Christmas on the tops

8:30am Friday 21st December 2007

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SCALING the rugged heights of Helvellyn on Christmas Day might not be many people's idea of festive fun, but for one Ambleside man it is all in a day's work.

Leaving the turkey behind, Jon Bennett will set out for a 950-metre summit trek to gather information for the Lake District National Park Authority's Weatherline, a service used by almost half a million people each year.

Mr Bennett is in his first season checking out weather conditions for the service after leaving his hospitality career to undertake the challenging new role, which involves a daily mountain ascent - even at Christmas.

"I can't think of a better way of spending Christmas Day," said Jon. "I'll be in my favourite place doing a job I love and helping a lot of people into the bargain.

"There could be some tinsel on my rucksack and, tucked up inside, a slab of Christmas cake and maybe a few mince pies. I'd like to think there would be a few people about taking advantage of a quiet time."

The weatherline phone and online reports help protect the area's 12 million annual visitors, and locals, from conditions that can change rapidly and fatally on the fells.

Mr Bennett, who held management positions at the Waterhead Hotel at Ambleside and the Wild Boar at Crook, describes his new outdoor role as a "dream job" after spending all his spare time on the fells during the past 20 years.

"I've got extensive experience in winter mountaineering both here and in Scotland," added Mr Bennett. "I've backpacked in the Swedish Arctic, regularly paraglide and I'm a keen cyclist - on and off road. I am also interested in the science and effects of weather conditions.

"Carrying all the recording equipment up Helvellyn isn't a problem as I'm used to having 15 kilos of paragliding kit on my back."

In a seven-day Helvellyn shift, Mr Bennett climbs almost the equivalent of Everest's summit and faces wind chill temperatures that can plummet to minus 32, drifting snow and even badly equipped walkers.

"Obviously safety on the fells is paramount and I want to carry on the tradition of being the eyes and ears of the mountain when I'm up there. We might be dreaming of a white Christmas, but if it happens and you're going to go out on the hills - be prepared."