Snow has arrived in Lakeland capping the highest summits non more so than Helvellyn which always draws in the crowds. I was hugely tempted to join them today but myself, David and Rod have our own plans for Helvellyn in a few weeks so I'll have to ignore the temptation no matter how hard.

Adding to the snow the Lakeland fells have seen a run a good weather which has brought cold temperatures, bright sunshine and even cloud inversions and some of my friends are enjoying the fells in their winter prime whilst I watch on from behind my desk, not jealous honest.

Resisting the urge to drive to Swirls I was reminded of a walk which Rod had suggested back in Autumn as a plan B to climb Wetherlam via Wetherlam Edge then return descending Steel Edge. As soon as I heard it I thought 'I'm having that for another day' Today is that day.

It was -3°C when I left home and -5°C by the time I arrived in Tilberthwaite where morning sunlight had just broke into the valley. I set about kitting up opting for my fleece lined windproof walking trousers topped off with my trusty Montane stretchy hoodie, Alpkit soft-shell, beanie and gloves. During the week I'd turned my pack into full Winter mode packing extra layers, more gloves than you can shake a stick at and a pair of Grivel spikes that I'm yet to use in anger.

Adding that extra weight was a flask full of piping hot vimto along with a couple of litres of Summer fruit juice. On the opposite side of the car park a Landrover Discovery appeared to have been parked overnight its bodywork layered with a coating of ice, its owner nowhere to be seen. For some reason I choose to ignore todays full forecast no doubt too excited about the wall to wall sunshine which was when the windchill hit me right besides the car, I'd totally forgot to read about the wind which by all accounts wasn't a game changer, but bloody freezing.

I'd passed over the top of the quarry and with the sunrise over my shoulder I began my descent into Tilberthwaite Gill not before passing a small sign which I ignored. Had I not ignored it I'd have known the footbridge over the Gill had been damaged during a recent storm and there was no way to cross Yewdale Beck below.

By the time I'd realised what the sign must of meant I was already plotting my way across the beck where previous walkers had fashioned stepping stones which I crossed without getting my boots wet. Had Tilberthwaite Beck been in spate I'd have returned to where this picture was taken and took the higher footpath, no biggie.

Despite the low temperature it was actually pleasant to descend back to Tilberthwaite where I watched high grey cloud move across the Helvellyn range which was still well above the summits for now but closing in as forecasted. I'm greeted by the smell of wood smoke coming from a nearby cottage which for me is one of those smells that finalises a walk and always stirs the butterflies in my stomach. Boots grace tarmac and all that's left is for me to cross the parking spaces where I noticed the owner of the frozen Landrover had returned who appeared to be warming up the engine before he left.

The car park is much busier now mostly cars and the odd camper van. Before I unlocked my car I take a look over the opposite field where sheep grazed under the long shadows of over hanging trees. there's not a breath of wind as I absorb the quietness of the valley before I reluctantly return to my car which I unlock, turn the engine over and switch the heaters to full. Kiting down as the engine warmed up I'd remembered I still had half a flask of hot vimto left which I finished off looking into a frozen field of grazing sheep eyes slightly tinged by the smell of wood smoke.