I'd been keeping my eye on the Christmas Eve forecast which, in the middle of an otherwise damp week appeared dry and bright, as you know such forecasta are a rarity given the time of year so I set myself up to climb Helvellyn from Swirls. Any rain that had been falling at valley level was falling as snow above 1,800 feet which meant I'd not only be walking one of my favourite routes in sunshine but I'd be doing it in snow too, sounds too perfect doesn't it.

My alarm went off at 05:30am and after I'd hit the snooze button I checked the forecast one last time and to my disbelief only the south western area's of the park would be bright, the east was forecasted to have broken sunshine which was still good enough for me.

It looked like I was in for a full winters day walking with gusts predicted to reach between 40-50mph over exposed areas which meant I'd be encountering fierce spin drift so I packed my goggles, crampons and ice axe ready for a full on winters walk on Helvellyn.

The layby was quickly filling up when I reached it just gone 08:30am. As I kit up I am joined by another car whose owners reverse right up to mine before being greeted by a young ish couple and 'mornings' are shared. While the girl kits up alongside the passenger door I get into conversation with the chap and we share our routes where as it turns out we are walking the same route. Despite arriving later than me the couple are soon ready and along with their dog they set off as I struggle lining up the Velcro on my gaiters.

With a laiden pack that left a reasurring 'thud' as I swung it onto my back I left the lay-by and joined the A591 for a short while before passing through the Swirls car park where I overtook the young couple "you leading the way" they smiled "I reckon we'll switch a few times" I laughed.

Passing the two walkers in descent both of whom were wearing crampons and had goggles fixed atop their hoods confirmed I was in for full winter conditions once the shelter of Browncove Crags was left behind. I had encountered ice from as low as 1,200ft which was quickly becoming unavoidable, it was here the couple turned back for a walk around Thirlmere instead.

I continued until I reached the cairn where a narrow footpath forks east alongside Helvellyn Gill which ten minutes earlier I had watched a solo hiker take. It was here I decided to add my crampons which was about 700ft lower than a area of rock I named a few years ago as 'crampon rock' where I'd normally add crampons.

There was a real walking camaraderie not just here but all over the mountain. Even if it was just the lift of a hand, or a simple nod gesturing that you are ok. The concern of the wind was etched across everyone's faces.

The summit cross shelter was busy with walkers seated on the west facing side rather than the brutality of the east side where you could pick your seat! No thanks I muttered it's best to keep moving such the dip in wind chill. From the cross shelter around half a dozen walkers approach having traversed Striding Edge one of whom was wearing regular tracksuit bottoms and trainers, I was mortified at what I was seeing, what on earth goes through these folks minds before setting off for an ascent on England's third highest mountain in full winter conditions wearing nothing but what you'd put on to nip to the shop.

Moving on.

I'd been exposed to the fierce winds for the best part of ten minutes but I talked myself into heading over towards the top of Striding Edge mainly because the sun was starting to poke through and at the time Striding Edge was aglow in lovely light but after just a minute I was forced to retreat as the gust had gotten the better of me.

Of course Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike were both my objectives today but if I'm allowed a third it would be the fantastic walk back to Swirls via the Forestry Track, it's been some years since I used this route and today distant memories came flooding back from yesteryear and given that today is Christmas Eve I couldn't have found myself in a better place than if god had placed me here, that's what Lakeland does, it's not just about the climbing or the views, it's about how it makes you feel, I have lifelong friends here, sometimes they are silent and sometimes they speak more than words can say.

Happy Christmas everyone.