Helvellyn

Helvellyn - a name straight out of The Lord of the Rings.   It has the right tone and atmosphere, and the territory to match the story, especially when there is snow, and wind and mist, plus hail and sleet.   My imagination has run wild, and I did not even attempt to climb the peak.

Helvellyn Pike, 950 metres above sea level.   New Zealanders will say, 'It is just a little hill', and yes it is in terms of the mountain ranges in New Zealand.  But the ridges which lead to this peak need to be seen, in order to understand that it is no ordinary peak.  Google Helvellyn Pike, Cumbria, and look at the main ridge leading to it, called Striding Edge.   A ridge that has a very narrow path along the top and steep sides.   One slip of the boot, and over you go, and it has happened.

Thank goodness Emma and Steve, did not attempt the ridge.    One look at it, and Steve said, 'no way'.  So they climbed a lesser peak, which gave them fantastic views of the surrounding fells and peaks, so they were happy.

The path up, was steep in places but easy walking, relatively.   A view of the fells with a beck running through them.

 Out on the moorland, not far from Red Tarn.   A walk to Red Tarn is quite achievable and safe for families.   A view of the ridge and Helvellyn Pike.  However the family in front, mum and three teenagers were going to attempt the ridge, as did many other people that day.  The teenagers told their mum to enjoy the view and not to look down.   Not good advice as one needed to watch where the feet were going.  Hope they were okay.

Looking back towards Ullswater.

 A view of Red Tarn, from the peak that Emma and Steve climbed.

 A view of the ridge leading towards Helvellyn.   At this point, Steve was clinging to the last piece of bank and saying, 'No way, I am not going across there'.   And I agreed with him totally.   Even though I was not there, to give advice.

Steve looking relaxed, on the moorland, where it was lovely and flat.

Sorry, Emma, I put the photo on before I realised that I had not turned it around.  Perhaps that is how you felt after looking at the edges of Striding Edge.

And then the clouds came down, and it hailed.   'Thank goodness we were not on Helvellyn Pike, or worse still on the ridge', exclaimed Emma and Steve.    And I agreed totally.  Not that I was there.

Steve walking down the path that Walter, Jackson, Isabel and I walked up.   Apparently the large stones were quite tiring to walk down on, whereas we felt they helped us to walk up easily.   A different perspective there.

When Emma and Steve got to the carpark they went to the same cafe as us, for restorative coffees and cakes, which they enjoyed very much.  They were very happy and satisfied with the walk, as well.  I think they achieved their walk, brilliantly.