INDY SAYS: A good climb early in the morning before it got hot. A bit rocky, but OK. Then an easy ridge and a long swim in Grisedale Tarn.
The descent was worse than the ascent, and it was getting really warm.
After a couple of rest days, Helvellyn here we come. Of all the Lakeland fells, Helvellyn has the most compelling name.
Our route from Swirls takes us along the Helvellyn Ridge from North to South, descending via Grisedale Tarn.
As we leave the car, there are clouds around the summits
True, but slightly understated...
Indy insists on greeting every member of this group ascending behind us
But we soon leapfrog and leave them behind as we start the climb
The zig zag rocky path about half way up the climb to Helvellyn. Come on !
In the direction of Nethermost Pike there are clouds
But the summit of Helvellyn Lower Man is clear
Light clouds rolling in
The summit of Helvellyn, looking down to Red Tarn
We take a good break here, water and snacks, coffee for me.
As well as a thermos I'm carrying a heavy load of five water containers today (mainly for Indy), lunch and all the other rucksack essentials
The clouds of 30 mins ago have lifted and we have a clear view of our route to Nethermost Pike (LH path)
Nethermost Pike, then on to Dollywaggon
This post is a good landmark coming off Dollywaggon Pike.
It is referred to on the OS Maps as 'Post'.
Today there are lots of fellrunners
and this Herculean chap who assured me that carrying his bike up would be worth it for the ride down
Looking down to Grisedale Tarn
Indy can't contain her excitement as we approach - and in!
Soft lapping water. The weather is warm and sunny, breezy
After a good long break, lunch and a play, we take a last look back at Grisedale Tarn.
Although all our climbing is over, we face a tricky long descent towards Dunmail Raise and a lengthy walk back parallel to the road
The path down looks OK but it is relentless
and the stones are loose. There are a lot of tricky steps
Half way along the return path through woods we met up again with a couple and a dog who we had seen earlier in the morning.
They were hiking a similar route to us, in the opposite direction. They too had hoped that the path through the woods would be shady and cool but it was largely exposed and in the full sun...
Start: Swirls Helvellyn
Parking at Swirls Car Park [NY 31670 16874]. Or if approaching from Keswick, there is a large layby on the left just before Swirls [NY 31613 17369]
Route
Distance 16.79 km, Time 6.18 h, Total Ascent 1053 m
Wainwright Pictorial Guide: The Eastern Fells
Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless otherwise indicated.
Distance, Hike Time and Total Ascent as supplied by OS. Image shows planned route.
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