During a blizzard, these already steep slopes would quickly become dangerous to traverse. Even though the Greens were within a mile of their own cottage and familiar with the landscape of the fells, it is no surprise that they lost their way and perished.
Dorothy was familiar with the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous changes in weather upon the fells. While writing about the Green tragedy, she describes a perilous walk of her own: ‘A mist came on after I had parted with him, and I wandered long, not knowing whither. When at last the mist cleared away I found myself at the edge of the Precipice, and trembled at the Gulph below, which appeared immeasurable.’
Photo courtesy of Steve Watts