Andy and Virginia had been staying with us for a few days and the weather had not really been playing ball, but the forecast looked promising and we were all eager to get out. Andy and I had a think and he was keen to wander over "one of the big ones" while I fancied something out Patterdale way. No brainer then; Helvellyn by Striding Edge and down by Swirral...
Patterdale was, as ever, busy so we ended up parking at the steamer pier on the lake. Handy (loos and brews as required) carparking and an alternative start by walking into the Glenridding valley before turning south and up to Lanty's Tarn, through the woods and contouring around until picking up the path to the Hole in the Wall. Unfortunately we were about half way up to the wall when Sue decided that enough was enough: she had dropped a couple of painkillers but her tendonitis was giving her a lot of grief and she had to turn back. Virginia went with her leaving Andy and I to continue, estimating that we'd be back at the car by 4 pm.
Once at the Wall we joined the masses heading onto the Edge, but all was good with the sun reflecting off Morecombe Bay and Chapel Island standing out in silhouette. We were soon over Striding Edge and broke north west to avoid the loose ground before hitting the broad summit plateau just short of the shelter.
After a quick munch and swig of juice we were off again, passing a dozen or so folk as we dropped onto then crossed Swirral Edge. Catstycam was left for another day as we thought the girls could only drink so much tea in Patterdale and we didn't want to be back late! Once clear of Red Tarn we took the track down towards the old lead mine workings in Glenridding, following the beck past the converted mine buildings and YHA onto the Greenside road and eventually the carpark. The girls and dogs were sitting by the lake as we landed, 5 minutes late and ready for a brew!
Helvellyn and the Edges; 8 miles, 2900 feet
Photos to follow.....
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