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This weekend is the last chance I'll have to ride the Lakes in a while, so I've taken a few days off to allow for a trip. Dunno if it'll be too snowy and icy though
Forecast is:
[b]Friday[/b]
[i]Sunny intervals and a few snow showers. Gale or severe gale force westerly winds over the summits with sub-zero temperatures at most levels resulting in severe wind- chill.[/i]
[b]Saturday[/b]
[i]Cloudy with outbreaks of rain. Sleet and snow confined to the highest peaks during the day. Staying very windy with severe gales on the summits.[/i]
Current Helvellyn conditions are:
"[i]FELLTOP CONDITIONS REPORT from Helvellyn at 1130am on Monday 31st January 2011. Above 700m, there is a very light dusting of snow; in sheltered areas on paths this can sometimes hide patches of older ice. Above 800m, the cloud and low temperatures have also created rime ice on rocks (see Monday's picture). Mostly, the amount of snow is slight; however older patches of snow remain. Although such patches are sporadic and can often be avoided, they do vary throughout the National Park, so be prepared to encounter deeper snow above 800m especially on north and east facing slopes. On Helvellyn, the eastern facing exits to both Striding and Swirral Edges are still covered by a significant amount of frozen snow; therefore, although only for a small section, the use of an ice axe is essential and crampons recommended especially in descent. Unstable cornices still remain above east and north facing slopes, so please keep well back from the edge. Red Tarn and other high level tarns have frozen but are unsafe to walk on. Full winter clothing, footwear and equipment are essential for anyone venturing out onto the fells.Summit readings today at 1130amTemperature: minus 0.5 cWind chill: minus 8.2 cMax wind speed: 30.3 mphAverage wind speed: 24.7 mph[/i]"
I don't know what that means in "Lakes" terms: do locals go out on big rides in these types of conditions?
Can just stick to Surrey riding if this will just be painful. I've put together a very nice loop of almost 100% flowing, quiet singletrack that doesn't get too muddy.
Was up over High Street on Sunday - some snow, but not enough to make riding impossible; wet/boggy bits over towards Loadpot (as usual) under the frost. Helvellyn etc had quite a bit of snow, so I guess Styhead, Scarth Gap & Black Sail might be a bit dodgy. There've been two fatalities recently on Helvellyn (on Swirral), so worth avoiding, though the Raise/Dodds BW and Greenside Mine descent looked OK. Ice would be the main problem there, though.
Surrey it is!
heading out tonight and probably all weekend.
FYI There are no bridelways up Blencathra (don't be naughty!!)
Oh, can you report back if you head out before the weekend? I'm obviously very keen to get out there, but not if it's going to be an icy hellfest
[url] http://www.lakelandcam.co.uk [/url] is always worth a look for daily photos around the south Lakes.
I'd be most concerned about the gale force winds in the forecast - low level will be okay but definitely doesn't look like weather for riding on the high fells.
Its all fine... conditions now are very different to a month ago. There are pockets of snow and ice but nothing to worry about. Winds the main worry looking at the forecast
Thanks all
I've no idea what the Lakes are like in Winter so any info is much appreciated
Was up Blencathra last Tues. Snow no problem, but it was soft and muddy. From that forecast, it's the wind that'll kill any pleasure in riding up high. Plenty of lower level stuff to go for though.