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Nov 09

Helvellyn 2010

Route distance 22 km
Total ascent 1854 m

This was my 1st walk in the lakes and it was a spur of the moment decision to do. I had no previous experience of walking in the Lakes and had no idea how changeable the conditions could be. Armed with a box of sandwiches some water and a guide book, off i went…..

Looking back at Glenridding from the short climb out of the village

Lanty’s tarn

After a short climb up through the woods you arrive at the peaceful Lantys tarn. A good place to have a brief rest and a bite too eat….

 

Heading down into the Grisedale valley

So far i’m thinking how easy this walking lark is…..

The long slog towards the hole in the wall

Getting a bit of a sweat on

 

The tops have dissapeared under the cloud

It was about this point as i am heading up to the hole in the wall that the weather starts to change. I met a couple who had walked Helvellyn lots of times and they told me it wouldn’t be wise to tackle striding edge if it was misty on top…. I never did listen to good advice.

The “hole in the wall” originally named i thought

After the long hike up Grisedale i arrived at the hole in the wall. I decided to have some more food here and had a decision to make as to whether i carried on and had a go at striding edge as it was looking very bleak now. Being the novice that i was, the decision was made…. Onwards and upwards

Visibility is getting worse

Follow those sheep

My 1st sighting of Striding edge

It was at this point i realised what i had got myself into and was starting to get slightly worried.

 

I think i’m on the top

After completing striding edge and reaching what i thought was the top I had a look round for the shelter that i knew was up here, but, after walking round for ages and not finding it, i decided to carry on and get down off the top. I have to say i was feeling a little deflated,. All that walking and not being able to see a thing was not what i had signed on for. After looking at my guide book, which i was beginning to realise, was useless in these conditions, i decided to follow a path with sheep on, for no other reason than i thought they must know they’re way down!!!!!

They have the right idea

Thirlmere….. Thats not in my guide book!!!

Heading down below the clouds i was beginning to appreciate the scenery and my spirits were picking up. That was until i saw what i now know as Thirlmere. It was here and after checking my book and not finding Thirlmere on the map, i realised that i hadn’t got a clue where i was. I had 2 choices. Go back up into the clouds and hope to stumble onto the right route, or carry on down and find out where i was… The decision was to head down into civilisation.

Thirlmere….

After dropping off the hills, i found myself at Wythburn, which can only be described as the middle of nowhere. I took a chance and headed north, thinking there must be some houses or even better, a taxi firm somewhere near the lake. After walking about 3.5 km i arrived at a car park and stopped and had a chat with the ice cream seller that was there. Luckily he was a keen walker himself and had some maps in his van. That was when i was told the shattering news of where i was and how i had to get back to my car in glenridding…..

Up and over that

My new friend told me i had a choice of walking to a pub a mile or so down the road and ring a taxi, which would have cost about 30 pounds. Or, climb  lower man that would lead onto Helvellyn. I could have cried as i only had about 20 pounds on me, which left me with one option. After bidding farewell, i set off on the drag up towards Lower man.

Panorama from the slopes of Lower man

At least i was seeing the breath taking views which is what i had come for in the 1st place….

Tired and wishing i had bought a botlle of water from the ice cream van back at Thirlmere

The views were getting better, and i was assured that i was on the right path and most of the climbing was done

The summit at 949 meters

Getting to the top gave me a great sense of elation and relief. As the cloud had cleared, i could see what i had come for. The views were fantastic. I could also have a look round and see where i had gone wrong and how i had ended up on the wrong path. It was only when i got home and studied a map did i find out where i had gone wrong.

Me….. Looking pleased with myself

Looking down Swirral edge

Red tarn

Looking back at striding edge… Looks a piece of cake from here!

Ullswater and Glenridding within reach

it was a great relief when i saw Ullswater in the distance, as i knew i was within an hour of getting back to the car and resting my legs.

Sanctuary

Finally i arrived back at my car, about 8 hours and 23 kms later. I was exhausted to say the least. All that faced me now was a 2.5 hour drive home!

For a 1st experience of fell walking, i have to admit, that at the time i didn’t enjoy it too much. Getting lost is not fun, but it did teach me one thing, and that is the Lakes aren’t a place to be taken lightly. You have to go prepared for any weathers, have the right equipment(maps, compass etc) and have some idea how to use them. Despite all my mistakes, i look back at this walk and think of it as a great experience and have since learned from my errors although that isn’t the last time i have been lost on the hills…….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 comments

  1. tracey

    brilliant read and the photos are fantastic…it almost makes me want to do it myself!..x

    1. paul

      Bring yer boots then…….

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