Helvellyn!

[Yeti]

What a day!

My brother and I took a trip (all of 100 miles each way!) to Helvellyn, England's 3rd highest peak, via Striding Edge, undoubtedly one of its most dangerous paths.

I must just note that driving past Cross Fell, we could see the Helm Bar (caused by the Helm Wind (foehn) and the Easterly winds blowing over the Pennine's highest peak at 891m). No pics, but quite amazing to see!

Anyway here are the photos; I'll describe the route a bit if you don't mind me waffling!

I stopped alongside Ullswater to take a few pics as it is simply beautiful. The skies were clear and views down the lake showed Helvellyn already:

Beginning the walk at Patterdale and climbing up along a small lane gives views over the Helvellyn massif - notice the snow patches at the top there!

The first section of the climb is steady and not particularly steep, but gives amazing views over the valley and of the massif:

Me with Helvellyn in the background!:

Looking back along the valley. Notice Ullswater appearing in the top left:

Helvellyn appears at Hole-in-the-wall, the beginning of the more difficult climbing. Snow patches at the top!

And with Red Tarn, at about 800m:

In the above photo, notice the ridge at the top-left connecting the path to the summit plateau of Helvellyn. This is Striding Edge, a notorious route which has claimed many lives in the past (3 just last year), particularly in bad weather.

Here it is a bit closer:

The beginning of Striding Edge behind me: death either side!

The Ridge:

Nice views

The Chimney, a bit of scrambling to do near the end of Striding Edge:

The end of Striding Edge (looking back)

Red Tarn:

The summit at last! Notice the snow on the right:

To the SW we see the Old Man of Coniston (801m); the Sca Fell Massif (978m), and Great Gable (899m):

Skiddaw (one of only 4 peaks above 3000ft in England) and Derwent Water:

Descending via Swirral Edge goes down to Red Tarn itself, with fine views of the summit:

And eventually, back at the bottom, there is a nice view through the trees:

Hope you enjoy them!

[butler_son]

Some people will do anything for a snow fix won't they!

Nice pics though, glad you had a good time! Wish I'd had got some yesterday, I saw some marvellous views. There's always the summer, and the weather will be better!

[Yeti]

Some people will do anything for a snow fix won't they! :lol:

Nice pics though, glad you had a good time! Wish I'd had got some yesterday, I saw some marvellous views. There's always the summer, and the weather will be better!

:lol:

The snow was a nice surprise rather than the reason I went up there! The only problem was the haze which blocked really decent views - but hey, I got a nice suntan all the same!

[Koppite]

Some great pics with stunning views Yeti, thanks for explaining where you were and the area on view in each pic, very interesting. :lol:

[stormchaser1]

Yeti

What wonderful pictures , scenery is out of this world, thanks for sharing

nigel

[johnholmes]

thanks for that tour-I do remember doing Striding Edge many many years ago and vowing never to be that daft again-I love hiking but cannot cope with exposure such as there is on Striding Edge.

[chionomaniac]

Thanks for those excellent pics Yeti.

I think I will echo John's comments though! I did Striding Edge and Helvellyn when I was probably your age Yeti. Never, ever again... What a time to realise that you are terrified of heights. I was so young that I just carried on in blind fear. Your photos Yeti bring it all back and I thank you for reminding me why I have and never will go near shear drops again.

c

[johnholmes]

nice to know someone in the same 'boat' so to speak as me.

I gave up years ago pretending it was okay-if I'm the leader then that never occurs, but almost everyone I walk with now is aware and at the planning stage if they are leading will tell me how 'exposed' it is.

[Yeti]

Yes I can imagine how scary it could be, especially in wind. However on Saturday the weather was perfect and even at 950m there wasn't a breath of wind - something very rare! The problem arises not really from the climbing/scrambling, which isn't that tricky, but rather the knowledge of what one tiny error means!

[Nick H]

Very nice.

Striding Edge is a doddle in fine weather. The width is mostly similar to a large living room. For even more exposure and even greater sheer drops try Crib Goch on Snowdon.

[Yeti]

Very nice.

Striding Edge is a doddle in fine weather. The width is mostly similar to a large living room. For even more exposure and even greater sheer drops try Crib Goch on Snowdon.

Or Sharp Edge on Blencathra!!!

I believe Ben Nevis also has a nasty ridge, although I've never been.

[butler_son]

Or Sharp Edge on Blencathra!!!

I believe Ben Nevis also has a nasty ridge, although I've never been.

Trust me, there are parts at the summit of Ben Nevis that look like you're going to fall off the face of the Earth!

[Yeti]

Trust me, there are parts at the summit of Ben Nevis that look like you're going to fall off the face of the Earth!

Parts of Dorset have that effect on me as well

[butler_son]

Parts of Dorset have that effect on me as well

You have not been to Dorset, nor Ben Nevis! Surely you can't make that statement?

[Yeti]

You have not been to Dorset, nor Ben Nevis! Surely you can't make that statement?

Just winding you up

[Ghost]

Thanks Yeit really enjoyed viewing them and a good write up, I know you will enjoy looking back on them in time.

Some stunning photos

[Cookie]

very nice images mate.

very lucky with the weather. im sure it wouldn't be nice up their on a windy day.

[Yeti]

Thanks Yeit really enjoyed viewing them and a good write up, I know you will enjoy looking back on them in time.

Some stunning photos :lol: :lol:

Thanks Ghost! And to everyone else who has commented on here, much appreciated as always

[Sandy Cheevie]

Lovely selection of photos there. I’m off to the Yorkshire Dales this weekend and that has really wetted my appetite.

[xxsnowflakexx]

I really enjoyed looking through your wonderful pics, and explanations. Many thanks.

Brought back memories of when I did it... memories of clinging to Striding Edge! Only made it there and then had to come back down! Wasn't brave enough :lol:

[johnholmes]

see my comments-I fully understand how you felt