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Every September, I like to go to the Lake District and climb some Wainwrights. Last time it was the Langale Pikes; this time I wanted to tackle Helvellyn.
My husband wasn't too happy about me trotting off over a precarious ridge, but I was determined. I hadn't planned it for this day, as we had only just arrived the night before, but when I woke and saw the sun coming out... well, I just had to go for it!
Trevor dropped me in Glenridding and off I went, making my way through a few hundred motorbikes - I think there must have been a rally on!
The first hour was pretty much straight up, but with great views and the promise of serous excitement to come.
When Striding Edge first emerged from the mist, it did give me a shiver of anticipation! Wow! I was really here! I walked closer to the start of the ridge, watching the tiny figures on top.
At the beginning of the ridge, among the dozens of people milling around, I noticed a guy on his own, looking a little nervous. 'Hi! You ok?' I asked. 'Well', he said, 'I'm a bit nervous, I don't like heights, my family were meant to be doing this with me but they all chickened out!' ''Well, follow me if you like!' I replied. Six hours later, we were still together, having had a superb day, and we got along great. Sometimes it's fun to team up with someone!
We went up Striding Edge, and down Swirral Edge, then up Catstycam as well. I would say there are no difficulties at all in dry conditions and did not suffer from even a moment's unsteadiness or anything. I love being up high!
We walked back down by the river, stopping to cool off by sticking our legs in a pool.
Sadly, the next few days hit 30 degrees and my plans for the Coledale Horseshoe had to be shelved in favour of a cooling swim and a boat trip on Ullswater for my actual birthday...
Pics below
