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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

LAKE DISTRICT WALK
HELVELLYN via Striding Edge


Friday 7th July 2006
................................................Walk No. 669

Lake District Walk  No. 42                          Total 158 miles
BT Walking Group No. 6 --- Walk led by Paul


Time Taken:  6.25 hrs   Distance:      Enjoyment:        Weather:   Mild & Cloudy
 10:15 am - 4:30 pm       10 miles             90%                     Little Breeze, Clear

Temp:   Cloud:    Rain:   Visibility:   Ground Conditions:   Wild Life: 
 21oC       90%       1%       Average             Average               Sky Larks & Sheep

Total AA:      Total MH:    Total LD:       Total AW:     Other:      Total Distance:
1018 mls       931.5 mls    1782.5 mls        158 mls       941 mls         4831 miles

Companions:  (Derek)  Paul, Martyn, Colin, Charlie, Will, Kev, Bob, Tony,
                       Jim, Ken, Mick & Roger

Points of Interest and LINKS:
Ullswater                   Glenridding                 Lake District             Birkhouse Moor
Striding Edge              Helvellyn                  Whiteside Fell                    Raise Fell
Sticks Pass           Greenside Mine           Glenridding YHA            Lakeland Fells

Birkhouse Moor:   2318 feet (718 metres)
Striding Edge:      2700 feet (860 metres)
Helvellyn:             3118 feet (950 metres)
Lower Man:          3033 feet (925 metres)
Whiteside:           2832 feet (863 metres)
Raise:                 2889 feet (883 metres)
General:
Started from car park at Glenridding Village, walking on south side of Glenridding Beck, past camping site to Rattlebeck Bridge. The bridge is the start of a steady constant ascent near Mires Beck, through Little Cove to top of Birkhouse Moor Ridge. Fantastic views of Glenridding, Ullswater & surrounding hills constantly unfolding, including excellent first view of St Sunday Crag to south east and Catstyecam to north west. Slight descent along ridge of Birkhouse Moor with wall on left to 'Hole in the Wall', where Striding Edge starts for real. Extra care required as scrambling is required to stay on the very top of Bleaberry Crag, Low Spying How & High Spying How. Easier path just to north of ridge high above Red Tarn. A few sunny periods lighting up the fantastic views of the magnificent mountains, St Sunday Crag, Fairfield, Catstyecam, Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon etc, but always a large black cloud over Helvellyn. Enjoyed the views with Martyn as the rest of the party rushed ahead. Steep sharp ascent at the end of striding edge to summit where both hands and legs are required to hurl yourself towards the top. It is recommended that any poles are fastened to the rucksack at this point to free the hands for the scramble to the top. As the path reached the summit plateau we walked past the shelter, the memorial and a black sheep with a white head, as we enjoyed the new views west to Thirlmere and the Derwent Valley, with Skiddaw on the skyline. As we descended to Helvellyn Low Man, excellent views unfolded of swirral Edge and Catstyecam. Few spots of rain as we turned north towards Whiteside. We dropped off the ridge slightly to have lunch and enjoy the views over Brown Cove. From our advantage point we studied Catstyecam and the unused dam in the valley. After lunch we continued north along the wide rough path to Whiteside and Raise, while enjoying the spectacular views of Browncove Crag & Glenridding Common. Lost my sun hat near summit of Raise while spinning round to take a movie of the skyline. Realised my loss as I passed the summit, considered walking back to look for the hat, but instead I hurried on to catch the rest of the group. As we congregated at Sticks Pass before turning right to follow Sticks Gill to Glenridding, to my surprise Jim was behind me and miraculously produced my hat from the palms of his hands, just like a magician. My face must have been a picture. Steady descent to wide marshy valley above disused mines. Jim & I were surprised to see a very short ski tow on the northern slopes of Raise. Lots of old mine workings, including mine earth works channels and mine spoil visible on steep ascent below Stang End to mine buildings in valley bottom. Wonderful views to Ullswater and across to High Street. Collected small pieces of unusual coloured rocks with Mick, by smashing rocks together on side of path. Passed Swirral Bothy and Youth Hostel on the good track of Greenside Road, down into Glenridding Village. Passed a terraced house with an excellent model village in front garden. Returned to car park and waited for 'B' Party to return from walk along Ullswater. First class day's walking thanks again to Paul.

Location: www.streetmap.co.uk , - Start & Finish: Glenridding 338465/516890, - via: Striding Edge 334875/514945, - via: Sticks Pass 334160/518180. (Click on location and use Zoom).

Hazards: Ensure the correct path is taken to the summit of Helvellyn for the abilities of the walkers. Scrambling is required on Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Always strap your walking stick to your rucksack while scrambling, to free both hands in case of the unexpected trip or slip.

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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2006
Devised: November 2006
Revised: March 2007