As Britain shivers under a bitter Arctic blast, one intrepid climber has turned the freezing conditions into a spectacular personal challenge. Mick Ellerton, 48, successfully scaled the stunning frozen waterfall at Gordale Scar, near Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales, on Wednesday, 7th January 2026.
A Rare Opportunity on the Ice
The experienced instructor, who works for Lost Earth Adventures and volunteers with a cave rescue charity, explained that such perfect conditions for the climb are exceptionally uncommon. "I’ve done it probably three times in the last six years," Mr Ellerton said. "So it very rarely comes into the right condition." He first tackled the icy cascade with a colleague on Tuesday before returning to conquer it again the following day.
Born in Australia and now living in Skipton, North Yorkshire, Ellerton began ice climbing as a child. He praised the "absolutely beautiful" and comparatively quiet Yorkshire Dales landscape, contrasting it with busier tourist destinations like the Peak District.
Skills for Safety and Rescue
Ellerton emphasised that such adventurous pursuits must always be undertaken with proper caution and equipment. "There are different sections where you don’t want to go," he noted, stressing that knowing what to look for comes with experience. For him, the activity serves a dual purpose: it provides the joy of being in the mountains—what he calls 'type one fun'—and crucially helps maintain the technical skills required for his voluntary work with the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association.
"It’s about being hill smart," he advised aspiring explorers. "It’s great for your physical and mental health, and it’s an awesome place to be. As long as people are getting out there safely, I’m all for it."
Winter's Grip Tightens with Storm Goretti
Ellerton's impressive feat comes just ahead of a severe weather onslaught. The UK is bracing for Storm Goretti, which is forecast to unleash a 'multi-hazard' salvo of severe snow and 90mph winds from Thursday onwards. The Met Office has issued a wave of weather warnings across the nation.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong warned that the most significant snow impacts are expected in parts of Wales and the Midlands, while heavy rain and strong winds could cause widespread disruption elsewhere. The cold snap has already led to thousands of school closures this week and isolated some remote northern communities. Forecasters predict the frigid conditions will persist until the weekend.
