If we’d had our ice axes and crampons we might have done some ice climbing, but those are still in France. Doh!

Instead we went for a walk. As it was such a glorious day, I wanted to get up high to see some great views. Helvellyn was an obvious choice. We parked at Dunmail Raise and walked up Raise Beck.

A frozen Grisedale Tarn in the background.

I thought it might be busier, but perhaps most of the holiday makers had already gone home in readiness for the dreaded first day back at work

There were quite a few skiers – one team taking a very direct descent from the top of Helvellyn; some hardy snow boarders – looking cool in their baggy clothes ; and there were some climbers – looking cold as they were in the shade .

I was glad of the sun and the views.