Helvellyn's summit
A pair of enterprising walkers have set up a cafe on England’s third highest peak.
Brothers Owen and David Holmes have been serving hot and cold drinks to fellwalkers near the summit of Helvellyn in the Lake District.
Bacon sandwiches, cooked on a camping stove, were also on offer to walkers near the top of the route from Striding Edge.
The Bristol men have been camping near the foot of the 950m (3,117ft) mountain during their cafe stint, which involves sitting near the summit protected by a tarp acting as a windbreak.
The men reported brisk business on their first day of operation and are hoping for increased custom into August.
David told Sky News: “I just saw the location and the idea came to me. It’s been quite busy.”
A spokesman for the Lake District National Park Authority said: “As a temporary development it can carry on for 28 days without permission.
“If the guys intended carrying on longer than that they would be advised to talk to our planners about any future planning permission requirements.”
Visitors to the mountain’s summit include Prince William, who made the ascent in 2009 with members of the Lake District’s mountain rescue teams, in his capacity as patron of Mountain Rescue England & Wales.
Martin
06 July 2011Just hope they leave the place as they found it. i.e. take their litter away with them.
Jhimmy
06 July 2011Tacky and trashy idea. If people are too lazy to take up their own food (and bring down the rubbish) then they shouldn't be on a mountain.
What's going to happen if walkers don't take food expecting they'll be there and they aren't? Looks like another call out for MRT being asked to send up bacon butties.
Also, think of the hygiene aspects, it's not like the cooks have a toilet with washing facilities in their rucksacks.
Richard H
07 July 2011The last thing I would wish to see is a cafe, either temporary or permanent, on a hill - take Snowdon as an example of how to spoil a fine mountain.
Chapas
07 July 2011The taming of our wild places to literally cater for those who aren't really prepared or equiped to be in such a place is not a good idea.
If it's allowed to continue here they'll soon be appearing all over.
Are their profits being donated to NPA or MRT?
Crocster!
07 July 2011Well I think its a great idea - jobsworths above take a hike if ya dont do enterprise!!!!!!!!!
michala
11 July 2011what we going to see next a Mcdonalds on Scafell?, they should be stopped right now.
John C
19 July 2011Great enterprise from two brothers trying to open out this beautiful country to all. Well done lads!!
john gavaghan
12 January 2014I climbed helvellyn in 1952 I was 17..........from thirlemere side came down via striding edge...........used to visit lakes alone with my old box camera.......got photo on summit with mountain goat..........cup a tea would have been welcome.....61 years ago now......