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Halfway To Helvellyn

21st March 09

Memory Map Route data   Google Earth KML file   Halfway to Hel (GPX) (right click>save as)

 

TOTAL DISTANCE 8.95 MILES   TRIP TIME 4 HOURS 00 MINUTES
AVERAGE SPEED 2.23 MPH   TOTAL ASCENT 2235 ft
STARTING CO-ORDINATES
54.53928°N, 2.94682°W
 
TOTAL DESCENT
2235 ft

It was a quickly planned route as I thought I was going to be working all day. Originally was going to go to Keswick, but I didn't want to travel so far.

Anyway I got to Patterdale at 10:00 so was able to have a good walk. The plan was just to have a look from afar, Striding edge and Swirral edge for future ventures.

The weather was hazy but bright and mild. The start was fine for the first half mile. It then revealed itself. 2 miles of constant climbing. It had a lovely backdrop though. As the walk progressed Fairfield and Dolly wagon Pike came into sight. This was also daunting as it showed how high there was to climb. It was a little surprising the amount of different groups that were there. Which can only be a good thing, just wonder why I wasn't taken up Helvellyn aged 5?????

The start of the walk - looking at the bridge over Grisedale Beck Dollywagon Pike and Nethermost Pike in the distance A hazy sight of some great fells

 

Hole-in-the-wall was a welcome relief to get to as the half mile before it was on this walk the steepest part upwards. The views of Red Tarn and the surrounding peaks are outstanding. It is a good plan to have a good rest at this point.

Steps leading up to Hole-in-the-wall and its tiring Hole-in-the-wall The cloud capped summit of Helvellyn Catstye Cam

I meant to take the path down to Red Tarn, but I was, I think a little overwhelmed and ended up at High Spying How, the gateway to Striding edge. The thought did cross my mind to venture all the way to the summit of Helvellyn. It was on my mind till I got to Striding Edge and it vanished.......fast. I was again not kitted and prepared, and frankly I wimped out. I do not think it is a good idea to attempt Striding Edge on ones own the first time.

Looking at the summit and Striding Edge from Low Spying How Red Tarn My favorite picture - Taking from high spying how towards Helvellyn Fairfield in the distance

I made my u-turn and my reasons to the folks I'd passed on the way up. Eventually back at Hole-in-the-wall and I found the right track down to Red Tarn. It is such a lovely place only spoilt by other people being about. The constant lapping of wave at the edge is very calming. This was broken by the voices of walkers travelling between Hole-in-the wall and High Spying How echoing down the slope.

Snow in March and it was sunny and warm from the shore of Red Tarn The start of Red Tarn Beck

I had a short rest at the Tarn before heading back towards my destination. the route took me through Birkhouse Moor and on towards Glenridding. The descent was no to steep but it was fairly constant for most of the way. It was a well trodden path as far as the mining area. It was still a good path beneath Blea Cove and Little Cove, as I headed round it seemed to disappear. I soon found it again as it was just a little way up from me. I was soon back at my truck.

It was a great walk, but so disappointed to get so near to the summit but not to reach it. I will be looking forward to getting to the top.

 

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