The Helm Wind, Cross Fell

[ChrisJB]

Has anyone ever witnessed the Helm Wind (and/or the associated Helm Bar), that frequents Cross Fell in the North Pennines? I don't really know what it is or what causes it, but it sounds most intriguing.

I once read, that when it blows, the wind on the eastern banks of the River Eden is like a pack of ferocious hounds, yet you can light a match on the western bank and the flame won't even flicker! Surely not?

Regards, Chris

[Pete Collins]

If you do a web search for 'Helm Wind', there are a few sites that explain it such as this one (hope I'm allowed to link to it!):

The Helm Wind Dufton Village Cumbria

When I was a child our family used to holiday in that area (Eden Valley) so I remember being told about the Helm Wind, but I don't think I ever experienced it or saw the Helm Bar.

[ChrisJB]

Thanks for that Pete. I go up there a lot too, but as yet no luck.

Regards, Chris

[keithski]

I have now!!. Since childhood on frequent visits to the lakedistrict I remember my father talking about the helm Wind when crossing Cross Fell (Hartside), it was only today when parking up at Hartside cafe that I experienced the Ferosity of this wind. On the approach to Hartside from the Northumberland side we witnessed no signs of wind, on reaching Hartside cafe I opened the car door (holding it) only to have the door ripped from my hand leaving the hinges and door frame bent to the point where the door will no longer close from the inside.
I crossed the car park having to brace myself hard to stay on my feet.
This is one heck of a blast, and something of an experience.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by keithski

I have now!!. Since childhood on frequent visits to the lakedistrict I remember my father talking about the helm Wind when crossing Cross Fell (Hartside), it was only today when parking up at Hartside cafe that I experienced the Ferosity of this wind. On the approach to Hartside from the Northumberland side we witnessed no signs of wind, on reaching Hartside cafe I opened the car door (holding it) only to have the door ripped from my hand leaving the hinges and door frame bent to the point where the door will no longer close from the inside.
I crossed the car park having to brace myself hard to stay on my feet.
This is one heck of a blast, and something of an experience.

Blimey, that sounds great (though not for the car!). However, my understanding of the Helm Wind is that it is a north-easterly that rushes down the Pennine escarpment, whereas the ferocious wind you describe appears to be a south-westerly. I've recently read that a similar phenomenon occurs on Mallerstang Edge, a vast moorland ridge I walked a few weeks back. Incidentally I have just discovered this fine picture of the Helm Bar:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/4...0264ca09_o.jpg
Doesn't it look magical.

Regards, Chris

ps, isn't the Hartside Cafe fab'

[keithski]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Blimey, that sounds great (though not for the car!). However, my understanding of the Helm Wind is that it is a north-easterly that rushes down the Pennine escarpment, whereas the ferocious wind you describe appears to be a south-westerly. I've recently read that a similar phenomenon occurs on Mallerstang Edge, a vast moorland ridge I walked a few weeks back. Incidentally I have just discovered this fine picture of the Helm Bar:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/4...0264ca09_o.jpg
Doesn't it look magical.

Regards, Chris

ps, isn't the Hartside Cafe fab'

The wind definitley came out of the North/Nor/ East, the car was parked facing the west coast and the wind hit the car from the rear.
Last night BBC Look North Weather warned of the danger of Helm wind.
The strange thing about this is that we saw very little or no evidence of strong winds on the ascent from Alston, it was almost as though this "wind" came up out of nowhere. For the past few years I have been living high up in the French Alps where we experience Foehn winds, I have frequently experienced the Foehn living at an altitude of 3600 feet, however considering that Hartside is some 1000 feet lower I found the Helm wind to be an altogether different phenomenon and definitley more fierce, where the Foehn will come up without warning the Helm blast that I experienced travelled at much higher velocity.
As sad as this sounds I am now intrigued by this wind and am considering going back up today, with the outwardly opening car doors remaining firmly shut and only using the side sliding doors to get out for the experience.

[The Woodman]

RE Helm wind - I think I've posted this educational link before. Subtitles for those not familiar with the Cumbrian dialect.

Helm Blues - YouTube

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by keithski

The wind definitley came out of the North/Nor/ East, the car was parked facing the west coast and the wind hit the car from the rear.
Last night BBC Look North Weather warned of the danger of Helm wind.
The strange thing about this is that we saw very little or no evidence of strong winds on the ascent from Alston, it was almost as though this "wind" came up out of nowhere. For the past few years I have been living high up in the French Alps where we experience Foehn winds, I have frequently experienced the Foehn living at an altitude of 3600 feet, however considering that Hartside is some 1000 feet lower I found the Helm wind to be an altogether different phenomenon and definitley more fierce, where the Foehn will come up without warning the Helm blast that I experienced travelled at much higher velocity.
As sad as this sounds I am now intrigued by this wind and am considering going back up today, with the outwardly opening car doors remaining firmly shut and only using the side sliding doors to get out for the experience.

It does sound very exciting. I would love to experience it someday. I'm toying with doing Cross Fell again sometime this year. Let's hope I get lucky.
I've just watched the Helm Wind song on You Tube John.....very good!

Chris