Written on 07/12/16 by Paul Oldham

The Fell Top Assessors are Back

As the Lake District National Park's fell top assessors return this week to make their daily trek up Helvellyn, this winter they will share even more top tips using #summitsafely to help walkers stay safe on the fells.

In addition to the vital Lake District Weatherline winter weather reports, #summitsafely is a new campaign that will run for the 20 week duration of the fell top assessors' season, from December to Easter. Assessors, Jon Bennett and Graham Uney, will be tweeting their top 20 safety tips from @LakesWeather, sharing short videos on lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk, and running special safety kit giveaways.

And for those who feel inspired to take to the snow-topped high fells, Graham will be returning with his popular one-day Winter Skills courses, for walkers looking to learn the basics of how to use an ice axe and crampons.

Ambleside-based Jon Bennett is celebrating his tenth year as a Weatherline fell top assessor.

Jon's top safety tip is: 'if in doubt, turn back', he explains:

The mountains will be here another day, it's more important not to put yourself or others at risk. This is what the #summitsafely campaign is all about – we want people to have an amazing adventure and share their inspirational #summitsafely photos – it doesn't matter whether it's a walk round Ullswater or a hike up Helvellyn. In return, we'll be sharing a range of simple, effective tips, such as taking a spare hat and gloves, through to using a GPS, in a bid to keep Lake District winter walkers safe this winter.

Graham Uney is returning for a third season, running his Winter Skills courses alongside his daily fell top report.

Graham says:

As a National Park, the Lake District is everyone's to enjoy, but during winter, it's important that people take a moment to prepare for a range of weather conditions. The reports that Jon and I share on Weatherline every day help people take a boots-on-the-ground view of the fells, and our Winter Skills courses will add to their preparation.

Watch out for the top quality giveaways each week from a number of different outdoor brand partners including Paramo, Salomon, Petzl, Aiguille Alpine, EDZ Clothing, Hydroflask, Expedition Foods and Outdoor Research.

Follow the fell top assessors on Twitter @LakesWeather and visit lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk for daily fell top reports.

Fell top facts


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WalkLakes recognises that hill walking, or walking in the mountains, is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death.
Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.