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Helvellyn!

Yeti

By Yeti
in Winter Weather Discussion

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Yeti Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
Posted

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:

2971_91510457159_514507159_2495625_4954186_n.jpg

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!

2971_91510467159_514507159_2495627_6855972_n.jpg

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

2971_91510472159_514507159_2495628_1101792_n.jpg

Me with Helvellyn in the background!:

2971_91510487159_514507159_2495631_4989882_n.jpg

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

2971_91510497159_514507159_2495633_5149443_n.jpg

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

2971_91510512159_514507159_2495635_2043020_n.jpg

And with Red Tarn, at about 800m:

2971_91510547159_514507159_2495640_4708168_n.jpg

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:

2971_91510562159_514507159_2495643_2001475_n.jpg

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

2971_91510607159_514507159_2495650_1719934_n.jpg

The Ridge:

2971_91510642159_514507159_2495655_6053646_n.jpg

Nice views :wallbash:

2971_91510657159_514507159_2495658_3461380_n.jpg

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

2971_91510672159_514507159_2495660_5700963_n.jpg

The end of Striding Edge (looking back)

2971_91510697159_514507159_2495664_4777527_n.jpg

Red Tarn:

2971_91510707159_514507159_2495665_1921813_n.jpg

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

2971_91510722159_514507159_2495667_7935242_n.jpg

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

2971_91510732159_514507159_2495669_5353797_n.jpg

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

2971_91510747159_514507159_2495671_4251456_n.jpg

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

2971_91510792159_514507159_2495677_1590335_n.jpg

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

2971_91510812159_514507159_2495679_5700838_n.jpg

Hope you enjoy them! :good:

  • Replies 20
  • Created
  • Last Reply
butler_son Enthusiast

butler_son

Posted
  • Location: High Wycombe, Bucks
  • Location: High Wycombe, Bucks
Posted

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

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 Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Author
Posted
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! :D

Koppite Rookie

Koppite

Posted
  • Location: North Worcestershire, Midlands. 158m A.S.L.
  • Location: North Worcestershire, Midlands. 158m A.S.L.
Posted

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 Explorer

stormchaser1

Posted
  • Location: North Kenton (Tyne-and-Wear)6miles east from newcastle airport
  • Location: North Kenton (Tyne-and-Wear)6miles east from newcastle airport
Posted

Yeti

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

nigel

johnholmes Maestro

johnholmes

Posted
  • Location: just south of Doncaster, Sth Yorks
  • Location: just south of Doncaster, Sth Yorks
Posted

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 Maestro

chionomaniac

Posted
  • Location: Hayward’s Heath - home, Brighton/East Grinstead - work.
  • Weather Preferences: Snow and storms
  • Location: Hayward’s Heath - home, Brighton/East Grinstead - work.
Posted

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 Maestro

johnholmes

Posted
  • Location: just south of Doncaster, Sth Yorks
  • Location: just south of Doncaster, Sth Yorks
Posted

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 Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Author
Posted

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 Apprentice

Nick H

Posted
  • Location: South Pole
  • Location: South Pole
Posted

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 Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Author
Posted
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 Enthusiast

butler_son

Posted
  • Location: High Wycombe, Bucks
  • Location: High Wycombe, Bucks
Posted
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 Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Author
Posted
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 :wallbash:

butler_son Enthusiast

butler_son

Posted
  • Location: High Wycombe, Bucks
  • Location: High Wycombe, Bucks
Posted
Parts of Dorset have that effect on me as well :wallbash:

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

Yeti Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Author
Posted
You have not been to Dorset, nor Ben Nevis! Surely you can't make that statement? :wallbash:

Just winding you up :cray:

Ghost Newbie

Ghost

Posted
  • Location: Wales
  • Location: Wales
Posted

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 :wallbash::cray:

Cookie Aficionado

Cookie

Posted
  • Location: Tiree
  • Location: Tiree
Posted

very nice images mate.

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

Yeti Apprentice

Yeti

Posted
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Location: Cambridge (term time) and Bonn, Germany 170m (holidays)
  • Author
Posted
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 :)

  • 1 month later...
xxsnowflakexx Rookie

xxsnowflakexx

Posted
  • Location: Brighton, UK
  • Location: Brighton, UK
Posted

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 Maestro

johnholmes

Posted
  • Location: just south of Doncaster, Sth Yorks
  • Location: just south of Doncaster, Sth Yorks
Posted

see my comments-I fully understand how you felt

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