated, especially in winter. It can be another world up there. ATB - Dave

[@PA-ex9qb]

Epic mate! Many times in the summer I've reached summits only to find families in t shirts with kids freezing. Think I've given half dozen items of clothing to people in the mountains because they are not properly prepared.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

I know. Unbelievable 🙄. ATB Dave

[@gabornyers7091]

EPIC🤘 Excellent job as always!💪🙏

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks, Gabor 😎👍🙏🏻

[@slazbury15]

Fantastic thanks for sharing 👍.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Glad you enjoyed it slaz 😎👍

[@graehamquilliam7019]

Wow. That's awesome Dave.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Graeham 😎👍

[@BrosBrainsBroke]

Brilliant David😁😁 A natural on the camera😁😁🏔️🧊🥶

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha. Thank you 😊

[@craigbaxter3746]

Great effort keep them coming!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thanks Craig, appreciate it 👍

[@simondwainman]

Fantastic man. I’ve done it twice this year but would be a dream to do it in the snow. Albeit it does look pretty scary. Thanks for posting

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Simon 😎👍. Winter is definitely the best time to do it, but you need to be prepared. Glad you enjoyed the video - ATB Dave

[@TheEyesofOwen]

Stunning views and entertaining video

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you 🙏🏻. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

That’s froogin’ nuts dood!

[@oldguy8078]

Most people viewers don't seem to realise that it was a life threatening situation. One mishap, and death by hypothermia a real possibility. Respect.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you OG🙏🏻. You’re absolutely right. Just shows how quickly things can change in the mountains, even in England. ATB - Dave

[@_sandie_123]

I’ve started using skiddaw for the dog exercise again and forgot what the 4 seasons in one day was like, I’m tempted to try helvellyn but might re think what I’m doing altogether after seeing this, it’s scary how you go from a nice morning to what you did up there, very good informative video 👌🏼

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thanks, Ryan👍. It’s often another world in the mountains. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, I say 😎👍

[@jasonmaddison6148]

u put some good stuff on mate. ye uav to be carefull up therein them condisions. a prefere winter thsn bizzy summertime

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Miles better in winter 👍. Cheers Jason 😎👍

[@alancombo06]

No place for anyone who don't know their stuff, no bad moves allowed up there, talk about extremes, well done you

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Aye. Know what you mean alan. Was a wild one that day 😳. Much appreciated 😎👍

[@rejects101]

Incredible! Last time I was there was Easter 2004, need to get back.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks. It’s a stunning place. Thanks again for watching - Dave

[@hillwalksandwildcamping3322]

Proper mission!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

It really was 👍

[@maxt7525]

Brilliant video mate, from Australia 😃🇦🇺👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Max👍😎. Glad you enjoyed it - ATB Dave

[@tonyhall395]

Nice one Dave, I bet you was gutted you didn’t take the Soulo, could’ve camped at Red Tarn, good drills though mate. Atb. Tony

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha. Wouldn’t have fancied lugging all my winter camping kit on the route Tony. I have camped at Red Tarn in winter before I started my channel. It was pretty epic. Think there’s some pics on my Facebook page. Stay safe, man - Dave

[@martinmcmcdonald4783]

That was nearly as hostile as my Mrs

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

😲😁

[@mikesperrey]

Hi Dave - Love your films. Have you thought about providing GPX routes with each?

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you Mike, really appreciate that😎👍. It’s not something I’ve thought of, but now you mention it 🤔👍. Take care, ATB - Dave

[@chrisrichardson774]

Doesn't look to be too much snow coverage for avalanches

[@GeordieGamer13]

*buys ice axe*

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

😎👍🏔❄️

[@jdcleach1]

Cracking video mate, only watched your wild camping ones so far so now I have these to go through too! I'm in the market for a crampon compatible winter boot, are yours scarpa charmoz?

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Jon, glad you enjoyed it 😎👍. Yeah Charmoz. Really like them 👍

[@luke-ve8jb]

Great video, what crampons do you use?

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Hi Luke. Big thanks. Grivel Air Tech 👍

[@maxvidal6884]

Wow, what a brilliant insight into how precarious it can be up there in Winter. I'm looking to invest in winter gear, did you do winter skills course or self taught ? Great videos 👌

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks, Max 😎👍. It really can be another world up there and should never be underestimated. Im mostly self taught but have used mountain guides on Skye and done a winter mountaineering course at Glenmore Lodge. Still consider myself a novice tho.

[@maxvidal6884]

@@TheSoloSummiteer Was the Glenmore a weekend course ? Must do it, I'm cracking on a bit now 😁

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Max Vidal - know what you mean, Max 😁. Yes, weekend course. One of my videos shows a bit of it - Cairngorms Winter Hiking. Check it out 👍

[@tonyhall395]

Max, if you become a member of the BMC they do some brilliant summer and winter mountaineer courses 😎😎 the stuff you will learn is invaluable and will give you greater confidence in the mountains in summer and especially winter. 😎😎 if you look at the kit Dave uses it shows the amount of thought, preparation and cost that has gone into his summits in winter. You’ll love it.

[@maxvidal6884]

@@tonyhall395 Thank you Tony, will take a look 👍🏻

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

DID YOU CHECK ON THE GUY WITH HIS BOOTS STICKIN OUT OF HIS SHELTER

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha. Yeah, they were just having a rest in the shelter.

[@tuttobicci]

Did you have a leash on your axe?

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

No Gary. I removed it.

[@thelasthourgetready]

Great video. What brand are the sunglasses??

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you. Haha, sunglasses. I'm a bit of a sucker for sunglasses and you'll probably have seen a few different pairs in my videos. These are Oakleys

[@thelasthourgetready]

@@TheSoloSummiteer lol I am too 😆. Thanks for the info. Those Oakleys look great quality!

[@jackgorton2717]

Wow, class video. Inspiring stuff! Just wondering how close to hard tarn were you? I did a wild camp at the tarn back in June and aimed to climb up to Helvellyn the following morning, but visibility and rain made navigation tricky. Ended up bailing and walked back down to the lodge. Trying to work out the best route on the maps haha

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Jack😎👍. The Tongue heads up to Dollywaggon Pike. Hard Tarn is nearer Nethermost Pike. I’ve camped at Hard Tarn myself. I then headed up the ridge to Nethermost Pike and on to Helvellyn and down Striding Edge. Is a nice route but could be difficult in poor visibility if you don’t know the area. 👍

[@jackgorton2717]

@@TheSoloSummiteer Thanks Dave! Appreciate the reply. Looking forward to future videos 🙌