After quick lunch and pint of Wainwrights in the Travellers Rest at Glenridding I was very for my next adventure. The weather forecast for the evening had shown showers with light winds but the morning weather for Sunday morning was looking amazing. After steady walk up past the YHA and then following Red Tarn Beck up to Red Tarn the weather started to close in just as I reached the Tarn I had to quickly get me waterproof trousers on and cover over my rucksack while I got the tent up.
Once everything was sorted out for the night it was time for dinner, by now the clag had come right in and there was no visibility I was also camping at over 750m and the temperature had also dropped massively. I had brought along for the first time hot water bottle which proved to be amazing and stayed warm for well over couple of hours in my sleeping bag this helped to warm up my feet.
What amazed me the most during the night is that I heard some people crossing the ridge in darkness and very poor visibility. After listening
to some podcast's I was ready for bed and it did not take long for the land of nod to come calling.
Awake at 0600hrs it was time for cup tea and some breakfast and get my small rucksack ready, I had brought along this time my 25ltr which was perfect for trip over the ridge.
Setting off in darkness ready for sunrise it was only short trip up to High Spying which is the start of the route proper.
I had the ridge to my self at the start and made steady progress taking in the morning sunrise and getting plenty of pictures with my camera phone which turned out really good.
If you are looking to complete the ridge you need good weather window if its your first time little wind and dry rock will help massively on your crossing.
The ridge does have some big exposure bits but most can be bypassed with lower paths if needed. Sticking to the crest of the ridge It
was about halfway along when I was caught up by some other walkers who were also catching the best of the morning.
After climbing down the chimney which is classed as the crux of the route I made my way up to the summit of Helvellyn and what view I had on this beautiful morning in October.
It was then steady climb down Swirral Edge and back to my tent for another cup of tea and just take in the views I had of Helvellyn and the mountains around me what amazing morning to be out in the mountains of the Lake District.
From here it was back to the car park and the drive back home.
I have also uploaded video on Youtube of the route over Striding Edge and my Wild Camp at Red Tarn.
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