Striding into Helvellyn Heaven!!

[dooterbang]

Gordon (he from deepeth darkest Gourock - webbed feet land!) had suggested a cross border raid some weeks ago - Helvellyn via Striding Edge the target.

Having done this in April, also taking in Catsyecam, i knew that this route wouldn't feed the need for something epic....so i got planning. With the advice of some fellow WH members i came up with the route below.

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The week leading up to this was predicting favourable conditions - would i finally get to walk with Gordon & Graeme whilst having some views! Joining us 3 would be the ever present Leonide and David. David was recovering from man flu but the lure of an epic in sunshine soon evaporated any ongoing symptoms.

We left Glasgow at 5.45am and arrived at the car park (£4.50 charge) next to the Patterdale hotel at 8am, we did have a quick stop at Ullswater to catch the sunrise.


Started walking at 8.30am.

Headed back along the road 1k NW to Glenridding and took the well signposted route West to Helvellyn - we could see the hills above us



Instead of the usual route to the "hole in the wall" we ascended the NE face of Birkhouse Moor



looking West to Ullswater






David and i reached the summit 1st and got chatting to 3 blokes from Chester/Liverpool/Manchester who had wild camped for the night - jammy gits. They had informed us the last 30M to Helvellyn required crampons and ice axes.

When Gordon, Graeme & Leonide finally caught up one of them blokes kindly took a group photo - this was the 1st Wainwright for the others....a virgin trip to the lakes like


SW we could pick out Striding Edge


Red Tarn soon came into view




looking back NE to Ullswater


SW to Nethermost Pike


We got to the start of Striding Edge - the sun was shining, wind non existent and skies blue

Striding Edge was good fun and if walked/scrambled with care should present no difficulties. Escape paths if needed all the way along the ridge.












Gordon - sporting new down Jacket....although it wasn't that cold




Descending the Chimney - Gracefully






With the Ridge done it left a steep pull up the last 70/80M to the Plateau












The last 30M was infact snow covered and very steep - thankfully steps had already been kicked in.
We decided not to use crampons but relied on our ice axes and sure footing in the steps.










DB - playing with his ice axe








Reaching the Summit






Helvellyn. Catsyecam with Ullswater in the distance


We sat here and had a bite to eat. The views everywhere top notch.

Heading South for 4k would take in the peaks of Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike and Seat Sandal.












We took another mini break at Grisedale Tarn before ascending to Seat sandal. I spotted a few sheep kicking around, the heat was making my blood boil, but i remained focus on our route

Heading West 1.5K to Fairfield


Grisedale Tarn




View from summit of Fairfield


Another food break was taken here before heading the last 6K NW which would take in Sunday Crag and Birks.








It was after 4pm and the sun was setting - this meant another finish in the dark






Headtorches on....


We got back to the car around 6pm and after a quick change headed to the White Lion pub for a pint.

Leonide had 2 beers and was rather tipsy, intoxicated her patter was much improved and i actually laughed at one point

Got back to Glasgow around 9pm.

I was washed and changed and tearing into some Rum n Cokes into the wee small hours - i even manged Meikle Bin the next afternoon

Another tremendous day out with the usual suspects.

We think more cross border raids will happen very soon....

Thanks to Gordon for driving and all the feedback regarding best routes from WH members from all over the UK.

[clivegrif]

Cracking report Dooterbang!

Did that route years ago, it is a good one.

I went up Helvellyn last winter via Striding edge and than back down Swirral Edge in full ice & snow conditions and I remember that last steep bit well. Unfortunately the visibility could be measured in inches, so no photos.....

Looks like you all had a truly memorable day.

[SusieThePensioner]

A great report, as usual, glad all the advice from us southern softies was useful, and those photos, well, they're just amazing

I'm so pleased you had such fantastic weather for your border raid

My favourite walk of all time in the Lakes is the Fairfield Horseshoe, done it several times, so good to see a view of Fairfield

[L-Hiking]

I have been looking forward to this report for a few days and you have not dissapointed, some great photos, especially using the axes and of the sunset.

Must have a chance for Report of the Month too

Shame I missed this one

Cheers again Paul

[malky_c]

That's a pretty flawless collection of photos there . Looks like a fun day out, and slightly more snow than in Wales.

A lot of the routes I've done in the lakes have been pretty short, but here's one that might interest you:
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=9383

Must have a chance for Report of the Month too

Monty would be raging. It's not even in Scotland!

[simon-b]

Nice photos!

I'll second Susie in saying glad our reccomendations worked out.

Here's one to remind you of the view in retrospect from the Birkhouse Moor ridge (from July, this).

Glad to see you had such good conditions as well.

[ChrisW]

What a fantastic circuit DB, in wonderful weather with great company. What could be better Some fine photo's throughout the report but the ones of making the steep ascent using ice axes really stand out...looks steep as hell oh and your 'graceful' descent of the chimney too - great report, really entertaining

[jonny616]

Nice one DB. I must get me some of that sunshine stuff.

[mountain thyme]

Great pictures and looks like a fantastic day and fantastic walk. Well done.
You look a bit scared on the first ridge picture.. i know you dont like ridges and had to skirt around the sides when on the forcan ridge with us!!
laughing at you ''DB playing with his ice axe'' makes a change from playing with your other tool

[Morecambe Monkey]

Nice report with some excellent action shots,glad you got a good spell of weather for it too. Need to revisit Striding edge as it's nearly 3 years since i was last there.

[old danensian]

Glad to see you enjoyed heading south to sample what's on offer. Loved the sunsets from St Sunday - that's a great location, shame about the darkness of the final bit on the way down.

I was just about to post a brief TR of my own after being up there my self in the last few days - honestly, there are some nicew views from Birks and Arnison Crag - in the day.

Old Danensian

[lomondwalkers]

Brilliant as ever DB, that narrow ridge looks awesome, as does the sunrise at Ullswater

[mountainstar]

Another cracker Dooter.
I was up Carnedd Llywelyn that day also (TR on WH somewhere) and also had a cracking day (and night...camping)
Great set of pictures.
Get yourselves down to Wales sometime, and I'll try to meet up.
BTW what do you think of this edit?....

[kevsbald]

Can't believe I'm writing this but I might have to consider a cross-Border raid myself. Great stuff.

[SusieThePensioner]

Can't believe I'm writing this but I might have to consider a cross-Border raid myself. Great stuff.

Are you feeling ok, Kev??? If you do come south I'll arrange to have the flags put out to welcome you