Thurs 25th June, Helvellyn by Striding Edge

Another bright and sunny day in the Lakes. I am with Alison, James, Nick and Richard for a days guided walking on Helvellyn. They route they have chosen is to ascend by Striding Edge and descend by Swirral Edge. Shortly after we set off I realised my camera was in the car so sorry no pictures today.

We reached the hole in the wall after a steady pull up the path from Patterdale and enjoyed the views across the Lakes before making our way up onto the ridge. By setting off early we had managed to get ahead of the crowds and crossed the ridge with only a few others about.

Helvellyn summit was as usual very busy and despite the warm weather in the valley was very cold on tops, mainly due to wind chill effect, after a quick lunch break we set off again. The route back down followed the crest of Swirral Edge and we continued onto the summit of Catstye Cam before dropping down to Red Tarn. Our route back to the valley was over Birkhouse Moor before dropping into Glenridding for a well earned pint.