It had been a calm night with just the occasional light rain showers. The cloud level was above me and I decided to head for the saddle on the south side of Great End and see what the weather was doing up there. I needed good light to negotiate my way through the boulders so delayed my start till 9am. The snow was generally about 200mm thick, which wasn't a problem, but it was difficult finding the best route because of the uneven boulders underneath. The temperature was hovering around 0degC and the snow was wet and soggy.

Sun in the distance, but none for me.

View fro Great End through a brief gap in the cloud.

Looking down the fells below the level of Sty Head pass was clear of snow. I made steady progress to the gulley where I headed up the right hand side. It steepened considerably and I had to be very careful of the loose rocks under the snow. Eventually I decided the safest place was to climb the centre of the gulley itself as the water was much reduced and there was no snow. Once on the saddle the wind started to pick up but I wanted to have a look at Great End to the left. The visibility was variable but I though if I could find a pitch the water wouldn't be a problem due to all the fresh snow about. As I climbed the wind got worse so I knew I'd have to find good shelter to be safe. With everything covered in snow I had no way of knowing if I'd be able to get the pegs in.

I came to a flattish area downwind of the prevailing westerly wind. The shelter was good and the pitch looked promising. I had to move a lot of snow to get down to the grass level but managed to get my tent up with most of the pegs in securely. As I was setting up a party of three walkers came by. After pitching I collected some snow in a large plastic bag and melted some for a brew of tea. I then set off for a look at the summit area of Great End. Occasional clear patches let me see down to the Langdales and Seathwaite Fell. By now quite a few people were about and a few groups came and went as I wandered about. The clear sky that the weathermen had predicted never materialised so I retreated to my tent. About mid afternoon a solo walker came to the tent door to ask directions. He was on his intended route but wasn't sure because the cloud had rolled in. Shortly after he continued on his way the weather cleared for a while and he was able to see his route ahead.

Hardy walkers looking for shelter from the wind.