| This was to be my youngest son Jamie's second visit to the Lake District, and his first visit to Helvellyn ....... and probably the last as the 'crowd' was unbelievable. It was a trail of people all the way to the top. OK!, we were part of the 'crowd' - but not any more. Well maybe, but only when the weather is not too good when the 'tourist' walker won't like the conditions. | |
| After an early morning 'traffic free' drive from Barnsley to the Lake District, we arrive at the Information Centre car park at Glenridding at 9:30am . Having checked the weather forecast on the Visitor Centre notice board, it was on boots, rucksack and heading for the hills. | |
| We left
the car park at the upper western area to join Glenridding Road and followed the road uphill.
At the point where the road reaches a sharp right bend, we turned
left down to Mires Beck bridge. (Boot-baths were still in place for
F&M) (photo: Glenridding Beck from Mires Bridge) |
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| From Mires Beck we took the path leading straight up hill to the level ground
below Birkhouse Moor. (There are also footpaths that skirt to the
north of Birkhouse and one that crosses over to Grisedale to join the path
that leads up to the 'Hole in the Wall'.) (photo: Ullswater and Glenridding) |
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| The path
became steeper from here as it wound its way up the side of Birkhouse
Moor, eventually levelling out at the top. (photo: Looking back down to Patterdale) |
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A well defined path followed the top to bring us to the
'Hole in the Wall', and the start of the final rocky path section before Striding Edge. (photo: Helvellyn under faint clouds, Catstye Cam to the right) |
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It didn't take long before we reached the start of
Striding Edge. We paused at the start to have a coffee ..... and let a few
people clear the crest of the ridge. The clouds had also lowered onto Helvellyn by the
time we had reached this position. (photo: The start of Striding Edge) |
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Once on the ridge, we progressed with care as it was a little slippery. It
was slow going, but not a problem as we were in no hurry. It was a day to
be enjoyed. At the end of the ridge, we had a short rest before the final
steep ascent. (photo: Lee (right) and Jamie on Striding Edge) |
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| (photo: Looking towards the scramble at the end of Striding Edge) |
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| We scrambled up the initial rocky section,
then picked
out the best route up from the many that have been created over the
years. Eventually, we reached the top and made our way to the wind
break for a welcome bite to eat. Unlucky!!!! The place was full. (photo: Looking back to Striding Edge ... as Jamie approaches) |
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| There were seats, but facing west into the wind and
rain. So, we continued north, past the Triangulation Point, to the cairn
marking the start of Swirral Edge. We descended over the steep rocky
path for a short while before finding a spot for lunch. (photo: Red Tarn with Striding Edge to the right) |
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| After lunch, we continued past the path
down to
Red Tarn and up to the top of Catstye Cam. We had excellent views
east to Ullswater and beyond. (photo: One of the many rainbows we saw over Ullswater and Glenridding) |
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| The path continued east as it dropped down
to join the path leading down from Red Tarn. We followed this path
down, crossing over Glenridding Beck, then continued on the path as it
skirted below Birkhouse Moor. (photo: Looking back to Catstye Cam) |
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| The path eventually joined the stile
crossed at the start. We returned to Glenridding car park following
the outward route. After a drink in Glenridding, it was in the car
and on to Keswick for a very refreshing shower. (photo: Passing below Birkhouse Moor back to Glenridding) |
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