Well this is a walk I had long wanted to do and in 2018 I finally got my chanced. I parked at Glenridding main car park which was £8 for the day. The weather was perfect. A lot of people were doing it, so much so that it resembled some kind of pilgrimage at times! It does seem a bit of a slog to get to Striding Edge but when it comes into view it's an impressive site. I wore my cycling mittens which are great for scrambling as they are padded but allow my fingers to grip the rocks. I found only one tricky bit on the scramble but soon found my way around it.
The views were breathtaking from the Edge and the summit of Helvellyn and I had my lunch near the summit of my favourite mountain in The Lakes. The descent of Swirral Edge wasn't as bad as I expected and the cool water of Red Tarn was a perfect place to dip my feet when I reached the bottom.
I admit that once I descended Swirral and looked up I got quite emotional. To do that walk at 58, my age at the time, was no mean feat and I felt proud of this achievement. This is a truly spectacular walk but if you don't like heights stay well clear.
Looking down over the stunning Ullswater.
The imposing Striding Edge coming into view.
The start of Striding Edge and the Grade 1 scramble ahead.
On Striding Edge with the sight of Helvellyn summit in the distance.
Striding Edge completed and it didn't disappoint.
Jaw dropping views from Helvellyn summit.
Monument on Helvellyn to commemorate Charles Gough who was found dead here. His faithful dog was still guarding his skeletal remains!
Red Tarn. Just beautiful and a lovely place to dip your feet.
The route back down towards Glenridding.
A great watering hole on the way down and the perfect place for a debrief and to end a fantastic day!
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