Route: Helvellyn
Area: Eastern Lake District
Date of walk: 10th July 2015
Walkers: Andrew and James
Distance: 12.8 miles
Ascent: 3,400 feet
Weather: Cloud and mist on tops and windy, warm and sunny later
Having bagged four Wainwrights yesterday, our son James had just 5 fells to go to complete a round of all 214 lakeland fells. It was set to be another tough day as the plan was to tick off the remainder in the course of one walk
We parked in Glenridding and followed the Mires Beck route for a while before diverting to climb to the top of our first fell, Birkhouse Moor. We then returned to the main path and passed by the Hole in the Wall and Red Tarn before taking another diversion to climb up to the shapely top of Catstycam – a beautiful fell
We descended back to the main path again and as we did so Swirral Edge loomed ahead of us – the mist had come down by now and it was a dramatic and quite foreboding sight. Having climbed up the edge we emerged onto the flat top of Helvellyn. Sadly the views were non existent as we were in the clouds, so without lingering we marched on to the next top, Nethermost Pike – so easily attained it felt as though we were cheating somehow. We had our sandwiches here but conscious that there was still a lot of walking ahead we were soon on our way to Dollywagon Pike
After some huffing and puffing we made it to the top and James had completed his mission – well done son!
After a brief celebration we started the long descent back to Glenridding. Having climbed about 3,500 feet we were quite tired by now and the 5 mile return journey seemed to take an eternity. We eventually arrived back in Glenridding hot but happy after one of those never to be forgotten days in the fells
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The tops are in the clouds as we walk out of Glenridding beside Glenridding Beck
We follow the sign for Helvellyn
Looking back to Glenridding from the Mires Beck path
Ullswater
First top of the day, one ‘without merit’ according to Wainwright - Birkhouse Moor
Bleaberry Crag and Striding Edge ahead, but we turn right shortly in order to visit Catstycam
We leave the main path at the Hole-in-the-Wall
Up into the clouds
Red Tarn and the early part of Striding Edge
Before we tackle Swirral Edge, we turn sharp right on the ridge for an in and out to Catstycam
Looking back along our path
The cloud clears as we approach the summit of Catstycam
Fell runner enjoying the view of Ullswater from Catstycam
We retrace our steps and start the climb up to Helvellyn via Swirral Edge
Swirral Edge is looking a little intimidating in the mist
James on the summit of Helvellyn - no views at all and a fierce wind
On the way to Nethermost Pike - I didn’t take any pictures up there as the weather was so poor
A break in the clouds as we make our way to Dollywagon Pike, top left
All 214 Wainwrights now in the bag, well done son!
Looking across Tarn Crag to the flanks of Fairfield
Grisedale from Dollywagon Pike - this will be our return route
Grisedale Tarn
Looking along Grisedale as the weather continues to improve
Rusthwaite Lodge climbing hut
Waterfall near the hut
There are parallel paths on both sides of Grisedale Beck - we cross over and take the one on the right
Looking back to Dollywagon Pike
Place Fell ahead, on the far side of Ullswater
Approaching Glenridding
First World War memorial
We took a short detour to the shore of Ullswater
Lady Wakefield - one of the Ullswater Steamers - at Glenridding Pier
Back home, we celebrate James’s achievement
