Striding Edge, Helvellyn

This is Striding Edge, the route I took up Helvellyn earlier today.

Helvellyn is the third highest mountain peak in England (behind Scafell and Scafell Pike) at 3117 feet (950m). Wainwright, the famous Lake District hiker/artist/author said this;

“Legend and poetry, a lovely name and a lofty altitude combine to encompass Helvellyn in an aura of romance; and thousands of pilgrims, aided by its easy accessibility, are attracted to its summit every year.”

I'm not so sure about the "easy accessibility" bit?! Striding Edge was pretty tricky... I dread to think what it would be like in high winds or rain or snow?

Thankfully, I had none of that... the weather was amazing today. It was clear and blue and beautiful. Here's the tarn just below the peak, with Striding Edge off to the left, and Swirral Edge off to the right (neither are in the picture).

And here's me on the top. This was the third time I've attempted Helvellyn, and my first time on the summit. :)

Finally, I took a whole bunch of short videos during the ascent. I haven't a clue yet how to edit them together into an equally short mini-film, so here's the raw footage I took just after completing the toughest part of Striding Edge. You really don't get the sense of 'drop' on both sides, but hey...

Comments

[Moo]

well done phil!!! Ali and I need to do Ben Nevis this year.. we did the WHOLE west highland way (minus a little detour haha) and just couldn't face it when we got to Fort William so it seems only fair we go back - I always forget to take pics on our walks though... too much effort to walk, winge AND press a button!! haha xxx

[Martin Horton]

Looks like something from 'Lord of the Rings' !