Helvellyn Who?

Third day in a row in the Lake District and again a fantastic one. And so far every day had been quite different compared to the one before in terms of scenery, atmosphere and walking.

After The Old Man we had just one more biggie on our tick list for the trip: Helvellyn. Looming at 950 metres it's one of the highest tops in the Lakes. Of a handful of paths leading up, two certainly stick out as the most exciting for a walker: Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, both grade 1 ridge scrambles. We opted for the latter hoping it wouldn't be as busy as it's famous neighbour.

After an enjoyable drive over Kirkstone Pass which reminded me of the Gap of Dunloe in South West Ireland we arrived in Glenridding in bright sunshine but with the surrounding hills partially hidden on low cloud. I was sure it was going to lift soon, so we had a coffee and set off along the river Ulls Water.

Catstye Cam, a 890m cone shaped hill was dominating the scenery directly ahead and we just had to climb it. Once more we were sweating profoundly as we made our way up the path towards Red Tarn and the veered off to head up Catstye Cam.
Having come around a corner we could finally see the top of Helvellyn ahead, but I wasn't impressed at all.
Catstye Cam was a proper calf burner but view from its top were stunning. Most of all towards both scrambling ridges. With three of such remarkable features around, who's actually Helvellyn???

From the top of Catstye we headed a short bit down and then finally up Swirral Edge. The scramble was easy and good fun, but too short. Boo.
Helvellyn itself was busy so we just took a quick picture and headed further along the broad ridge towards Nethermost Pike. Had some lunch when we found a spot out of the cold steady wind enjoying the very hazy view.

After Nethermost Pike just one more peak was left for today: Dollywagon Pike. What a name, huh.
We could easily see our way back from up there down in Grisedale Valley. The surrounding peaks were impressive and inviting but heading up St Sunday Crag or Fairfield would've been too much for today.

Down we went and along the valley floor back towards Glenridding. What a fantastic day today, but our limbs were tired and our feet sore. The last bit was a bit of a drag... until we climbed a short way up to Lany Tarn and had a stunning view from up there down to Glenridding and Ullswater lake.

After 11.5 miles and 3200ft elevation gain we were happy to get rid of our boots and have a victory pint at the Traveller's Rest.

Had a very spicy Madras curry back at the hostel and just lying down for a chill after turned into a half hour nap. Before it was too late to get up again we moved our tired bodies into the shower and then chilled a bit in the hostel lounge.

Easier day tomorrow with a hill or two on the way from Grasmere into Ambleside. Just stretching the legs a bit with a chill afternoon in Ambleside.