Start Point: Patterdale (NY 394 160)
Patterdale – Hole-in-the Wall – Striding Edge – Helvellyn – Swirral Edge – Catstycam – Birkhouse Moor – Patterdale
Distance: 14.2 km Total Ascent: 898 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 06:40
Weather: Some cloud, clearing. 4°C
After seemingly endless days of gloom and overcast skies over the last week or two, today was forecast to be a lot clearer and that was a good enough excuse to head out on the fells, today it was up to Helvellyn via Striding Edge then returning via Swirral Edge. As it was the 11th November, Fletcher wore his poppy and we had an Armistice Day silence on the descent of Birkhouse Moor – we were on The Nab at 11. There was also a thought for Jeff today as we crossed Striding Edge…
A blood red sky at dawn.
The view along Grisedale Valley.
The sunrise was...
...spectacular!
After the initial sunrise, the clouds rolled in. By the time we reached the Hole in the Wall, it was windy and cold - time to layer up!
Flecther contemplates the crossing of Striding Edge.
Striding Edge - there were brief glimpses of sunshine and blue sky but they never held for long. Walking along Striding Edge there was time for more than a thought for Jeff, a friend from across the pond who sadly passed away earlier this year and his partner Cindy. As Cindy said about Jeff, his heart was always in the Lake District - RIP Jeff.
Looking back along Striding Edge.
The Chimney.
Climbing higher, up to Helvellyn looking back along Striding Edge.
A thought and a memory from someone to their beloved Mum on the top of Helvellyn.
No need to look quite so glum Fletcher, there's only me and you up here today!
I can't believe how eroded Swirral Edge has become, it seemed in a much worse state today than I have seen before. As we descended, the clouds began to part heading towards Catstycam.
Red Tarn appears through the mist.
Then suddenly the clouds parted ahead and Catstycam appears looking fabulous in the sunshine.
Climbing to the top.
...and where we came from.
Fletcher wears his poppy with pride.
A Brocken Spectre from Catstycam.
Looking back to Swirral Edge after the descent from Catstycam.
The view from Birdhouse Moor, the clouds have still not yet departed from the top of Helvellyn.
Ullswater from The Nab on Birdhouse Moor.
Back to the valley and it looks a whole lot better up on high now.
The sun lights up the trees in all their Autumn glory.
John Atherton says
A mixed bag of weather but a super set of photos as usual!
Sean McMahon says
Thanks John
Ian Scrimshaw says
Some great photos Sean, poor Fletcher, not conveying positive thoughts in the mud and wet ha ha. Good to see you on this site again.
Sean McMahon says
Thanks Ian 🙂