A day in the life of our Fell top Assessors

Each year from November to March, our Fell top Assessors walk up Helvellyn to check conditions, take photos and supply a report to add to the usual weather forecast. You can find out more about their work on this page:

From hotels to Helvellyn

Last updated: 30 March 2010

Watch a slideshow with beautiful photos whilst hearing what our Fell top assessor Jon Bennett had to say to The Guardian in his Guardian online interview (opens in new window)

Meet our new man at the top

Last updated: 7 January 2010

Some of the harshest winter conditions in decades have greeted the Lake District’s new fell top assessor.

Jason Taylor’s first week has seen 100 cm snow drifts, avalanche risks, wind chill temperatures plummeting to minus 16C and a summit cornice showing signs of cracking on 950 metre Helvellyn.

“It’s all in a day’s work,” explains the mountain guide who has become the national park’s latest ‘man at the top’.

He and colleague Jon Bennett work alternate weeks over the winter, trekking daily up the Lake District’s third highest peak to check conditions. A seven-day shift is the equivalent of almost reaching Everest’s summit.

Their daily reports on Weatherline - a phone and online service - helps protect the area’s 12 million annual visitors and locals from conditions that can change rapidly, and fatally, on the fells.

Used by half a million people a year, the 34 year-old service is renowned among outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, locals and visitors. And fell top assessors are traditionally seen as the eyes and ears of Helvellyn.

A former world travel leader, who has worked from Bhutan to Bangladesh and Iran to India, Jason said while national park mountains looked incredibly beautiful, conditions underfoot were treacherous.

“Only those with full winter equipment and a lot of experience should be venturing on them,” said Jason, a mountain expert with his own Lake District guiding company.

Originally from Halifax and about to move to Newbiggin near Penrith, Jason said his work as a mountain leader and navigation trainer has brought extensive experience and knowledge.

He explained: “I’ve lead climbs in full winter conditions across the Lake District and Scotland and got a big interest in weather patterns, particularly their effects in the mountains. Fell top assessing is the perfect job for me!

“I love everything to do with the great outdoors – walking, climbing, mountain and road biking, running; learning languages is the exception.

“Helvellyn is magnificent, wild, exhilarating and very special. To have Arctic conditions in my first week is just amazing.

“But there is a big sting in the tail. Mountains are very dangerous places right now. Unless you have the right experience, don’t go there. And if you do, be properly equipped and have the humility to know when to turn back.”

Fell top assessors’ top 10 tips for winter safety

  1. Check out the Weatherline forecast. Where available, check a ground conditions’ report. Take the advice on board

  2. Choose a route suitable for the conditions, your equipment and ability. If you are unsure, lower your sights

  3. Do not over estimate your ability, know when to turn back

  4. Carry enough kit to look after yourself if something goes wrong, or the weather changes

  5. Always carry a map and compass – know how to use them. Do not rely on a GPS alone

  6. Take a spare hat and gloves. They will get wet, and may blow away

  7. In winter conditions take ice axe and crampons - know how to use them

  8. Goggles are essential when snow and wind combine

  9. In winter in the snow, wear four-season stiffened boots which are compatible with your crampons

  10. If in doubt – turn back!

Winter climbing guides

If you're planning to go climbing in snow and ice, please check out the following excerpts from "Lake District Winter Climbs" copyright FRCC and Cicerone Press: