Tottering on the Edges !!

Up and about for a late ‘early ‘ breakfast, saw me, kitted up and leaving the hotel for 8-40 am., ready to attack the fearsome Helvellyn, http://www.helvellyn.com/index.html ,via two sharp rock ridges Striding Edge and Swirral Edge , both of which I hoped would be snow/ice bound ( which actually makes them easier) although they look more dangerous…

I was on my own as I traversed the rising path, up to the famous ‘hole in the wall’ , a spot where many head for, and amazingly turn around again, having seen what lies before them, can you believe it !? As I crossed the wall and headed towards the start of Striding edge, the wind was picking up, but not too bad, and conditions underfoot, although snowy, were not too icy.. so I only had my axe in hand as I started further up…

Not for long though, the ground was icing over, and so crampons out and strapped on, I even had my helmet with me – the ‘fell top assessor’ had warned of serious ice snow banks at either end of Helvellyn ( and 2 people had been killed on it in the last week !) – although I felt slightly ‘overdressed’ !!

I hadn’t seen a single person all morning, however two local men appeared behind me as I tottered along Striding Edge, I was to remain around these two for the rest of the climb…

I continued across the top of the jagged rocks, unfortunately as you may see, the mist was down, so the spectacular views I had been hoping for …were not to be ! Even with a fierce wind blowing into my face, the cloud remained all the time I was on the high tops

At the conclusion of Striding Edge, whilst the other two were struggling down a rock chimney, either too much, or not enough snow/ice ( like British Rail !), I popped down another way, and surprised them as they exited to find me already there !

It was then the ‘danger’ area, which to me, was no real danger, just a slog up the final headwall, and out onto the top of the Helvellyn plateau, with mist all around, although I had a brief 10 second glimpse of blue skies, as the view quickly came in… and out again !

I didn’t hang about on the top, in the fierce wind, and carried on, over the plateau, to the next ‘danger area’, and swiftly dropped down the snowy exit onto Swirral edge, and again along rocky tops… passing many people coming up that way ( may try that tomorrow ?).. I was soon down, passing a guide leading his client on a rope up the edge, and soon was sat down at the side of Red Tarn, for lunch, and gear release !

I then made my way back down to Patterdale, via a new path I’d found, which led straight to the hotel… and a hot bath…ready for an easy evening…

I couldn’t get through to my Grandson Lincoln,however had recorded a video in the middle of Striding Edge, wishing him … ‘Happy Birthday’ , and did manage to email it to him !!

Tomorrow, what to do ?, snow forecast later in the day, poor visibility…much like today !- another high top I think !