| Swallow Gully,Nethermost Cove, Helvellyn (Easy Winter Climb) Route |
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| Swallow Gully,Nethermost Cove, Helvellyn (Easy Winter Climb)   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: United Kingdom, Europe Lat/Lon: 54.52706°N / 3.01815°W Route Type: Mountaineering Season: Winter Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: Easy Grade: I
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| Page By: mountainmanjohn Created/Edited: May 14, 2006 / May 19, 2006 Object ID: 193758 Hits: 1024 Loading... Page Score: 87.57% - 6 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview  a view accross Nethermost Cove towards the gully
If you want to try a different way up to Helvellyn in the winter.
If you have been over the fabtastic Striding Edge enough for now.
If you want to try an easy Winter gully, with just enough exposure,
with a reliable (as much as it can be) condition,
with a new and quiet approach..........then How about Swallow Gully?
The gully is only about 150m in height. It is easy to find. And if you find it in less than a good climbable condition, then its only a short climb and traverse to join the route up from the end of Striding Edge.Getting ThereThis route is started from either Patterdale or Glenridding. Both have ample parking to be found.
To get there, use the A592 on the west side of Ullswater.
From the south. M6 to Jcn 36. then A590 north to A 591 to Windamere, then Ambleside taking the turning at the small roundabout to the Kirkstone pass A 592, following the road down past Brothers water to Patterdale.
From the north. From the M6 jcn 40, turn westbound signed Keswick. Take A66 to first Jcn Signed A 592 Ulswater, continue to Glenridding.
O.S 1:25,000 map would be of great help. Route Description  a few of us approaching our first obsticle  DD on the last few feet of the gully. It's fairly steep but not technically difficult  at the top of the gully, Hamish Me and Nigel having a well earned snack
GETTING TO THE GULLY
The direct approach involves entering Gisedale valley, along the road.
You will find yourself entering one of the most endeering valeys in the lakes.
As you walk the view gradualy opens up more and more secrets.
On your left the large humpback of St Sunday Crag gets slowly higher and reveals, after a while the rough hidden side to it containing Pinniacle Ridge.
Meanwhile on your right a small valley floor is hemmed in by a rell thats gently rising towards Hole In The Wall and then Striding Edge (wich from this valley floor is quite a hidden Gem).
But,........what now! We pass a farm building and continue along what is now a rough stony path and have before us some new sights.
From the left to right you see Falcon Crag, Dollywagon Pike, then Eagle crag topped with Nethermost Pike, and to its right Striding edge.
Follow the path until you can take a right where the stream joins from Nethermost Cove. Follow it up, (mostly on the left) until you arrive in Nethernost Cove.
This has been quite a slog, but worth it.
You are now in a very beautiful and isolated cove well worth a visit.
Nethermost Cove between Lad Crag and Nethermost Pike.
The climb is at between 700-850m, giving reasonably reliable conditions.
The approach to the crag contains some interesting lines and short ice-falls which if formed, which can be linked to provide some interest.
In a good winter there is even some sport to be found on frozen waterways on the way up, but normally it is not worth the bother.
THE GULLY
You can clearly see the gully now. As seen in the photograph above, it is to the left of the rightmost section of crag.
The gully starts in a wider enclosed manner. It then turns leftwards.
Soon after you see a projection of rock within the gully. This once passed leads to a further slope at a slighly lesser angle, but now more exposed. The exit from the gully can be very steep and, of course consist of a variety of snow and ice, probably topped by a Cornice.
Once on the Summit plateau, you can take your pic on where to go.
Up to the Summit and down Swirral, or Striding egde are only two options of many.
For a few details on that see here.........STRIDING
Essential GearO.S 1:25,000 map would be of great help.
Ice axes.
A pair would be the best option, although if the conditions are right, I have seen it done with one. Two is best for obvious reasons.
Crampons.
Helmet.
Always a good idea when climbing in my opinion, especialy in a gully.
The usual mountain clothing. In winter this mountain can get some very cold conditions. Check the net for weather info.External LinksLakes webcams
Great site for recent Lakeland pictures
or
Another fab site with recent pictures in the lakes
Images
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The Lake District (UK)
