It was fairly busy heading up Helm Crag but you'd expect this for one of Lakeland's most climbed on such a beautiful morning. Big question was would any of us manage the Howitzer, Helm Crags true summit?
Glorious Morning by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Heading up Helm Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Tarn Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Hughie by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrWe reached the remarkable craggy ridge and sat on the Lion's head for a bit, possibly ignoring the jutting rock further along. As we approached, Nicola's mind was quickly made up that she was having none of it but I thought I'd give it a crack as the rock was dry. As you can see from the photo below I managed to drag myself to the top and over come the negative thoughts of "so how do I now get down?" to descend safely. Grace had a brief go but quickly decided she just wasn't comfortable with it. I've always had the opinion that as AW himself didn't climb the Howitzer the the Top can be bagged without it in all good conscience. So still ticks allround, even for Hughie.
The Lion without the Lamb by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace on the Lion by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Me on the Howitzer by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ahead to Gibson Knott by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrAllthough Helm Crag is without doubt the highlight, the ridge continues in fine fashion with many attractive crags and fine views as you pass over Gibson Knott. By the time we were closing in on Calf Crag the weather was changing somewhat and getting quite a bit colder. Still now we'd come this far it seemed foolish not to complete the walk.
Looking Back to Helm Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking Down Easedale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace on Gibson Knott by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
...alone she slumped to her knees... by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace with a ball of white fluff by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe route to the high point of the day from here is blighted by bog, and even though the tarns were still frozen the ground most certainly wasn't. So it was a chilly splodge to a bitterly cold Steel Fell summit, to our relief the rain held off, which was nice. For as long as we could stand the bitter wind the views were good the the Helvellyn ridge looking at times like a painting by Turner as the clouds and sunlight mingled together.
Frozen Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Crepuscular Rays by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Dead Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The Helvellyn range wreathed in mist by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrI've always thought the South East Ridge of Steel Fell looked nice and so to proved to be with some lovely easy walking on Green turf interspersed with the occasional crag. A fine day all round with the good/bad news that poor weather was due so we could have a rest.
The weather did eventually clear up on the Monday so I headed around to Wastwater for the sunset. Unfortunately I left it too late so missed the best of the light.
Last Kiss by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
