Fell Top Conditions on Sunday 28 February

Readings from Helvellyn summit at 23:05

Temperature plus 5.4°C Maximum wind speed 4.2mph Wind chill plus 5.4°C Average wind speed 2.5mph Wind direction Not Recorded

We are continuing to provide the Fell Top Reports for people undertaking their daily local exercise during the lockdown. We would like to remind everyone that Government guidance stipulates that people should only exercise locally, not leaving the village, town, or city where they live.

Here is today's report:

A beautiful spring-like day in the Cumbrian fells with very little wind and superb visibility outside of any lingering cloud. Inversion conditions for a time during the morning.

The Cumbrian fells are almost snow-free, with just a few patches remaining in the higher fells, typically on steep ground around north and east-facing corrie headwalls.

Overnight temperatures have been at or below freezing point, and today many of the paths at mid-altitude had a thin layer of frost or ice making them particularly slippery and persisting into the afternoon on shady slopes.

Any remaining snow, even though generally confined to small patches is hard and icy and best avoided where possible.

The classic ridges (Striding and Swirral edge) can just about be completed without setting foot on snow, albeit apart from a small section at the top of Swirral edge.

Windchill temperatures remain cold and generally below freezing point so full winter clothing (waterproofs, extra warm layers, hat & gloves), mountain boots, and additional equipment including a map and compass, headtorch and survival blanket/shelter are all essential for anyone going out onto the fells.

Please be conservative with your plans and know your limits.

Guidance is not to travel into this area from other areas and to exercise locally.

• Keep within your limits, walking in winter conditions takes longer than in summer.
• Be flexible, you may need to turn back, or choose a lower level walk.
• The weather on the felltops will be far colder and windier than at the bottom. Take extra layers, warm drinks, a torch, and a map and compass - and know how to use them.
• It gets dark around 5pm, when you need to be down from the felltops.