Helvellyn and others from Patterdale

[MiniRambo]

Walked with John and Peter.

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Parked at Patterdale and walking by 10.10am.

Set off along the road towards Glenridding. Through the car park and up the road towards Greenside mine.

On the road towards Greenside Mine

At the fell gate, took the path to the right, climbing steeply along a zig-zag path high above the mine. Had a quick break to take on fluid on what was a hot and sultery day. Instead of our intended route to Sticks Pass, we climbed the broad ridge of Raise, passed the ski lift tow and eventually reaching the summit at about 12.30.

Path climbing above Greenside Mine

Heading towards Raise

Ski tow equipment below Raise summit

Raise summit

As we looked towards Helvellyn, the broad path would lead us over White Side and Helvellyn Lower Man. It became apparent that this being Easter and with lovely warm weather, there would be a multitude of hillgoers at the top of Helvellyn. In fact, we could see many, like ants, making their way along both Swirral Edge and Striding Edge.

On way up White Side, Raise in the background

Hevellyn and Helvellyn Lower Man

Catstye Cam from Helvellyn Lower Man

White Side and Raise

The party near the summit of Helvellyn, Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam behind

Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam

With the summit of Helvellyn attained, we managed to get a seat at the shelter cairn and enjoyed our sandwiches in glorious sunshine.

Red Tarn and Striding Edge

As we set off again, the rest of the ridge lay in front of us. First, we dropped down to the low point between Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike before climbing back up to a fairly level plateau, eventually reaching the summit itself.

On route to Nethermost Pike

Looking back to Helvellyn and Striding Edge from Nethermost Pike

After stopping for a quick summit pic, we continued to the next peak, Dolloywagon Pike. We had good views to the nearest peaks, St Sunday Crag and Fairfield, but other distant hills remained obscured by the hazy/smoggy air.

High Crag and Dollywagon Pike

High Crag

Fairfield from Dollywagon Pike

We dropped down off Dollywagon to Grisedale tarn, an idilic place where a number of other walkers were either soaking up the atmosphere or soaking their feet in the water. Given this, not sure it was a good idea to fill our bottles with the water at the outlet stream, but better than dehydration!!

Grisedale Tarn and Seat Sandal from descent of Dollywagon Pike

St Sunday Crag from Dollywagon Pike

Having a rest at Grisedale Tarn

From here, it was easy to see the obvious path climbing gradually up the side of St Sunday Crag, our final peak of the day. Although my legs and feet were beginning to hurt, I made good time to the top with only a couple of breaks for photos. I waited for Peter and John to arrive for 20 minutes or so and with it being so warm took the opportunity to top up the tan. Not bad for the middle of April in the Lake District!!

St Sunday Crag from Grisedale Tarn

Cofa Pike and Fairfield from Deepdale Hause

St Sunday Crag

Continued down from the top in the direction of Patterdale with great views down Ullswater. Eventually reached the car at about 6.30pm having had a very enjoyable day in the hills.

Ullswater

[ChrisW]

Helluva walk, great report and some cracking pics of beautiful views .... what a great day that must have been

[MiniRambo]

Thanks Chris. It was a good walk on a good day. Glad my friends had planned the route as I wouldn't have thought to tackle it on my own.

[skuk007]

Great report and pictures, looks glorious.
I'm stopping in the Lakes for a couple of days on route to Torridon in August and was looking for a nice route to stretch the legs, this will do nicely.

[tango]

John J "thats big Rambos name" , Some excellent photos there i really enjoyed them..& thats not a bad round either so hats off to you & your mates! must have been that green beret training!!!!!!! cheers,

[susanmyatt]

Well done Rambo and co, thats a good hike in hot weather, when you climb Sticks and arrive in the mined area it looks so desolate, thanks for the report

[gaffr]

I didn't know about the ski Poma tow(s)? in the Lakes....looks like a good slope for skiing. I have only visited Helvellyn from Thirlmere and went down one of the East facing ridges and ascended the other. It was some time ago like, 45 years, long before the ski tow went up. There is a lot I don't know about this area. Looks like a fine hillwalk.

[stixrooster]

Did a similar walk at the end of April, perfectly clear skies but blowing a gale. Went up Striding Edge though. The whole route, up to Helvellyn at least, was a steady stream of people, the price we pay for good weather I guess!

[canisp]

Always happy to see reports on Helvellyn my favourite English mountain. Looked like an enjoyable day out with a fine set of photos taken, thanks for posting.