13 Sep 2014 Helvellyn Shelter
Taking in a panorama of awe-inspiring views, it is perfectly positioned to
offer protection from conditions that can change rapidly at these heights. Our fell top assessors this winter recorded temperatures plummeting to minus
21 degrees and metre-deep snowdrifts on Helvellyn.
Even on days when conditions in the valleys are benign, it can be a very
different story on the tops. It's impossible to know just how many people have
been shielded from terrible weather, picnicked or bivvied overnight in the old stone structure.
Those volunteers 60 years-ago certainly had foresight and skills. Bearing in
mind the hammering it gets, there wasn't too much to do to get it back into peak
condition. Hopefully it's good now until 2074! Eight volunteers joined field rangers on the refurbishment, carrying tools in
rucksacks and collecting rubbish on the way back.
Volunteer Derek Tunstall said it had been a job well done, with seating
stones replaced and general pointing-up. He quipped: "I am pretty sure it will not be repaired again in my
lifetime!"