Going Backwards..!!

A slightly overcast morning, and as I pondered over breakfast ( only 3 courses !!), I decided I’d go back up Helvellyn, hoping for some better views… but,  I’d climb it backwards – meaning the other way round to what I’ve normally done !

Lots of people had been ascending via Swirral Edge http://www.lakedistrict-walks.co.uk/Features/Scrambles/Swirral_Edge.html , and not having gone this way, thought I’d check out what it was like to ascend,rather than descend this way – I was not to be disappointed ..

I set off, up along the track I’d found through the woods at the back of the Hotel, into Grisedale , and was soon heading up the icy track towards the ‘hole in the wall’   http://www.petetasker.co.uk/photo_12295927.html  however as I got to it, I just dropped over the wall,

to see the vista of Helvellyn laid out before me, things were looking up, at least I may be able to see something from the top !

I walked across the valley floor above Red Tarn, and traversed up and across the flanks beneath Swirral edge, donned my crampons and continued up to the rocky ascent, looking up at the bulk of Helvellyn above me, with the sun still trying to break through ! It was a fun ascent, quite different to descending, with one or two trick rock spires to clamber up ,around or over ! – no wonder so many fall off the edge here ! 

I was soon on the summit plateau, with reasonable views around me… and not many people around … with views down on my descent route – Striding Edge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvellyn#Striding_Edge As I got to the summit, the wind had picked up, so I didn’t hang around

and the ‘accommodation didn’t look too inviting ! even though it was fairly scenic …

As I wandered down to the start of Striding Edge, it stretched out before me, a great view…although the spindrift was splattering me in the face, an icicle facial !

I tripped across the rock spires, really enjoying myself, even taking the time to have a chat with a chap from Patterdale MRT http://mountainrescue.org.uk/, who gave me some recommendations for climbing later ij the week ! Surprised at how different it was …going backwards !!

All too soon, I’d cross the ridge, and was through the hole in the wall, and flashing down to the Hotel !

At least I didn’t fall down the fellside today … and got back to the Hotel 15 minutes quicker than yesterday !

Another great meal at the Hotel tonight, followed by a quiz in the bar… I surprised myself – I even knew lots of the answers !!