Weather puts daily Helvellyn ascent on hold

Fell-top assessors scale Helvellyn daily throughout the winter months

Weather conditions at the top of one of the UK's highest fells have remained unchecked for only the second time this winter.

Fell-top assessor Jason Taylor was forced back from his regular ascent of Helvellyn in Cumbria by heavy snow and strong winds.

He makes the 3,114ft (950m) climb daily to report on snow, ice and wind.

With the Easter weekend approaching, hill walkers are warned to be prepared for treacherous conditions.

The information gathered by Mr Taylor forms the basis of the Lake District National Park's Weatherline phone and online reports, which are used by 500,000 people a year.

Difficult terrain

He said: "The winter certainly isn't going out like a lamb, the lion's roar is still very much with us.

"Setting off from the valleys, people could easily think the hills presented no real problems.

"In fact, nothing could be further from the truth and they would soon find themselves in potentially very difficult terrain."

He added: "We know Easter is a particularly popular time in the Lake District and there are a huge number of attractions, and safe walks.

"We want people to come and enjoy our landscape, and to be safe."