Helvellyn by the Edges with Birkhouse Moor and Catstye Cam
11 September 2010
With a long drive home to come later in the day, with the weather
forecast to be fairly good, I got up early today. I had been somewhat
worried by the fact that it was raining every time I was conscious
during the night, but I set off for Glenridding again and was in my
boots and underway just before eight o'clock.
My first objective of the morning is Birkhouse Moor, and as I walk along
the road in Glenridding, the sun is shining on The Nab, the bit of
Birkhouse Moor that points towards Glenridding.
Rattlebeck Bridge across Glenridding Beck
My way lies in that direction for a short while, as far as Miresbeck,
after which (somewhat confusingly) I follow Mires Beck
Looking back at Friday's walk, Glenridding Dodd on the right.
Ascending alongside Mires Beck
And crossing it
A rainbow - there was a sharp shower around this point, but it didn't
last long and fortunately was the only rain of the day
Sun shining on Glenridding
...and the flat land around Patterdale
Eventually I reach the summit of Birkhouse Moor, from here there is an
impressive look ahead to much of the rest of the walk - over High Spying
How on the left and then Striding Edge onto Helvellyn (just emerging
from cloud), and then Swirral Edge onto Catstye Cam
The last time I climbed Helvellyn by the Edges, it was thick fog and
rain, so it was good to be back in rather better weather.
A closer look at Striding Edge
And Swirral Edge
As the direct path from Grisedale joins my route, a look back over
Birkhouse Moor
The fairly sharp ridge of Striding Edge, and the steep scrambly ascent
at its end
A look down past a sheep into Nethermost Cove and Grisedale
From the summit of High Spying How, a look along Striding Edge to
Helvellyn
The ridge and scramble safely negotiated, a look down on Red Tarn
between Swirral Edge and Striding Edge.
The Gough Memorial commemorates Charles Gough, immortalised by William
Wordsworth in
his poem Fidelity. Gough died whilst attempting to cross Striding
Edge to reach the summit in 1805. His faithful dog stayed by his body
for three months until both were discovered.
Almost there: the easy bit, approaching the summit of Helvellyn
From near the summit, another look at Red Tarn, with a more complete
view of Swirral Edge, left
Part way down the awkward rocky descent of Swirral Edge
The difficult bit almost done - ahead to Catstye Cam
Another retrospective of Swirral Edge
Looking down into the valley of Glenridding Beck from the summit of
Catstye Cam - which was the highest
Wainwright fell I hadn't yet
visited.
Helvellyn and Swirral Edge from Catstye Cam
Red Tarn and Striding Edge
Getting ready to descend to the main path
The path down the south-east shoulder of Catstye Cam was very easy,
allowing me to descend 400 metres in less than half an hour.
Looking back to Catstye Cam
Some of the remains of the Glenridding mine workings, partially grassed
over but still looking very artificial
More mine debris, looking up to Lucy's Tongue
Some noisy motorbike-riders having fun on the other side of the valley
Rake Cottages with Place Fell beyond as I near Glenridding village
Red Admirals in a garden in Glenridding.
Zoom in for more detail, or click to view larger map in new window
A great walk in good time.
Total distance 13.5 km and 968 metres of ascent in 5 hours 29 mins
Lake District holiday, September 2010
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