We LOVE the Lake District, Love it so much in fact that we got married there over 20 years ago but that's a whole other story, a story that was reported in the national newspaper. As I said, a story for another time.
Back to this trip. Our eldest son Joe has been placed on a project up in the southern lakes for 9 months, meaning we have the perfect base from which to explore one of our favourite areas and hike some of the big peaks.
HELVELLYN - STRIDING EDGE
We have visited the area many times and have climbed many of the areas amazing mountains including Scafel Pike, England's highest peak at 978m. In our younger years, Chris and I both completed the Three Peaks challenge, climbing the U.K's three highest peaks...Ben Nevis, Scafel Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. Now it's Joe's turn and this long weekend will not only be good training for him but will also give us all the chance to spend some quality time together.
DAY 1 - HELVELLYN CIRCULAR 4h 40m
This route takes you over Whiteside Raise, Lower Man and up over to Helvellyn also known as 'Striding Edge'. It's 950m (only marginally lower than Scafel!) and can be approached from the village of Glenridding. There is car parking in the village and some free roadside spaces, if you get there early enough. There are also a couple of pubs for a well earned pint on your return. I did not hike this weekend as my knee was still recovering so It was just Joe and Chris reaching for the summit.
GLENRIDDING
Where does the route begin? Turn right out of the main car park, walk accross the stone bridge over the river and turn immediately right where the shops will be on your left and the river on your right. Follow the road up and when you pass the campsite you'll know you're on your way.
The wearher was fab for a Helvellyn climb. The clearer skies meant it would be far more possible and safer to navigate the notorious 'Striding Edge', which is not an experience for the faint hearted or for vertigo sufferers. The edge is exactly as you would expect it to be...a narrow knife edge path to reach the summit, which in itself is a scramble. if you do fancy attempting it, be prepared to use your hands in some places and it is not advisable in poor weather conditions, so choose your day carefully if you want to enjoy it at its best.
If your'e unsure about attempting the 'Striding Edge', there is an alternative route which takes you along the side and is a far safer...and possibly more pleasurable path. You will still need to scramble to the trig though so just be prepared. On a clear day the views of the tarn below and the surrounding fells and mountains are truly spectacular...well worth the climb.
Having dropped them off in the village, I found the perfect roadside spot to park up Little Blue with superb views over Ullswater and a lovely lakeside walk through the pretty woodland area down to the waters edge. Having Little Blue to just relax in, tea drinking, reading, lunching really helps to relieve the frustration of not being able to hike with the others and I'm sure it gives them peace of mind as well, knowing I've got somewhere comfortable to be. The base on the edge of Ullswater was the perfect place for a gentle wander to soak up the superb surroundings and exercise my knee. There are roadside laybys all along the lake road so my advise, if your'e planning to stop for a while, is be patient and keep going until you find a space...If you don't find a spot, turn around and try again...it's free and if you're determined, you will get one.
So while Chris and Joe slogged onwards and upwards, I enjoyed relaxing in Little Blue down at the waters edge in the warm and occasional spring sunshine. The perfect day for us all.
Joe enjoyed this hike so much that he went back just a week later and climbed Helvellyn again with some of his old UNI mates. Its not an easy climb but I would recommend it, not only for the incredibly stunning views but also for the satisfying sense of achievement.
CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN YOUR WAY
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